Cold water swimming pioneers, Escape Swims are joining forces with the Budock Vean Hotel to introduce new and seasoned swimmers to the pristine open waters of Cornwall’s Helford River.
Two curated Swim Retreats will each match safety and technique with the sheer surge of mental and physical wellbeing experienced over three days in some of the most scenic stretches of water in the country which open up from the hotel’s private Helford foreshore.
Life-long swimmer, former Olympic trialist and veteran beach lifeguard Jem will weave improving stroke and breathing techniques, body position and propulsion into five Helford River swims across each of the three day Retreats.
“We’re spoilt for choice in Cornwall for natural swimming spots – but the Helford stretching towards Falmouth Bay is so beautifully diverse and unspoilt as well as sheltered and safe it’s hard to beat,” says Jem – a former secondary school teacher who has combined his love of teaching with a passion for open water swimming into Escape Swims.
“Taking the plunge when the weather isn’t perfect may seem daunting to the uninitiated – but getting out there in the elements and immersing yourself in cool waters is like food for the soul. It opens up a world of benefits for the body and the mind which have a profound impact on spirits and focus.”
Jem’s coached and guided excursions will access beautiful swim spots either on foot or by boat from the Budock Vean’s private foreshore at the bottom of the country house hotel’s 65 acre estate set in the Helford Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In May, from Sunday 14th to Wednesday 17th , the focus will be on cold water and wellness. In October the sessions are for more experienced open water swimmers and run from Sunday 8th to Wednesday 11th October.
Each swim is run by two hosts and tailored to the abilities of the swimmers in the water, aiming to get everyone working to their own level, experience and enjoyment.
“We’re so fortunate to be surrounded by pristine coast and countryside here at Budock Vean and Jem’s Swim Retreats add another dimension to the brilliant range of activities we offer here at the hotel,” says the Budock Vean’s owner Martin Barlow.
“As well as exploring the Helford by kayak or paddle board, river-boat, e-bike or on foot our swimmers can strike out across these beautiful waters knowing they are in the safest hands and will be retreating back here to all the warmth
and comfort at the hotel.”
The days’ aquatic adventures can be book-ended with hearty Cornish Breakfasts and legendary dinners of the finest produce of the surrounding land and seas – with the Natural Health Spa and impressive pool to combat any aching muscles and the Budock Vean’s tennis courts and golf course for those with energy to spare.
Each Swim Retreat costs ÂŁ249 per person on top of accommodation at the Budock Vean – with standard rooms from ÂŁ366 per person, including breakfast, for the three day May break and from ÂŁ315 per person for the three day October break. Dinners reserved at the time of booking are a discounted ÂŁ31 per person instead of ÂŁ53.