In May 1970, under the direction of Henry Burke, a new luxury hotel opened on Jersey.
Fifteen years later Henry’s son Patrick joined the hotel and in 1987 took over the role of Managing Director. Patrick wasted no time in setting in place a development programme to upgrade every part of the hotel ensuring that it not only maintained its identity as a luxury hotel but that it became a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World; holder of one Michelin star and four AA rosettes.
The Atlantic is set in six acres of ground next to La Move championship golf course with stunning views out over St Brélade’s Bay. Sunset is a magical experience.
The Atlantic bed rooms are all wonderfully equipped with everything you would expect from a four-star hotel – bathrobes and slippers, good toiletries, a safe, complimentary Wi-F, tea/coffee making facilities but also those extra touches like a complimentary fruit bowl and Hildon mineral water. The rooms, like the main reception rooms are chiefly decorated in cool, restful shades of blue, cream and beige; the furniture and furnishings are elegant and comfortable.
And the staff were lovely too – attentive, kind, thoughtful, efficient, welcoming and fun. The Reception team managed to find whatever I had mislaid, and the smiling front of house team were always on hand to help.
My treat was to make myself a cup of tea, adjourn to my chaise longue and gaze out to sea. There wasn’t time to try out the mini gym or the pools and sauna. Tennis and I parted company years ago – though there is a court. But I did find time to linger long when crossing over the little bridge in the hotel lobby en route to the lift so I could watch the fish swimming in their indoor pond.
Breakfast and dinner is taken in the Ocean Restaurant – unless of course guests choose room service. Restaurant Manager Martinho de Sousa guided me through the menu and Head Sommelier Sergio dos Santos through the wines – their staff always ready to chat, but never to intrude or linger too long.
The restaurant has retained its Michelin star since 2007. And rightly so for the food is truly superb. The presentation is stunning and it tastes delicious. My favourite dish was probably the langoustine tails on a rock (and yes, it is a real rock), but the beef was amazing and as for the Mojito dessert of lime gel, Bacardi jelly and a Kalamansi foam…
Mark Jordan, the Atlantic’s Executive Chef, creates inspired menus, working with the seasons and the Genuine Jersey Products Association to supply him with the best local ingredients and the freshest produce possible. He regularly takes his team to meet the producers so they can talk knowledgeably with guests about what is being served. Mark, pastry chef Jarek Nowakowski and their colleagues make a formidable team.
Mark Jordan at the Beach, a sister restaurant to Ocean, is located close to St Helier, just a few yards from the sea and St Aubin’s Harbour. Mark is justifiably proud of this new baby with its bistro-style menu, natural stone, Jersey oak, rattan chairs and his favourite colour – red walls. Mark maintains that its burger is the best ever. It does come in at a costly £20 hardly surprising as it is made from Jersey Manor Farm steak and foie gras served with red cabbage coleslaw and chunky chips!
Le Mont de la Pulente, St. Brelade, Jersey JE3 8HE. Tel: 01534 744101. www.theatlantichotel.com