The tan lines may be fading, but my recent holiday in Thailand has left me forever more calm in the mind, adventurous in fitness and creative in the kitchen. Like the millions embracing the rising trend of ‘productive’ or ‘learning’ holidays, I look to every getaway as an opportunity to reflect on life back home and how I can further enrich it with clearer values and renewed passion. And if the place I’m staying happens to have a badass pool, all the the better for it…

Pool play

Looking out to the sea and horizon beyond, regular dips in Six Senses Samui’s serene infinity pool were a necessary compromise when temperatures hit 35 degrees and above. Tough going, I know!

An average swimmer at best (one of the only barriers delaying me from entering my first traditional triathlon – although I think it’s time for that to change), I was thrilled when I managed 25 50m lengths in a half hour. Including a few stops to admire the view, naturally. I started with 15 and added a length or two daily. I’m all for sunbathing, but pair a powerful hit of vitamin D with some post-swim endorphins and colour me ecstatic. And having realistic, incremental goals is a great way to enjoy fitness on holiday and set healthy routines for your return home.

Stay til sunset

One thing I wish I discovered sooner in the holiday (though better late than never): sunsets are better enjoyed twice. Once in the sky. Once in the pool’s reflection. Come 630pm, Six Senses’ poolfront becomes the visual equivalent of surround sound immersion. Think the final ‘Om’ in yoga class. The euphoria of crossing the finish line of a race having surpassed your PB goals. The butterflies that flood your stomach when you take on a challenge that seriously scares you. These sunsets were all the best things in life rolled up into one incredible all-natural nirvana.

Unwind in the spa

Let the bliss continue at the hands of Koh Samui’s most skilled spa therapists. The Six Senses resort offers guests a complimentary 30min foot massage, and the management team are no fools. We were back for more. Twice. I was hitting it extra hard during gym sessions just for an excuse to book another massage in the sea view treatment villas. Muscle release, more energy-lifting lemongrass scents and the restorative gong of the ‘singing bowl’ meant every treatment transported me to a subconscious state I arose from with reluctance. In fact, I found the Thai singing bowl sound so therapeutic I’m now on the hunt for one to serve as a centrepiece in the house and become part of new yoga and bedtime unwind rituals. Know where I can get one? Please drop me a line or leave a comment below this post! I will be forever grateful!

Sun, sweat, sculpt

It wasn’t all pampering. I spent an hour at least every other day in the air conditioned gym, mopping up sweat with refridgerated lemongrass scented towels – the perfect motivation to squeeze in another rep or round! I posted an example of my favourite holiday workouts last year – check out my sun lounger circuit if you missed it.

I typically combine HIIT wiith full-body conditioning because I don’t know when I’ll next have access to a gym while travelling, but this time we stayed in the same resort for 10 days so I went back to training splits. Legs day. Upper body and core day. Sprints and abs day. Complemented with lots of resort activities like cycling tours around the island, Muay Thai lessons, yoga classes, stand-up paddleboarding and monkeying around the outdoor gym. Dumbbells carved out of tree trunks? If it was 10 degrees cooler and there weren’t so many unknown insects circling, my husband wouldn’t have been able to pull me away.

Pause for meditation

While I train to maintain physical fitness on holiday, I always try to increase the time I dedicate to ‘checking in’ with my state of mind. When I stumbled on this ‘Silent Zone’ – an untouched beach shaded by palm trees and furnished with hanging swings – I made a commitment to spend at least 5 minutes every day meditating on the year so far.

Having made the big decision to leave a full-time career in journalism and copywriting this January, there has been a lot of change and upheaval in my life. Not to mention a pretty steady flow of nervous energy. But giving myself time to reflect on how much I’ve achieved in 4 months reminded me to trust my path and follow my heart. I won’t pretend I make time for daily meditation at home, but I do notice how making space for weekly reflection reinforces those positive thoughts and helps to hit any doubts on the head. I felt lighter every time I came away from this serene little spot and have a renewed appreciation for creating a personal ‘silent zone’.

Thai night every night

Tucking in to the local cuisine was hardly a chore. My go-to guilty pleasure at home is a Thai takeaway, and on top of eating my bodyweight in Pad Thai I couldn’t miss the opportunity to take a cooking lesson with one of the local chefs. I learned to make a spicy cabbage salad (after which I had to convince our chef that 5 chillies really is far too much for a single starter!), Massaman curry and prawn & raw veg spring rolls. I’ve already made the curry twice since returning home – it didn’t come out the same enticing creamy red but it tasted like the real deal!

Bean on the beach

If you visit Koh Samui, don’t miss a trip to the Fisherman’s Village. The pedestrianised shopping, ambling and dining street gives a taste of authentic Thai culture, albeit a little diluted from the sleepless streets of Bangkok. There is one particular stop-off I can’t recommend enough. The only thing I love more than a swing on a tree is a beanbag on a beach. Add some super cool throwback tunes, the smell of shisha in the air (I don’t smoke it, but I love the fruity fumes!), cocktails in quirky containers, surf and sand mantras and an eclectic mix of locals and tourists. Yep, this backpacker-beloved recipe makes Coco Tams undoubtedly the coolest bar in Koh Samui. Barefoot dancing til midnight? Don’t mind if I do!

Want a do-anywhere exercise programme for healthier travelling? Taking training more seriously ahead of your summer holidays? I love helping people towards time-specific goals and breaking down the skills to make effective exercise a part of every lifestyle. Email brit@fitbritcollective.com if you’d like to train with me, or subscribe to my mailing list to receive a free 2016 rep workout programme that makes a great starting point for every fitness journey.

If you’re on Instagram and you follow me and my awesome friend in fitness Chiara Pellegrino, you already know that we’re joining forces to run a winter fitness retreat in the beautiful Italian Alps. If this is news to you, check the following dates in your diary: Wednesday 9 March to Sunday 13 March. All clear? Good, now add ‘Get fit with Chiara & Brit’ at La Scuola de Chiappera near Turin, Northern Italy. Take a look at the information page on 4fitnessake.co.uk for all the essential details, including where you’ll be staying, how to get there and how much it will cost. Then have a scan through these additional 5 reasons to join us. Best read quickly – we only have a few spots left!

1. A weekend with the friendliest faces in fitness

Chiara is best known for kicking butts at Psycle in Mayfair and Canary Wharf (and previously across all locations of barrecore). For the next four weeks (starting today), you’ll also find her teaching Sweaty Betty’s boxing-inspired Rumble workout in the Marylebone store. Whether you know her from the barre, the bike or the boutique, you’ll recognise her by the giant smile she wears during every workout. While I naturally find it harder to sing my own praises, I don’t go by ‘London’s fiercest & friendliest trainer’ without reason. The most common reaction when Heartcore clients try their first TRX workout with me? “You seem so sweet and bubby, and then the class starts…” Yep, I’ll kick your butt. But I promise to do it with love!

2. Three serious butt-busting workouts daily

Speaking of butt-kicking, just how do we intend to whip you into shape? Why, with no less than 3 workouts per day. Kickstarting every morning with fasted cardio, we will supercharge your metabolism and give you an endorphin boost to energise you the whole day through. You’ll need it, because following afternoon activities in the beautiful snowy surrounds, you’ll be back at it with strength focused evening workouts and stretchy yoga-inspired mat sessions.

3. Mellow meditation in the mountains

Chiara and I agree on a lot of things, but the one thing we connect most passionately about is how important it is to unite wellbeing of the body and wellbeing of the mind. Immersed in the Italian Alps, your mental self will receive just as much attention as your physical self. At least once a day there will be dedicated time for meditation and reflection. Whether it’s solo time in the mountains, or an extra long savasana to end the day, we will encourage you to dig deep and discover more about yourself, your goals and your true potential.

4. Interactive workshops to explore your full potential

Speaking about your true potential, you already know you’re awesome and capable of awesome things, right? Just in case you’ve forgotten, or have underestimated yourself in any capacity, we’ll be there to remind you that you really do rock. Every night, we’ll come together over a workshop to explore the ways that you can use food, exercise and mindfulness to unleash just a little more awesomeness. You’re already joining us because you’re a go-getter, so these workshops are designed to expand the knowledge and confidence you need to meet and exceed your health goals.

5. Mindful nutrition to make your mouth melt

Although Chiara and I love to eat and cook healthily, we’re entrusting the menu design to an inspiring team of wellness entrepreneurs inspiring Londoners to explore more wholesome and adventurous cooking. We’ve very excited that Mindful Chef has agreed to create a bespoke retreat menu, taking into account the availability of organic fruit, veg and meat grown or reared on-site at La Scuola de Chiappera. Stomach rumbling yet? It should be. Nowhere else will you get UK nutrition experts helping you fuel your body, and local Italian chefs committed to feeding your soul.

I hope you’re convinced. I’m personally counting down the sleeps until I board the flight to Turin and prepare to meet 8 fun, beautiful and inspiring clients on the other side. Oh, did I mention there are just 8 spots? And over half are already gone! Book your space at 4fitnessake.co.uk now. I’ll see you there!

With an Instagram feed full of Christmas trees and five consecutive days of flu (that means no exercise for me; cue crazy house fever and endless lusting over exercise class timetables), my latest holiday feels like decades ago. However, my winter escape to Australia made a lasting impression on me and a little extra downtime seems the perfect excuse to relive my adventures. A la pied, wheels or fins, these are the unforgettable ways to explore one of the world’s most captivating countries.

Hike

To me, exercising on holiday means maximising my time outdoors and using nature as a fitness playground. I was lucky enough to do two of Australia’s most iconic walks: the coastal hike from Bondi to Coogee and the steep ascent up to Passage Peak on Hamilton Island. The unspoiled beaches of Queensland also proved a stunning place to explore, and my husband and I walked hand in hand for miles without meeting a single person (or giant unsightly spider, much to my relief).

Run

You all know I can’t resist picking up the pace every one in a while, so Sydney’s Botanical Gardens proved the perfect place for an early morning workout. With jet lag on our side, and the company of numerous super fit locals, my husband Ben and I almost justified our ample holiday indulgences. Which brings me onto the next means of discovery…

Eat

Undisputedly the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney has a mouth-watering selection of restaurants to choose from. As experts in Asian fusion cuisine, I was charmed by both the service and the delicious tasting menu at Billy Kwong in Potts Point (which also happens to be excellent value for money). Pictured below is the fresh and immaculately prepared sushi at Toko in Surry Hills. I also joined the Manly surf crowd in my adoration over local favourite Pure Wholefoods, which has the most extensive menu of raw, organic and wholefood meals I’ve seen in all my travels. For healthy cooking inspiration, this is one place you simply can’t miss.

Buggy

When it’s time to give your feet a rest, Hamilton Island presents my favourite alternative: high-power golf buggies. Cars are strictly banned from this Whitsundays Island. Instead, tourists can hire buggies to explore the island, while locals personalise their buggies to stand out in the busy parking lanes. As you can see, I was quick to peg my favourite of the lot.

Boat

A trip to Australia isn’t complete without some time on the water. We took the fast boat from Sydney’s ferry terminal to Manly, and I loved pretending to be a local and joining in on what must be the coolest commute around the globe. With glorious beach, beautiful boutiques and enticing cafes at every turn, I can see why Manly is a popular place to live. It’s said to be the home of Australian surfing, and sharks or not (ideally not) I’d happily convert to a surf chick if it meant I could hang in Manly just a little longer.

Another necessary boat trip is to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays – the iconic beach with the world’s whitest, softest sand. It was stingray season, but I couldn’t resist a little dip in the water. Check out my Instagram feed for some more snaps of the beach itself.

From either the Whitsundays or further north in Port Douglas, you can get a boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. We went on a dedicated snorkeling trip with Wavelength Tours and I can’t recommend them enough – small groups, incredible snorkeling sites and super informative marine biologists on board. I’ve snorkeled and dived in a lot of destinations, but nothing will beat a face full of colourful fish and a (friendly) 15 minute encounter with a reef shark.

Swim

As swimming in the sea presents a few difficulties in Australia (you wear stingray suits snorkeling, but this isn’t the most comfortable if you’re after just a quick dip), there is a rather innovative alternative that beats a chlorinated swimming pool any day. All across the Australia coast, and famously around Sydney, there are natural pools that contain real ocean water without any of the ocean threats. Bondi Icebergs is the most famous (note you can also practice yoga there with Yoga By The Sea), but I also fell in love with some beautiful spots for swimming lanes along the walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Does this post remind you of your own adventures in Australia? Or has it inspired you to plan your next trip? Share your stories with me below (because more temptation to return is EXACTLY what I need :P).

Brit x

I’ve been home a week now but when I close my eyes I can still hear the strong waves crashing against the untouched beaches and see the healthy green aura Sri Lanka’s lush vegetation casts over everything. Sri Lanka is a country that stays with you, and in those particularly frenetic moments at my desk, part of me wishes I could have stayed with it, too. But now I get to relive a few of the highlights by sharing them with you. Perhaps you’ll feel inclined to book the next flight to Colombo, and hopefully you’ll also pick up a few tips for staying active on holiday – whatever the destination on the departure board.

The scenery

Green is the first word that comes to mind when describing Sri Lanka. Everything from the tropical trees to the low-lying plantation to the grass on the ground is so vibrant it seems to radiate a halo of light. And nowhere is this more true than in the tea plantations around Kandy.

We stayed in the luxurious ‘tents’ of the Madulkelle Eco Lodge; more than a worthwhile resting place after a rather hair-raising four-hour ascent. The one-lane mountain road is bordered by steep cliffside vistas over a valley so lush I thought heaven must be near (though I wasn’t ready for early entry and, in any case, can’t be sure I’ve made the cut). It’s no coincidence that the nearby hiking hotspot called Adam’s Peak is a pilgrimage site with visitors believing Adam stopped here to take a final look over the land of Eden.

The final hour of the drive is lined by miles of tea fields. Beds of tea leaves looked so dense you’d think they would hold your weight if you were so inclined to jump in. On arrival, it was captivating to see the clouds roll in below and the base of the valley disappear.

After spending a few days with our heads above the clouds, it was time to get a little closer to sea level. The ocean on the south coast of Sri Lanka likes to make a statement – waves erupting from the rocks like lava. Yet the rhythmic lapping against the shore is the ultimate soundtrack for relaxation. Stick around for dusk and it’s impossible not to feel at peace – the big red sun sinking beneath the horizon in minutes as it leaves its trace in the evening’s rose-coloured clouds.

Staying active

Staying in shape (and getting even fitter) was easy in Sri Lanka. As the temperatures rose to 30 degrees and above by 8am, we established a healthy habit of going to bed and waking up early. Often the first up in the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel in Galle, I’d have the gym to myself. Most of the equipment was a little out of date (head over to my Instagram account to see a step machine straight out of the 70’s), but it was fun to get a little old school and even run on a self-powered treadmill.

Daily swims in the beautiful Infinity pool were also the perfect way to stay cool. To avoid burning in the midday heat, I’d break my swims into two 15-minute sessions.

Making the most of the outdoors is especially important for me on holiday, as on working days in the UK I’ll easily spend all but one or two hours inside. I booked two private yoga classes on the balcony for my husband and I. Our instructor Upali specialises in Hatha yoga and had some unique approaches for getting into familiar moves, which I’ve since found useful for practising inversions like crow and headstand. Here he demonstrates a pretty impressive Scorpion handstand.

Upali definitely pushed me into some more progressive poses, so I was glad I’d spent a morning in the tea plantations warming up with a gentle stretch and flow session.

I also used the beautiful backdrop of the tea plantations to film this short sunbed circuit – proving that a sun lounger is good for more than just R&R. This sequence of step-ups, single-leg lunges, glute bridges (using the balcony railings for a little extra elevation), decline press-ups, tricep dips, plank-ups and teasers was an ideal full-body circuit to boost my metabolism and prevent any muscle loss while I took a break from my full-time routine.

Natural nourishment

Although I confess to the odd indulgence in Indian food, I prefer the creamy western varieties like Korma and Pasanda to the chilli-heavy variations loved by Sri Lanka’s locals. These fire dancers even swallowed the flames from their batons to prove just how resilient they are to the heat.

However, a daily soup course was a nice surprise, with ginger-infused broths having a warming quality without making your eyes water.

During a trip into the walled city of Galle Fort, we also stumbled across this independent spice boutique called Chilli Dragon, where I stocked up on some of my favourite ingredients like cinnamon for porridge and protein balls.

A cooler treat for the taste buds was a local drink called the Mint Frappe. Here Ben poses with the bright green beverage, which tastes as refreshing as it looks. I asked for the recipe so I could make it at home this summer, and it couldn’t be simpler.

Just blend the following: One large handful fresh mint leaves, juice of one lime, shot of sugar syrup and two handfuls ice.

I also loved the King Coconuts, served straight up with a straw, but those are a little harder to source at home…

My final favourite culinary discovery took place at the breakfast buffet: passionfruit crepes. Light and super sweet, passionfruit works so well as a pancake filling because it doesn’t need any further sweetener and packs in plenty of the antioxidants vitamin A and C, plus high amounts of dietary fibre to set up your digestive system for the day.

Serenity found

This was definitely the healthy getaway I needed to reflect on the remainder of the busy year ahead and restore some balance to my life. As I watched the sun set on our incredible holiday, I felt inspired to test some of my newfound balance in the Sri Lankan waves. Struggling to so much as to reach my foot in this pose only a few months ago, it says a lot that within a week I was able to advance my yoga practice and feel stronger and taller inside and out. In part, that’s because Sri Lanka is a land of letting go. There on the island’s southern shores, I let go of a lot of things – stress, uncertainties and ego among them. And so far I’ve managed to leave them at sea…

The first thing I noticed was the space. Walking the streets of Copenhagen is a comfortably casual experience (I’ll stop with all the Cs soon, promise!). At any one time there were easily several feet between me and the person in front or behind. The air feels fresher for it; the weight of the atmosphere that little bit lighter.

The purpose of the trip was strictly non-business, but while I promised my husband Ben I’d leave behind the laptop and workout gear, I still had every intention of embracing the more active options for sightseeing.

So naturally, I was completely jealous to exit our hotel and discover this ‘running tour guide’ beginning a sight to sight running tour. Restrained by my husband (but taking a mental note to research running tours ahead of future city breaks), we took off at a more leisurely pace.

Fortunately, streets like this make Copenhagen the perfect city for a stroll. Nyhavn is the one of Europe’s most photographed spots, and its colourful buildings are instantly uplifting. But as the early March air was still crisp, we soon turned to another of the city’s famous offerings to help us warm up: coffee!

There are boutique coffee bars (and not a Starbucks in sight) around every corner, so there were plenty of opportunities to warm up and get our bearings. And as both of us are big foodies, the first big circle on our map was the indoor market area of Torvehallerne…

Copenhagen being a very health-conscious city, there were fresh produce stalls everywhere. This smoothie bar in particular caught my eye, and I grabbed a couple ‘acai shots’ to keep in my bag for an afternoon boost.

But ultimately, we settled on a rye bread sandwich from one of the most enticing delis I’ve ever encountered. This chicken, salad and sundried tomato creation may not look like much, but the signature mustard dressing gave it an amazing kick that makes my typical weekday lunch pale by comparison.

After lunch we continued our walk and absorbed some of the city’s ambience. In a word, I’d call it free-spirited. This Happy Wall is a genius street-long art installation that allows passersby to turn over tiles and spell out a personal message. Here Ben demonstrates that the romance isn’t dead…

Quirky signs and motivational slogans are further dotted around the city, serving as constant reminders to make happiness a priority. Because sometimes we all need a little reminder. I know I did after spending a couple months buried beneath a mountain of work! (Look out for a dedicated post about improving your work/life balance soon…)

Of course, I can’t talk about Copenhagen without talking about bikes. Cyclists are at the heart of the city’s infrastructure, with elevated cycle lines and dedicated traffic lights to guarantee your peace of mind on two wheels. This little detour through a historic cemetery (we paid a visit to Hans Christian Andersen, which inspired several renditions of ‘Under the Sea’) was the perfect opportunity to show off the beautiful bikes we hired from our hotel!

All that activity ensured our appetites were up to Copenhagen’s many fine dining options. It’s rare that I abandon my lycra and trainers for a dress and heels, so having a Michelin-starred reason to put on my finery was a real treat. This salad of mussels and winter greens proved that kale is the king of cool in all types of cuisine.

Copenhagen’s casual cuisine is every bit as delicious as its star-rated options. When I heard about Grod, a cafe that sells only porridge-style dishes packed with healthy ingredients like buckwheat, oats and vegetables, we made a beeline for our bikes and pedalled for our lunch.

Finally, another discovery I made (and am still enjoying as a regular snack) are these whey protein chocolates. I love scouring foreign supermarkets for new foods and ingredients, and anything that combines chocolate with fitness fuel is a non-negotiable addition to my carry on.

Speaking of which, our city break had to come to an end. We had just an hour to spare in the airport, where I ordered a green juice from the Copenhagen’s claim to juice fame Joe & The Juice. Then I wiled away the time pencilling my favourite fitness classes into the upcoming week’s diary. Three days’ rest and I was already itching to get hold of my trainers!

When checking into an all-inclusive resort like Gloria Serenity in Belek, Turkey, most people would make a straight course for the buffet. Food was high on my priorities too, but there was one stop I had to make before filling my plate: the activities board. I was excited to explore all the ways I could keep fit and feel good about enjoying a few extra indulgences across the week.

Whether you’re on a city break or sun seeking vacation, there are always ways to stay in shape. You may even find a new form of exercise or a healthy cooking alternative you can take back home with you. I rediscovered the cable machine and took full advantage of the lying leg curl – a staple I’ve long petitioned for in my home gym. And the chef’s salmon and lemon skewers were so good I’m already planning to cook them for dinner!

I always look to holidays as a chance to reflect on your goals and come back feeling fresh, invigorated and more determined than ever.  Here’s just a sample of my favourite active moments from my week away.

I eased into day one with some impromptu Pilates by the pool. I love a sun lounger as much as the next person, but after a few hours I begin to feel listless. 20 minutes of Pilates 100s, leg lifts and boat posing awakens my muscles from their slumber!

Sometimes you get the best exercise when you forget you’re exercising. I rarely find time for a game of tennis but on holiday I love to hire a racquet and attempt to better my backhand. My husband is a clever component and had me covering every square of the clay court, but my pre-holiday fitness levels served me well and I managed to claim my first ever victory over him. That was four long years in the making!

As a reward, I cooled down with a dip in the sea. A sting on the bottom by a jellyfish left me temporarily out of action with a rather embarassed Turkish doctor rubbing serum onto my right cheek (see the evidence on Instagram), but I quickly recovered and got back in the game!

Daily yoga classes were held on the lawn at 9am. While I am a fan of the holiday lie in, I did make it to a couple sessions with this incredible instructor from China. Long stretches and spine-opening postures had me sitting tall all week.

And when I couldn’t make it to yoga, I squeezed in a few high-intensity circuits in the resort’s air conditioned gym – heaven after a long and sticky day on the sun lounger!

… Which meant I felt perfectly justified dipping into the impressive display of culinary creations!

And in the evenings we marvelled at the physical feats of the resort’s worldly entertainers.

One father-son pair from Africa even beat a Guiness World Record by doing 60 consecutive backflips. They’ve inspired me to find my own way to defy gravity. That’s why I’m booked in to my first Anti-Gravity Yoga class tomorrow. Expect a full report soon. It’s good to be back!