Team

MEET THE TEAM

Salt Escapes Founder Mike Chapman exploring the cliffs in Zakynthos on fitness retreat in Greece
Mike Chapman
Co-Founder / Host / Coach

Meet Mike, Salt Escapes Co-Founder and CEO, and the more mischievous half of Mike & Amy. 

Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Mike grew up competing in flat-water and surf-boat rowing, downhill and cross-country skiing and rugby union. With a keen interest in business, he owned and operated one of central London’s most successful fitness studios for 5 years. And because they do everything together, he too, has competed in fitness competitions in London, LA, and Sydney.

Mike’s travels have taken him hiking to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, surfing in Fiji, skiing across the French Alps and the Canadian Rockies and van-life-ing across Europe. His favourite travel memory so far is four-wheel driving on the world’s biggest sand island off the east-coast of Australia (Fraser Island/K'Gari).

His passion for adventures, photography, and getting people to step outside their comfort zone, will have you exploring new places and trying new things, with the memories captured on Mike’s trusty camera for you to show everyone back home.

Amy Costello
Co-Founder / Host / Coach

Meet Amy, Salt Co-Founder, and the more organised half of Mike & Amy.

Originally from London, Amy found her love for fitness in the sunshine, living on the golden beaches of Sydney, Australia. Alongside Mike, she owned and operated one of central London’s most successful fitness studios for 5 years, and she has competed in fitness competitions in London, LA, and Sydney.

Amy’s travels have taken her island-hopping around the Mediterranean, rock climbing and kayaking around North Wales, hiking through Costa Rica, and 4-wheel driving across the desert of Abu Dhabi. Her favourite travel memory so far is snorkelling with excited seals in the freezing Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cape Town.

Her passion for building community and showing that fitness should be fun will have you sweating and smiling under the sunshine, whichever Escape week you join.

Salt Escapes Founder Amy Costello running through the Greek countryside on fitness retreat
Sophie Deakin
Operations / Host / Yoga

Meet Sophie, Salt Escapes Yoga Instructor, who blends mindful movement with carefully curated playlists to spark inner connection, calm, and empowerment. With a wealth of yoga training behind her, she’s got the toolkit to help you restore balance and guide you into deep relaxation, leaving you feeling grounded and revitalized.

Originally from Oxfordshire, Sophie is now based in London, but recently ditched her corporate career to follow the sun and pursue her passion for yoga and adventure. Her journey has taken her wild camping along the windswept coastlines of Cornwall, indulging in culinary delights across Asia, and chasing waves while surfing in Central America.

Sophie’s approach to yoga goes beyond the physical, focusing on creating a positive energetic shift in every practice. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new to yoga, Sophie’s classes are designed to meet you where you are, encouraging you to explore your limits with kindness and patience.

Her passion for helping you reconnect with your body means you’ll walk off the mat not only feeling stronger and more flexible but with a renewed appreciation for what your body can achieve. You’ll be ready to dive into the next Salt Escapes adventure, energized and empowered!

Clementina De Gregorio
Host / Coach

Meet Clem, a bundle of energy and a fierce advocate for living life to its fullest. Her infectious enthusiasm, paired with her boundless zest for adventure, makes her the kind of person you can’t help but be inspired by.

With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, spanning both the UK and Australia, Clem is a master trainer at London’s iconic boutique studio, 1Rebel. She’s no stranger to competition, regularly taking on events like Hyrox and Turf Games. She’s even stepped into the boxing ring and emerged victorious in her white-collar fight.

Clem thrives on pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. She firmly believes that the dedication you put into training mirrors how you approach life. Her mantra? “Be adventurous, be bold, be brave.” After all, you only live once.

Her passion for helping people unlock their physical and mental potential will leave you feeling unstoppable.

Andy Cannon
Coach / Run Coach

Meet Andy, a force in the world of running and performance coaching, whose passion for movement and personal growth fuels every aspect of his life. Whether he's hitting the pavement for a marathon or guiding clients to reach new fitness heights, Andy’s energy is contagious, and his drive to push boundaries inspires everyone around him.

A Master Trainer and Development Coach at 1Rebel, and an Online Trainer for Reebok, Andy specialises in running and functional training, helping people unlock their full potential.

A wannabe endurance athlete at heart, Andy competes in marathons annually and thrives on testing his limits at global fitness events like Hyrox and Turf Games.

Andy’s is all about bringing good energy and good vibes to training. At Salt Escapes he will make sure your workouts and runs are SWEATY, SMILEY and EXTRA SALTY.

Tamara Hayes Elliott
Yoga

Meet Tamara, Salt Escapes yoga instructor whose passion for movement and adventure deeply influences her teaching.

With over eight years of experience and diverse training, Tamara’s sports background shapes her belief in the interconnectedness of all movement. She integrates this perspective into her yoga practice, guiding students through creative, breath-focused sessions that balance strength and release, leading to a profound state of calm and grounding.

Tamara believes that yoga should be playful and free of expectations, offering a chance to connect more deeply with oneself. She encourages expression, playfulness, and the freedom to explore movement without judgment, fostering simplicity and presence in each moment. Her commitment to both adventure and movement drives her desire to explore and experience new places and cultures for many years to come.

Gemma Bagge
Host / Yoga

Meet Gem, Salt Escapes yoga instructor, who brings energy and warmth to her sessions.

Based in London, she teaches at Hotpod (can’t keep her away from the heat!) amongst other London studios. CBT Therapist by day, yogi by night… she is only too familiar with the impact of the daily grind, so loves the focus and clarity yoga brings, enabling you to move your body, whilst calming your mind.

Gemma’s approach to yoga centres on mindful movement, often slow, stretchy and nurturing, but sometimes dynamic, playful and sweaty! Whether you're new to yoga or a regular on the mat, she likes to strip it back in her classes, helping you to connect with your body, but also the moment, taking us out of our heads and grounding us in the present.

Mindful that many come on their first Salt Escapes adventure craving connection, nature, a slower pace, movement, great food and great company… she can’t wait to join you!

Andrew Julien
Coach / Run Coach

Meet AJ, a firecracker whose energy and love for fitness drives him every day. Whether he’s fine-tuning a calisthenics routine or pushing clients through intense HYROX training, AJ’s passion for movement and progress is infectious, inspiring everyone he coaches to reach their peak potential.

As a coach at Salt Escapes, AJ specializes in calisthenics, strength and conditioning, HYROX, and functional fitness, creating high-energy, results-driven workouts that challenge both body and mind. A true sports enthusiast, AJ brings his love for competition to every session, always finding new ways to motivate and push boundaries.

At Salt Escapes, AJ’s sessions are the perfect blend of sweat, intensity, and fun. He’s ready to help you crush your goals while keeping the energy high and the vibes positive—always with that signature AJ smile.

A Pilates instructor teaching a group sitting on mats in front of a pool in Indonesia
Rhi Williams
Operations / Customer Support

Meet Rhi, Salt Escapes Pilates instructor, hype-girl extraordinaire, and your go-to source of energy and positivity. Originally from Yorkshire, Rhi knows the secret to finding a great cup of tea wherever she goes, but her real talent lies in helping others move better and feel stronger. With her warm spirit and knack for creating good vibes, she’ll have you bouncing back between workouts, ready for every adventure.

Rhi brings an impressive background to Salt Escapes. She’s a certified Pilates instructor, pre & post-natal trainer, and massage therapist with experience at top health clubs like Third Space in the UK and Equinox in the US.

After moving to Sydney, Australia, she managed and grew a thriving Pilates studio, all while exploring her love for the ocean and nearby hiking trails. Whether it’s a dynamic flow to get your heart pumping or a restorative session to ease tired muscles, Rhi’s classes are designed to leave you feeling energized and refreshed.

When she’s not on the mat, Rhi plays a key role behind the scenes in Operations and Customer Support, ensuring every Salt Escapes experience is seamless and unforgettable. Whether it’s through mindful movement, or simply soaking up the good vibes, Rhi can’t wait to help make your Salt Escapes adventure one to remember.