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

Metro

3 days 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.
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'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.
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