The Yacht Magazine

R E L A X I N T H E S PA O R L E A R N T H E A R T O F M I XO LO G Y M A R V E L AT N I G E L M A N S E L L ’ S P R I VAT E V E H I C L E C O L L E C T I O N Y O U R G U I D E T O T H E R O YA L YA C H T H O T E L & T H E I S L A N D O F J E R S E Y

2013/2014 EDITION

Welcome to the Royal Yacht Hotel

Welcome to the third annual edition of the Royal Yacht Magazine.

With this issue, we hope to inspire you to enjoy all the facilities that the Royal Yacht has to offer including some you may not have known about.

For example, Claudio Abreu offers fantastic Mixology Classes, great for friends and colleagues alike. And, did you know that you can host your own private party in the Drift?

More about that on page 32.

We’ve also included some information about great places to visit in Jersey with the best pickings recommended by our head concierge and lovely guide on what to do in Jersey when you visit. Including some ideas of where to shop, entertainment offerings and more.

So, please enjoy reading our third edition as much as we enjoyed making it. We hope you’re inspired by it and if there’s something you’d like to see in the next edition, do email us – details on page 66. It’s very important to us that you stay in contact, so if you have any queries at all, we sincerely hope you’ll call.

Alcino Vieira General Manager

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THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

What’s inside...

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Jersey, with its green lanes and 40 miles per hour maximum speed limit, might not seem the obvious location for the motorsport collection of a man who once completed a 500-mile race at an average speed of 188 mph.

But Nigel Mansell, who won both the Formula One and Indy Car world titles in the early 1990s, has a deep affinity with his adopted Island and so, to paraphrase Baddiel and Skinner’s World Cup chant, ‘Driving’s Coming Home.’

2013 sees the opening of The Mansell Collection, sited in a historic former garage on the outskirts of St Helier and housing ‘The Story’ an amazing collection of cars, trophies and assorted memorabilia from Mansell’s glittering career.

Let us tell you a story...

Few drivers enjoyed as much success as the St Brelade resident, and none would be able to boast the same collection, as throughout his career Mansell’s contracts invariably stipulated that he retained the trophies he won.

The average motorsport trophy certainly isn’t understated - think vast chrome or goldplated orbs, decorated with sponsors’ logos, or etched crystal vases the size of paddling pools - so it’s just as well there’s plenty of room in the upstairs floor of the former St Helier Garages’ depot at First Tower.

The building dates from the Victorian era, but its distinctive lines date from an art deco revamp early in the 20th Century, and have been retained in a sensitive and painstaking project. The main contractor was Camerons, with mechanical

and engineering work undertaken by Aston Services.

It wasn’t an easy project, given the constraints of operating in a listed building, but has retained many of the original features. There’s considerably less window space than you’d find in a contemporary car showroom, but the building has its own charm, and the lack of natural light is compensated for by all-surrounding white light that shows off the Collection’s inventory to its optimum level.

The drift is a cool, relaxed yet vibrant bar in the heart of st helier, jersey. Established 5 years ago the drift is now the islands premier night spot and live music venue.

The emphasis here is on unwinding, watching a band, grabbing some delicious food or dancing the night away.

After checking out some of the most eye-catching trophies, such as the Brazilian Grand Prix from 1989, visitors can then check out the actual car Mansell won it in, the Ferrari 640 After checking out some of the most eye-catching trophies, such as the Brazilian Grand Prix from 1989, visitors can then check out the actual car Mansell won it in, the Ferrari 640. Formula One cars are surprisingly small when you see them at first-hand, but the sleek curves are every bit as striking as one might expect.

Alongside the 640 is the FW14 in which Mansell raced after leaving Ferrari to return to the Williams team in 1991, winning the world title the following year. The most recently-raced vehicle is the Beechdean Motorsport in which Mansell competed in the Le Mans 24 Hour event in 2010 alongside sons Greg and Leo.

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A place to meet, linger or flirt, eat or drink, whatever...

Just go with the flow. Offering our customers an environment of comfort and lavish extravagance, the drift marries sumptuous furnishings of the highest caliber with cutting edge design. Our state of the art lighting, sound and video system plays a prominent part in defining the ever-changing ambiance within the club.

Membership for the drift is obtained on application basis only, we often connect with our members through newsletters, social media and exclusive events. Members and their guests are always entitled to priority bookings as well as other great opportunities including fast track vip entry, exclusive private areas within the drift, preferential hotel room rates, spa weekends, product launches and much more.

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The drift is a cool, relaxed yet vibrant bar in the heart of st helier, jersey. Established 5 years ago the drift is now the islands premier night spot and live music venue. The emphasis here is on unwinding, watching a band, grabbing some delicious food or dancing the night away.

A place to meet, linger or flirt, eat or drink, whatever... Just go with the flow. Offering our customers an environment of comfort and lavish extravagance, the drift marries sumptuous furnishings of the highest caliber with cutting edge design. Our state of the art lighting, sound and video system plays a prominent part in defining the ever-changing ambiance within the club.

Continued overleaf...

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THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Mix•ol•o•gy

Going out for a drink is usually something to look forward to. But make it a cocktail, and the anticipation levels will rise - looks like a special occasion is on the cards.

Claudio Abreu has worked at the Royal Yacht since it opened in the summer of 2007, since when he’s overseen the preparation and serving of thousands of the cocktails that are one reason the venue remains enduringly popular.

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in both the UK and US. While the phenomenon has given an increased profile to the world of cocktails, it has led to overcomplication in some quarters, whereas Claudio prefers to keep things simple.

While a whole range of base spirits are available, vodka and rum are the ‘go-to’ choices for the majority of customers, and there’s no sign of cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan or Mojito losing their appeal.

A Mojito at the Royal Yacht is based on Havana Club rum, mixed with brown sugar, fresh mint and lime before being topped with crushed ice and a splash of soda. On a summer weekend, especially if the weather is good, Mojitos fly out from behind the bar in both glass and jug form, rivalling Pimm’s as the most popular bar call.

“If I see sunshine and blue sky on a Friday morning then I know we’ll be busy,” Claudio says. “We’re asked for cocktails all year round, but the summer is the busiest time.”

A busy day at Café Zephyr can last for 13 hours, from the arrival of the first customers at 12noon, through lunchtime and the afternoon to 5pm when the tempo increases further with the arrival of the post-work crowds. Customers who are out for the night will start arriving from early evening, and often there’s no let up until closing at 1am.

Café Zephyr is the prime venue for those seeking to sample a mixological masterpiece, but cocktails are served throughout the venue, so Claudio needs to make sure standards are consistently high. This means regular training, education and testing sessions for the Royal Yacht’s team of around 20 bartenders.

“We don’t want customers to be served different drinks by different barstaff depending on where they are or what time it is,” states Claudio. “The sessions we run are designed to make sure everyone knows all our drinks and how to make them, and we also encourage staff to get involved by suggesting ideas that the rest of the team can try.”

The term mixology was coined by bartenders looking to describe their work as a new era of appreciation of cocktails grew

“We don’t want to complicate our cocktails too much, but produce

Not everyone will be certain about what they’d like to drink, so Claudio encourages staff to talk to customers to establish their preferences before making a few suggestions. Short or long, sweet

Tropical Storm

La Tini

Castaway

Cabo Verde

Malibu Cointreau Orange juice Pineapple juice Apple juice

Raspberry vodka Cointreau Chambord Pineapple juice

White rum Galliano Passionfruit liqueur Orange juice Pineapple juice Sweet & sour Grenadine

Vodka Midori Peach schnapps Apple juice Mint leaves

Although many of the drinks on the Royal Yacht’s list are originals devised by Claudio or members of the team, customers will also f ind many of the classic drinks that have become enduringly popular over the years drinks that are relatively simple to make, using premium spirits and fresh juices, so that they taste good each time we make then,” he explains.

Although many of the drinks on the Royal Yacht’s list are originals devised by Claudio or members of the team, customers will also find many of the classic drinks that have become enduringly popular over the years, some of them enhanced with a tweak that means customers can enjoy the best of both worlds - a contemporary classic.

The party crowds in the Royal Yacht may be elsewhere, but if it’s ref ined luxury you’re after, there’s nowhere better than the P.O.S.H. bar.

Discreetly located in a corner of the ground floor, the bar is a small but perfectly-formed destination.

Customers who are in the know will seek out its quiet and comfortable surrounds to relax over a drink, celebrate a birthday, toast a job well done, or discuss future business or social plans.

or sour, the bartender will inevitably find something that hits the spot, and certainly won’t be fazed if a customer wants to move away from rum and vodka to more adventurous options using gin or tequila.

The saying ‘Port Out, Starboard Home’

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Welcome More Than Just A Hotel Skipton International Culture In Jersey Our Concierge’s Local Attraction Guide Our Local Shopping Guide Our Featured Retailers Genuine Jersey Produce The Mansell Collection A Destination Wedding Our Event Rooms A Place To Party

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is said to have originated from the days when travellers headed to India on the vessels of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). On the outward journey, heading east, cabins on the port (left-hand) side were more desirable as they were spared the heat of the afternoon sun, while the reverse was true on the way back to ‘Blighty’.

As a result the most premium tickets were stamped ‘P.O.S.H.’ While this story has been questioned in some quarters, it remains an account that is hard to resist, and has given the P.O.S.H. bar its name.

Previously the P.O.S.H. bar was best-known for its Champagnes; there’s still plenty of choice in the fizz department, but the comprehensive spirit selection is something many customers want to experience, guided by expert barmen Stellian and Claudiu.

Vodka and rum are popular with cocktail enthusiasts elsewhere in the venue, but darker (some

might say posher) spirits are the preferred choices here. Whiskies include a range of malts at a wide range of price points up to the highly-desirable Macallan 30 (that’s the age as well as the price per measure). The brandies represent the three renowned regions of France: Calvados, including the velvety Père Thomas 1972; Armagnacs dating back to 1947; and Cognacs from many of the premier producers.

A selection of XO Cognacs represents affordable luxury at around £12-13, but to celebrate a really special occasion, the top shelf includes rare gems such as Louis XIII, Richard Hennessy, and Hennessy Ellipse.

If something sweeter and a little less strong is desired, then there are plenty of liqueur options, or Ports from some of the finest vintages like 1970, 1977 and 1985.

Smoking indoors in public places became a thing of the past in Jersey in 2007, but for customers who’d like to enjoy a cigar with their drink, the P.O.S.H. bar has a good selection of smokes and an outside terrace on which to enjoy them. Restaurants Manager Claudio Abreu reports high levels of customer interest in sparking up a good cigar, even when the temperature outside requires the heaters to be switched on.

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Sirocco Restaurant Cooking With Local Fudge Café Zephyr Recipe Guide: Chicken Yakitori Mixology at The Yacht Spa Sirene at The Royal Yacht The P.O.S.H. Bar Fundraising At The Royal Yacht Our Guide To Business Oriented Gadgets Room Profiles At The Royal Yacht Directory & Feedback

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Welcome Aboard

by Nigel Robson

It is hard to believe the Royal Yacht Hotel only re-opened its doors to the public six years ago. The renovation was the largest ever private investment in the local tourism industry and turned the Royal Yacht from a historic hotel into an iconic landmark building, marking the starting point of a change in the dynamics of St Helier.

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And now as The Royal Yacht forms the backdrop to the redeveloped Weighbridge area, a vibrant square for outdoor markets, art and craft exhibitions and events, with the new Liberty Wharf shopping centre just a few hundred metres away, we are proud to have had a part in the regeneration of this historic town area.

Our indulgent, state-of-the-art Spa Sirène and gym has gone from strength to strength, and we were delighted to be voted the best spa in the Channel Islands by the Good Spa Guide in 2012. This year will see the introduction of a luxury nail bar to complement the wide range of other treatments available at our spa.

Built to echo the slick nautical lines of a modern luxury yacht, the Royal Yacht Hotel has continued to match its contemporary style with superb facilities. Our guests often comment that the Royal Yacht is ‘more than just a hotel, it’s a destination’. Looking back over the last six years, we feel we have achieved what we originally set out to create – a vibrant and versatile hotel for people to enjoy. Take a tour of our hotel and discover why we are consistently voted as one of the best hotels in St Helier.

Café Zephyr’s recent makeover means you can enjoy alfresco dining in comfort whatever the weather, thanks to the purposebuilt parasols and brand new terrace heaters. New tables and chairs add to Café Zephyr’s contemporary look, and the restaurant has brought out a range of exciting new dishes that are perfect to enjoy outdoors.

And when it’s time for a few afterdinner drinks, the P.O.S.H. Bar with its brand new all-weather parasols and heaters makes a perfect chill

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Our guests often comment tha ‘more than just a hotel, it’s a

out destination for a cocktail or two or a glass of champagne.

Our steak restaurant, The Grill is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and ‘olde worlde’ charm. We believe it serves the best steaks in town, and as it’s as popular as ever, it would seem that everyone else agrees.

Our late night bar, The Drift, has also had a slight redesign with a new bar and raised seating areas, making it a great space to spend some time whether you’re staying for a drink, chatting with friends or dancing the night away.

We think they are the twin jewels in The Royal Yacht’s crown, and if you’ve been

lucky enough to stay in one of our two Penthouse Suites, you’ll understand why. With their own private hot tubs, wraparound balconies and panoramic sea views as well as private dining for up to 10 guests, the Stargazer and Mooncatcher suites are a must for any special occasion.

And it’s not just our penthouse suites that are popular. We’re delighted that our Guest Rooms get such complimentary reviews on TripAdvisor for their spacious proportions and excellent design.

Upstairs, our first floor fine dining restaurant Sirocco has had another successful year, thanks to its superb menu and stunning views. The restaurant’s open plan design and large balcony

at the Royal Yacht is a destination’

overlooking the Weighbridge makes it extremely popular both as a dinner destination as well as an impressive events and conference space.

At The Royal Yacht Hotel we manage to balance work and play perfectly with a range of Business and Conference facilities that showcase our versatile events space. From the Celestial Hall to a whole selection of function rooms, we can cater for a wide range of events from board meetings to balls. The acoustics that have been carefully built into the fabric of the building help to keep any

noise to a minimum when multiple functions are taking place.

opportunity to thank our highly experienced and dedicated team, many of whom have been with

We think they are the twin jewels in The Royal Yacht’s crown, and if you’ve been lucky enough to stay in one of our two Penthouse Suites, you’ll understand why.

When we look back over all the feedback we’ve received during the past few years, one of the highlights would have to be the comments from travel writer Simon Calder, who described The Royal Yacht Hotel as ‘World Class’ and ‘impressively remodeled’ while he was visiting the island.

We would like to take this

the hotel since its opening, for making The Royal Yacht the hotel it is today.

We hope you enjoy our magazine, and your stay at the Royal Yacht Hotel.

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Skipton International: at the heart of island life

by Jim Coupe, MD of Skipton International

Skipton International has operated in the Channel Islands for over 15 years and during that time we have developed a strong reputation within the offshore savings accounts and mortgages market.

In an increasingly complex financial world Skipton International strives to offer understandable and transparent products and an unrivalled customer experience when helping our customers to achieve their home owning and savings goals. A personal and transparent service is as vital as providing the right products to suit an individual’s needs, and we understand that the same high standards of commitment and transparency are expected by our business customers too.

Skipton International is backed by one of the UK’s largest building societies which is important to customers seeking a trustworthy partner for their financial arrangements. Being mutuallyowned means that without external shareholders to satisfy, we are in a position to adopt the long-term view and focus on maximizing the benefits for our customers.

Our reputation is founded on our firm belief that successful partnerships are nurtured through

two-way open communication and by delivering a truly personal service. We achieve this by treating customers as individuals, listening and responding to their specific needs so that we can provide the investment solutions that best suit their lifestyle.

Matching the right savings product is central to our customer commitment and we are very proud of our range of offshore accounts. This has not gone unnoticed, winning a place as a coveted finalist in the 2012 Moneyfacts Awards Recognition bolstered our success in the 2010 awards when we were awarded Moneyfacts best Offshore Business Account and in 2009 when we received commended for Best Offshore Account Provider.

Adapting to the changing market conditions in the Channel Islands has always been and today remains at the heart of our product and service delivery.

In order to address the very familiar deposit raising issue that continues to hinder the first-time

buyer, in 2009 we introduced a Channel Islands-specific 100% mortgage product.

The Skipton International Next Generation Mortgage is currently the only 100% mortgage available in the Channel Islands. Since launch this product has enabled many islanders to get on the property ladder, and many others who were already home owners, to move up the ladder when they may have thought it impossible.

Being at the heart of Island life to us means connecting with the wider community and we are very proud of our sponsorship of the Skipton Swimarathon in Guernsey which has been raising funds for local good causes in Guernsey for over 35 years . Meanwhile, in Jersey we this year partnered with the Jersey Arts Trust to sponsor the Skipton Open Studios event which is designed to promote the wealth of artistic talent in the Island and make art accessible to everyone.

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT SKIPTON INTERNATIONAL’S SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS CUSTOMERS PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SKIPTONINTERNATIONAL.COM OR CALL US ON +44(0)1481 727374

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Jersey:

The World’s Most Culturally Exciting Nine By Five-Mile Rock?

Considering its relatively small size, Jersey is teeming with cultural activity, and whether you’re a theatregoer, muso, cinephile or art enthusiast, there’s always plenty happening.

With numerous festivals, concerts, exhibitions and screening events going on throughout the year, there’s something for culture vultures across the board to sink their teeth into.

The hard work put in by Jersey Arts Trust, who not only provide funding and support for local arts initiatives but also coordinate projects helping to showcase the work of artists and performers in the island, means that there are ever more opportunities for Jersey’s arts community to connect and collaborative with each other and with visiting artists. They are far from the only ones contributing to Jersey’s diverse and vibrant arts scene; lovingly programmed venues such as Jersey Arts Centre and Jersey Opera House, as well as innumerous dedicated independent events organisers have all played a hugely influential role in making the island one of the world’s most culturally exciting nine by fivemile rocks!

MUSIC

Jersey’s local music scene is a rich and varied one, with plenty of bands and DJs plying their trade on the island, and you can regularly hear live music from a wide range of genres in several venues around the island on any given weekend. The island also has a good track record in attracting big name musicians and DJs, with many of them performing here at the Yacht on a regular basis. There are a number of promoters on the island

organising weekly or monthly gigs and clubnights, so whether you’re looking for blues, rock, dance music or something a little different, it’s not difficult to find something that’ll be right up your street. Throughout the year there are also several festivals happening – classical music at the Liberation Festival (May 8-12) in venues around the island, Jersey Jazz Festival in March, and the Channel Islands biggest music festival, Jersey Live, at the end of August. The festival has previously hosted such blockbuster names as Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller and Kasabian, and with the festival’s 10th anniversary coming up this summer, they’ll be sure to be planning something big to celebrate.

THEATRE

The 600-capacity Jersey Opera House regularly stages visiting and local productions, and the ornate splendour of this century-old venue makes any theatre experience there a special one. The Arts Centre, although smaller with a capacity of 250, regularly offers an equally exciting range of plays and there are several initiatives encouraging budding playwrights and thesps to showcase their talents.

One such is the ‘Plays Rough’ project, in which aspiring local writers team

The Royal Yacht Hotel

up with actors from Jersey to produce and present a short play each week in the 80-capacity Opera House Studio, located above their main theatre. Jersey Arts Trust is responsible for organising the annual Spearpoint New Plays Project, an initiative which sees local writers collaborate with professional UK playwrights to develop a script, with the best one being produced in collaboration with a UK theatre company. It’s not only great for the local creative community, the resulting gala screening event is a fantastic opportunity to see some very real talent at work.

FILM

Jersey Opera House

Skipton Open Studios

Howard Davis Park

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Jersey has one multiplex cinema, Cineworld, which is located just a short walk from the Royal Yacht Hotel, and as you’d expect shows all of major film releases on a daily basis. There are several other screenings and film events happening throughout the year, including Jersey Film Society’s weekly screenings at the Arts Centre offering a rich programme of foreign, art house and documentary films, old and new, for serious film buffs, and in the same building Café Jac shows a series of classic movies at their ‘Silent Cinema’ events during the summer. Simply plug in your earphones and enjoy a cinematic gem, accompanied by a tasty beverage and snack. Branchage is a local film festival who present a stunningly diverse range of films and performance events at various venues in September, as well as one-off events throughout the year, and every August Howard Davis Park holds outdoor screenings of mainstream movie classics at the Jersey Film Festival.

When the sun’s shining, what better way to spend your evening than with a picnic in the park, laid out in front of the silver screen?

COMEDY

Jersey has been very fortunate to have welcomed many a star of standup to its shores over the years. The Opera House is the usual stop-off point for most visiting comics – the likes of Sean Lock, Stewart Lee and Ed Byrne are just a few to have performed there in recent times. The Arts Centre also holds standup shows, and the 2,000 capacity Gloucester Hall at Fort Regent often hosts A-list names of the comedy world, including Michael McIntyre and Jimmy Carr who have performed there in the not so distant past.

It’s also worth checking out the Sure Comedy Festival, at which a number of diverse visiting comics line up in various venues across the island in October.

ARTS

There are several galleries well worth paying a visit to in Jersey, including the Harbour Gallery in St Aubin and the Arts Centre’s Berni Gallery, both of which regularly host exhibitions of work by artists from the island and overseas.

The Arts Trust’s annual Skipton Open Studios is a celebration and coming together of the local arts community, with workshops and demonstrations, as well as a huge exhibition taking place in Weighbridge Park. Jersey Arts Trust are the best point of contact to find out about exhibitions happening throughout the year, of which there are many.

For more information on all cultural happenings throughout the year, some useful websites include arts.je, jersey. com, www.happyci.com, jerseyoperahouse.co.uk and artscentre.je

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THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

by

DINARTE FARIA

There are many reasons to visit Jersey throughout the year. Whatever the reason for visiting, our dedicated Concierge team are always on hand to recommend attractions and activities, whatever the weather.

From ringing in the New Year in January, celebrating the Spring Walking Week in May and attending the

renowned Battle of Flowers parade in August to enjoying Jersey’s culinary delights during the October Tennerfest, there is plenty to do.

December is filled with festive cheer and the Fete dé Noué markets, parade and entertainment offer the ideal opportunity to soak up the atmosphere.

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my role as Head Concierge is to share some of our rich and varied history and culture with visitors. Here are some of my most recommended attractions.

The Durrell Wildlife Park

Jersey Museum & The Maritime Museum

Jersey War Tunnels (Seasonal Opening)

This attraction should be on everyone’s to-do- list! Gerald Durrel, world famous author and conservationist left a legacy when he opened the park in the late 1950’s.

We have two wonderful museums right on our doorstep. The Jersey Museum shares our rich history, traditions, art and culture dating back as far as 250 000 years. It houses a restored Victorian merchant’s house and the Barreau Le Maistre art gallery.

The Jersey War Tunnels, also known as the “Underground Hospital” takes one on a journey through the history of the Channel Island occupation. It is a fascinating, and sobering, experience.

Today both young and old alike can encounter some of the rarest animals in world in this beautifully landscaped park. 2012 saw the arrival of our new baby Gorilla, Indigo which attracted some special interest and a visit from the Princess Royal.

Revenue raised from proceeds is used to help save some of the most endangered animal species in the world.

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Our small island has a long established relationship with the ocean. The Maritime museum presents a unique opportunity to explore and understand our maritime history.

The occupation is described through the eyes of those who lived here at the time, from evacuation and occupation to the liberation of the Channel Islands on the 9th May.

Jersey Walking

Jersey may be small, but there are some amazing and little known beauty spots. One of my favourite places in the Island has to be St. Catherine’s Woods. It’s a little tricky to find, but well worth the effort.

It’s a great spot for an easy walk, and children will love the waterfalls and rope swings.

If you’re staying in St Helier, take a short walk through Westmount Park with stunning views across Elizabeth Castle. Jersey’s Green Lane network is perfect for peaceful walking or safe cycling, and the 13 miles of cliff paths along the north coast make a challenging day or two’s walking.

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NORTH

TO ST AUBIN (3 MILES)

Shopping secrets...

ST HELIER MARINA

The days of Jersey’s streets being lined with cheap perfume and jewellery shops, are a thing of the past. Now you’ll find a fantastic mix of well-known high street names rubbing shoulders with designer brands and local crafts, all promising to offer something for everyone.

St Helier is the shopping centre of the Jersey and stretches the length of King and Queen Street, all of which is pedestrianised. Charming and compact, the ‘High Street’ is further interspersed with cross sections and side streets offering a plentiful selection of smaller shops and boutiques to explore.

No shopping trip in Jersey would be complete without a visit to both of the large department stores, which offer a great selection of well-known brands and designers for both men and women. Within the family run de Gruchy (46-52 King Street, St Helier. www.degruchys.com), you will find the likes of Mulburry, Karen Millen, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith and Oasis and Voisins Department Store (PO Box 9, King Street, St Helier. www.voisins.com) is home to Hobbs, Warehouse, Superdry, Replay, Reiss and The White Company, to name but a few. Both also have excellent shoe studios and beauty departments.

Just because the completely VAT free days are behind us, doesn’t mean you can’t still find your fair share of excellent cosmetic offerings and phenomenal jewels, often at lower that UK retail prices. Why not pop in to Swarovski Boutique situated at 21 King Street or a little further up the street Hettich Jewellers.

You shouldn’t forget to pay a visit to the Central Market, this Victorian covered market, which first opened in 1883, is open Monday to Saturday 07:30 - 17:30 (but closes at 14:00 on Thursdays), and between the 36 market stalls cover almost every retail experience - everything from antiques to flowers, fresh vegetables to jewellery. If by now you need a breather then make sure you stop off at the Pure Charity Coffee Shop, not only are 80% of their net profits donated to local charities, but their cupcakes are not to be missed!

iQ CENTRAL MARKET DE GRUCHY

WEST CENTRE MANNA

PEBBLE VOISINS

SWAROVSKI HETTICH

ROYAL SQUARE

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KEY PLACE OF INTEREST SHOPPING VENUE

MUSEUM TO FORT REGENT

If you can tear yourself away from the sugary treats on your way out of the market make sure you pay a visit to Market Street, this little up and coming side street has a fantastic selection of shops. Here you’ll find, amongst others, a gorgeous florists and an old school sweet shop, both of which sit alongside beautiful clothes within Pebble Boutique (5 & 12 Market St, St Helier. www.ilovepebble.com) or why not take a peek in to their sister shop Pebble House and Home and find something to take home, for your home.

If technology is more your thing, then make sure you pay a visit to iQ Jersey (10-14 Beresford Street, St Helier. www.iqjersey.com) the large Apple Premium Reseller offers a great range of products for lovers of this fantastic brand.

You should also make a visit down to West Centre, most well known for its Jersey Cows (this is a great landmark which will help you find your way), it is also the home of Manna (7 West Centre, Bath Street), the funky store positions its self as ‘Jersey's ultimate haven for pure unadulterated style!’ and we agree, it is definitely worth a visit for great clothing brands for women.

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PEDESTRIAN STREET ROAD

If you’re keen to venture further afield then make sure you keep an eye out for one of a number of local markets, those hosted by the Genuine Jersey association (www.genuinejersey.com) are of particular note. The association regularly hold Farm & Craft Market’s, here you will find local produce and wares on display, including goods from farmers, producers and craft workers in Jersey. The Markets take place at the pretty harbour village of St Aubin and also within the Royal Square in St Helier, ask our concierge for when and where the next market is due to take place.

There are almost too many fantastic shops within this relatively small ‘town’ to mention, so what we advise is you get out there and explore, and don’t forget to tell us about your favourites.

In recent years Jersey has introduced a Goods and Sales Tax, similar to that found in antipodean lands, this 5% GST is added on to goods purchased on Island. And one final note, very few shops are open on a Sunday, which allows you the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy your day…

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THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Shopping focus

Marc2: Style without Sacrif ice Marc 2 exclusive shoes has been providing the f inest european footwear to suit all shapes and tastes for nearly 30 years.

A small boutique gracing St Helier, owner Michelle O’Connell and her devoted team offer their loyal customers a highly personal and attentive service that even reaches distant shores. “We pride ourselves in knowing all our customers and offer them an extra special service”, enthuses Michelle.

“We call them when we think something they might like has arrived. We also have a growing fan base of visitors to the island, many of whom visit the shop after hearing about Michelle’s passion for footwear and investment in quality designers.”

Michelle considers many of her customers to be good friends who share her enthusiasm for finding a unique look or rare piece that quenches each season’s thirst for something new and enviable. To ensure this she researches and restocks for each season and will only ever keep small quantities of each piece to ensure that each purchase from Marc 2 is truly exclusive to the customer.

“Some of our off-island customers also like to be called when new styles arrive and we are happy to send selected footwear to them. We are not an online store, we just offer a quirky and individual service, should the customer require it,” explains Michelle.

Customers also delight in the opportunity to catch up with Ruby, Michelle’s gorgeous black Labrador, who waits patiently behind

the counter to be greeted and fussed over.

For many, Ruby is the perfect excuse to pop in, say hello and keep tabs on what styles are in!

Holding collections that reflect her passion for footwear, Michelle includes classic and high fashion styles from German company K+S which provides a huge range of styles from ballerinas to heels. For individual and artistic footwear that inspires and pleases she recommends Austrian brand Think!, or the French brand Mephisto. For design-led styles that are innovative, London designers Audley fit the bill perfectly. “The top of the tree have to be Thierry Rabotin,” enthuses Michelle. “We call his shoes cashmere for the feet, and we have yet to have a customer disagree!”

Marc2 has also launched the Marc2 Mens range men with all his possible footwear needs covered – ranges span from urban casual, to office, adventure and wellness – with style and extreme comfort brands Panama Jack, Mephisto, Josef Seibel and Calplierre. “I am particularly excited about the Calpierre range,” says owner Michelle O’Connell. “Unlike other popular brands it’s hand made with softer Italian leathers which means you get a softer walk with no breaking in required.”

Marc2 are located on the pedestrian stretch of Bath Street, a little way up from the bronze cows at West Centre in St. Helier.

Rivoli Jewellers Situated in the centre of St Helier on the corner of King Street and New Street and just a short walk from the Royal Yacht Hotel, the shop is underneath their famous revolving clock which is a feature of their green and gold trimmed exterior.

Rivoli Jewellers stocks a wide range of fine jewellery, Swiss watches and contemporary jewellery from brands such as Pandora, Trollbeads, Swarovski, Clogau. Dower & Hall, Bjorg and Lalique.

Rivoli offers a friendly atmosphere, wide range of quality gift ideas, all sensibly priced at VAT Free prices to afford you real value for money.

For further information please call Rivoli Jewellers on 01534 601930 or email orders@rivolijewellers.co.uk If you don’t have time to visit the Rivoli Jewellers during your visit to Jersey, why not visit them online at www.rivolijewellers.co.uk to continue your VAT free shopping experience from home.

Pictured right, top to bottom: The award winning Pandora Spring/Summer 2013 Cherry Blossom Collection is delicate and pretty with bead prices starting from £22.00 and matching earrings from £30.00 Dower & Hall Fresh Water Pearl tiered earrings, £84.95 available exclusively from Rivoli Jewellers.

Clogau Eternal Love Pendant, Sterling Silver and Gold, £112.95 Clogau Eternal Love Pendant, 9ct Gold, £472.50 Clogau Eternal Love Bangle, Sterling Silver and Gold, £156.95

Fleur d’Amour Located at 4a La Colomberie is a shop with a lot of style and even more fun. Fleur d’Amour is the go to florist for many local people and with very good reason.

Visit the shop every day over a year and you will count 365 (well, a few less, they certainly deserve their Sundays off) unique and beautiful floral displays with something special for any life occasion or celebration.

Visit Simon and Nigel at La Colomberie to see their designs as well as a wide range of table decorations, gifts and some great home décor ideas.

All of Fleur D’Amour’s flowers are chosen for their quality and longevity and are lovingly woven into intricate arrangements by the shops founders Simon and Nigel. Ask for something whimsical, colourful or modern and Simon and Nigel will create a masterpiece with your brief firmly in mind.

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Genuine Jersey – Ahead of its Time

The Island of Jersey has been championing the benefits of supporting local producers, products and produce long before ‘buying local’ became a popular movement.

Jersey may only encompass 45 square miles but its most famous specialist produce – Jersey Royal potatoes, tomatoes and dairy products – have enjoyed an enviable reputation for generations. At the height of the post-Second World War agricultural boom, before the finance industry became the dominant contributor to the Island’s economy, life revolved around the seasons and the overriding aim to get fresh produce to the UK markets as quickly as possible.

Today, while the Jersey Royal potato is still the dominant crop and the tomato industry has declined in face of competition from UK and European producers, the Island can be justifiably proud of an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. For a small community it also boasts a variety of skilled craftsmen and artists who create a range of excellent products. This diversity and wide choice is partly due to the efforts of the Genuine Jersey Products Association.

If you want to enjoy the best of what Jersey has to offer then look for the Genuine Jersey mark – the guarantee of local provenance.

Goods carrying this distinctive mark have been reared, grown or caught in Jersey or created by accredited Islanders and local businesses who qualify to be members of the Genuine Jersey Products Association.

Products carrying the distinctive Genuine Jersey mark include dairy goods, fruit and vegetables, herbs and salads, meat and poultry, fish and shellfish, pottery and woodwork, wines, spirits and beers, jewellery, needlework, decorative stonework, glassware, art and crafts and even surf wax.

Genuine Jersey goods can be bought in the main shopping

centre in St Helier and from many other outlets Islandwide – including galleries, studios, tourist attractions and heritage sites, farm shops and markets - and sampled in restaurants, pubs, cafés and from ice cream stalls.

Genuine Jersey was launched in 2001 by a small group of Island businessmen who recognised the value of offering distinct and unique local goods and who were keen to promote the diversity and quality of local produce and products. The Association founders were also concerned that visitors were being misled into believing that goods and souvenirs were made in Jersey when they were not. Take as an example the choices of fudge on sale in Jersey. While some brands are made with cream from Jersey cows, these animals are farmed in the UK and have never grazed on the lush green grass of the Island’s meadows, nor are the sweets made locally.

Since the Association started it has attracted a loyal and enthusiastic membership. While some members ensure the survival of Jersey’s heritage and traditions, others are at the forefront of introducing pioneering farming methods, new crops or exploring previously untapped international markets.

The Genuine Jersey Products Association charter lays down the terms and conditions that members must comply with. This ensures that when Islanders and visitors buy produce and products bearing the mark they can do so in the knowledge that they are supporting local jobs and boosting the Island’s economy. Moreover, they are also doing their bit to mitigate the adverse affects of global warming by reducing air miles and Jersey’s carbon footprint.

In addition to members' subscriptions, the Association receives a grant from the Island’s government, the States of Jersey, through the Economic Development Department. The promotion of the Genuine Jersey brand is in accordance with government strategies which promote sustainability, innovation in the land use and tourism sectors.

The Genuine Jersey Products Association is committed to raising awareness of local goods and supporting all those involved in their production. This is achieved in part by educating local people and visitors about the benefits of buying local and informing them about the range and diversity of seasonal produce on offer. The Association also sponsors competitions and educational initiatives in Island schools, often in conjunction with the States of Jersey Health Promotion Unit.

Our membership has diversified to include the wide range of businesses that thrive in 21st century Jersey. There is a reason for this – members all find a positive benefit in belonging to an organisation which promotes growth, sustainability and innovation.

Today the distinctive Genuine Jersey mark is seen as a byword for the best the Island has to offer – look for it before you buy.

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Let us tell you a story...

Jersey, with its green lanes and 40 miles per hour maximum speed limit, might not seem the obvious location for the motorsport collection of a man who once completed a 500-mile race at an average speed of 188 mph.

But Nigel Mansell, who won both the Formula One and Indy Car world titles in the early 1990s, has a deep affinity with his adopted Island and so, to paraphrase Baddiel and Skinner’s World Cup chant, ‘Driving’s Coming Home.’

2013 sees the opening of The Mansell Collection, sited in a historic former garage on the outskirts of St Helier and housing ‘The Story’ an amazing collection of cars, trophies and assorted memorabilia from Mansell’s glittering career.

Few drivers enjoyed as much success as the St Brelade resident, and none would be able to boast the same collection, as throughout his career Mansell’s contracts invariably stipulated that he retained the trophies he won.

The average motorsport trophy certainly isn’t understated - think vast chrome or goldplated orbs, decorated with sponsors’ logos, or etched crystal vases the size of paddling pools - so it’s just as well there’s plenty of room in the upstairs floor of the former St Helier Garages’ depot at First Tower.

The building dates from the Victorian era, but its distinctive lines date from an art deco revamp early in the 20th Century, and have been retained in a sensitive and painstaking project. The main contractor was Camerons, with mechanical

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and engineering work undertaken by Aston Services.

It wasn’t an easy project, given the constraints of operating in a listed building, but has retained many of the original features. There’s considerably less window space than you’d find in a contemporary car showroom, but the building has its own charm, and the lack of natural light is compensated for by all-surrounding white light that shows off the Collection’s inventory to its optimum level.

After checking out some of the most eye-catching trophies, such as the Brazilian Grand Prix from 1989, visitors can then check out the actual car Mansell won it in, the Ferrari 640 After checking out some of the most eye-catching trophies, such as the Brazilian Grand Prix from 1989, visitors can then check out the actual car Mansell won it in, the Ferrari 640. Formula One cars are surprisingly small when you see them at first-hand, but the sleek curves are every bit as striking as one might expect.

Alongside the 640 is the FW14 in which Mansell raced after leaving Ferrari to return to the Williams team in 1991, winning the world title the following year. The most recently-raced vehicle is the Beechdean Motorsport in which Mansell competed in the Le Mans 24 Hour event in 2010 alongside sons Greg and Leo.

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While Greg does his racing on a bike these days as a member of the semi-pro Team UK Youth team, Leo is hands-on at The Mansell Collection in his role as Managing Director, although his father is expected to be on site regularly whenever he is in Jersey.

The Story will be open to members of the public and looks set to become an exciting new addition to the ‘Premier League’ of attractions in Jersey, and Mansell has pledged to give half the profits to the charities with which he is involved.

The upstairs space can also be hired as a venue for functions, suitable for both social events and business meetings, with a boardroom that features a hand-made table, red leather chairs, a flat-screen TV and a unique eagle sculpture.

As part of his CART Indy Car World Series title win in 1993, Nigel Mansell won the Marlboro 500 race in Michigan, averaging 188.203mph. After more than two-and-a-half hours of racing, he crossed the finish line 9.4 seconds ahead of Mario Andretti When Mansell won the opening race of the 1989 F1

The upstairs space can also be hired as a venue for functions, suitable for both social events and business meetings, with a boardroom that features a hand-made table, red leather chairs, a flat-screen TV and a unique eagle sculpture.

The lobby areas include nonmotorsport memorabilia such as signed shirts and mementos from famous days like England’s World Cup wins in 1966 (with the round-ball) and 2003 (egg-shaped).

The ground-floor element of the project offers the chance to buy a ‘pre-owned’ (sounds much more enticing than ‘second-hand’, doesn’t it?) car from a selection hand-picked

by GM Steve Ainsworth and Sales Manager Peter Clifford.

And the range is wider than you might think - sure, there are ‘six-figure’ price-tag options such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis or perhaps an Audi R8, but there are plenty of more affordable options like VW Polos, Suzuki Swifts or Mini Coopers. All the vehicles are serviced and ready, once the financials are taken care of, to be driven away within the hour.

Just keep to the speed limit on the way out.

season, the Brazilian GP at Jacarepaguá, another Jersey resident was in the points, with Derek Warwick finishing fifth Mansell took part in 191 Grands Prix, winning on 31 occasions to put him fourth on the all-time list behind Michael Schumacher (91), Alain Prost (51) and Ayton Senna (41)

The Mansell Collection is at Route de St Aubin (the ‘Inner Road’) at First Tower, about a mile west of St Helier. Admission prices £10 (adults), £5 (under 12s), free (OAPs and under 6s). Opening times hadn’t been confirmed at the time of going to press.

Call (01534) 880606. www.themansellcollection.co.uk

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

A Destination Wedding, at the Royal Yacht Hotel…

In September 2012, 200 guests were flown into Jersey from around the world to celebrate with the lovely couple Toyosi and Yinka as they exchanged their vows and celebrated their Wedding with us here at the Royal Yacht Hotel.

With most of the hotel dedicated to this lovely couple’s nuptials, the Royal Yacht threw all its might and energy into arranging the perfect day for both the wedding couple and the guests. The day was celebrated throughout with plenty of dancing and champagne.

Judith Peebles, the Royal Yacht Wedding Coordinator, said that the couple really wanted a special kind of ambiance for their guests. To create the perfect setting, flowers and paper lanterns filled the space in an elegant and understated fashion.

Guests were kept very busy after the wedding ceremony with champagne and canapés, followed by the traditional entry of the bride and groom and the speeches, a delicious 4 course dinner and dancing well into the early hours.

Luckily, guests didn’t have far go to slip into their beds when their feet got tired.

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Our event rooms

Celestial Hall

Our conference hall fits up to 300 for banqueting and has been decorated with organisers in mind. Simple and tasteful, it gives you the opportunity to impose the personality of your event and can be adapted to suit any colour or theme. State of the art lighting, sound and projection are built in to this versatile room. Hire the whole, half or a quarter - the walls adapt to provide self-contained, sound proofed space that fits your needs.

Vista; Latitude & Longitude

The Vista Boardroom is ideal for meetings, lunches, dinners or for small parties of up to 35 and has sea views and a balcony. The delightful Longitude and Latitude Meeting Rooms seat 10 people, boardroom style, ideal for private meetings with high quality technology.

The LazyJack

An informal room adjacent to The Celestial Hall that can be used as a pre-function area or hired as a casual event space.

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Restaurant Sirocco

In the morning Sirocco serves sleepy hotel guests a hearty breakfast to set them up for the day, by lunch time the restaurant is ready for a corporate lunch; an elegant wedding or to be used as a private dining room for a celebration.

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Planning an event?

Included for your event (subject to space chosen):

Balcony

• 10ft 16.9 projector screens • Bose sound system • DVD player • 2 lecterns • 2 x 50 inch plasma screens • Video conferencing • 2 x NEC 4000 Lumen XGA projectors (16.9) with remote controls • Radio microphones (hand held and lapel)

Vista

The Lazyjack Longitude

Latitude

Lift

ce

Lift

Ter ra

Restaurant Sirocco

Room

Theatre

Boardroom

Celestial Hall

U Shape

Cabaret

Private Dining

Cocktail

Dinner Dance

M2

m

Celestial Hall (Whole)

380

-

-

200

270

550

220

391

3

Celestial Hall (South Half)

150

48

25

70

120

300

90

202

3

Celestial Hall (North Half)

120

48

38

60

120

250

72

189

3

Celestial Hall (East Quarter)

60

24

20

35

60

30

-

82

3

Celestial Hall (West Quarter)

60

24

20

35

50

120

-

102

3

The LazyJack Lounge

50

22

21

32

60

100

-

85

2.5

The LazyJack Bar

-

-

-

-

-

40

-

-

-

Restaurant Sirocco

-

-

-

-

90

220

-

-

-

The P.O.S.H. Bar

-

-

-

-

-

25

-

-

-

Latitude Meeting Room

15

10

-

-

10

-

-

20

2.5

Longitude Meeting Room

8

6

-

-

10

-

-

20

2.5

Vista Boardroom

25

18

14

-

20

35

-

32

2.5

Penthouse Suite

-

10

-

-

12

15

-

77

-

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The drift is a cool, relaxed yet vibrant bar in the heart of st helier, jersey. Established 5 years ago the drift is now the islands premier night spot and live music venue.

The emphasis here is on unwinding, watching a band, grabbing some delicious food or dancing the night away.

A place to meet, linger or flirt, eat or drink, whatever...

Just go with the flow. Offering our customers an environment of comfort and lavish extravagance, the drift marries sumptuous furnishings of the highest caliber with cutting edge design. Our state of the art lighting, sound and video system plays a prominent part in defining the ever-changing ambiance within the club.

Membership for the drift is obtained on application basis only, we often connect with our members through newsletters, social media and exclusive events. Members and their guests are always entitled to priority bookings as well as other great opportunities including fast track vip entry, exclusive private areas within the drift, preferential hotel room rates, spa weekends, product launches and much more.

The Drift is a cool, relaxed yet vibrant bar in the heart of St Helier, Jersey. Established 5 years ago the Drift is now the island’s premier night spot and live music venue. The emphasis here is on unwinding, watching a band, grabbing some delicious food or dancing the night away.

A place to meet, linger or flirt, eat or drink, whatever... Just go with the flow. Offering our customers an environment of comfort and lavish extravagance, the Drift marries sumptuous furnishings of the highest caliber with cutting edge design. Our state of the art lighting, sound and video system plays a prominent part in defining the ever-changing ambiance within the club.

Continued overleaf...

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Continued...

With its ideal location, chic interior décor and team of proffessional and experienced event managers, the drift is the perfect venue in which to stage events of all kinds

With its ideal location, chic interior décor and team of professional and experienced event managers, the Drift is the perfect venue in which to stage events of all kinds. In addition to the multi purpose and changeable layout, we are able to tailor everything to the customers exacting needs including mood lighting, music and general atmosphere to create a versitile space for all occasions. Anything from intimate office partys through to fashion shows, prize giving ceremonies, live music events, birthdays and hen and stag parties can be accommodated. The Drift is available for exclusive hire seven days a week subject to availablity.

The Drift offers a wide range of services and facilities which not only assists you in every aspect of your visit, but will also enhance your total experience.

Technical facilities

The Drift is installed with state of the art technology including audio visual equipment, multiple high definition LCD screens, projectors and sound system.

A truly innovative LED colour changing light system

that can be changed at any moment to enhance the atmosphere within the Drift. A range of mid and low level seating also makes it perfect for corporate purposes, dining or enjoying a cocktail as required.

Food & beverage

The Drift is fully equiped and can cater for a range of culinary requirements from canapé receptions, buffets, corporate hospitality, birthdays, hen and stag parties. With our experienced team of chefs, we can easily create many different styles of cuisine from japanese sushi to contemporary European flavours.

For our connoisseurs, we have a drinks menu featuring many rare spirits and lovingly selected wines. An extensive selection of exciting cocktails is available at any time from the true classics through to our own innovative recipes. Just like our chefs, our talented and experienced mixologists can create and customise cocktails to your exact requirements using only the freshest and finest ingredients.

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A room with a view…

Situated on the first floor of the hotel, Sirocco has a prime location in terms of view and ambiance.

Serving breakfast and dinner, the restaurants quietly decadent nature has been carefully crafted by the hotels managerial staff to offer diners somewhere to really experience great food and wine, whilst enjoying the company of their friends and family.

Sirocco changes the menu with the season to ensure that diners are enjoying the very best that Jersey and the seasons have to offer. And, if you’re not sure which wines will suit your menu choice, Sirocco’s sommelier will happily advise you from the extensive wine menu, giving you the full dining experience.

Restaurant Managers Tip:

For an experience you won’t forget, try our tasting menu with wines on the balcony (weather permitting).

Sirocco changes the menu with the season to Prices: ensure that diners are enjoying the very best 3 Course Table D’hôte Menu: that Jersey and the seasons have to offer. £27.50 per person The dinner menu has a range of delicious dishes created to tempt even the most careful of palates with treats such as ‘Roast Turbot with Pine Nut Crust, Crab and Lobster Cannelloni, Baby Artichokes and Red Wine Butter Sauce’ or for the red meat eater ‘Fillet of Irish Beef, Smoked Mash, Spinach, Foie Gras, Marrow Bone’. And these are just two of the tempting treats on offer.

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Or from the Ala Carte menu: from £31.00 per person for 3 courses Enjoy the Tasting menu from £64.00 per person or £94.00 per person with wines

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Fudge.

Unfudged.

By Steve Walker

I have been working at the hotel now for 6 years and had always believed in the islands local growers and producers.

I first met Sue 3 years ago and I was blown away by her enthusiasm and passion. She is almost as obsessive as I am about food, which is something you don’t often see.

Needless to say, it was all the encouragement I needed to work with her.

I have used Sue’s fudge ever since on my menus, with the first great success story being the Black butter Fudge Fondant on the menu for 5 months.

The thing that makes Sue’s fudge so great, are the local products she uses in her recipes such as the Jersey cream and in this

case the Black Butter. So, when Sue introduced me to her new Peanut Butter Fudge, WOW!, what a great new challenge . I knew I had to do it justice and came up with this dessert which is now featuring on the Sirocco Ala Carte menu. It is truly great dessert and I would love for anyone to try to make it at home and get a real feel for mine and Sue’s passion on a plate, using the best that Jersey has to offer!

Cheesecake

Doughnuts

Sue’s Fudge Caramel

Lemon Curd

250G Philadelphia Cheese 250ml Double Cream 3 Leaves Gelatin (soaked in water) 75g Icing Sugar 2 Vanilla Pods

½kg strong flour 75g sugar 37g yeast 65g butter 1 egg 250ml Jersey milk

200g Caster Sugar 100g Sue’s Peanut Butter Fudge 50ml Double Cream 1 Pinch Salt 20g Peanut Butter

200ml Lemon Juice 5 Eggs 250g Butter 175g Sugar

Place the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla seeds in a bowl (remove the seeds by cutting the pod length ways and then scraping the seeds out) whisk for about a minute.

Place all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix then add the egg.

Place sugar in a non stick pan and dissolve, the color will change to a honey color when it is at this stage. Cook for 15 seconds more then add the cream, be very careful as this will make the very hot liquid bubble and jump as the cream starts to mix with the caramel.

Place all ingredients in a saucepan, heat gently to about 75 – 80 degrees.

Whisk while it heats to thicken and ensure that no lumps form. It should have the consistency of semi whipped cream.

Add Sues Peanut Butter Fudge and cook for about 2 minutes.

25g peeled pistachios crushed

Place your cream in another bowl and semi whip.

Once the gelatin has gone soft and pliable squeeze out the excess water and dissolve in a little warm cream.

Now you have to work quickly, clean down your surface, add the cheesecake mix to the cream and fold gently. Now, take a whisk and mix in the gelatin, whisk vigorously to incorporate quickly .Please note that the dissolved gelatin should be hot before adding.

Line a small straight edged baking tin - about 2 inches deep - with cling film and spoon in all the mix. Smooth over the top neatly place in fridge until later.

Put the milk and butter in a saucepan and heat over a low heat only to melt the butter.

Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix till incorporated. It should look like bread dough.

Place in fridge until later.

Add the peanut butter and the salt cool down to room temp then place in a disposable piping bag do not put this in the fridge keep on the side for later

To assemble the dessert Take 8 pieces of the doughnut mix and roll into balls. Place the doughnuts on a tray, covered in greaseproof paper and prove at room temperature for 20 min. When they have doubled in size, fry in groundnut oil at 170 °C until golden all over. Roll the cooked doughnuts in sugar and keep in a warm area until you’re ready to use them.

Carefully take the cheesecake out of the tin and cut into rectangles. Use one slice of cheesecake and place carefully in the centre of the plate.

Carefully pipe the caramel into two of the doughnuts and place opposite the cheesecake on the plate.

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You will also need:

25g crushed digestive biscuit 25g Sue’s peanut butter fudge for garnish 2 bananas

Pipe 3 pound coin size dots of caramel between the doughnuts as per photo.

Now pipe some lemon curd between the cheesecake and doughnuts and using the tip of a teaspoon and swipe to create a smear.

We’ve used crushed pistachios, biscuits and peanut brittle to decorate.

And lastly to add an extra dimension, slice a banana, fan it out length ways and sprinkle with some caster sugar on it. Caramelize under a hot grill or with a blow torch and add to the plate.

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THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Location, location, location…

You’ll f ind Café Zephyr on the ground floor of the hotel, located next to the main hotel entrance.

You’ll know its Café Zephyr from the fabulous big umbrellas offering cooling shade in summer months or a cosy atmosphere in winter months but the easiest way to see where you are, is to look for guests who are thoroughly enjoying themselves while they connect with friends and family.

As one of the islands most popular restaurants and certainly a place to see and be seen, Café Zephyr offers a diverse menu that has a little something for everyone. From delicious Eastern dishes with a modern twist and local ingredients to something a bit closer to home such as a succulent steak or the delicious Tuscan Pizza. An absolute favourite of local diners is the ‘Crispy Chilli Beef: Chilli and ginger marinated fried beef, served on gem lettuce with sweet chilli sauce and Asian slaw’. But if you’ve missed lunch and can’t make it to dinner, try chef’s delicious tapas selection.

Café Zephyr Head Chef Inaka Weerasinghe endeavours to use local seasonal products wherever possible during menu design.

Sustainability and most of all flavour are at

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the top of his priority list. He is very keen to get as much feedback as possible from guests of the hotel and restaurant so if there’s something you would like to see on the menu, ask the restaurant for a comment card and let us know.

Café Zephyr Head Chef Inaka Weerasinghe designs every menu with local seasonal products, sustainability and, most of all, flavour at the top of his priority list.

Restaurant Manager’s Tip:

Book ahead! As a restaurant very popular with locals and hotel guests alike, tables can get booked up quite quickly, so let reservations know in advance. Try one of our fantastic cocktails, such as the most popular ‘Fruity Booty’.

Prices:

Breakfast from £3.00 per person.

The Royal Yacht Cream Tea from £5.25 per person.

A la Carte menu from £21.15 per person for 3 courses.

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A nod towards Japanese cuisine

Our chef demonstrates how to cook Chicken Yakitori, Braised mushrooms and Dumplings at Café Zephyr.

Inaka Weerasinghe has been head chef at Café Zephyr since it opened its doors in 2007. Each season inspires a fresh look at the menu; with a change to lighter ingredients in the summer and complementing dishes with noodles, lighter flavours, sauces and fresh ingredients; lending itself nicely to Japanese cooking.

Although Inaka has had plenty of Asian inspired meals on the menu before, this Spring/ Summer season there’s a definite nod to Japanese influenced meals, in particular their Yakitori (kushiyaki) and Teriyaki dishes.

Originally from Sri Lanka Inaka spent a long time in London cooking under Mark Gregory, the New Zealand chef with a depth of experience in Japanese cuisine.

Mark first influenced Inaka, during his time in London, to widen his knowledge in authentic Japanese cuisine.

Diners ordering Yakitori dishes in traditional Yakitori bars have the choice of having any part of the chicken (thigh meat, heart, liver, wings, gizzard and skin) but that’s probably taking it a bit too far for us Westerners to handle. Instead Inaka offers his Chicken Yakitori made from succulent chicken thigh whilst keeping the rest of the dish as authentic as possible.

To make his Chicken Yakitori dish the chicken is marinaded for 24 hours in Soy, Ginger, Garlic and Mirin (a sweet wine), popped on a hot grill then glazed with Yakitori sauce which is a special bend of Soy, Mirin, Saki, Ginger and Spring onion.

The dumplings, or Gyoza in Japanese, are a subtle mix of chicken, carrot and spring onion which are then steamed and lightly pan fried, so they almost melt in your mouth. The dumplings are served on top a bed of braised mushrooms which are made by taking a selection of mixed mushrooms and braising them in Master stock. Master stock is stock that has been kept alive for a great length of time (Some restaurants claim their master stock is over 10 years old) but is brought to the boil every time it is used, the seasonings are adjusted and the flavours are given depth, leaving a rich full flavoured stock.

Its suggested that a chilled glass of dry white wine or a cool beer would be the perfect accompaniment to your Chicken Yakitori dish, and with sunshine filling the alfresco dining area at Cafe Zephyr it all adds up to be a rather marvellous dining experience.

Chicken Yakitori, Braised mushrooms and Dumplings is £8.50 for a starter or £17.50 for a main

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Mix•ol•o•gy

Going out for a drink is usually something to look forward to. But make it a cocktail, and the anticipation levels will rise - looks like a special occasion is on the cards.

Claudio Abreu has worked at the Royal Yacht since it opened in the summer of 2007, since then he’s overseen the preparation and serving of thousands of the cocktails that are one reason the venue remains enduringly popular.

in both the UK and US. While the phenomenon has given an increased profile to the world of cocktails, it has led to overcomplication in some quarters, whereas Claudio prefers to keep things simple.

While a whole range of base spirits are available, vodka and rum are the ‘go-to’ choices for the majority of customers, and there’s no sign of cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan or Mojito losing their appeal.

A Mojito at the Royal Yacht is based on Havana Club rum, mixed with brown sugar, fresh mint and lime before being topped with crushed ice and a splash of soda. On a summer weekend, especially if the weather is good, Mojitos fly out from behind the bar in both glass and jug form, rivalling the Fruity Booty as the most popular bar call.

“If I see sunshine and blue sky on a Friday morning then I know we’ll be busy,” Claudio says. “We’re asked for cocktails all year round, but the summer is the busiest time.”

A busy day at Café Zephyr can last for 13 hours, from the arrival of the first customers at 12noon, through lunchtime and the afternoon to 5pm when the tempo increases further with the arrival of the post-work crowds. Customers who are out for the night will start arriving from early evening, and often there’s no let up until closing at 1am.

Café Zephyr is the prime venue for those seeking to sample a mixological masterpiece, but cocktails are served throughout the venue, so Claudio needs to make sure standards are consistently high. This means regular training, education and testing sessions for the Royal Yacht’s team of around 20 bartenders.

“We don’t want customers to be served different drinks by different barstaff depending on where they are or what time it is,” states Claudio. “The sessions we run are designed to make sure everyone knows all our drinks and how to make them, and we also encourage staff to get involved by suggesting ideas that the rest of the team can try.”

The term mixology was coined by bartenders looking to describe their work as a new era of appreciation of cocktails grew

“We don’t want to complicate our cocktails too much, but produce

Not everyone will be certain about what they’d like to drink, so Claudio encourages staff to talk to customers to establish their preferences before making a few suggestions. Short or long, sweet

Although many of the drinks on the Royal Yacht’s list are originals devised by Claudio or members of the team, customers will also f ind many of the classic drinks that have become enduringly popular over the years drinks that are relatively simple to make, using premium spirits and fresh juices, so that they taste good each time we make then,” he explains.

Although many of the drinks on the Royal Yacht’s list are originals devised by Claudio or members of the team, customers will also find many of the classic drinks that have become enduringly popular over the years, some of them enhanced with a tweak that means customers can enjoy the best of both worlds - a contemporary classic.

or sour, the bartender will inevitably find something that hits the spot, and certainly won’t be fazed if a customer wants to move away from rum and vodka to more adventurous options using gin or tequila.

Tropical Storm

La Tini

Fruity Booty

Cabo Verde

Malibu Cointreau Orange juice Pineapple juice Apple juice

Raspberry vodka Cointreau Chambord Pineapple juice

Galliano Midori Cointreau Passion fruit Malibu

Vodka Midori Peach schnapps Apple juice Mint leaves

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Learn how to make cocktails...

First mentioned in print in 1806, cocktails have been seen to steadily revolutionise the way we drink today. Stepping away from the familiar flavours of beer and wine, mixology seeks to create distinctive flavours, presented with inimitable style.

As Jerry Thomas wrote in his pioneering ‘The Bartender’s Guide’ in 1862, ‘A new beverage is the pride of the Bartender, and its appreciation and adoption his crowning glory’. Two centuries later, that same sentiment is felt by the bartenders of The Royal Yacht.

Claudio Abreu of The Royal Yacht defines the meaning of cocktail creation: ‘the art of mixology is the art of stimulation, where the sensational combination of flavours works to uplift your mood to a state of euphoria’.

Whether you’re organising a teambuilding event, introducing new team members, getting to know your clients, or putting together a birthday party or hen do, this is the perfect event! Get to know

the basics of cocktail-making and have fun in the process. Our expert mixologists will take up to six people through the basics of cocktail-making and show you how to create three classic cocktails.

A one and a half hour workshop includes:

• All your cocktail ingredients • Nibbles during the workshop • Enjoy your cocktails after the class

Cost:

• £28.00 per person (based on 6 people excludes Friday and Saturday)

To book please call 615411 or email events@theroyalyacht.com

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

Relax...

Massage may well be the oldest, simplest form of medical care. Paintings depicting people giving and receiving massage have been found in Egyptian tombs.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used massage as a primary form of medical treatment and the Chinese had documented the benefits of massage as far back as 3,000BC. The benefits of touch have, it seems, always been known to man and appear across all cultures right around the world.

It is now widely recognised that almost everyone can benefit from therapeutic massage; from infants to the elderly, from athletes to the infirm. However when you ask people what they think of massage they will most likely answer it is a lovely treat and totally indulgent, they will say they only go when they are stressed or have sore, tight muscles to reduce tension and relax.

To truly understand the importance of massage, one must consider the human body – centred around a skeletal system, supported by muscles, aided by a lymphatic system and kept supplied by the blood circulation system. Everyday life, work and ailments lead to wear and tear on these systems which results in physical and emotional stress, often manifesting itself in aches, pains, fatigue, headaches, insomnia or digestive disorders, to name but a few of a very long list of complaints.

So how can massage help these symptoms and what are the health benef its of a regular massage?

• Improved circulation – blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to all our major organs, the skin and the muscles, resulting in more energy and beautiful, glowing skin.

It also responsible for our waste disposal system, known as the lymphatic system, this carries toxins such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid away and if we do not remove the “bad stuff” then the body will not function at its optimum health, resulting in fatigue, aches, injuries, early ageing and ill health. A fact is the healthier your lymphatic system, the healthier your body.

• Tight muscles – by using a combination of massage techniques, “shortened” tight muscles become relaxed and flexed, allowing the blood to flow through them freely, removing the tension and enhancing your overall well-being.

• Knots – a knot is a painful pressure point where your muscles are rolled up like towels. This is likely to have trapped lactic acid surrounding it, making the knot sore and uncomfortable. Again by using different techniques these knots are dispersed and the lactic acid build up removed resulting in a relaxed muscular system.

• The skin- this is the biggest organ of the body. Through massage you improve micro circulation and remove dead skin cells from the surface keeping the skin looking firmer and younger and helps prevent your skin looking grey, blotchy and lifeless.

• Improves posture – one massage will not change your posture overnight but it will reconnect you with your body and will encourage you to open your chest, breath properly and return your shoulders to their normal resting position.

• And finally, whilst working on all the above systems the body will release endorphins, known as “happy hormones”. Good ways to stimulate these feel good hormones include massage, exercise, meditating and laughing. When we are stressed we produce the hormone cortisol, which suppresses the immune system. The long and the short of it – get those “happy hormones” going to send the baddies on their way.

So like exercise, massage does far more for you if you engage in it regularly, but the question is how often should I schedule a massage? This will all depend on what is currently influencing your life and if you want to truly devote the time to taking care of you, by building a trusting and open relationship with your massage therapist, they will guide you to the right type of massage and how frequently you will need to come to get the maximum benefit and results.

So the next time someone says massage is only a luxury, you’ll know that massage is a powerful tool to help your body best perform its countless functions and maintain a healthy body. Nothing is more important than your well-being and so make time for yourself and let us at Spa Sirène take care of you and your body.

For me the benef its of a massage at the Royal Yacht start the minute I go down the stairs to the spa itself. I immediately feel that I am leaving the rush and pressures of the world above are far behind and that I can really switch off and enjoy some "me time." Changing into my thick fluffy white robe adds to that sense and then the pampering really begins as I allow myself to sink into the soft heated therapy bed in the cosy treatment room and drift away to the calming music. The massage itself serves two particular benef its for me - because I stick to my favourite therapist she knows my "knotty bits" well and together we laugh over how good or bad they are as she gets to work to tease them out. Also, for me, I have found it fascinating to understand my body better and having a massage as often as I can helps me take much greater care of myself and my posture. I always leave feeling refreshed and relaxed and ready to face the world again.

- Melanie Cavey

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Here are some useful tips to get the most out of your massage session by preparing yourself before your massage and the all-important what to do after a massage.

• Using a heat treatment such as a sauna or steam room before a massage will help relax your muscles and make the massage easier on yourself, as warm muscles are more responsive.

• Avoid eating immediately prior to a treatment and stimulants such as caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol.

• Think about your current ailments so you can report anything that you want the therapist to pay attention to.

• Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you want. Do you have a tender spot or injury? Specify your preferences for harder or softer pressure. Do you want more time spent on a certain area?

• Proper breathing is essential – slow deep breathing from the gut will provide the body with fresh oxygen and help you relax and release the tension.

• Quiet your mind, concentrate and be fully mindful of the massage – really get in tune with your body. Let it all go and relax!

• After your session allow some quiet time before you continue your day.

• Drink plenty of water. Massage releases waste products and you need to flush these out of your system.

• Avoid any heavy exercise, excessive eating and drinking, As this will cause you to feel lousy.

• Take advice from your therapist regarding any product recommendations or exercise/ stretching tips.

• You may feel slightly sore on area’s that have been worked on intensively, using heat packs will help to alleviate any discomfort but this is normal.

• Schedule your next appointment.

Ask at reception or check in your room for a spa brochure.

THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

The saying ‘Port Out, Starboard Home’

is said to have originated from the days when travellers headed to India on the vessels of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). On the outward journey, heading east, cabins on the port (left-hand) side were more desirable as they were spared the heat of the afternoon sun, while the reverse was true on the way back to ‘Blighty’.

As a result the most premium tickets were stamped ‘P.O.S.H.’ While this story has been questioned in some quarters, it remains an account that is hard to resist, and has given the P.O.S.H. bar its name.

The party crowds in the Royal Yacht may be elsewhere, but if it’s ref ined luxury you’re after, there’s nowhere better than the P.O.S.H. bar.

Discreetly located in a corner of the ground floor, the bar is a small but perfectly-formed destination.

Customers who are in the know will seek out its quiet and comfortable surrounds to relax over a drink, celebrate a birthday, toast a job well done, or discuss future business or social plans.

Previously the P.O.S.H. bar was best-known for its Champagnes; there’s still plenty of choice in the fizz department, but the comprehensive spirit selection is something many customers want to experience, guided by expert barmen Stellian and Claudiu.

Vodka and rum are popular with cocktail enthusiasts elsewhere in the venue, but darker (some

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might say posher) spirits are the preferred choices here. Whiskies include a range of malts at a wide range of price points up to the highly-desirable Macallan 30 (that’s the age as well as the price per measure). The brandies represent the three renowned regions of France: Calvados, including the velvety Père Thomas 1972; Armagnacs dating back to 1947; and Cognacs from many of the premier producers.

A selection of XO Cognacs represents affordable luxury at around £12-13, but to celebrate a really special occasion, the top shelf includes rare gems such as Louis XIII, Richard Hennessy, and Hennessy Ellipse.

If something sweeter and a little less strong is desired, then there are plenty of liqueur options, or Ports from some of the finest vintages like 1970, 1977 and 1985.

Smoking indoors in public places became a thing of the past in Jersey in 2007, but for customers who’d like to enjoy a cigar with their drink, the P.O.S.H. bar has a good selection of smokes and an outside terrace on which to enjoy them. Restaurants Manager Claudio Abreu reports high levels of customer interest in sparking up a good cigar, even when the temperature outside requires the heaters to be switched on.

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Fundraising at The Royal Yacht

Last year The Royal Yacht Hotel supported the Teenage Cancer Trust, fundraising primarily through the avenues noted on these pages. This year we are proud to support the Stroke Association. Please take some time to learn about the charity below.

A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

Around 125 people in Jersey have a stroke each year. A stroke can happen suddenly and be very frightening.

Over the last year we have worked on an individual basis with more than 100 people affected by stroke on the island. We have also provided weekly drop in support groups for stroke survivors and carers including aqua therapy, communication and peer support.

Although many people make a really good recovery, it is still a leading cause of adult disability leaving many people reliant on others for everyday tasks like making a cup of tea. Our team in Jersey aim to offer support to every person affected by stroke on the island because we believe in life after stroke and every step matters on the road to recovery.

We have made ÂŁ200 grants available to stroke survivors and their carers to help meet the costs of travel to hospital, disability aids which are not available through social services and respite care so family members can take a break.

Recognising the signs of stroke We urge you to make sure you know what to look out for and how act if you suspect someone you know is having a stroke. We have paid for the FAST sign to go on Jersey ambulances to help people understand how to diagnose a stroke and call for urgent treatment because for some fast treatment can make the difference.

Whether you have lost someone to stroke, have survived one yourself or want to be inspired by the ways in which people can overcome disability caused by stroke you can make a difference by becoming involved with the Stroke Association as a stroke supporter.

You can reach our Jersey team on 01534 730227 Stroke helpline: 0303 3033 100 www.stroke.org.uk

How The Royal Yacht Supports this hard working charity

All proceeds from the Christmas sweet tables

Communications within each bedroom with a donation envelope to encourage our guests to donate on their departure.

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10p donation from every Royal Yacht burger sold in the hotel from the 01st January 2013 to 31st December 2013

10p donation from every room booking made on our website from the 01st January 2013 to 31st December 2013 55

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This Year’s Best Business Gadgets

Here we take a look at the best new devices set to take businesses small and large by storm this year. Whether you’re looking for gadgets to aid you on the move or to make life easier in the off ice, you might f ind something you like out of this bunch.

TRAKDOT

DEV-AUDIO MICROCONE

One of the most nightmarish scenarios at the end of a long haul flight is that of lost luggage. The Trakdot, unveiled at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, aims to bring peace of mind to globetrotters when it becomes available to buy later this year. Containing a GSM chip to track its location, the small black and orange box simply has to be packed in your luggage and can be linked to multiple mobile phones, sending you a text or email to let you know that your luggage has arrived with you – or not. Powered

by AA batteries, it turns off automatically when the plane reaches takeoff speed and powers back up when the plane lands, so it’s 100% safe to take on board.

Additionally, a Trakdot app will be available to download to your smartphone allowing access to extra information such as where your luggage is on the baggage reclaim carousel. If it does transpire that your luggage has been sent to the other side of the world in error, it unfortunately won’t be able to magic said bags out of thin air, but at least you’ll be able to let the airline know where they are and ensure that they can be returned to you safely.

As a journalist, I feel the pain of those of you who have to regularly transcribe audio.

It takes forever, and if you get a mumbler, entire interviews can be ruined. It’s a small task however, compared to that of dictating group meetings and conferences – one which Dev Audio’s innovative microphone technology aims to make much easier.

With the ability to record up to six individuals in six different directions, on six separate audio channels, the Microcone automatically tracks and enhances each voice and reduces background noise. The Microcone Voices app allows Skype users to see who is speaking, and the Microcone Recorder app features an interface allowing you to search key words and names, meaning you can skip straight to important sections when listening back. Perhaps most appealing is the fact that you can also transcribe your meeting in practically the click of a button.

Trakdot is expected to retail at £35. For more info visit: trakdot.com

The Microcone is available for £230 from: dev-audio.com

OREE WIRELESS WOODEN KEYBOARD

SAMSUNG CURVED OLED TV

DHAMA PURSUIT BUSINESS SHIRT

If you like wireless keyboards and you like wood, you’ll ruddy love Oree’s handcrafted wireless wooden keyboard. Made of premium maple wood, it also comes with a protection pouch made from recycled leather that unfolds to act as a stand for your keyboard and tablet or smartphone. You can also have it customised with a personalised text engraving. A response to mass-produced identikit plastic computing devices, it’s certainly a novel idea, and looks pretty too.

Samsung recently unveiled what they’re calling “the world’s first curved OLED TV.” Details are thin on the ground, but the 55-inch TV is due to come out later this year and offers a more panoramic view and “an IMAX feel.” It seems that it’ll provide a more immersive viewing experience and better viewing quality for viewers at either side of the screen. Which could be ideal for showing company presentations to groups, or for shop displays.

If you’re prone to over-heating whilst on the move or under stress, you’ll be familiar with potentially embarrassing sweat patches. Thankfully, Indian company Dhama have come up with the novel idea of a shirt which features in-built temperature and moisture control systems. With an advanced ventilation design and heating/cooling pads, it can control temperatures between 73 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Nifty.

CHARGE CARD

ARKAMI ID KEY

PEBBLE WATCH

Yet another gadget to get off the ground thanks to crowd funding website Kickstarter, the Charge Card aims to help us do away with the need for carrying phone chargers around with us, and in fact to eliminate altogether the chance of your phone battery dying at inopportune moments.

A credit card sized device, the Charge Card is made of hard plastic and fits neatly into your wallet. Whenever you need to charge your iPhone or Android, you just plug it into one end of the Charge Card and plug the Charge Card into any USB port – on your laptop, airplane seat, car or wherever else you can find one.

Nothing makes a bad day badder like forgetting your PIN for your bank card or getting locked out of your office because you’ve forgotten the door entry code in a moment of brain freeze. If you’re as sieve-headed as I am, forgetting one of your many passwords, codes and PINs to remember is a daily risk. The Arkami ID key is a USB stick on which you can store all of your passwords, with access only granted through fingerprint activation. Once you’re in, it’s voice activated – just say ‘Gmail’, for instance, and it’ll display your password, and if it’s lost or stolen the information will be deleted automatically if someone tries to access it multiple times.

One of many new gadgets to be backed by public donors – 68,000 of them, who clubbed together to support it to the tune of over ten million dollars – via crowd funding site Kickstarter, the Pebble watch is the brainchild of American technology entrepreneur Eric Migovsky. Using Bluetooth it can connect to iPhone or Android smartphones, alerting you to incoming calls, emails and messages, and boasts infinitely customizable, downloadable watchfaces. You can even read SMS messages on it. It’s main perk, however, it’s its capability to connect to handy apps – it can be used as a music player or a bike computer, using GPS to display things like speed and distance covered. It’s also water resistant, so there’s no danger of it conking out in the rain.

Available for £100 from: oreedesign.com

Available for £16 from: chargecardproject.com

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Available from: For more information visit: climaware.com samsung.com

Available to pre-order for £50 from: myidkey.com

The Pebble is available for £100 from: getpebble.com 57

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By Laura Phillips

Take a look at the glossy, glass heights of the luxuriously modern Royal Yacht Hotel and it’s hard to believe that it’s just two minutes away from Jersey’s shopping streets.

It’s even more of a stretch of the imagination to think that you’re in one of the oldest hotels in St Helier. Well, some of it at least.

The hotel has had a multi-million pound investment to turn it into a contemporary masterpiece, and while you may spot 19th century character in the ‘old’ part of the hotel, guest rooms take pride of place in the glass-fronted modern section with its stunning views.

There’s no doubting this hotel’s marine theme - after all, it is named The Royal Yacht, but if you think luxury cruise ship you won’t go far wrong. And just like a cruise ship,

this hotel has everything on board to keep you entertained. Checkin comes with an ‘Orientation Guide’ that unfolds to map out the hotel’s three restaurants and four bars, as well as the superb Spa Sirène. And you may not even want to leave the comfort of your spacious room – ours came with a private balcony that was almost the same size as our room. And it’s not just the room dimensions that are generous. A wall of closets (plenty of space to hang all those new purchases), a bath tub made for two and a huge bed with an enormous flatscreen TV on the wall - who says size doesn’t matter?!

After testing out our room’s TV channels, DVD player and colour-changing lighting - touchof-a-button romantic atmosphere stuff, try it – we headed down to the hotel’s private residents’ lounge, the Lazyjack to stretch out travel-tired limbs on their comfortable sofas. The Lazyjack bar features plenty of the Royal Yacht’s signature drinks menu in an exclusive ‘residents-only’ atmosphere for pre-dinner drinks in style. And while you’re relaxing, Lazyjack’s flatscreen TVs mean you can catch up on the latest sports scores, and there are bookcases with the latest selection of bestseller pageturners to keep you occupied if your idea of unwinding is settling down with a good book.

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Restaurant Sirocco, the Royal Yacht’s fine dining restaurant, takes pride of place on the hotel’s first floor, with a terrace so you can choose between dinner in the fresh air with the setting sun in the distance, or a seat inside the smart restaurant with its floor-toceiling windows and marina views.

his wines, so expect a few new discoveries (we loved the Chilean chardonnay). The menu is fun and inventive; dishes like pan fried scallops with artichoke purée, pork beignet and Cox’s apple textures tickled our tastebuds, and the tasting of duck with confit duck, foie gras and duck liver pâté

Restaurant Sirocco, the Royal Yacht’s f ine dining restaurant, takes pride of place on the hotel’s f irst floor, with a terrace so you can choose between dinner in the fresh air with the setting sun in the distance The restaurant features all the fine dining touches everyone loves, like homemade breads and amuse-bouches, all served in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

The wine list is extensive, as you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre, and the sommelier knows

were all delicious - an explosion of flavours. And if you really want to get things hotted up, order the flambé. Steak cooked with a flourish in front of you - it’s like watching your very own episode of TV’s Masterchef, except that you get to eat the result. We

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also tried the roast turbot, which at Sirocco comes with a pine nut crust and accompanied by crab and lobster cannelloni. The dessert menu is just as indulgent with treats galore for chocoholics and those of us with a sweet tooth. And as Sirocco’s terrace turns even more romantic at night with inky blue skies and twinkling lanterns on every table, the restaurant provides blankets so you can enjoy the last of the evening air outside.

Our hotel room at The Royal Yacht was an oasis of calm when we woke the next day - set on the side of the hotel it overlooked the local museum’s pretty lavenderfilled courtyard. With your own generously-sized private balcony, complete with table, chairs and a sun lounger, nobody’s going to blame you if you decide to stay put for the morning. In fact, call room service and you can have breakfast delivered to your room and enjoy scrambled eggs and a full fry-up served on your own terrace. But for the real breakfast experience, don’t miss the impressive spread downstairs at Sirocco. There’s a buffet with

sizzling English breakfast options including delicious sausages, crispy bacon, and eggs cooked to order, along with plenty of continental-style croissants and Danish pastries - pick a window table for panoramic marina views.

room with twinkling ceiling lights, sauna, experience shower, heated marble relaxation beds and at the centre, an impressive pool with a hydrotherapy-styled jacuzzi.

Restaurant Sirocco, the Royal Yacht’s f ine dining restaurant, takes pride of place on the hotel’s f irst floor, with a terrace so you can choose between dinner in the fresh air with the setting sun in the distance I managed to persuade my other half to explore Jersey’s shopping streets with me, on the condition that he got back in time for a steak sandwich at The Royal Yacht’s Grill restaurant. The Grill menu is a carnivore’s dream with steaks and burgers served - as they should be - at the bar. I’m more interested in the hotel’s spa menu, and dying to get my shopped-out toes into Spa Sirène’s bubbling jacuzzi.

The Royal Yacht’s subterranean Spa Sirène is a serene, marinethemed space, with treatment rooms named after mermaids and plenty of indulgent ways to relax - an aromatherapy steam

While my sporty other half went off to try out the fully-equipped gym, I opted for a massage.

Warm fragrant oil, a deliciously comfortable treatment bed and expert massage techniques ensured all the stubborn knots in my shoulders were gently eased out, and I slipped back into the spa pool feeling thoroughly relaxed. It’s easy to see why this spa’s top notch facilities won them this year’s Good Spa Award. Make the most of the spa’s pampering treatments to get yourself ready to party – the hotel’s Café Zephyr is the place to be seen as Jersey’s cocktail-sipping glitterati prepare for a night on the town.

Fun and exuberant, Café Zephyr’s terrace has plenty of alfresco atmosphere, but thanks to its high-powered heated canopies, you can show off your tanned shoulders without shivering. A Café del Mar-style playlist makes it feel more Balearic than British, and if you need something to graze on over cocktails, try the famous sushi and sashimi platters. The restaurant serves an all day menu of mouthwatering fusion dishes that we couldn’t wait to try - the crispy chilli beef is a world away from inferior Chinese takeaway versions, and the Asian noodles and miringlazed steak are delicious.

As evening falls, the terrace is buzzing as people rendez-vous before heading into The Royal Yacht’s late bar, The Drift. We made like the locals and danced the night away, but if you prefer just to soak up the atmosphere, there are plenty of bars and seating in The Drift where you can enjoy a few drinks and watch the party.

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When you’re all danced out, use your hotel privilege to gain entry to the P.O.S.H. bar and terrace (the initials stand for Port Out Starboard Home which is cruise lingo for a ship’s rooms with the best views - although nobody will mind if you just call it posh, like we did). This intimate champagne lounge turns exclusive in the evenings when you can commandeer the cosy sofas and stay late for bespoke champagne cocktails served with olives.

With everything under one roof, The Royal Yacht has all the facilities of a top class cosmopolitan hotel, yet all the character of a chic boutique escape. In the heart of St Helier, and in the centre of the action, you won’t want to leave. Our only regret? Not booking one of the penthouse suites with their own private hot tubs on the terrace.

Now that’s my idea of luxury...

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Gold

Gold Doubles/Twins offer everything you need for a comfortable stay at The Royal Yacht Hotel.

Featuring large double or single beds, subtle lighting features and well-designed furniture.

Silver

Silver Double rooms, whilst smaller than the Gold Doubles, are ideal for couples staying for a short break or single travellers.

With a large double bed, elegant decor and modern technological features, these rooms are finished to the same high standard.

Gold Deluxe

Gold Deluxe Doubles feature a terrace overlooking the Jersey Museum courtyard or a living room area, allowing guests to enjoy quiet relaxation.

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Platinum

Platinum Double hotel rooms enjoy a balcony overlooking St Helier harbour and the tranquil Weighbridge Park.

With a comfortable seating area and ample desk space within the room, as well as a CD player and a television screen in the bathroom, there is plenty of room to unwind during your holiday in Jersey.

• Satellite • LCD Screens • Air Conditioning • 24hr Room Service • Turn Down Service • Separate bath and shower in most rooms • Secure internet and free wi-fi • Hairdryers • Tea/coffee making facilities

• Mini-bar • Safe • CD player • In-house movies available • Use of the hotel luxury spa As the Spa is unsuitable for under 16s, we offer free passes to Aquasplash for children under this age

Penthouse Suites, Mooncatcher and Stargazer, have all you need for a special stay or holiday in Jersey.

Suites

Bedrooms have a four poster bed, large bathroom with double sink, and indulgent bath menu. The living rooms are decorated in a modern fashion with stylish furniture and space for guests to dine comfortably.

The spacious terraces feature a large Jacuzzi, lounging pods and spectacular views over St Helier, the capital of Jersey. Enjoy your holiday in Jersey in complete luxury.

• Mercedes Benz and driver to and from Jersey Airport (subject to availability; advanced booking required) • Champagne on arrival • Fresh flowers • Complimentary indulgent bath menu • Selection of free magazines • Living room area • Sound dock, please bring your iPod, USB or CDs

THE YACHT MAGAZINE 2013

• Out-door jacuzzis • Large terrace with lounging pods • Four poster beds • Double luxury sinks • Surround sound Some extras may not be included if booked on reduced rates. Please check with reservations when booking

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THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL JERSEY

The directory At the Royal Yacht Hotel Spa Sirène

To organise an event To book a table To book a room

Other useful numbers Jersey Tourism Voisins Airport Harbour Libertybus Jersey Heritage Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

If you’re in your room...

Reception

Porter’s Desk Room Service Housekeeper

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We’d love to hear from you...

If you have any feedback regarding your stay or have any questions ahead of a future visit please don’t hesitate to email us at:

reception@theroyalyacht.com

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