AS I climb the steps from Jersey's Portelet Bay the sun was beginning to set.

The steep hike was a well trodden path for me as I had tackled it, bucket and spade in hand, after long days at this secluded Channel Island beach on past family holidays.

It might be more than 20 years since I last set foot on Jersey, but for me the love affair with this beautiful isle is alive and well.

With direct flights from Glasgow, it could not be easier to get to. Just over an hour's flight and you're here.

The people of Jersey make you feel right at home from the get go. Our car hire rep told us to take four rights and we would be at our accommodation.

And how right she was. On the final right turn we pulled into the magical setting of the Atlantic Hotel overlooking the magnificent St Ouen's Bay.

The infamous Jersey mist hung over the hotel and our sea view wasn't so clear, but our surroundings made up for it.

Walking into the four-star hotel, which opened in 1970, you immediately begin to relax. The Atlantic, close to picturesque St Brelade, has a stunning setting and the rooms are bright and calm. But it was time to set off and discover what Jersey had to offer.

With our handy Jersey Pass at the ready, there was around 17 attractions to explore with this special tourist guide valid for two days to six days.

As mist began to clear, St Ouen's Bay came into its own and our first stop was surfers cafe El Tico Beach Cantina for fresh lobster served up with Jersey Royal potatoes.

It was then on to La Mare Wine Estate. The vineyard lies in the north west of the island, but I soon got used to negotiating the tight, leafy lanes. It took no time to get anywhere as Jersey spans just nine by five miles.

Steve, our guide at the vineyard, explained how the vines were picked and grapes harvested. It wasn't long before we got to sample some of the vineyard's wine along with Jersey delicacies such as Black Butter a kind of thick fruit jam with spices.

The island is full of visible reminders of the German occupation in the Second World War and a visit to the Jersey War Tunnels in St Lawrence is a must. Dug by forced and slave workers, the underground labyrinth runs for more than 1km and even included a hospital.

Back at our Atlantic base, it was time for dinner at the Michelin star Ocean restaurant led by head chef Mark Jordan.

Perusing the menu in the lounge with a pre-dinner drink was just the start of a memorable gastronomic delight.

Each course was matched with the perfect choice of wine from our sommelier, Sergio dos Santos.

Duck three ways, was followed by beautifully cooked sea bass. And even with piña colada dessert, topped with gold leaf, was paired with a dry, crisp Hungarian pudding wine.

This was five-star dining with a somersault of taste sensations.

Busy beaches such as the Royal Bay of Grouville at Gorey have locals and holidaymakers heading there for the day. With fresh Jersey crab even being sold at the beach cafe, this island is a seafood lover's dream.

One last adventure was a boat trip to Les Minquiers sandbanks with skipper Mario Setubal. I say boat trip, but it was more Royal marine-style sea safari of around 30 knots. It was pure adrenaline rush water pursuits.

Jersey has been a trip down memory lane, but after this fun-filled adventure I won't be leaving it so long next time before I return.