The islands are a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty, with empty sandy beaches to rival the Caribbean
normally seen in Mediterranean, South African and Australasian climes and rarely seen growing outside anywhere else in the UK. There are no cars on Tresco, just bikes, electric golf buggies and the occasional farm vehicle. The island is also famous for being the place from where some 1500 agents in German-occupied Europe were controlled during the Second World War and strolling the beautiful empty beaches it’s very easy to understand why the island was chosen for such a crucial role. But it’s St Mary’s where visitors
will usually have their first taste of island life, whether they arrive via the Scillonian III ferry or British International helicopter, both from Penzance, or the Skybus aircraft which operates from Land’s End, Newquay, Bristol, Southampton or Exeter airports. It’s the largest and most vibrant of
the islands; a gently hilly island with narrow lanes which are great for cycling – bikes are easy to hire – walking or taking the little island bus. There are lots of coastal paths and nature trails where guided walks are available. Other activities include glass-bottom boat rides, windsurfing, kayaking, rock
Left: St Mary's welcoming har- bour Right: One of Tregarthen's stylish bedrooms
IOS 1.pdf 23/07/2010 10:51:25
climbing, diving, snorkelling and lots of boat links to the other islands and to see wildlife In St Mary's main town, Hugh Town, there is a myriad of shops, galleries, restaurants – the Boat Shed bistro and restaurant is a great place for an early evening drink overlooking the sea – pubs and cafes. A few other tea shops, galleries and arts and crafts outlets are dotted around the island. There is a surprisingly wide choice
of island accommodation, with eight properties featured by Prestige, and a further four on Tresco and one each on St Martins, Bryher and St Agnes. Tregarthen’s Hotel in Hugh Town is
the closest to the St Mary’s Harbour, no more than 100 yards or so from the foot of the Scillonian III’s gangplank but little more than a few minutes from the island airport. If your clients arrive by sea a porter collects the luggage and takes it to the hotel. A back entrance to the hotel leads
straight up to the spacious bar and the reception. The Scillies’ friendly and relaxed atmosphere is reflected in the welcome: I was immediately asked if I was ‘Mr Orbell’. Unusually for the 2010s, the male receptionist was wearing a white shirt and bow tie, somehow appropriate for the generally older and Daily Telegraph-reading clientele in the hotel bar.
Tregarthen’s 33 en-suite rooms are
spacious, many with views over the quay and across the harbour to the off-islands, and include towelling robes, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer and trouser press. The hotel has a large lobby bar, restaurant and garden terrace overlooking the harbour. If your client quizzes you on the ideal place for sunshine, relaxation, good food, delightful scenery and a slow and easy pace of life, a very sensible suggestion would be the UK's very own Isles of Scilly.
asktheoperator
John Dixon, chairman and managing director, Prestige Holidays "The Isles of Scilly continue to sell
extremely well. Last year we saw more than a100% increase in business and this year a more modest but significant rise of 10%.
"On average holidaymakers spend
five nights on the islands. St Mary's, the hub, is the most popular island followed by Tresco, although this year we have seen a sharp increase in business to St Martins and also, generally, a growth in family bookings to the islands. "Tresco, with the Flying Boat Club and an abundance of self- catering accommodation, is ideal for larger families. The Isles of Scilly is not a cheap destination but we offer a wide range of properties, including several small guest houses, so we can appeal to most budgets.”
•
Isles of Scilly FACTFILE
Where to Book it Prestige Holidays
01425 480600,
www.prestigegrouptravel.
co.uk/scilly-isles Prestige is offering a short break in October from £349pp, which includes return flights from Lands End to St Mary’s, private return airport transfers, three nights’ accommodation at the Schooners Hotel on St Mary’s on a bed and breakfast basis and holiday insurance.
Note: Generally, with some exceptions in mid-summer, the Scillonian III, Skybus flights and helicopter services operate only on Monday/Saturday
More Information Isles of Scilly Tourism
T: 01720 424031 E:
tic@scilly.gov.uk W:
www.simplyscilly.co.uk
Prestige Holidays to the Isles of Scilly - need we say more?
Prestige Holidays on 01425 480600
www.prestigeholidays.co.uk
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