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With secluded beaches, turquoise waters and an island to yourself, this idyllic spot could be The Hamptons or a tiny Greek island.<\/p>\n
But this beautiful retreat isn\u2019t halfway across the world, it\u2019s in the UK\u2019s backyard.<\/p>\n
Located in the Channel Islands off Guernsey, I must admit I\u2019d never heard of Herm. So when I\u2019m told by a regular that it\u2019s \u201cBritain\u2019s best-kept secret\u201d, I can believe it.<\/p>\n
Picture-perfect beaches, stunning sea views, clifftop walks and even heather-dotted moors await, but first there\u2019s the exciting adventure to reach it.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a choice of ferry or flight to Guernsey and my journey was from Birmingham Airport on a propeller plane with the Channel Islands\u2019 own Aurigny airline, but they also fly from many regional airports. Its aircraft tails are even emblazoned with a puffin \u2013 one of Herm\u2019s regular residents.<\/p>\n
As you\u2019re flying within the UK, there\u2019s no stress of passport control when you arrive or return. A short taxi ride later to Guernsey\u2019s St Peter Port quay and then a 20-minute ferry journey lands you in secluded Herm.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a stunning boat trip to where White House Hotel proudly stands.<\/p>\n
It is reminiscent of Devon\u2019s Burgh Island, which famously enthralled Agatha Christie.<\/p>\n
Once the final ferry with daily tourists departs, there\u2019s that exhilaration of having the place to yourself.<\/p>\n
The only hotel, White House Hotel also manages 20 self-catering cottages, plus campsite pitches. It\u2019s near the ferry stop, a well-stocked shop, lively pub and cosy inn at Fisherman\u2019s Beach Harbour.<\/p>\n
The guest card says \u201cwelcome to paradise\u201d and if you get warm, sunny weather like I did, it really feels that way.<\/p>\n
Country mansion-style lodging offers 40 comfortable large bedrooms and nearby cottages. Several luxurious lounges provide places for guests to relax if they are taking shade from the outdoor swimming pool or tennis court.<\/p>\n
More than likely, you\u2019ll want to be sitting out on the grassed terrace in one of its many inviting sofa suites overlooking the sea with its huge change in tides.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> The beautiful little British island with just 62 residents that has banned cars<\/strong><\/p>\n During the daytime, the island opens up plenty of possibilities to explore.<\/p>\n Its many paths don\u2019t allow cars or bikes, so it will mean plenty of walking. Occasionally you\u2019ll see the hotel\u2019s quad bike tootle past, transporting bags.<\/p>\n Seasons bring their own attractions. A bluebell wood is in flower from April to mid-October, while the most southerly colony of puffins in Europe nestle in Herm from April to August.<\/p>\n Even the cliff walks are manageable for relatively unfit beginners like me. Once used as a quarry for granite, the stone you pass was used in landmarks such as St Paul\u2019s Cathedral and the plinths at Trafalgar Square.<\/p>\n You could walk around the perimeter of the whole island in two hours \u2013 and the views are worth it.<\/p>\n\n