logo
I trained with Olympians at a luxury resort — it wasn't what I expected

I trained with Olympians at a luxury resort — it wasn't what I expected

Metro10 hours ago

I've woken up in Turkey with the blazing sun giving me a false sense of hope. I won't be grabbing a flamingo floaty and wearing a bikini.
Instead, I'm in workout clothes to begin four days of gruelling training with Olympic champions at the ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive Anda Barut resort in Didim, on western Turkey's Aegean coast.
Can these decorated sporting giants whip me into shape?
They'll certainly deserve a medal for trying.
I ease into the week with a walk alongside former decathlete Daley Thompson. We chat as we stroll just outside the grounds of the hotel, feeling dwarfed by its size — and the challenges that await me over the next seven days.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
'I am slowing down because I used to do all the running,' Daley laughs as Paula Radcliffe's running group sprints past us. I make a mental note that, in a day or two, that will be me.
Now that my legs are stretched, I'm feeling ready for my next class: Fitsteps with Ian Waite.
A Strictly pro I am not, but I've always thought of myself as a good dancer. However, I was truly humbled after doing the Samba Whisk to Olly Murs for 45 minutes. I have a newfound appreciation of ballroom dancers.
With all that moving and shaking, it's time for a refreshing iced vanilla latte with a sea view, but my moment of calm is interrupted by the booming voice of JE Thrive hosting their boxercise class nearby.
Hearing what I'm going to be in for has put the fear of God into me, but I will rise to the challenge when the time comes.
For now, I'm getting myself ready for a yoga class with the charming Leon Taylor. I've never quite managed to master the crow pose, but with Leon on my side, I have hope.
I'm not perfect, but I feel like I'm getting the hang of it and, honestly, it's quite satisfying looking to my left and seeing the accomplished James Jordan struggling to keep his balance as a tree.
With day one over, it's time to enjoy a dreamy dinner at the beachfront Mansion restaurant, but it'll be an early night as tomorrow, I'll be taking on the 5km run I've been dreading.
It's only 8am, but it already feels like it's 30 degrees, and I'm concerned about how long I'm going to last in this heat; the Gate of Sun meeting point makes sense, now.
I start strong up front with sprinters Paula Radcliffe and Dame Jessica, but it doesn't take long for me to fall back as we run around the bay of the Delice Peninsula.
The blazing heat is getting the best of me, but I make it back to camp surprised at how much I genuinely enjoyed putting myself through a new challenge.
I'm struggling to breathe, so it's time to stop and refuel on post-workout shakes and snacks with Chris Baber. The protein blueberry and chia smoothie goes down a treat.
My action-packed morning continues with James and Ola Jordan's Dance Shred in the outdoor fitness space. Their class works every part of my core, and by the end, I'm starting to feel the burn, which can only be a good thing, I think.
In the evening, I attend a glamorous cocktail party, dine with the athletes at the generous Zestful Bazaar buffet and manage to catch up with other retreaters, many of whom are regular guests on 'body' holidays.
It's inspiring that some of them are twice my age, and I think, if they can do it, I can too.
I slept like a baby, but every muscle in my body is on fire. Even sitting down makes me wince. Still, I'm not stopping now, and on the schedule this morning is the Sea Front Circuits. How bad could they be?
'I'm going to f**k you up,' Thompson barks at the large group of us standing in a huge circle at the Gate of Sun overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Hundreds of sit-ups later, it's punishing, but the Sea Front Circuits have been my favourite activity so far. It feels like a warped school sports day for adults.
At this point, I need some inspiration and ask Dame Jessica if she can share some wisdom.
'I'm more of a speed-based athlete, so the endurance side can be quite challenging,' she reassures me. 'Some people play a 5k down, but actually it's a hard distance. The key is just to build it up naturally.
'Be kind to yourself. Recovery and listening to your body are important.'
With her words of encouragement, I'm all pumped up to attempt boxercise for the first time, undeterred from overhearing JE Thrive on day one.
I give it my best shot and surprise myself with my strength as I channel Rocky Balboa.
Sore from boxing, dancing, running and circuit-training, I dedicate the rest of the day to recovery, taking on board Dame Jessica's advice with the gorgeous surroundings of Anda Barut my playground — a grilled sea bream fillet at the Fish Camp is coming right up.
It's my final day at Anda Barut, so I take it easy with one last yoga class and finally enjoy the highly-recommended spa while reflecting on all I've experienced over the past few days.
I never thought I could enjoy working out as much as I have in Turkey, but perhaps the most shocking part is how welcoming everyone has been at the retreat. I've stumbled across the most supportive community.
Is four days of training enough to change your whole outlook?
In my case, yes, because it was a total shock to the system. It was humbling to meet these greats of sports, and their words of encouragement and golden tips will stay with me forever. More Trending
Yes, it was exhausting and daunting. At times, it was painful. But it has changed my attitude towards healthy eating and keeping fit. Now, I want to exercise, rather than feeling like I have to.
You never know if a holiday romance is legit until you leave the resort bubble and get back home.
Well, I think this one is the real deal because, not long after I land, I sign up for my local Parkrun. Wellness Week has certainly changed my perspective on fitness, and I'm not mad at it at all.
The closest airport to Anda Barut is Bodrum. Direct flights run from the UK, from London, Liverpool, Bristol and Manchester, with prices starting from £89 return in July.
Alicia Adejobi was a guest of Anda Barut Collection and the Bayou Villas. For more information on Wellness Week 2026, visit their website.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: The underrated Swiss lake town that's like Como without the crowds
MORE: I visited the 'Santorini of Tunisia' with cool coffee shops, local art and flights from £76
MORE: I travelled Uzbekistan before it was 'cool' — go before everyone else does

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Andy Murray apologises for ‘diabolical' state of his tennis at Queen's ceremony
Andy Murray apologises for ‘diabolical' state of his tennis at Queen's ceremony

North Wales Chronicle

time2 hours ago

  • North Wales Chronicle

Andy Murray apologises for ‘diabolical' state of his tennis at Queen's ceremony

Centre court was officially inaugurated as the Andy Murray Arena on Monday ahead of the venue's new WTA 500 event, the first time the west London venue has hosted women's tennis in 52 years. Retired three-time grand slam winner Murray, a long-time champion of the women's game, won the HSBC Championships singles title five times at Queen's, most recently in 2016. He's here and he's perfect 🤗@andy_murray unveils the Andy Murray Arena at The Queen's Club #HSBCChampionships — HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 9, 2025 'My tennis is diabolical, apologies for what you are about to witness,' said the 38-year-old before pairing up with Gloria, 10, for the ceremonial two-round rally against Laura Robson, who won an Olympic silver medal alongside Murray in 2012, and Jay, 7. The 38-year-old announced before last summer's Olympic Games in Paris he would bid farewell at Roland Garros and, after opting to withdraw from the singles competition – a title he had won in 2012 and 2016 – Murray bowed out with a 6-2 6-4 defeat alongside Dan Evans. 'I've obviously missed being out here,' he said. 'It's the first time, obviously, not being involved in a grass court season for a while, but I've got a new life now and I'm enjoying being away from the sport a little bit.' Murray, whose biography on X reads 'I played tennis. I now play golf', also provided an update on his new sporting pursuit. He said: 'I was playing at the club championships yesterday at my local club. I was in my final group on the last day and didn't quite manage to get it done. Unfortunately, I was tied second going into the final day, but didn't get it done. 'But I'll come back next year and try again. But playing a bit of golf, enjoying that, and spending as much time with the family and kids as I can.' The Scotsman also revealed he has a special connection to this event – he was coached as a 12 and 13-year-old by Russian Olga Morozova, the last women's singles winner here in 1973. 'I think it's brilliant,' said Murray, when asked about the return of women's tennis to Queen's. 'This court has had many great matches on it. I think it's a great chance for women to showcase themselves out there.' Some things just look right…😍☀️ Honouring our greatest ever champion, Sir @andy_murray #HSBCChampionships | @QueensTennis — LTA (@the_LTA) June 8, 2025 The former world number one first competed in the main draw at Queen's as an 18-year-old and for the last time last season before retiring in Paris. He also claimed the doubles trophy in 2019 alongside Feliciano Lopez. Murray added: 'This tournament has so many special moments for me. It's the place where I won my first match on the ATP Tour, it's my most successful event. 'Coming back here at the start of the British summer and I'm very proud of the results I have here. 'I'm very grateful and thankful for whoever it was who decided to name the stadium this way. I hope there's lots of great matches and you all enjoy the tennis.'

HMS Dragon sailors set to come to Wrexham this week
HMS Dragon sailors set to come to Wrexham this week

Leader Live

time2 hours ago

  • Leader Live

HMS Dragon sailors set to come to Wrexham this week

Friday (June 13), will see crew members of the Royal Navy vessell celebrate their Freedom of the City for the first time, after they were granted the honour last December. In doing so, HMS Dragon joined Wrexham Football Club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Royal Welsh (formerly the Royal Welch Fusiliers), North Wales Police double Olympic gold medal-winning rower Tom James and former Prime Minister David Lloyd George among those honoured with the Freedom of the County Borough. The sailors will arrive onto Llwyn Isaf green (outside the Guildhall) at 10.40am, before marching through the city centre. The ship is the first since the Second World War to be affiliated with Wrexham, and the partnership was sealed at a ceremony in Portsmouth back in April 2024. TOP STORIES TODAY The ship is one of the Royal Navy's advanced Type 45 air defence destroyers, and is instantly recognisable with her roaring Welsh Dragons emblazoned across her bows. North Wales Police have warned that there will likely be 'disruption' to parking in the city centre during the event on Friday. There will be a small number of road closures for a short period as a result, and access into and out of the Library and Waterworld car parks will be limited. Further details including timings and locations will be published later this week.

NI sporting hero Daniel Wiffen ‘really proud' to donate £25k Olympic fund to former Armagh school
NI sporting hero Daniel Wiffen ‘really proud' to donate £25k Olympic fund to former Armagh school

Belfast Telegraph

time2 hours ago

  • Belfast Telegraph

NI sporting hero Daniel Wiffen ‘really proud' to donate £25k Olympic fund to former Armagh school

The swimmer (23) made history last July after becoming the first Northern Ireland athlete to win an individual gold medal since 1972. He won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1,500m freestyle for Team Ireland in the French capital. Sharing photos as he returned to old school St Patrick's Grammar in Armagh, the athlete was pictured with current pupils at the school and the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin. In a post on social media, Wiffen said: 'From Armagh to Paris and back again. 'Really proud to donate my full £25,000 Olympic Legacy fund to St Patrick's Grammar School Armagh – the school that believed in me from the very beginning. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. "Their support meant everything on my journey to becoming an Olympic Champion 'When I heard about the Legacy of Paris programme, I knew straight away where the funding should go. The school had plans for a new gym to support local athletes, but funding was a challenge. This donation helped bring that vision to life. News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025 'It was a special moment to return with my brothers Nathan Wiffen and Ben Wiffen to open the new facility – one that will inspire future swimmers, GAA stars, hurlers, hoopers and more 'Massive thanks to Mr Clarke, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the whole school community for the warm welcome and continued belief. 'Legacy isn't just about medals — it's about giving others the chance to dream too.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store