Looking for an invigorating winter spa break? Try a spot of outdoor swimming in Cornwall at the iconic Jubilee Lido and pool at the C Bay Spa at Carbis Bay Hotel…
During the pandemic, many of us discovered outdoor swimming as an antidote to loneliness and it now seems we are hooked. According to The Outdoor Swimming Society in the last year, 7.5 million people in the UK ventured into the water outdoors and a recent report by Outdoor Swimmer Magazine found that 75% of new outdoor swimmers wanted to continue swimming outside throughout the winter.
It seems that the initial discomfort is worth it for the prolonged health benefits that include everything from better sleep, circulation to increased happiness, boosting hormones like endorphins and dopamine. There are even reports that cold water swimming may delay dementia.
And where better to experience swimming in Cornwall than at its largest and most celebrated sea water pool…
Jubilee Lido, Penzance
Built on a traditional bathing spot at the Battery Rocks near the harbour at Penzance, Jubilee Lido has been designed to cope with the full ferocity of the Cornish seas. Now with the added geothermal pool, the first of its kind in the UK, you can recover from an icy blast in the main sea pool (1-2 degrees above sea temperature) by bathing in a natural salt water pool heated to between 30-35 degrees. With the added bubbles and merry company (everyone appears as if they’re on ecstasy), it’s a delicious contrast that will leave you feeling high on life.
The visit must be rounded off with a visit to the Jubilee Pool Café that serves a delicious array of burgers, nachos, sandwiches on freshly baked St Ives Bakery bread and salads – with plenty of vegan/vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options. The café uses fresh and local ingredients that are in season to support local suppliers and all ingredients are responsibly sourced. Expect lots of dogs and a surfy, laid back vibe.
Less than a 20 minute drive from Jubilee Pool, find Carbis Bay Hotel. A luxury hotel that is uniquely set within 125 acres of beautiful coastline, including its own Blue Flag sandy beach. Make a day trip to its newly renovated C Bay Spa for a relaxing, replenishing spa day.
The show-stopping outdoor pool offers swimmers a sensational view from its infinity edge or if you’re looking for something a little calmer, unwind and soak up the bubbles in an invigorating hydropool, whilst sipping on a chilled glass of Champagne. Treat yourself to ultimate relaxation with a treatment in their enlarged and remodelled C Bay Spa with brand new treatment and changing rooms.
Try the ‘Head In The Clouds’ treatment. 45 minutes of cleansing, clearing and decongesting of the upper body with a back and scalp massage, to help clear the mind and support the immune system. You’ll leave feeling dreamy and relaxed.
Find candlelit treatment rooms (including one for couples) with Voya and Aromatherapy Associates products. A fire-heated relaxation lounge and decked balcony, which faces the bay. A spa food menu is available too, and there’s also an outdoor barrel sauna with the most incredible panoramic views of the bay.
If you’re feeling flash, book one of Carbis Bay’s Lodges. Situated directly on the beach, they combine seaside chic with hot tubs and roof or beach gardens. Boasting spacious open-plan lounges whose floor-to-ceiling windows lead to private sun decks and all have bay-facing balconies.
BOOK HERE
The Beach Club Restaurant
If you have time, make a reservation at the laid-back Beach Club Restaurant, where sandy feet are always welcome. The menu focusses on sun-soaked Mediterranean-style delights, hand-picked Cornish crab, fresh fish sourced locally from St Ives day boats, steaks, and handmade pizzas.
BOOK HERE
Liked this article on Swimming In Cornwall? Read more about outdoor swimming here.
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Hettie is the editor and co-founder of DOSE. A keen runner, she’s also partial to a blast of high-intensity and hot yoga. A country girl at heart, she divides her time between London and the lush rolling hills of North Devon. When she’s not jetting off on her next adventure, Hettie can be found in a candle-lit alcove with a laptop, a spaniel and a full bodied Malbec.
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/
- Hettie Holmeshttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/hettie/