Tracey and Neil Chapman, from Rayleigh in Essex, landed on Tuesday for a short break which they had booked before the Covid-19 crisis began.
When they heard Jersey’s borders were reopening on Friday they decided to go ahead with their trip and became the first holidaymakers to stay at the Pomme d’Or Hotel in months.
‘It was a short break that we already had booked and we thought we would just do it,’ said Mrs Chapman, who has visited the Island with her family numerous times over the years.
‘The flight was different but it wasn’t uncomfortable. We came through the Airport and had the Covid test, which wasn’t a problem – they were very efficient. And the hotel has been wonderful – they can’t do enough for us.’
She added: ‘Jersey is the perfect place to visit because it is not far from home, it is very safe and very pleasant and very clean and you have got good restaurants, good pubs and some lovely scenery – and the weather is usually good too.’
The couple, who had been due to fly from Southend but had their flight changed to arrive via Gatwick, were full of praise for local people too and the welcome they had received despite the unusual circumstances.
Yesterday they hired a car and were due to spend the day visiting various parts of the Island, including Bonne Nuit, where they used to stay when their children – who are now grown up – were young. They are due to return home tomorrow. SAT
‘I can’t say enough about how helpful people have been,’ said Mrs Chapman.
‘After lockdown we really needed a change of scenery.’
She added: ‘We all need to start going back out there and spending some money and opening the world up again. It has been so sad – particularly for all the young people that work in hospitality. We just want to say to people that Jersey is lovely. It is as normal as it can be in the circumstances; everyone is really welcoming and everyone is here ready for you.’
