SAVE ME FROM THE WAVES: THE ADVENTURE RETREAT

Dates: 10-16 May 2025
Price: from £1,749pp
You may also like Save Me from the Waves Adventure Retreat, Scotland December 1-4 2025

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE? JOIN US FOR A UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE WEEK-LONG RETREAT ON THE MAGICAL ISLAND OF FORMENTERA.

Would you like to go on an adventure? Do you feel like you need saving from the waves? Are you living the biggest, bravest, most beautiful life you can? If any of these questions resonate then join us on the idyllic island of Formentera (Ibiza's lesser-known little sister) for a new and unique Adventure Retreat week. Hosted by Jessica Hepburn - award-winning Author, Arts Producer and Adventure Activist, and Alice Todd - Co-Founder of SwimQuest - we promise you an unforgettable experience. It might just change your life.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This week is designed to be an adventure in itself. Part creative journey, part adventure challenge, part soulful wellness retreat - it won’t be like anything you’ve done before or will do anywhere else. Set on Formentera - the smallest and most laid back of all the Balearic islands - imagine crystal clear waters with white sandy beaches backed by dunes and pine forests. But also think sangria sundowners, padron peppers and paella suppers.

The week has been carefully curated to include a combination of inspiring activities that will take you on a joyful journey into nature, as well as into your own creative heart and soul. By the end of the week our aim is that you feel like you've been part of an experience that has been profoundly enriching; that you have challenged yourself and met that challenge with love; and that maybe you've got to know yourself a bit better and feel inspired to go on your next adventure in life.

Each day there will be a different swim and/or walk adventure from sunrise dips to starlit strolls. We will climb up to the stunning La Mola Lighthouse situated on the highest point of the island (don't worry it's only 200 metres high!) and walk its long stretches of sandy beaches in search of secret hidden swimming coves. Everyday there will also be a period of rest and reflection which you can spend as you wish - take your pick from a gentle restorative movement with regenerative writing led by yoga teacher and health coach Caroline Stafford; to a massage at the hotel. We believe that down time on your own is as important as activities with other people - and we hope to create the perfect environment for both.

There will also be a series of inspirational talks and workshops led by Jessica Hepburn and Alice Todd (see the itinerary for more details).  And Tuesday is designated as our 'Adventure Challenge Day'. The goal of this is to choose an adventure which will stretch you and make your sundowner taste extra special. We will discuss this in detail during the retreat and there will be a selection of options on offer but the key thing to know now is that you choose your own challenge, not us! Then on the final day there will be the Retreat 'Pièce de Résistance': 'The Save Me from the Waves Soiree' inspired by Jessica's latest book which will explore the music who made you who you are, and encourage you to write your life in a list-of-love. Intrigued? Excited? All will be revealed - if you join us in Formentera next May.

ABOUT JESSICA HEPBURN

Save Me from the Waves - The Adventure Retreat, Formentera is devised and hosted by unlikely athlete turned record-breaking alternative adventurer Jessica Hepburn. In 2022, aged 51, Jessica became the first woman in the world to complete the ‘Sea Street Summit Challenge’ (swim the English Channel, run a road marathon, and climb Mount Everest). This journey followed a dark and difficult time in her life. She is now a champion of the physical and mental health benefits of all kinds of adventure, and an official Ambassador for #AdventureMind. She is the author of three books - The Pursuit of Motherhood; 21 Miles (which is in part set on Formentera where she trained for the English Channel with SwimQuest). And her new third book published in 2024 Save Me from the Waves which is about her journey to the top of the world fuelled by listening to every episode of her favourite radio programme Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Jessica is also the former Chief Executive of London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and founder of the international arts festival Fertility Fest. Read more about Jessica here.

ABOUT ALICE TODD

Alice is the co-founder of SwimQuest Holidays and has dedicated the last 10 years of her life to sharing the magical and transformative nature of open water swimming with guests from all over the world. Creative to the core, Alice has been instrumental in creating a unique platform that blends adventure, fitness, and personal growth - helping guests conquer fears, improve technique, and connect with nature in a profound way. Beyond SwimQuest - Alice is also a swimmer, runner, cyclist, DJ, artist, poet and mum of twin boys and two Siberian husky girls. Alice’s mission is to live life in full colour and inspire others to do the same.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

This trip is suitable for all sporty and arty ability levels. There will be swimming, adapted to all abilities (although if you are not comfortable swimming more than 100m in any stroke, please contact us before booking). There will be walking of various distances (generally between 1-3 hours). There will be creative activities (no skill or experience needed or pressure to share). There will be group activities but also time on your own to rest and relax. All activities are optional and will be governed by personal choice. Please come with a sense of adventure, a love of nature and the arts, a good appetite, suncream, and feeling open to being inspired - and you won't be disappointed.

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Sea temperature:  approx 17-19˚C
  • Swimming distances: adapted to suit
  • Walking distance: between 1-3 hours (although options provided if you can't / don't want to walk this far)
  • Swimming ability: This location is suitable for all ability levels
  • Are non-swimmers welcome? Absolutely – non-swimmers are welcome to join the tour and take advantage of the itinerary, all swims are optional.
  • Start and finish: Check in 3pm, check out 10am

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Accommodation at the Roca Bella hotel, based on a twin share room (sole use supplements available)
  • Swimming, fully supervised by swim guides
  • All talks and seminars
  • Breakfasts and lunches
  • SwimQuest swim cap and poncho
  • Transfer to / from hotel
  • All transport to and from activities during the week
  • VAT
  • ABTOT Financial Protection

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

  • Travel to and from Formentera (see Getting There tab for details - we will pick you up from Formentera harbour)
  • Wetsuits and fins (if required)
  • Evening meals
  • Single room supplement should you wish to have your own private room
  • Additional activities not included on the itinerary (e.g massages)

HOTEL ROCA BELLA

On this tour, you will stay in the friendly Hotel Roca Bella, situated on the beach of Es Pujols, moments away from crystal waters and Pujols town. Standard Rooms are allocated on a twin share basis. If you wish, you can choose sole occupancy, or upgrade to a Superior Room (only available as sole occupancy or double share), subject to availability.Roca Bella Formentera

STANDARD TWIN ROOM (SHARING PLACE)

Standard Twin Room Roca Bella £1,749pp  - Standard rooms are simple but comfortable. They all have a terrace and sea view.  There is the possibility to rent a fridge (to pay directly at the reception).

STANDARD TWIN ROOM (SOLE OCCUPANCY)

Standard Twin Room Roca Bella £1,849pp - if you would like your own private Standard room, a sole occupancy supplement of £100 will be added to your booking.

SUPERIOR ROOM UPGRADE (DOUBLE SHARE)

If you are travelling with a partner and would like a double share room, you may wish to upgrade your double share room to a Superior for an extra £200pp (Please note: these rooms do not offer a twin share set up so it is based on double share). Superior Rooms are located in the newer building of the hotel and are more recently renovated. All have a terrace with a sea view.

SUPERIOR ROOM UPGRADE (SOLE OCCUPANCY)

£2,049 - if you would like your own private Superior room, you can upgrade for an additional £200.

SATURDAY

  • Check in
  • 4pm: Retreat Welcome Briefing and Introductions
  • 5.30pm: Acclimatisation Swim, Es Pujols Beach
  • 7pm: Sundowners then Supper

SUNDAY 

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 9.30am: Inspirational Talk: 'The Power of Adventure to Change Your Life' by Jessica Hepburn
  • 11.30am: Walk & Swim - award-winning Playa de Illetes Beach including packed lunch
  • 2.30pm: Afternoon Rest & Reflection including optional restorative movement session
  • 6.30pm: Adventure Introductions
  • 8pm: Supper

MONDAY

  • Sunrise Stretch & Dip (Optional)
  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 9am - 11am: 'Your Shit is Your Superpower Workshop, Part 1'
  • 11.30am: Adventure Walk
  • 1pm: Lunch
  • 2pm - 4pm: 'Your Shit is Your Superpower Workshop, Part 2'
  • 4.30pm: Adventure Swim
  • 7.30pm: Sundowners then Supper

TUESDAY

The Save Me from the Waves Adventure Challenge Day (NB. We will design the adventure challenge together on the retreat but the aim is to choose something where everyone is 'stretched' in a way that feels right for you and will make our sundowners taste extra special). All timings TBC. Includes breakfast and packed lunch. In the evening we will meet for sundowners and supper.

WEDNESDAY

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • 10am: Inspirational Talk 'Colour Your Adventure' by Alice Todd
  • 12.30pm: Lunch
  • 1.30pm: Afternoon Rest & Reflection
  • 4pm: La Mola Market
  • 6pm: Sundowner Swim & Stroll
  • 8pm: Supper

THURSDAY

  • Sunrise Swim & Stretch (Optional)
  • 8am Breakfast
  • 9.30am: Walk & Swim
  • 1pm: Lunch
  • 2pm: Rest & Reflection including optional restorative movement session
  • 6pm: The Save Me from the Waves Soiree including Sundowners & Supper

FRIDAY

  • 7.30am: Breakfast & Closing Circle
  • Departures

ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Restorative Movement Sessions
  • Health Coaching Sessions
  • Massage
  • And more

TRAVEL TO FORMENTERA

TRIP START / FINISH TIMES

  • We will meet at 5pm on Saturday for introductions and briefing. We suggest arriving in Formentera at around 3pm to give you time to check into your room and settle in before the briefing. SwimQuest head office will ask for your travel times pre tour so that our swim guides can pick you up from Formentera harbour and take you to the hotel.
  • The trip finishes after a sunrise swim and breakfast on Friday morning. Check out is at 10am. Please note, your swim guides will travel back to Ibiza on Friday morning so if you are staying on the island post checkout you may need to book a taxi back to Formentera harbour - the hotel reception can help you with this.

FLY TO IBIZA

Flying into Ibiza SwimQuestFly to Ibiza and then jump in a taxi from the airport to Ibiza harbour to get the ferry to Formentera (please budget approx. €15-20 for this taxi journey.) Taxis are regular just outside the airport. Tell the taxi driver you are going to get a ferry to Formentera and he / she will drop you off by the Formentera ticket kiosks. For the cheapest flight options, have a look at www.skyscanner.co.uk. If you would prefer to arrive a day early, we would recommend the cheap but friendly and comfortable Hotel el Puerto in Ibiza town, close to the ferry port.

FERRY FROM IBIZA TO FORMENTERA

There are a number of ferry companies offering a regular service (approx. every 30 minutes) from Ibiza to Formentera and back. Trasmappi, Balearia and Mediterranea–Pitiusa are popular options, cost the same and take the same amount of time (approx. 30 minute crossing). There is no need to buy a ticket in advance. Hint – when you buy a return ticket, it is worth checking that your return ferry journey allows you sufficient time to get to the airport, as you cannot transfer your ticket to another ferry provider and will have to purchase an additional single fare.

AN EXTRA NIGHT IN IBIZA TOWN?

RECOMMENDED IN IBIZA TOWN: 

Hotel  el Puerto in Ibiza town is friendly and comfortable, and just a 2 minute walk from the ferry port should you need to arrive a day early / leave a day later. Please feel free to book a room through Lourdes in their reservations team. Tell them you are booking through SwimQuest and you can claim a 10% discount.
HOTEL CONTACT:
CALLE CARLOS III, Nº 24. 07800 IBIZA // Contact number:  +44(20)37693446   // Website: www.ibizaelpuerto.com

WHAT DO I PACK?

  • At least two swimming costumes
  • Wetsuit - optional
  • Rashvest - optional - available from our online shop here
  • Tow float - required - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
  • Swim goggles
  • Sandals/aqua shoes/flip flops – for getting wet
  • Fleece or warm jumper, tracksuit trousers/sweat pants - bring items that are easy to get on after swimming
  • DryRobe - optional
  • Towel(s) although the hotel provide bath towels for in-hotel us
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Comfortable walking clothes - layers are good
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable clothes for stretching / yoga type activities
  • Casual clothes for the days and evenings and something that makes you feel a little special for our 'Save Me From The Waves Soiree'
  • Small daypack/rucksack to use for your personal equipment/clothing during the day
  • Earphones - if you have them
  • Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent & bite relief
  • Travel insurance

HOLIDAY READING SUGGESTIONS

There's nothing better than packing a book to suit your holiday location! Jessica has kindly put together some suggested 'Swimspiration' for Formentera here.

READY TO BOOK?

We’re excited about meeting you on tour. To book your trip, simply click 'BOOK NOW' for your chosen trip below. A deposit of 30% is required to secure your place, and the final payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by bank transfer. If you are not yet ready to book and require more information, please click 'ENQUIRE'. Once you have complete the form, Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch to help you with any additional requirements.

SAVE ME FROM THE WAVES | 10-16 MAY 2025 | BOOK NOW | ENQUIRE

SwimQuest ABTOT MembersIn booking with us, you accept our terms and conditions, which can be found here. If at any point you have any questions, feel free to contact us:

Travel Insurance

As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities.

Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim.

Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.

If you are travelling from the US or another country, we suggest you use a travel insurance comparison site based in your own country in order to decide on a suitable policy.

You can find more information on our Insurance page.

Columbus Direct offers three levels of cover Bronze, Silver and Gold, with differing levels of emergency medical, cancellation and baggage so you can choose the cover to suit your needs. All levels of cover include over 150 sports and activities covered as standard including open water swimming within 12 miles of shore (you will not be swimming more than 12 miles away from the shore on SwimQuest Holidays).

You will also benefit from free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for 1hr or more*. Optional cover is available including Gadget, Winter Sports and Cruise, along with cover for many pre-existing medical conditions subject to online screening.  Columbus Direct offer single trip cover up to 85 years old and annual multi trip cover up to 74 years old.

*The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four additional travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay service. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for their flight. View terms and conditions here