Gemma Jaleel falls in love with the beautiful island of Jersey

SADDLE sore was certainly not how I expected to come back from Jersey, but I was grateful for a souvenir!

After a four-hour cycle along the island’s green lanes when you’ve not been on a bike for over ten years, it was inevitable it was going to hurt – but it was worth it.

Jersey’s landscape is vast and never-ending from the pretty cows grazing on its sloping green hills to blo-karters on the stretches of beautiful sandy beaches.

Little did I know as I boarded my flight from Manchester, what Jersey would have in store for me.

I didn’t even realise how close Jersey is to France, it’s just 14 miles off the coast of Normandy, but when I touched down at a little airfield in St Peter’s an hour and a half later the French influence was obvious.

The nine by five mile island is a fusion of Gallic and British . There are French street names and British money and the island has strong historic links with both places.

I was staying in St Helier, the capital of Jersey, and where a third of the island’s 90,000 residents live.

Here, every turn tells a story of Jersey’s rich history.

Before heading over to the hotel our guide Jennifer Ellenger from Jersey Tourism Board took us for a spot of lunch at St Brelade’s Bay, just five minutes south of the airport.

We ate at a place called the Crab Shack where the menu is made up of all fresh and locally sourced seafood. I also had the chance to experience fresh Jersey Bay oysters for the first time. Delicious!

Our packed itinerary included an afternoon exploring the Jersey War Tunnels.

The Nazis occupied Jersey during World War II and during this time the Germans built an underground hospital.

The tunnels were refurbished in 2001 and developed into a museum exhibiting the story of the Occupation, Resistance and finally the Liberation of the island.

Checking into the Grand Jersey Hotel which lies opposite St Aubin’s Bay, I was stunned by the view of Elizabeth Castle from my balcony, which defended Jersey for more than 300 years.

The Grand Jersey was opened in 1890, now following a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2008, the hotel offers a contemporary and stylish experience.

My room was flawless, with a sitting room, en-suite shower and bathroom, large bed and LCD plasma televisions.

I took full advantage of the spa’s steam room and sauna, but the indulgent sensory experience showers were my favourite.

After a relaxing facial using exclusive ESPA products, we took to the Champagne Lounge.

Here we were treated to a Marilyn Monroe cocktail before being escorted to the private cinema to watch Some Like It Hot.

David Gainsborough Roberts, a Jersey resident, holds the largest personal collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia in the world, which is currently on loan to Jersey Museum.

The exhibition brings together dresses, gowns and swimwear that Marilyn wore in her films including artwork, personal items, clothes, letters, jewellery and awards owned by the screen icon.

Fine food in St Helier is plentiful – I have never eaten so much in my life!

But the hotel’s Tassili restaurant offered some of the best cuisine I have ever tasted.

Must-see places on the island include Durell Wildlife Trust founded by conservationist Gerald Durrell for the protection of endangered species.

Also Jersey Pottery, a family-run business and award-winning ceramics brand.

I also sampled wines at La Mare Wine Estate who make their own preserves, white wine and Jersey Apple Brandy, plus Black Butter, a unique Jersey speciality made with apples and spices.

ANd I couldn’t leave before sampling a clotted cream tea.

Jersey certainly has it all – historical sights, beautiful food and hospitality in huge doses!