Restaurant and Bar Awards 2025

8 | LUXlife Magazine he story of The Blonde Hedgehog began with a passion for creating a truly welcoming retreat, one that celebrates Alderney’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm community spirit. Owned by the entrepreneurial Julie-Anne Uggla and co-founded by Director and General Manager Tracey Farquhar-Beck, The Blonde Hedgehog is a boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar that blends luxury with a homeaway-from-home charm to deliver exceptional stays in an establishment dating back to the mid-1700s. With its buildings originally constructed between 1740-1750, The Blonde Hedgehog offers a collection of individually designed rooms and cottages, each with its own individual character. Named Lapins, Spikes, The Burrow, and The Den as a nod to Alderney’s diverse wildlife, each spot has been lovingly restored with modern comforts to ensure that every stay is extra special. At its core, the hotel prides itself on offering a unique experience to its guests – a stay that feels both incredibly indulgent and yet highly personal. “We like to think we’re a warm hug, a breath of sea air, and a little taste of Alderney magic.” What makes The Blonde Hedgehog truly special in a market almost crowded with unique guest experiences, however, is its ethos. “We believe that luxury doesn’t have to feel formal,” says Tracey. “Instead, we create an atmosphere where guests can kick off their shoes, sip a cocktail in the garden, or curl up on the sofa in front of the fire and feel like they’ve found their own little slice of island life. We like to think whether you’re joining us for a cosy weekend getaway, a beautiful island wedding, or simply a drink and a chat at the bar, you’ll always be welcomed like an old Best Boutique Hotel & Restaurant 2025 – Guernsey Alderney is a beautiful destination with rich historical significance, having served as a point of fortification throughout World War II. Now, the idyllic island is a haven for historians, as curious tourists and travellers flock to the island for a glimpse of its historical landmarks, beautiful natural environment, and stunning seascapes. When embarking on your journey to explore the wonders of Alderney, why not start at The Blonde Hedgehog? Alderney’s first boutique hotel, The Blonde Hedgehog promises to ensure that every stay is as memorable as the island itself. Tracey Farquhar-Beck, Co-Founder and Director, tells us more below. friend. We like to think we’re a warm hug, a breath of sea air, and a little taste of Alderney magic.” Since its doors first opened, The Blonde Hedgehog has undergone significant growth and evolution, though its core values have remained at its heart. From day one, the establishment has set out to offer a “home away from home” experience, where every guest feels comfortable, cared for, and indulged. Since its establishment, the hotel has championed the philosophy that luxury should feel effortless, and that impeccable service is all about providing the personal touches – remembering favourite drinks, sharing local tips for the perfect walk, or simply being on hand to assist when required. “Our commitment to going above and beyond hasn’t changed – if anything, it’s only become more deeply rooted as we’ve gotten to know our guests over the years,” Tracey tells us. “Whether someone is popping in for a cocktail, joining us for a celebration dinner, or planning their dream wedding, we want them to feel they’re getting top quality every time. We constantly listen to our guests and adapt based on what they love most about staying with us. It’s that blend of staying true to who we are, while keeping our ears open to what our guests want, that keeps The Blonde Hedgehog evolving – without ever losing its heart.” Whilst its ethos has remained unchanged, The Blonde Hedgehog is certainly no stranger to evolution and growth. Most recently, the hotel launched Golf and Padel Packages, which showcase some of the Alderney’s best activities. Guests are invited to enjoy a round at Alderney’s scenic gold course or try their hand at padel, one of the fast-growing sports in the world, before returning to the hotel for a wellearned cocktail or delicious dinner. That is not all for the hotel, as Tracey tells us: “2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for The Blonde Hedgehog, with some fantastic new offerings that we can’t wait to share with our guests. One of the highlights is our brand-new Wellness Package – think restorative yoga, coastal walks, nourishing seasonal food, and plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge, all wrapped up in our signature warm hospitality. As always, we’ll continue to focus on what we do best: offering beautiful stays, exceptional dining, and service that goes above and beyond.” Company: Blonde Hedgehog Ltd Web Address: www.blondehedgehog.com Email: [email protected] T

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