he Club Hotel & Spa in Jersey has caused quite a stir since it opened on the largest of the Channel Islands in August 2005. The hotel represents a refurbishment investment of over £7m by Laurence Huggler's Huggler Group.
A Jersey native, Huggler left to pursue a love of racing, competing in different series for Formula Ford, Renault and Palmer Audi for four years before joining the family hotel business, a move which saw him swap Michelin tyres for a Michelin star at the Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, which he launched in April 2003. Despite its tax haven status, Jersey has an island mentality and many thought the island was not ready for such a high class restaurant boasting exquisite cuisine in highly contemporary surroundings - somewhat oddly given the number of millionaires per capita the population must include. But the Michelin star, 3 AA Rosettes, and a ranking in Egon Ronay's top 25 UK restaurants followed and Huggler was proven right.
Now he has taken that philosophy and extended it to the new operation, investing not only in a boutique style hotel (a novelty for Jersey in itself) but also a fully fledged spa.
The Club Spa reflects Jersey's close association with the sea and its proximity to the French coast. Its 'profile' brand, Algotherm is a pioneer in marine cosmetics and thalassotherapy with active marine ingredients, including remineralising mud and seaweed, which are harvested in Brittany just 14 miles from Jersey's east coast. Other spa facilities include a salt water pool, four treatment rooms, Rasul room, salt cabin, sauna, steam room and 'experience' shower. The design of the spa was led by consultant Neil Howard of Howard Consulting, whilst The Huggler Group appointed Goff Associates were responsible for the hotel. Charles Le Quesne (1956) Ltd acted as principal contractors, with work commencing on site in November 2004.
The look Jane Goff of Goff Associates has created is described as one of "casual elegance with contemporary but comfortable decor."
Fronted by a chic and popular bar, Bohemia is finished in natural materials including walnut, polished granite and leather panels. A more informal environment is on offer at the Club Cafe which overlooks the outdoor pool. Other facilities include a large roof terrace, honesty bar, and two private meeting rooms.
The 38 guest rooms and eight suites all have large full height windows which open to a balustrade. Beds feature Frette linen and down duvets. The stylish granite bathrooms, all with power showers, provide Floringo bath sheets, towels, robes and slippers for guest comfort, coupled with a luxury range of bath products.
Studio Suites have a large open-plan bedroom with sitting area and luxury granite bathroom with separate shower cubicle.
Suites have an entrance lobby, sitting room, archway to separate double bedroom and superb large granite bathroom with separate shower cubicle.
Master Suites have an entrance hall, door to a large sitting room, door to large bedroom with en-suite granite luxury bathroom and separate shower. There is also a second shower room with a steam shower. Master suites are particularly well located, overlooking the outdoor pool and small garden.
From the contemporary reception counter in bird's eye maple, through to the solid granite surfaces of the refurbished rooms, the quality of craftsmanship is evident throughout, with Goff Associates and CLQ Ltd subcontracting the manufacture and installation of many aspects of the interior to Andy Thornton's Projects Department.
Just as he did with the launch of the island's first contemporary fine dining restaurant, Huggler has raised the stakes in Jersey's hospitality market.
