GET CLOSER TO GUERNSEY

The Channel Island has sunshine, good food and charm, says Jessica Molyneux, along with a whole lot of history

- Jessica Molyneux

AS WE approach the island in a small propeller plane, I press my face against the window to take in the most magnificent view.

Arcs of white sandy beaches stretch across the north coast, giant cliffs form a mighty wall in the south, and a ribbon of bright blue water encircles it all.

Flying to Guernsey gives you that feeling of escaping to an equatorial oasis, but this Channel Island jewel is just 30 miles west of France's Normandy coast.

The largest island in the Bailiwick of Guernsey - which includes five other inhabited islands, Alderney, Herm, Jethou, Lihou and Sark - is easy to reach with Channel Islands-based Aurigny airline operating flights from 10 UK airports.

Flying with Aurigny, it's a few steps up on to a small aircraft, which is pretty much like stepping on to a private plane, er, I imagine. Then after just one hour in the air I was landing in an island paradise bathed in sunshine.

You're never far from anything on Guernsey, which measures just 24 sq mi, and it was lovely to be checking into my hotel, the St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, just three miles north of the airport, so soon after arriving on the island.

Guernsey's largest hotel and set within 35 acres of gardens, this luxury abode has 131 bedrooms, an award-winning spa, gym facilities and nine-hole golf course.

The friendly team makes an effort to get to know their guests and show pride in the island, suggesting their favourite places to visit throughout my stay.

My room, a deluxe, with sweeping garden and lake views, boasts a large balcony, a flatscreen TV, a hospitality tray, and a cashmere mattress, so I enjoyed some very restful nights.