WHILE many people at the age of 91 of taking it easy, one hotelier and yachtsman has had a busy year.

Ted Barlow is chairman of Budock Vean Hotel and, having helped his son Martin navigate Covid-19, is now back on the water at the helm of his 34ft yacht, Intrepid.

As Budock Vean chairman and an active company director, Ted spends his free time out on the hotel’s golf course, sailing his boat, or playing bridge, albeit digitally in these ‘new normal’ days.

A hotelier with over 60 years under his belt, 33 of which have been at Budock Vean, Ted is living proof that wisdom is the daughter of experience.

Martin said: “Dad’s help and support have been wonderful as I developed detailed plans that allowed us to first reopen the golf course and tennis courts, then the hotel and our holiday homes and lodges and finally our spa, pool and brand new hot tub, fully adapting every aspect of our operations,."

Martin, who quietly marked the 20th anniversary of his own stewardship at Budock Vean this June, has worked tirelessly with the hotel teams to reopen to guests this June.

He said: “It’s testament to the fact that we all know each other so well and have absolutely pulled together to make the current situation work. People can still come to this beautiful part of Cornwall and enjoy their holidays knowing that everything has been thought out in minute detail."

Since reopening bookings have flooded in, with a mixture of familiar faces and new guests enjoying holidays at the hotel, with the holiday cottages and self-catering accommodation now sold out until November.

“People are responding very positively to the delicate balance we have struck between following government safety guidelines, going above and beyond in terms of extra layers of cleansing and disinfecting, PPE and distancing, whilst retaining the calm and peaceful atmosphere and the very highest standards of service – the key elements that makes the Budock Vean so special.

"Our teams have responded magnificently to the challenge that Covid-19 has presented. I am very proud of every single one of them," said Martin.

Ted continues to mark his 33rd year at Budock Vean with more sailing, golf, walking by the Helford River and enjoying spending time at the hotel and its beautiful grounds.

“33 years are usually marked by Amethyst, the ‘wisdom stone’,” said Martin.

“Ted’s wisdom has proved to be worth more than its weight in gold during this strangest of years.”