At the back of my mind was a whisper of apprehension. Could Jersey really be as wonderful as I’d remembered. Perhaps I’d just hit a lucky patch of good weather and company, had overestimated those vistas in my mind. Perhaps I’d brought my friend here under false pretences.

Within a few minutes of landing in St Helier and driving round to St Brelade’s Bay to stretch our legs, I knew it was as wonderful as I remembered.

White beaches, turquoise water, gorgeous little cafes and restaurants and a peace and tranquility that’s hard to fathom. It gives the space to breath, think and regroup, to laugh, eat and sleep soundly, to walk for miles, swim, explore and marvel that somewhere so unspoilt still exists.

All of which was hugely aided by our base for the weekend, the five-star The Club Hotel & Spa, which not only boasts all the pampering facilities one could ever wish for but also a Michelin starred restaurant which is the talk of Jersey and beyond.

We had travelled on Condor Ferries, not only because it meant we could take our car and therefore explore the island more readily but because it is such a smooth and elegant passage, the amenities fantastic – seats, tables, hush, meals, cafes and shops – and meant we arrived after lunch having left that morning from Poole.

Our long walk in St Brelade’s, taking in the extraordinary church perched on the cliff edge, must have one of the best vistas in the country, let alone the Channel Islands. We ate scones with fresh Jersey cream and tea further in a little cafe overlooking the sea and then wound our way back to the hotel in central St Helier.

The Club Hotel & Spa is wonderfully central, convenient and an oasis away from the outside world. The rooms are gorgeous and comfy, the staff so hospitable, and the facilities second to none, making this a real retreat after a busy day exploring the island.

But first dinner in the hotel’s flagship restaurant Bohemia which ranks as Jersey’s number one restaurant thanks to the endless ministrations of head chef Steve Smith, whose food had us in raptures from start to finish.

Of course we had the full seven-course tasting menu and yes we threw in the wine flights to match, because the food is so exquisite, every mouthful to be savoured, evaluated and then filed away. One of my absolute favourite restaurants in the country and well worth the trip to Jersey alone.

The next day we managed a wonderful breakfast and then embarked on one of my most memorable walks, St Ouen’s bay, a five-mile expanse of white sand punctuated by the odd surfer and dog walker but otherwise ours as we walked readily up to the fisheries at the end.

Warmed by the sun we marvelled at the undeveloped expanse punctuated only the Nazi fortifications.

Then lunch at El Tico one of the delightful cafes and restaurants dotting the beach. And a sneaky glass of cold rose.

With just enough time left to visit the War Tunnels, further exploration of the occupation was to be found further inland in an inner series of tunnels and rooms intended as a Nazi hospital. Hitler assumed, quite wrongly, that Britain would seize its territory from enemy hands and prepared for a full-scale invasion that never came. It is however a fascinating reminder of how close we came, and a visit here is certainly a must.

Then a quick trip down the coast to watch the sun go down from Portelet Bay, accessible only by steps and framing a tiny cove, that few tourists stumble across, where there is a tiny family run pizzeria, its windows framing the bay.

Exhausted we traipsed back to the hotel, filled in a breakfast-in-bed form and collapsed. Waking up to French pastries, fresh yoghurt and freshly-squeezed juice was heaven. Then a morning in the hotel spa, a stress massage for my friend and an Ayurvedic facial for myself, which meant we were nearly horizontal by the time we arrived home, suitably refreshed.

Safe to say, I was right – the Jersey of my dreams is right there and waiting to enchant every visitor.

The Club Hotel & Spa, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands. Rooms start from £99 for a standard double and £245 for a suite inclusive of breakfast.

Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, tasting menus priced from £79. 01534 876 500 or theclubjersey.com

Condor Ferries year round service from Poole and Portsmouth. 0345 609 1024 or condorferries.com