LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Just before the 2024 Paris Olympics, a five star hotel burst onto the market with an Olympic fanfare worthy of any opening ceremony and the following year they returned cementing this event into the calendar at this epic resort.

Anda Barut is a hotel like no other, featuring 547 stylish rooms and suites, along with 13 beautifully appointed Bayou villas. Accommodation is spread across three zones – one for families, one for adults and a mixed area.

For two years in a row, an epic wellness event hosted by Cheryl Hicks of Wellness Worldwide has seen guests interact with some of Britain’s sporting world’s most celebrated heroes and heroines opened this incredible 150 million Euro resort.

It was a holiday of a lifetime as I donned my Wellicious activewear for a daily run with marathon legend Paula Radcliffe.

I ended up lagging at the back to save some energy for circuits with one of the greatest decathletes of all time Daley Thompson, heptathlete Denise Lewis, hurdler Colin Jackson and sprinter Jamie Baulch – all before breakfast.

The event was so successful that the next year legendary Jessica Ennis-Hill and Max Whitlock arrived. You couldn’t ask for more motivation to start your day- their energy was infectious. And Nitro – Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also joined the party too.

It was clear my fitness was not as good as it could have been, so the following year I got involved in the walks, which with Daley in charge turned into HIIT workouts on the steps, but being around the Olympians made me so much more determined to work on my fitness.

After the session Chris Baber was offering his incredible protein balls and shakes or you could indulge in breakfast at Zestful Bazaar which is really is the food of champions. Whether its honey from the hive to fresh salmon or omelettes and freshly squeezed juices and cereals and pastries – is really something for everyone.

After breakfast I burned off some calories with JE Thrive’s boxing classes and then shimmied onto the dancefloor for Ian Waite’s Fit Steps. The Olympians all joined in, it was a magical experience.

Other days I headed down to the beach to see Olympians Vicky Thornley and Rich Egington teach the Olympians some rowing. on the Aegean Sea.

Lunch back at Zestful Bazaar and the counters were filled with rainbow salads, fresh fish and salads, so much choice. And you can also book one of the dozen delicious restaurants too.

Afternoons were for lazing by the pool. But the highlight was actually getting some swimming lessons with Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington, who taught my fiance and inspired my young daughter too.

And my favourite time of the day was yoga with Leon Taylor before getting ready for the evening entertainment.

A cocktail party where you can mingle with the Olympians. I was able to listen to Colin Jackson’s anecdotes and get to know Paula Radcliffe a bit more, it was an incredible experience.

The Champions Dinner is a highlight of a holiday with Wellness Worldwide, where you can dine with your heroes and heroines.

We sat and ate with Rebecca Adlington and her husband Andy Parsons and it was an incredible experience. On another table Colin Jackson and Denise Lewis entertained guests and the Strictly dancers were on another.

Seeing all the Olympians relax and unwind was magical – despite their greatness , they are just like me and you. Daley Thompson has a wicked sense of humour, Jamie Baulch is one of the friendliest people you could meet and Paula is really kind and caring. I loved Leon’s calm demeanour and his focus too. The night I was invited to dine with these legends was a night I will always remember.

As well as Olympians, the Wellness retreat also includes Strictly Dancers such as James and Ola Jordan and our dancing mad daughter loved joining in to their classes.

Jordan and Ellie from JE Thrive were also incredible, with their infectious aquafit classes that got everyone in the pool.

Each night top acts performed on the main stage and the spa at the hotel is incredible. The first time I was fortunate enough to be able to bring my family and the second time I joined the group as a single, and I enjoyed both events equally.