Gold medal getaway with Wellness Worldwide Club

For fitness fans, the chance to train with some of the UK’s most celebrated Olympians is a dream come true – Donna Richardson enjoyed this once in a lifetime, twice

In 2024, just before the Paris Olympics, some of the biggest names in sporting history descended on Didim, Turkey to open the five-star Anda Barut. Among them were greats including Daley Thompson, Rebecca Adlington, Denise Lewis, Colin Jackson, Paula Radcliffe, and Jamie Baulch.

I was granted access to them on a press trip courtesy of Wellness Worldwide Club – a movement that partners with five-star hotels to bring elite-level sport to travellers, offering the chance for us mere mortals to train alongside the very best. It was an experience that turned out to be life changing. If that wasn’t enough, in 2025, I was lucky enough to do it all again, for a series of fascinating interviews for Women’s Fitness. Most of the 2024 team returned, and were joined by Jess Ennis-Hill and Max Whitlock.

Wellness Worldwide Club is an initiative by Cheryl Hicks designed to create the ultimate in sporting experiences. And it works, allowing you to cross paths with Olympians and getting to know them up close and personal. To give you an idea: Daley Thompson is an absolute joy, and I’ll never forget my ‘Daily walks with Daley’. When we first met in 2024, I was immediately taken by his wicked sense of humour – the following year he was fresh from Celebrity Big Brother, and hadn’t changed a bit. Meanwhile, Paula Radcliffe and I swapped stories about my home town Loughborough, where she also used to live. You really do get exclusive access to sporting icons. But it’s not just that – they’re here to help you achieve your goals.

Learning from the greats

110 metre Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill is of course a true legend, and finally meeting her in person at Anda Barut was a dream come true. An absolute highlight of my experience were my regular circuits with Ennis-Hill, Jamie Baulch, Colin Jackson, and Max Whitlock among others. You start learning from minute-one with athletes of this calibre, totally inspired by their motivation and energy. You soon understand it’s all about your frame of mind.

Mornings began running with Paula Radcliffe, or a walk with Daley Thompson, followed by circuits. Then there are dance sessions with Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan and Ian Waite, swimming with Rebecca Adlington, gym sessions with former sprinter Harry Aikines Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, and yoga with Athens Olympic diving silver medallist Leon Taylor.

I wasn’t alone in meeting these stars. The Wellness Worldwide Club gathered together some of the friendliest people I have ever met on my travels, and I had a complete blast as I worked on my fitness goals with this incredible group. We were all here for the same purpose, to get fit and to enjoy the resort while getting to know iconic Olympians.

Back on the road again

Serial Olympian Paula Radcliffe won three London Marathons, setting a women’s world record in 2003 with a time of 2:15:25, which stood unbroken for 16 years. She returned to professional running earlier this year aged 51, competing in the Boston and Tokyo marathons, running 2:57 in Tokyo, her first marathon in 10 years. I spoke to Paula about her return to elite racing: “I just wanted to return to racing, and those marathons gave me the chance. My foot was improving, my shoes had got better, so I felt confident. I also enjoy my podcast, and participating with others was enjoyable. I love the support from the running community. People sharing experiences regardless of their speed, all going through the same emotions. There’s nothing quite like a marathon, 50,000 people sharing the same event embodies a large, emotional community.”

Her daughter Isla, who has battled leukaemia, ran in the London Marathon this year. At Anda Barut, Paula was as inspirational as ever and happy to share her expertise with the guests. We met around 8am for a run, choosing between a 5km or longer run. You could also run with other Olympians, or simply at your own pace, but whichever you chose, it was all about the joy of getting out there and breaking sweat. “One of the best things about running is that you can do it anywhere in the world – no equipment needed, just open space,” Radcliffe remarked.

Incredible accommodation

Anda Barut features 547 stylish rooms and suites, along with 13 beautifully appointed villas. The hotel is split into three areas – a family zone, mixed zone, or adults only, so there is something for everyone. The accommodation is incredible. The rooms are spacious with huge beds, walk-in showers, his and hers sinks, a comfortable seating area and a balcony. The hotel is tailor-made for families. There is a fun fair and the ‘Cutara Maventure’ aquapark where 13 slides – six for kids and seven for adults – blur the boundaries between young and old.

Most of the activities take place around the main pool including afternoon aqua-fit, which saw the Olympians join JE Thrive – aka Jordan and Ellie for fun and energetic sessions. Jordan also did boxing before his dancing sessions. Excited by the presence of greatness, the resort was buzzing as the Olympians enjoyed games of volleyball. A favourite time of day was the calming yoga sessions with Leon Taylor, followed by a sundowner on one of the billowing beds. When I caught up with Leon, he reflected on the importance of yoga in his daily routine:

“Meditative practices help me disconnect from daily distractions and find peace in my thoughts and nerves. Everyone discovers their own way to the yoga mat.”

He continued: “Exercise isn’t always about doing more – choose what works for you. At this wellness retreat, all classes welcome everyone, regardless of skill level. We’re not exclusive because we’re Olympians, and we know it’s not fair to expect everyone to train at that level. So the Wellness week is for everyone.”

The hotel has spectacular fitness facilities and this is where most of the elite athletes trained each day. There are also world-class swimming pools, where Rebecca Adlington held master classes, meanwhile guests enjoyed rowing sessions with Vicky Thornley and Ric Edgington down at the beach. Endorphins abound at the Wellness Worldwide Club, and some of the most exciting conversations took place post-workout as we refuelled with protein balls and shakes by home-cooking trailblazer Chris Baber.

And speaking of mindful moments, another favourite moment was early evening, immersed in tranquil solitude down by the hotel’s jetty, looking out to the Delice Peninsula, where according to legend, Jason and the Argonauts set sail.

All in the mind

They say you should never meet your heroes, but what’s truly great about the Olympians of Wellness Worldwide Club is that everyone is equal – there are no egos, no ‘I’ in team. They greet you like an old friend, and have a genuine interest in your fitness goals. They inspire with their incredible mindset – knowing as they do from experience, that this is where the real battle takes place.

And working on my mindset with Jamie Baulch – a gold medallist in the British 4 × 400m relay team at the 1997 World Championship – was worth its weight in gold: “To reach the pinnacle of a sport, you must sacrifice and commit completely. Being an Olympian is one thing, but winning a medal is another – there’s a price to pay,” Jamie told me.

I have always admired Jess Ennis Hill, and little did I know that when I bought her book in 2013, she would sign it in person 12 years later after a fascinating interview. In 2024, my family and I enjoyed a Champions’ Dinner – a spectacular event where guests dine with Olympians as the sun set over the Aegean Sea. We shared a table with Rebecca Adlington and her husband Andy Parsons and were made to feel so welcome. We later we enjoyed the company of Colin Jackson, Denise Lewis, and Daley Thompson.

Refuel in splendour

When it comes to dining out, you are truly spoiled for choice at Anda Barut, with a remarkable selection of exceptional restaurants. A stand-out flagship Turkish restaurant serves delicious local dishes, while I also alternated between the Italian, Mexican, and Asian offerings. Amusingly, it was the Olivae Bakery that was a big draw for certain athletes who had a surprisingly sweet tooth.

The Zestful Bazaar, a buffet restaurant, was also particular favourite among the sports stars. Open three times a day, you’re treated to an impressive array of delicious, fresh dishes expertly crafted by talented chefs, all designed to align perfectly with demanding schedules. Each visit to the buffet unveils an exciting world of flavours, with inventive dishes shaking up mealtimes with an array of choices. An assortment of local and international cuisine awaits you, from vibrant rainbow salads, rejuvenating health shots, succulent seafood, and Turkish kebabs, to delicious curries.

At breakfast, the experience is even more extraordinary, with fresh honey served straight from the honeycomb and wonderful Turkish Delight providing a feast for the senses. Every ingredient is sourced locally, ensuring quality and freshness, and the sheer range of options guarantees that every meal is a feast to remember.

History and culture abounds

As well as my esteemed company, it’s fair to say I fell in love with Turkey. The country’s lush green mountains magnetised me as we flew into Bodrum – this beautiful region is the true breadbasket of the country and warrants greater exploration. Here local honey bees thrive and fresh vegetables grow. There are many terrific hiking opportunities, and the hotel is more than happy to help out with information or a guide.

Make sure you 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 check out 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. Be sure to visit the ancient city of Ephesus in Izmir province to experience a perfectly preserved piece of history: built in the tenth century BC, it is dedicated to the huntress Artemis and truly is a world apart.

Further afield, the charming Lake Bafa is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the country. Meanwhile, five hours away, you can visit the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale and enjoy boat trips down the Turquoise coast.

My stay at Anda Barut was incredible and visiting during the Worldwide Wellness events not only enhanced my experience, it gave my fitness regime the boost it needed. My daughter will never forget 2024, discovering how the motivational power of sport can help deliver us to new heights.

Returning for 2026

Wellness Worldwide will be at The Brecon, Adelboden, June 14-17, 2026, for a blend of luxury Swiss alpine hospitality and elite sport. Join Becky Adlington, Colin Jackson, Paula Radcliffe, Sarah Storey, Leon Taylor, and Jamie Baulch for inspiring movement and mindful recovery.

Further information – barutanda.com/en | wellnessworldwide.club

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Richardson is a luxury lifestyle and travel journalist who specialises in travel, food, luxury goods and experiences. She has appeared in ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘Women’s Fitness’.
Follow her on Instagram @donnamlricha