By Ali Trauttmansdorff (attended the 22-28 July 2023 week)
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS SWIMQUEST HOLIDAY?
The thought of travelling to an quiet island with a group of likeminded people was very attractive to me. Everyday life is so hectic so this seemed like the optimal opportunity to unwind. People think that active holidays are tiring but for me it is quite the opposite. Everything is planned. All you have to do is eat, sleep and swim! Swimming in the sea in a new place is very adventurous. Lots of new elements to experience! Mathraki was the perfect destination – views to several other countries also!
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT ON THE TRIP?
I loved swimming between the two small islands. It was the longest swim, so a challenge, a feeling of being in the middle of the ocean and the task of avoiding the jelly fish!! Only me and my mindset. Plenty time to think and meditate – and stay on course!
WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD?
The Corfu Paradise hotel was simple but wonderful. Giorgios and his team was wonderful. We were so well looked after. He was an excellent sea guide also and kept us safe. We had many wonderful meals and chats together.
We particularly enjoyed the cocktail hour each evening, a new cocktail to try each day (just the one of course!).
WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR TOUR GUIDE/S?
Paul and Dan were wonderful. Really experienced swimmers and a lot of fun to be with! Paul has such a calm and friendly nature and Dan’s advice was really helpful.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT THE TRIP?
That all swimmers are fabulous in their own ways!
DO YOU THINK YOUR SWIMMING OR SWIM CONFIDENCE IMPROVED DURING THE TRIP? HOW?
Yes definitely in the sea. I hadn’t done that much away from the coast.
WHAT WAS THE ‘UNDERWATER WORLD’ LIKE? DID YOU SEE ANY WILDLIFE?
It is unfortunate to see how few fish are now in the Med. A real reminder how we need to look after our world more. The Big Blue was magical with the shafts of light converging together. I was imagining being a freediver!
HAS THIS HOLIDAY CHANGED YOUR SWIM GOALS?
I race a lot so swimming for pure pleasure was a real plus for me. Just a journey and adventure. No pressure.
DID YOU TRAVEL ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? HOW DID YOU FIND IT?
I went with my Partner. It was wonderful to see him improve over the week as he too had little experience in the sea.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE IN THREE WORDS?
Vast, calming and wonderous.
WOULD YOU TRAVEL WITH SWIMQUEST AGAIN ON EITHER THIS OR A DIFFERENT SWIMQUEST TOUR? IF YES, WHERE TAKES YOUR FANCY AND WHY?
I would like to go somewhere more exotic where there are hopefully more fish!
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO BOOK THIS OR A SIMILAR SWIMQUEST HOLIDAY?
Definitely go, it was such a wonderful, life affirming experience. Swimmers are magical!
