THE powder white sand is licked by lazy waves as another day in paradise is played out on this tiny island.

And as turquoise waters glisten in the midday sun, I consider how best to build another sandcastle with my boy.

There is, after all, little else to do in this most tranquil of settings.

It reminds me of my honeymoon; a three week sojourn in the South Pacific, where time is of no concern and life is as laid back as it gets.

I’m not half way around the world, however, rather a 60 minute flight from Manchester in Guernsey, where I have just fallen in love.

There is something very pure about life on the island. Cars are left unlocked, honesty boxes adorn the roadsides laying next to bunches of flowers or freshly laid eggs, and everyone has such a unashamed pride about living there.

Our base is the jewel in the crown of Guernsey’s hotel offering, The Old Government House. Its whitewashed buildings date back to 1858 when it was the official residence of the island’s Governor, and proudly watch over the capital of St Peter Port.

Known as the OGH by locals, the four-star hotel has recently been taken over by the Red Carnation Group, which has a portfolio of luxury hotels across the world.

It is steeped in history and, while retaining its Olde Worlde charm, also has a contemporary feel.

I am in St Peter Port with my family; the wife and our two young children. Our suite at the OGH is palatial, lavishly decorated with a chandelier hanging over the king-sized bed, a huge television on the wall and impressive pieces of furniture dotted about.

It is, without question, opulent in the extreme. Perhaps too luxurious in fact, because the comfortable allure of our room is almost enough to keep us from the bright lights of St Peter Port and what lies beyond.

There is an abundance of restaurants on the island with seafood a local speciality, but we decide to eat at the OGH. There are two options, the Brasserie or the Governor’s Restaurant, a fine-dining experience held by locals as the best that Guernsey had to offer.

Buggies in tow, however, we leave the romance of The Governors to couples and opt for the brasserie. The choice turns out to be a good one, as course after course of mouth-watering fayre is served to our table.

The service is impeccable and we are made to feel like the most honoured of guests — but this is all in a day’s work for staff at the OGH. They are courteous, friendly and pleasant.

Elsewhere, the hotel has a pool, perfect for lazy days on the terrace in the temperate climate, and there is also a state-of-the art gym.

Just a stone’s throw away is the centre of St Peter Port with its bustling boutique-lined shopping streets, restaurants and bars, and marina and ferry port to neighbouring islands of Herm and Sark.

There is a distinctly French feel about the place. Cafe culture rules, many of the roads and pedestrianised areas have French names and the casual attitude of continental life rules supreme. Little surprise, given the island is much closer to France than it is the UK.

With the flight time so short — it’s even possible to get a ferry to Guernsey if you don’t like flying — and life on the island so far removed from that back into the UK, Guernsey, and the OGH, are well worth a visit.