THE warm, turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea lap my toes – but I’ve never felt colder. Or more alive.
I’ve just emerged from the Ice Plunge — one of the many activities available as part of the Feel Good Programme at the impressive 5H Hillside Beach Club resort in Fethiye on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
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Two minutes in, the ice-packed tub has left me feeling euphoric after the initial numbness passed.
As I’m handed a nice cup of tea to warm me up, I look around to take in the view.
I’m standing on the hotel’s Serenity Beach and I can see all around Kalemya Bay, the sparkling waters backed by thick forests of pine tumbling down the hillsides.
It’s pristine and it all belongs to Hillside.
That’s three private beaches, numerous restaurants and bars and floating jetties adorned with sun loungers.
I had been laid out flat on Serenity Beach a few hours ago for some sunrise yoga led by health coach Rosie Underwood.
In fact, during my stay there are a host of influential names in fitness and wellness for the resort’s biannual Feel Good Week, including former Team GB Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie and fitness guru to the stars Bradley Simmonds.
The next one will run at the resort from October 6 to 13.
Catching up with Bradley the next day, minutes before he puts me through my paces in one of his HIIT and strength training classes, he tells me he takes an ice bath every day.
“It sets me up perfectly for the day,” he says. “It makes you alert and sharpens the mind — and it’s great for your general health and exercise recovery.”
Bradley knows what he’s talking about. Having played for Chelsea academy and QPR, his football career was cut short by injury.
But now he’s one of the UK’s most well-known personal trainers and counts former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, Baby Spice Emma Bunton and One Direction’s Niall Horan among his clients.
It’s his first time at Hillside but you get the distinct impression it won’t be his last.
“The sporting facilities are so impressive,” says Bradley.
“I especially love the ocean swim we do — it’s around 650m and it’s brilliant. Rather than having chlorine in your eyes, you get to go out in nature and build up your tan.”
Bradley is passionate about nutrition and this hotel really delivers in that respect.
There are three excellent restaurants.
The main one has buffet-style dining of the highest quality with numerous food stations offering a mix of Turkish specialities and global cuisine.
During Feel Good Week there are special healthy dining options.
Guests enjoy Full Board Plus — not quite all-inclusive but pretty close as it includes a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, bottled water at your table, soft drinks, house wine and beer.
There are two more Italian and Mediterranean eateries — both great but not included in Full Board — and there’s also a coffee shop, ice cream shack, burger joint and six bars.
Feel Good Week aside, the days here revolve around the water’s edge.
‘Sharpens the mind’
Friendly beachside attendants encourage guests to just grab a kayak and take it out to explore the bay, which I duly do.
This is also the ideal setting for sailing enthusiasts who can learn new skills at the resort’s own sailing school.
Unfortunately my sea legs are non-existent.
Instead, I put on my finest pair of sweatbands and have my first ever go at pickleball.
A mix of tennis and ping pong, this is the fastest-growing sport in the UK, and guests have been invited to take part in a tournament on the resort’s new courts.
The winner will receive a medal and a certificate.
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There is obviously much at stake here and my tennis background seems to be giving me a bit of an advantage against my fellow novices as I progress to the final.
The showdown match is against a friendly Turkish guest called Ahmet, who tells me it is his fourth time at the resort.
In fact, about three quarters of Hillside’s guests return.
And it is a real mix of nationalities represented too — a few Brits for sure but the majority are the Turks themselves, who seem to know they are on to a good thing in their own backyard.
Ahmet is good at pickleball, seriously good.
I’m heading for a crushing defeat but then I’m saved by the bell.
Mountainous slopes
Ahmet suddenly realises that he has got to pick his children up from the resort’s comprehensive kids’ club.
He is forced to concede and I am crowned Hillside Pickleball Champion (for this particular week) by default.
Nevertheless, it is a proud moment — my first sporting victory since a Year 11 inter-house badminton tournament.
And that was, cough, 25 years ago.
With a new spring in my step, my spirits are kept sky high by the astonishing view when I return to my bedroom.
Mine is one of 330 rooms terraced up mountainous slopes in fetching shades of terracotta.
I have a private terrace with breathtaking views over the picturesque cove.
It is tailor-made for enjoying stunning sunsets.
The bedroom is on the cosy side but it is beautifully set out and calming.
The one unusual aspect is the swing door on the balcony leading to an outdoor toilet and shower room.
Any English reserve is instantly banished, though.
It is discreet and in keeping with the at-one-with-nature vibe of the place.
And isn’t that perfect? A holiday that does exactly what it says on the tin.
GO: Fethiye
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ full-board plus at the 5H Hillside Beach Club is from £1,717pp including flights from Heathrow on October 18.
Or book for April next year with prices from £1,297pp.
See britishairways.com.
MORE INFO: The next Feel Good Weeks are October 6, 2024 and May 2025 – exact dates to be confirmed.
Activities are included in price.
Rooms from £175per night.
