Cold water swimming pioneer Jem Wallis is joining forces with the Budock Vean Hotel to introduce new and seasoned swimmers to Cornwall’s Helford River.
Two curated Swim Retreats will each match safety and technique with mental and physical well-being experienced over three days in the scenic stretches of water that 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 places of all sorts – but the Helford stretching towards Falmouth Bay is so beautifully diverse and unspoilt as well as sheltered and safe it’s hard to beat,” said Jem who is a former secondary school teacher and has now 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 profoundly impact spirits and focus.”
In May, from Sunday 14 to Wednesday 17, the focus will be on cold water and wellness.
In October the sessions are for more experienced open-water swimmers and run from Sunday 8 to Wednesday, October 11
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,” said 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 £249 per person on top of accommodation at the Budock Vean - with standard rooms from £366 per person, including breakfast, for the three-day May break and £315 per person for the three-day October break.
Dinners reserved at the time of booking will be a discounted £31 per person instead of £53.
Find full details of Escape Swims’ May and October Swimming Retreats on the Budock Vean website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here