Luxury wild swimming: cold plunges and the art of letting go

Sophie Farrah takes the plunge on a luxurious wild swimming break...

As I tentatively approached the ladder into the lake, lifeguard Nathan informed me the water temperature was about four degrees, before adding: “There had been some ice earlier, but it seems to have melted.”

I shuddered, took a deep breath, and began my descent...  

Less than 24-hours earlier, I had been enjoying a very different kind of bathing experience having just checked into South Lodge in Horsham for a stay in one of ‘The Reeds’ – a handful of incredibly luxurious one- and two-bedroom cabins, recently built on the edge of the hotel’s picturesque lake. 

I had been keen to make the most of my swish overnight spa accomodation so had headed out to the spacious terrace, where I sank into the copper bath, conveniently positioned just next to my private infra-red halotherapy sauna. With a glass of chilled local sparkling in hand, I surveyed the lake from the comfort of the blissfully warm bubbles of my tub and pushed the thought of tomorrow’s wild swim firmly to the back of my mind…

Offering a variety of benefits for both mental and physical health, open water swimming has recently surged in popularity. South Lodge’s lake has been a feature of its grounds for years but has only recently been incorporated into the B Corp hotel’s portfolio of wellness experiences.

Both overnight guests and day visitors can now enjoy daily supervised wild swimming sessions in the lake, with the hotel’s multi award-winning 44,000-sq-ft spa just a short stroll away.

Tempted as I was by the scented steam room, I opted instead to prepare myself for my lake swim and headed to the beautifully designed outdoor swimming pool. I only lasted a few minutes in the 14-degree water before galloping into the nearby sauna. How on earth was I going to cope in the lake?  

I tried not to worry too much as I tucked into a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner at the hotel’s chic, dairy-free, zero-waste restaurant, Botanica. 

But all too soon, morning had broken, and the big swim loomed. Wrapped in one of the hotel’s luxurious swim robes, I nervously headed to the lake. 

As an occasional sea swimmer, I own a wetsuit, which I now hastily pulled on. Aforementioned lifeguard, Nathan, also furnished me with a pair of swimming gloves and boots to protect my extremities. I was offered a hat but politely declined when I saw my fellow wild swimmers assembling in just their swimming costumes. 

After signing a lengthy disclaimer, Nathan passed me a bright orange tow float and assured me that there was a flask of hot chocolate waiting for me when I got out. “Remember to breathe,” were his parting words…

I cannot describe how painfully cold the water felt at first, but after the initial shock and a few deep breaths, a sense of calm descended and before I knew it, I was admiring the scenery and revelling in the wonderful feeling of being completely immersed in nature.

I swam past grassy banks, floated beneath towering trees, and chatted with my friendly fellow swimmers, some of whom are members of the self-titled South Lodge ‘Splodgers’ – a group which meets regularly throughout the year to share a swim in the lake. Apparently, the water temperature can get up to 22 degrees in the summer – I make a mental note to return then. 

After what felt like an acceptable amount of time, I got out. And sure enough, Nathan was waiting with my cosy robe and the promised cup of steaming hot chocolate. 

I hurried back to my lodge and spent the next hour de-frosting with the help of the sauna and a brilliant steam shower. Once more back on the terrace, I began unpacking the bountiful breakfast hamper that had been delivered, feeling like a champion after my daring dip in the wild. I felt exhilarated, energised and weirdly, I already wanted to do it all over again. 

I took a bite of toast and gazed out across the lake. I wonder if the Splodgers are looking for new members…

A stay at The Reeds at South Lodge starts from £1,200 per night (spa lodges from £1,400 per night) exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge 

South Lodge is hosting several specialised wild swimming weekends, which include: a full day’s coaching from outdoor swimming expert, Ella Foote; use of the swim kit; a light lunch; overnight accommodation with breakfast, and extended spa access. July 19 and Sept 20, from £645 per room for one, £785 for two.