Christmas for two in Guernsey

The historic, four star Old Government House Hotel in the heart of vibrant St Peter Port, Guernsey is offering special Christmas packages for two sharing a King Room from £236 for two nights B&B including use of the hotel’s Revolution Health Club and Spa.

Guests also have the option to pick and choose from the full Christmas programme, which includes fine dining and festive activities. Bespoke breaks can be put together on request.

Celebrations start on Christmas Eve when guests are invited to join the Guernsey Festival Chorus and hotel staff for early evening carols with complimentary hot mulled wine and mince pies. They can then choose from either a relaxing two-course dinner in the OGH Brasserie or a late supper at 9.30pm before walking down to the Town Church for Midnight Mass. The evening is priced at £18.50 per adult or £9.25 for children 12 years and under.

After breakfast on Christmas Day there’s time to open presents or take a walk along the coast to build-up an appetite for the traditional five course festive feast. Created by the hotel’s two AA Rosette French Chef de Cuisine Jerome Barbançon and his kitchen brigade, lunch will be served in the sea view Regency Room from midday onwards priced at £55 for adults and £27.50 for children to include Christmas crackers and gifts for youngsters. And in case anyone is still hungry, tea and Christmas cake will be on offer during the afternoon followed by a leisurely yuletide buffet in the evening at £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for children.

Guests staying on Boxing Day can join the Old Government House annual picnic to the island’s historic Sausmarez Manor. Priced at £28.50 for adults and £16.50 for children, the day out includes return transport and a chance to stroll around the grounds, sculpture park and sub-tropical gardens before returning to the manor for a warming indoor picnic lunch with drinks.

The special festive nightly rate of £118 B&B for two sharing is available from Wednesday 19 December 2007 until Sunday 6 January 2008, subject to a minimum two night stay. There is a £15 sole occupancy supplement for a Queen Room while an upgrade to a suite costs £40 per couple; child rates on request. Complimentary parking is included, subject to availability and many rooms have sea views.

Flights are additional and can be booked through low-fares airline Flybe, flybe.com, or the Channel Islands own airline Aurigny, aurigny.com; both offer flights from numerous UK airports. Alternatively Condor Ferries operate services from Weymouth and Portsmouth, condorferries.co.uk.

Guernsey is a delightful blend of England and France with a temperate climate making it ideal for short breaks all year round. English is spoken and there is no need to exchange British currency – plus there is the bonus of VAT-free shopping!

Dating back to 1858, the Old Government House Hotel, or OGH as it’s affectionately known, was formerly the official residence of the Queen's representative to the Bailiwick of Guernsey - The Lt. Governor. It exudes a timeless elegance which, combined with a warm welcome, congenial hospitality and delicious food, is the perfect place for a traditional Christmas break.

For details visit Theoghhotel.com.