LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Imagine a place where elite athletes are your personal trainers, the Aegean Sea glimmers beneath your morning run, and every day pulses with energy, laughter, and inspiration. Welcome to Anda Barut in Didim, Turkey – a five-star sanctuary where fitness, luxury, and Olympian excellence collide. I’ve been lucky enough to experience it twice, and both times felt like stepping into a dream.

The resort’s Wellness Worldwide Club brings the world’s top Olympians directly to you. From Daley Thompson’s infectious humour to Jess Ennis-Hill’s fierce energy, the club offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train, laugh, and learn alongside sporting legends. Past events have featured Paula Radcliffe leading runs, Rebecca Adlington teaching swimming masterclasses, and Max Whitlock leading circuits with boundless enthusiasm. The ethos is simple: connect, move, and be inspired by the very best.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of my visit in 2024 was the incredible beachfront beach circuits camp with Daley Thompson, Denise Lewis, Paula Radcliffe, Colin Jackson, and Jamie Baulch. Arriving at the meeting area, crowds of healthy people milled about, sipping shakes as we waited to start the daily seafront circuits. 2025 kept the same spirit alive, adding the energy of Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Max Whitlock to the mix.

Mornings are a symphony of activity. Start with a brisk run with Paula Radcliffe, a mindful walk with Daley Thompson, or an intense circuit session with Jamie Baulch, Jess Ennis-Hill, and Max Whitlock. Later, dance it out with Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan, flow through yoga with Leon Taylor, or smash it in a boxing session with Jordan from JE Thrive. Every moment is designed to energise your body and lift your spirits -there is no sleepy morning here.

Fitness here isn’t just a side activity -it’s the heartbeat of the resort.

Days begin with the world-class athletes putting us through our paces, squats with Colin and planks with Denise the first year and then HIIT with Jess and Max the next.

Daley, one of the greatest heptatheletes of all time, was the king of the circuits, leading us through stretches and high-intensity interval training (HIT) exercises, all while sharing words of wisdom with a no-nonsense attitude, complemented by a wicked sense of humour. Jamie and Colin brought life to the circuits, joking around and motivating us to our fullest potential. Jamie would interject great humour from dancing to Tina Turner to strutting an air guitar while encouraging us to do burpees, keeping our spirits high with his fabulous motivation. – I loved starting my day with these legends and any time now I feel down I think of thier incredible energy.

From Olympic rowing with Vicky Thornley and Rich Edgington, swimming sessions with Rebecca Adlington, circuits with Denise Lewis and Colin Jackson – the facilities and access are second to none. Yet it’s the conversation, mentorship, and motivation that leave the most profound impression. Every coach, every Olympian, every guest radiates encouragement, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and possibility.

And the luxury? Absolutely decadent. Spacious rooms with walk-in showers, his-and-hers sinks, plush seating areas, and private balconies overlook the glistening pool or Aegean Sea.

Dining is a feast for the senses: Turkish, Italian, Asian, and Mexican restaurants, plus the Zestful Bazaar buffet, where fresh, local ingredients fuel athletes and guests alike. Honey straight from the comb, vibrant rainbow salads, succulent seafood, and Turkish delights -every meal is a celebration of taste and wellness.

At the buffet, I loaded my plate with sushi, avocado, fish, and delicious fruits. I had never seen so many colours on a plate and not a carb in sight, yet I felt wonderfully full and satisfied.

Meeting my Olympic heroes and heroines

The resort itself is a playground for the active and adventurous. Sprawling over 547 rooms and divided into family, mixed, and adult-only zones, it caters to every traveller. Most action happens around the main pool, from aqua-fit sessions with the Olympians to beach volleyball and yoga on floating sunbeds. Step outside to the jetty, inhale the scent of the sea, and watch the Aegean shimmer against the Delice Peninsula -an experience both humbling and exhilarating.

A proud moment for me was seeing my daughter join Strictly Come Dancing star Ian Waite’s Fit Steps class. She went right to the front to dance with a Strictly icon. She got into it immediately and ended up at the front dancing opposite Ian. It was a proud moment seeing her doing what she loves best.

What makes the experience extraordinary is the people. Fellow guests, Olympians, and instructors alike form a supportive, vibrant community. On a return visit, a solo holiday, I felt part of a tribe -laughing, sweating, and celebrating every small victory. The athletes are as inspiring off the mat as on it; accessible, warm, and brimming with stories, they make every interaction memorable. Post-workout chats over Chris Baber’s protein balls and shakes often spark the most fascinating insights into mindset, perseverance, and joy.

To see household names like Paula Radcliffe, Rebecca Adlington, and Jess Ennis-Hill milling about, interacting with everyone, was surreal, but it was off to the next class. With so many activities on offer, from yoga to aquafit and boxing, I wanted to do it all, and the Olympians joined in around the circuit – so there were plenty more interactions.

Being invited to work out with and sit with the Olympians was an absolute dream come true. When I got to chat to legends such as Daley Thompson and Max Whitlock, I was so starstruck I could barely take it in, but they are warm, friendly, and down-to-earth, and extremely approachable.

I had a conversation with Daley Thompson about what it takes to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. He shared some valuable advice for my niece, who is currently competing at the county level in the high jump. This moment was particularly special for me. During our second year, I enjoyed our daily walks with Daley the most. He would lead us through exercises, including climbing up and down steps to raise our heart rates. He made these workouts accessible for everyone, including those with lower fitness levelsbut bags of enthusiasm like myself.

But I was on cloud nine when I had the opportunity to speak with my heroine, Jess Ennis-Hill, who shared some wise words with me, and signed my book, which is my most treasured possession – bought for me by my fiancé in our first Christmas together in 2013, just after her incredible success at London 2012 and we met again in Sheffield that year while she was training. Meeting her in person was truly one of those moments I will never forget and she made me feel at ease despite being incredibly nervous, I mean who isn’t when they meet their idols. She told me: “It’s a tough journey to reach the top, and you need to recognise that you’re going to encounter many setbacks, failures, and injuries. Embracing the trial-and-error process is essential. You have to be resilient. Success doesn’t happen overnight; you must learn how to grow. If you focus on these things, you can achieve great results.”

When I asked about how youngsters can reach the top, she said: “Get involved and start young! I began when I was nine, but it’s never too late to start.”

I chatted with Jamie and Colin, two athletes who go back a long way. Colin was Jamie’s coach, who lifted him into the Olympic medallist club, and it was fascinating to see their banter and camaraderie and how much they welcomed us. Most of all, I reflected on how, as an Olympic silver medallist, Jamie Baulch is an example of someone who faces adversity and works hard to realise their dreams, achieving incredible success while also being a top person. This is an essential life lesson I want my daughter to embrace: always strive to do your very best and surround yourself with winners. As Jamie wisely states, “success breeds success.”

He told me, “The attributes of a champion are sacrifice and pure commitment to attain greatness,” but he has a great sense of humour, kindness and humility too that make him such a fantastic person.

I also chatted to Paula Radcliffe, who told me: “Fitness should be fun, flexible, and for everyone -start small, try new activities, listen to your body, and enjoy being active with family and friends. Returning to the Boston Marathon this year and seeing my daughter Isla complete her first marathon showed me how rewarding running can be. Balance, rest, and exploring your surroundings make staying fit enjoyable at any age.”

The Champions Dinner is unforgettable: sharing sunset cocktails and a sumptuous meal with Olympians, we were fortunate to sit with Olympic legend Rebecca Adlington and her husband Andy, laughter mixing with the gentle Aegean breeze, is pure magic. Earlier in the day, my fiancé John had interviewed her after a swim class. It was incredible to see this Olympic legend at work during the lesson. The class went through their paces and showed them new techniques. Our daughter, who is learning to swim, was in awe as she came to meet her Olympic heroine, as her daddy interviewed her for the local paper.

Beyond Fitness: Family, Food, and Fun

Anda Barut isn’t just about wellness classes; it’s a whole family experience. With luxurious accommodations, multiple pools, spa facilities, and kids’ entertainment, including a fairground, every family member has something to enjoy.

Healthy, diverse dining complements the active lifestyle: protein shakes, fresh juices, and indulgent treats coexist, allowing guests to balance health and pleasure. As Vicky Thornley said, “All the desserts are incredible, but there’s also such a variety of healthy options. You can indulge and still feel good.”

For families, the resort is a wonderland. Adventure parks, 13 thrilling water slides, kids’ clubs, and pools keep little ones entertained, while parents relax, recharge, and even join the fun. The Olympians and Strictly dancers take their children too.

Beyond the resort, Turkey beckons with history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander Bodrum Castle, explore the Temple of Apollo, or visit the classical city of Ephesus. For adventure seekers, Pamukkale’s dazzling white terraces and the Turquoise Coast offer epic landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. Add to that the ethereal beauty of Lake Bafa, and you feel completely in awe of this captivating region of Turkey.

But back at the resort, I also loved gazing out onto the Delice Peninsula whether walking the jetty or sitting in an egg chair, discovering the resort on my own terms, even walking around the perimeter and on the beach was just as amazing.

After all the high-octane energy and exploration, Olympic diver Leon Taylor’s yoga class was exactly what I needed to float back down to earth. The past couple of days had been wonderfully surreal, and his calming presence grounded me in the moment. Leon was incredibly measured and calm, the epitome of an elite athlete whose energy effortlessly translates into stillness. His relaxed vibe helped me process the incredible weekend we’d just experienced, while also giving my aching muscles exactly what they needed. As I stretched back into shape and meditated, I found myself settling into a peaceful headspace—perfect for the journey home.

Why Anda Barut Stands Out

• Professional Guidance: Olympians and expert trainers lead activities suitable for all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids’ clubs, fairgrounds, and inclusive classes let the whole family participate.
• Variety of Activities: Yoga, pilates, aquafit, boot camps, running, circuits, rowing, and Fitsteps.
• Flexible Scheduling: Early morning sessions allow for cooler temperatures and relaxed holiday pacing.
• Nutrition: Healthy, labelled buffet options accommodate dietary needs, from gluten-free to protein-rich meals.
• Luxury and Comfort: Beautiful hotel, pools, spa, and scenic surroundings create a perfect balance of relaxation and activity
  
  Expert Tips from the Olympians

Paula Radcliffe: “Plan your sessions, exercise in the cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and take time to rest.”

Rebecca Adlington: “Find a swimsuit that fits your shape, swim with a friend, and keep your workouts varied. 45 minutes is perfect for most people.”

Jamie Baulch: “Success breeds success. Commit, push through discomfort, and surround yourself with supportive people.”

Jess Ennis-Hill –“Take time to rest and recover with enough sleep and hydration, always warm up and stretch to maintain flexibility, wear well-fitted trainers in good condition, and eat well to support your body and prevent injuries.

Beyond the resort

I fell in love with Turkey, flying into Bodrum with Jet2 the first time and back from Izmir with EasyJet. Both airports are an hour’s drive from the resort. Turkey’s lush green mountains magnetised me as  we drove through beautiful mountains – the true breadbasket of the country – here local honey bees thrive and fresh vegetables grow. There are so many hiking opportunities in this explorers paradise.

Delve into Turkey’s rich past beginning at Bodrum Castle which hails back to the times of the Crusaders, and is dominated by impressive towers, a chapel and Turkish Baths or at Bodrum Amphitheatre which was built back in the Hellenic period. During our visit, we wandered through the ruins of the ancient Temple of Apollo in amazement. There is so much history in this region to get to grips with. Explorers can extend their stay and drive around the beautiful country. In Izmir, you can access Ephesus is a perfectly preserved classical city, built in 1,000BC and dedicated to the huntress Artemis. Farther afield is the charming Lake Bafa and five hours away,  access the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale and boat trips down the Turquoise coast.

But the true star of the show was founder of the event Cheryl Hicks the mastermind and engine behind the The Wellness Worldwide event. She has organised a superb event for two years in a row and created something truly special. Cheryl concieved, planned and executed both events and continues to do so worldwide. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity from Cheryl and Jamie who are wonderful human beings and the perfect couple.

Wellness Worldwide will take to the mountains next at The Brecon, Adelboden, on June 17 2026 – join Becky Adlington, Colin Jackson, Paula Radcliffe, Sarah Storey, Leon Taylor and Jamie Baulch for inspiring movement and mindful recovery.