The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, Guernsey.

Perched on a hill overlooking St Peter Port, "The OGH" carries a weight of history that few island hotels can match. Originally an 18th-century merchant’s home, it served as the official residence of the island’s Lieutenant Governor for decades and later functioned as the German General Staff Headquarters during the WWII occupation. Today, as Guernsey’s singular five-star establishment, it balances regency elegance with the personal touch of a family-run retreat. The interiors are classic and plush, leading out to a secluded walled garden with a heated pool and views over the harbor. Dining ranges from fine local seafood to a dedicated curry room, while the subterranean spa offers a quiet refuge. It remains the island's most storied social hub, located just a short, steep walk from the quayside.