Budock Vean Hotel and Golf Course – located at the head of the Helford River in West Cornwall have announced Darryl Reburn as their new General Manager. Reburn – who was formerly Managing Director at 5* Headland Hotel – has already unveiled a new spa partnership with GAIA Skincare and an inclusive dog-friendly policy for all bedroom accommodation (excluding suites) cottages and holiday homes. The changes form part of a series of planned improvements following the hotels’ purchase by the Philema Hospitality Group in December 2024.
Set in 65 acres of sub-tropical gardens and woodlands, Budock Vean comprises of a 50-room hotel, 3 contemporary holiday homes and 4 traditional cottages – along with a restaurant reputed for its use of locally sourced Cornish produce. Additional facilities include a natural health spa, indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor hot tub overlooking the golf course and woodland, 9 hole/18-tee golf course, croquet lawn, snooker room and tennis courts. Boating, kayaking and paddle-boarding are all also available from their private cove.
General Manager Darryl Reburn commented on his appointment: “I’m delighted to be named as the new GM at Budock Vean – not only is it in a fantastic location, but the venue which dates back to 1538 offers fantastic accommodation, facilities and a team who are excited to embrace the changes. We look forward to announcing so many more exciting updates in the months ahead”
Managing Director Laura Cameron added: “We are delighted to welcome Darryl Reburn as the new General Manager of Budock Vean Hotel. With his extensive experience in luxury hospitality and his passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, Darryl is the perfect fit to lead our team into this exciting new chapter. Having recently acquired the hotel, we are committed to upholding its renowned standards while seeking new opportunities for enhancement and growth. With Darryl’s leadership, we look forward to building on Budock Vean’s outstanding reputation and taking it to even greater heights.”
The Spa features 3 treatment rooms, a nail bar and dedicated lounge and now offers the full GAIA range of bespoke treatments, journeys and rituals including signature experiences such as; GAIA Raindrop Therapy (60/120mins) – a full body massage using the purest essential oils delivered as droplets to the back, spine and feet, followed by a nurturing body and scalp massage. GAIA Mud Cocoon (90mins) – an indulgent treatment using a sea salt exfoliation and natural mud and clay mask for body, face and scalp, followed by an awakening body cream. GAIA Yoga Lifting Facial (90mins) – a stimulating facial workout using advanced lifting massage and lymphatic drainage techniques to increase muscle tone and volume, creating tauter skin with more definition.
The Golf Course was originally designed in the 1920’s by legendary Scottish golfer and 5 times Open Winner, James Braid. The challenging 9 hole/18 tee golf course is set in mature parkland, with climatic conditions so mild that the course plays exceptionally well all year round.
In 1936, the writer Virginia Woolf stayed at the hotel and, in a letter to her nephew, complimented the area’s unspoilt bays.
The River & Gardens: The Helford river forms a central pillar of life at Budock Vean with guests invited to relax on sun loungers dotted along the hotel’s private cove, or take a guided Frenchman’s Creek tour directly from the foreshore by kayak or paddleboard with partners Koru Kayaking. Those preferring a drier and less energetic excursion can board the ‘Hannah Molly’ – a 19ft open boat skippered by Helford River Cruises.
Budock Vean’s gardens – which extend to almost 32 acres, incorporating woodland, valley gardens and ponds, have been managed organically since 2003. Over 350,000 new plants have been introduced, most of which were propagated on site in the nursery. The design is based on a mix of the classic Cornish gardens and country landscape, with inspiration taken from many of the great Cornish gardens and elements of the surrounding countryside.
Prices: £160 per night per couple including full Cornish breakfast
Website: www.budockvean.co.uk
