The Atlantic Hotel

Some of the original blandness of the 1970 building remains, but later renovations have brought out a more classic marine architecture that's been combined with modern, yet rustic interiors, where exposed stone walls glow under white chandeliers. Two-hundred-year-old Italian tile and Persian rugs add depth to the lobby, and art commissioned by local artists and sculptors can be found throughout the hotel.

The hotel is located on a quiet country road, adjacent to the beach and La Moye championship golf course. An old coastal fortification and historical landmark, La Rocco Tower can be seen to the northwest (and even visited at low tide). Central St. Brelade is within a five-minute drive, with St Brelade's Bay Beach and Jersey Lavender Farm close by, but it's a 20-minute drive to St. Helier (taxis and buses will take much longer). Jersey Airport is a seven-minute drive to the north.

A subdued palette of cream, white, and pale blue, along with molded ceilings and shuttered white closets, give the rooms a classic look. Light oak and chrome hardware, and dark wood furniture with brass accents seem to be from two different periods in the hotel's long life, but they don't look out of place with the brass banker's lamps and pinstriped upholstery. The Standard Rooms are cramped with small desks and a sitting area, but Juliette balconies (or small patios) help open them up. The bathrooms have all been stylishly done in white and black with shower/tub combos and Molton Brown toiletries. Rooms also get replenished fruit bowls, tea, and bottled water.

The hotel sits on six acres of beautiful private grounds, with many trails and vistas to explore -- some leading off to the tennis courts, or nearby beach dunes, and others to the La Moye Golf Club. It has an impressive outdoor pool area with a lovely stone sundeck with loungers and tables. The pool itself is small, but the views of the ocean add immeasurable depth. There's also an indoor pool, part of the health club, which includes a hot tub, sauna, and a somewhat lackluster fitness room with a handful of cardio machines. 

Ocean Restaurant, with its Michelin star and penchant for local ingredients, is the stand-out feature. Guests get treated to seasonally focused, modern British cooking and seven-course tasting menus with wine pairings including dishes like hand dived Jersey scallops with Jerusalem artichoke foam, and thyme roasted rump of lamb with summer cabbage in a tarragon sauce. An adjacent bar and a library lounge add key social realms to invade after indulgent meals, and breakfast is included in the room rate.