ISLE OF MAN – the kingdom of Faerie Magic by Russell Grant

Is it a peculiarly British thing or just human nature? When somewhere naturally beautiful or brilliantly historic is on your doorstep, how many of us are guilty of taking it for granted or keep putting off a trip ‘until later'? All of us. Knowing a destination is always going to be there can lead to complacency and we're all to ready to jet-set off to places exotic rather than places close to home.

I suspect that the Isle of Man making a Celtic splash middle to north of the Irish sea within touching distance of England, Scotland and Ireland – and on a clear day within vision of Wales and it's twin sister, Anglesey, both known as Mona, is a place you've been meaning to go to but haven't….yet.

More than distance, perhaps perception plays a part in not getting off to Mann but instead moving heaven and earth to get to resorts that are as common as muck! If I told you that the island's capital Douglas, has undergone a Mediterranean-like transformation to give it the feel and vibe of the Cote d'Azure you might think I jest, but many a true word is spoke in jest, and in this case I certainly do not. Douglas' prom is as pretty as a picture with a chic cornice that would give Cannes a run for its money. And money is the reason why; this blob of faerie-land has become a tax haven with a crock of gold at the end of the many rainbows and sunsets for many who settle within its shores, a veritable blanket of a million greens.

It is nigh on 20 years since I visited Eilann Vannin, to give the island her Celtic moniker, but I was struck by the golden garb she now wears. For instance Ronaldsway airport has been changed to give a distinct feel of the iconic airport in the film Casablanca - but not in a world-weary way but with all the elegance of the Bergman movie. The day I flew in it was many miles away from the jam packed madding crowd of other airports and yet just 20 minutes from big Brother Britain. It was swift and easy to fly in and out, in much the same way as in days when flying was glamorous, but as a member of the international financial family, it has all the modern trappings. Leave the arrival lounge and you are greeted by swaying Manx palms and pretty flowers in bloom in neat rows along the roadside. When you get to Douglas only 30 minutes later, the promenade or boulevard, a much more accurate description, reminded me so much of Provence.

Pity the people who criticize the island, and there have been celebrities who have dared to do so without actually knowing it or the vision to understand that a quick kiss-me-quick day trip hardly counts. For instance one loud-mouthed Celeb moaned about the state of the food – the fish and chips to be exact. Okay so not every chippie is going to be award winning. A trip to Peel, on the west side of the island and Peel Fisheries would have put this mealy-mouthed female into the fryer. We received the usual Manx welcome and settled down to a large piece of cod and chips, crisp on the outside and soft and white in the middle.

Or maybe she was talking about the other chips? As the island has become a magnet for gaming companies online, offline on the moon too, as the island surprisingly has an active and vibrant space program. Yes, you did read that correctly, the Isle of Man has a Minister for Space, E-commerce and all those other things that are needed in the multi-media age to make your mark and get you noticed.

The financial sector is booming and as such so are the restaurants and public services. And this is where the island again scores a winner. Many good quality restaurants and bistros are out there to take your pick from. Along the Douglas quayside, with more than a passing ambience to Copenhagen 's cosmopolitan quayside, we visited Coaster's for a great Tex Mex. In the evening Tanrogan's (Manx for Scallop) fantastic fish fare; our hotel, the smart and personal service of Regency had a great menu and only too pleased to get in whatever you fancy. To check out one of the best bars head for Sir Norman's named after icon, Norman Wisdom, who lives on the island, in fact Albania 's heart-throb (he is huge in Tirana) has made this enigmatic Viking/Celtic isle his home since goodness knows when.

The towns dotted around the island are a delight – Castletown and Peel have the fantastic luck of being centred on medieval fortresses that have a haunting history of their own. Castletown has the Garrison café for cakes and lunches and at Peel after your chips for pudding trying the local Manx ice-cream down at Davidson's on the sea front. The sandy beach takes you back to the good old bucket and spade years – with the castle at the backdrop and a sunset to rival the LA strip what more do you want?

Ramsey is about to go through a massive makeover, as she has seen more profitable days. But she is about to rejuvenated with a new marina, perhaps the Queen's Pier will be given a new lease of life and Mann's second city will be born again.

If you're a train buff then this island is made for you, the Manx Electric Railway, horse drawn taxis and the island's narrow gauge will makes for sheer Manx sex. Oh talking of sexy, did I mention the passion that rises to fever pitch for the motorbike TT and Grand Prix?

If you are more arty, then the glamorous night offered by a production at the Gaiety Theatre is a real treat. This is a stunning venue has had investment money lavished on it and now the velvet has been restored to bring it's creator, an old Frank Matcham's star back to its former glory – but perhaps with even more beauty than before. Like Lauren Bacall some stars have got it or they ain't and this modern theatre study in its original cool colours welcomes the return of the hey-day of theatre in these British Isles.

Accessibility to and from island match Heathrow, Manchester or JFK – no truly just log on and see. What else? So much – so much history, so much warmth, so much to experience– so hadn't you better put off that trip you've been meaning to make - for how long is it now?????

Testimonials:

Hi Russell

I have just clicked on to your website containing the most fabulous article on the Isle of Man.  I've had great feedback and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

It really is beautifully illustrated and packed with information for the traveller.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can assist you.

Very best regards
Anna

Anna Hemy
Communications Executive
Department of Tourism & Leisure
Isle of Man