Cold water swimming pioneer Jem Wallis is 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 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,” 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 £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 from £315 per person for the three day October break. Dinners reserved at the time of booking are a discounted £31 per person instead of £53.

For full details of Escape Swims' May and October Swimming Retreats from the Budock Vean visit  Wild Swimming & Cold Water Breaks | Budock Vean Hotel .

ENDS

Notes to editors:-

• Photos free to use - a photo credit to Escape Swims for the swimming stills greatly appreciated. High res swimming and Budock Vean images available at Dropbox – many others available on enquiry. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ecvswm88xb596t45sc1vn/h?dl=0&rlkey=28vsb9x55ont5onfw1efcoob2
• The award winning Budock Vean Hotel is an independent, family run, four star hotel with outstanding leisure facilities including its James Braid designed golf course, a spectacular indoor swimming pool with log fire, sauna, outdoor hot tub, spa, tennis courts, private foreshore with watersports and boat trips, plus a restaurant specialising in modern British cuisine, and using the best Cornish produce. The hotel's 65 acres of sub-tropical gardens running down to the Helford River are set amid some of the most beautiful natural coastal and river scenery in the country.
  For more please see budockvean.co.uk

Contacts:-

• Louise Midgley Communications – 01326 319884 / 07831 696093 - louise@midgleycomms.co.uk
• Budock Vean Hotel – Sarah Ferrie - 01326 252112 - marketing@budockvean.co.uk