The Guest Edit: Jack's Story

From first-time nerves to four Salt Escapes (and counting)

Jack has travelled with Salt Escapes to Greece twice, Menorca and the Dominican Republic. He arrived solo, came for shared experiences and staying active, and is still in touch with people from every single trip.

Jack had always enjoyed travelling solo, but something had shifted.

"I have always enjoyed solo travel, but had found in recent years that I wanted to enjoy more shared experiences. I've also always loved to keep active on holiday too (be it a bit of gym, a morning run, or some Pilates), but with a busy work life, I'd found that I had less time to find a location that I really liked."

Salt Escapes felt like the shortcut to everything he wanted in one place.

"An acquaintance mentioned that Salt Escapes offered a holiday in an amazing location, with regular exercise, incredible food and likeminded people. I investigated for about a month (reading reviews, checking the instagram feed), and loved how much fun it looked, and how every review was so positive. So in 2024, I decided to take the plunge and book Greece."

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The hesitation

Group travel wasn't something he'd ever tried before.

"I was very hesitant at first. I had never joined a group holiday before, and just didn't know what to expect. I was worried about who might attend (whether they would be big drinkers, rude or unfriendly), and whether I was fit enough to attend."

There were other doubts too.

"I've always enjoyed keeping active, but playing sports was very much in my past and I've suffered a few injuries, so was worried I might be spending a week with the most hyper competitive alphas."

And then:

"When I arrived on each trip, it was clear to me that I'd been worrying about nothing."

"Quickly it felt like one of the best decisions I've made."

Arrival day

He still remembers the first few minutes clearly.

"I remember landing in Greece for the first time, and getting the transfer to the villa, and thinking, you can still back out now. But the moment I stepped out of the car, Amy and Mike were ready to greet me with the biggest smiles and a hug. Then sitting by the pool getting to know everyone felt like the most natural thing."

And it didn't change on later trips.

"It was the same in the Dominican Republic, it was my fourth trip with Salt Escapes so I no longer had the nerves. But Sophie, Josh and Clem welcomed everyone like they were long lost friends, and made you feel at home immediately."

Even the training volume surprised him.

"Another surprise was how my body could handle two workout sessions a day, along with yoga. It felt crazy to think I could do it before going, but with the sun shining, the positivity brought by the trainers and other holiday makers, two sessions felt so natural."

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The moments that stay with you

"There are so many moments that have stayed with me."

"In the Dominican Republic, the villa is straight out of a James Bond film, and the activities were incredible. One afternoon, we kayaked as a group through the mangroves to the sea, and then in the ocean along the coast to the villa. It was surreal."

"In Greece, it was the whole group sitting under the stars after dinner, sharing stories and non-stop laughter. The boat day with the crystal blue water is unparalleled too."

"And Menorca, the group heading out dancing after a week of bonding over workouts was so special."

Going solo

"I travelled solo and absolutely loved it. I was nervous before my first trip, but everyone on each trip has been so friendly - guys, girls, trainers, chefs, everyone. It has been really special meeting people from such varied backgrounds too."

A word on the workouts

"The workouts are a good level of challenge, with a lot of fun incorporated. They are HIIT workouts so can be adapted to everyone's fitness and ability."

"I felt very fit in 2024, so the trainers pushed me in each workout which was exactly what I wanted. I was carrying a few knocks in 2025 though, and felt more fragile, and they accommodated that and helped me work to where I was comfortable."

"It is absolutely not a boot camp pushing you to breaking point. The trainers also add a bit of fun into the workouts which really helps you bond with everyone else."

His advice to first-timers?

"Book it, you will have the most incredible experience. There is no reason to worry about the workouts (the trainers accommodate everything to you, and will push those that might need more, whilst dialling it back if you're struggling a bit), the food is out of this world so you are always well fed, the villas are absolutely elite so you will be staying in luxury and the people are incredible."

"The trainers and chefs are so friendly and welcoming, and everyone I have met attending the trip has been so fun. A testament to that is how I am still in touch with people from each trip."

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