isles of scilly
IN Focus
a very sensible
alternative
Reaching sun-filled islands
without spending most
of the day at an airport or
flying might seem a dream
too far but the Isles of Scilly
can deliver, says Alan Orbell
I
f ever you find yourself organising a
from the Scillies. And just for good
although all the ‘essentials’ of modern
quiz, how about this for a question?
measure, the islands enjoy some 240
life like satellite TV, wi-fi, mobile phone
Where in the UK has higher average
more hours of sunshine each year than
coverage and ATMs are readily available
does Kew Gardens in London.
for those who want them.
January temperatures than Cannes
in the South of France? The answer?
Just as important for agents is the
More importantly, the islands are a
Tresco, one of five inhabited islands
knowledge that some worthwhile
designated Area of Outstanding Beauty,
among the 56 that make up the Isles
commission can be earned from selling
with empty sandy beaches to rival the
of Scilly some 28 miles south-west of
packaged holidays to the islands,
Caribbean and clear blue waters to
Cornwall's Land’s End.
primarily through specialist tour
go with them, as well as a multitude
operator Prestige Holidays.
of colourful flowers – both wild and
Amazingly, the Isles of Scilly enjoy
a fluctuation of just nine degrees
But why should you recommend this
cultivated – that would seem equally at
in monthly mean temperatures
most westerly part of the UK? For a
throughout the year, which is why
start, it’s doubtful that you’ll find your
Nowhere is this more so than on
many of the early spring flowers you
clients a more relaxing place in the UK.
Tresco where the sub-tropical Abbey
can buy in mainland UK will have come
It’s a little like stepping back in time,
Gardens are home to flowers and plants
16 Autumn 2010 • www.shortbreaksholidays.com
home on a tropical island.
The islands are a designated Area of
Outstanding Beauty, with empty sandy
beaches to rival the Caribbean
normally seen in Mediterranean, South
climbing, diving, snorkelling and lots of
African and Australasian climes and
boat links to the other islands and to
rarely seen growing outside anywhere
see wildlife
Tregarthen’s 33 en-suite rooms are
spacious, many with views over the
quay and across the harbour to the
Isles of Scilly
FactFile
off-islands, and include towelling robes,
Where to Book it
tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer
Prestige Holidays
and trouser press. The hotel has a
01425 480600, www.prestigegrouptravel.
large lobby bar, restaurant and garden
co.uk/scilly-isles
terrace overlooking the harbour.
Prestige is offering a short break in October
If your client quizzes you on the ideal
from £349pp, which includes return flights
place for sunshine, relaxation, good
from Lands End to St Mary’s, private return
food, delightful scenery and a slow
airport transfers, three nights’ accommodation
there is a myriad of shops, galleries,
and easy pace of life, a very sensible
at the Schooners Hotel on St Mary’s on a bed
electric golf buggies and the occasional
restaurants – the Boat Shed bistro and
suggestion would be the UK's very own
and breakfast basis and holiday insurance.
farm vehicle. The island is also famous
restaurant is a great place for an early
Isles of Scilly.
for being the place from where some
evening drink overlooking the sea –
1500 agents in German-occupied
pubs and cafes. A few other tea shops,
Europe were controlled during the
galleries and arts and crafts outlets are
John Dixon, chairman and
and helicopter services operate only on
Second World War and strolling the
dotted around the island.
managing director,
Monday/Saturday
else in the UK.
There are no cars on Tresco, just bikes,
beautiful empty beaches it’s very easy
In St Mary's main town, Hugh Town,
Note: Generally, with some exceptions in
asktheoperator
mid-summer, the Scillonian III, Skybus flights
Prestige Holidays
There is a surprisingly wide choice
to understand why the island was
of island accommodation, with eight
"The Isles of Scilly
More Information
chosen for such a crucial role.
properties featured by Prestige, and a
continue to sell
Isles of Scilly Tourism
But it’s St Mary’s where visitors
will usually have their first taste of
island life, whether they arrive via the
further four on Tresco and one each on
extremely well. Last year we saw more
T: 01720 424031
St Martins, Bryher and St Agnes.
than a100% increase in business and
E: [email protected]
this year a more modest but significant
W: www.simplyscilly.co.uk
Tregarthen’s Hotel in Hugh Town is
Scillonian III ferry or British International
the closest to the St Mary’s Harbour,
helicopter, both from Penzance, or
no more than 100 yards or so from the
the Skybus aircraft which operates
foot of the Scillonian III’s gangplank
five nights on the islands. St Mary's, the
from Land’s End, Newquay, Bristol,
but little more than a few minutes from
hub, is the most popular island
Southampton or Exeter airports.
the island airport. If your clients arrive
followed by Tresco, although
by sea a porter collects the luggage and
this year we have seen a sharp
takes it to the hotel.
increase in business to St Martins
It’s the largest and most vibrant of
the islands; a gently hilly island with
narrow lanes which are great for cycling
A back entrance to the hotel leads
rise of 10%.
"On average holidaymakers spend
and also, generally, a growth in
family bookings to the islands.
– bikes are easy to hire – walking or
straight up to the spacious bar and
taking the little island bus. There are
the reception. The Scillies’ friendly
lots of coastal paths and nature trails
and relaxed atmosphere is reflected
Club and an abundance of self-
where guided walks are available.
"Tresco, with the Flying Boat
in the welcome: I was immediately
catering accommodation, is ideal
Other activities include glass-bottom
asked if I was ‘Mr Orbell’. Unusually
for larger families. The Isles of
boat rides, windsurfing, kayaking, rock
for the 2010s, the male receptionist
Scilly is not a cheap destination
was wearing a white shirt and bow tie,
but we offer a wide range of
somehow appropriate for the generally
properties, including several small
older and Daily Telegraph-reading
guest houses, so we can appeal to
clientele in the hotel bar.
most budgets.”
Left: St Mary's welcoming harbour Right: One of Tregarthen's
stylish bedrooms
•