Why exactly do we go on mini-breaks? If it’s to completely switch off, relax, spend quality time with people and eat good food in new places, then our stay in Budock Vean Hotel ticked all the boxes.
Budock Vean is not that easy to find, being a little off piste in Mawnan Smith, a village not all that far from Falmouth. The hotel is nestled in 65 acres of beautiful gardens and a short stroll from the Helford River. The grounds are wild and mature in places and tame and well coiffed in others.
Not being a golfer or the slightest bit interested in golf, I asked Mr 50 Plus, a keen golfer what he thought of the golf course. In amongst the mumbling ‘I wish I’d brought my clubs’ , I heard the words ‘beautifully maintained’ and ‘challenging’!
Budock Vean Resort & Spa
The Natural Health Spa at the Budock Vean Resort is very popular and when we were there, there were unfortunately no appointments left. So if you’re planning on visiting then book in advance. It’s a beautiful spa: a tranquil sanctuary where you can unwind and relax. Our room, number 35, was one of the newly refurbished Signature rooms. A light and airy, contemporary decor with incredible views over the golf course and the conservatory, the room had a lovely new bathroom with a fantastic waterfall shower.
AA Rosette
The restaurant at Budock Vean clearly deserves its AA Rosette. Not only was the food all fresh, locally-grown produce but everything we had was cooked to perfection. Coconut Rice Pudding with caramelised pineapple, tonka beans and a few other ingredients neither of us can remember, was my stand-out favourite. Absolutely scrumptious! Breakfast was a delight too, particularly as we were joined by a playful robin who flew in the French doors behind me!
A nice touch were the tasty canapés in the Bar before dinner. Nonetheless, I have to say the bar was sorely lacking in ambience. It’s not that it wasn’t busy because it was actually pretty full. It’s just that everyone was talking in really hushed tones. I have quite a loud voice and raucous laugh so I had to temper myself a little. But hey, everyone seemed to be having a great time so perhaps it was just me.
The clientele at Budock Vean are definitely on the older side and from what we could gather, many of the guests return time and time again. We heard quite a few people greeting each other like long lost friends. This is without doubt the mark of a truly excellent hotel.
Environment Friendly Budock Vean
From start to finish, our stay at Budock Vean was perfect and hitch-free. The attention to detail you’d expect of a luxury hotel was omnipresent. A touch I really liked was the fact that the gorgeous Elemis toiletries were in large refillable containers. No mini hotel-size bottles here! They always seem so wasteful and not at all environment-friendly so well done to the hotel for doing their bit!
Since we returned home, I’ve mentioned to a few people that we’d stayed in Budock Vean and they couldn’t speak highly enough of the place. Turns out it’s a pretty amazing place for weddings too and the Spa Breaks are second to none. Am saving up already for a spa weekend later in the year – can’t wait!
More Information
- Take a 360 degree interactive tour of Budock Vean – www.budockvean.co.uk/360
- Prices from £73 B&B in standard room, add a four course dinner and coffee at time of booking for just £24
- Traditional cottages and luxury holiday homes also available on site to rent from £470
- Dog friendly
- On site leisure facilities: Golf course, swimming pool, spa, snooker room, tennis, boat trips and guided kayak tours
