About Salt Escapes

Meet the team

Meet Founders Mike and Amy, who together created Salt Escapes in 2018 as a way to share with fellow adventurous souls and fitness fanatics around the world, a way to travel that hadn’t been done before. 
In a time before Salt Escapes, their own holidays used to look a lot like, yep, you guessed it…Salt Escapes (minus the big beautiful villas and private chefs, mind you). They believe that workouts are best when they’re salty and with a view, that adventures are best off the beaten track and in nature, that food is best when it’s nutritious and shared with friends, and that chill time is best under a warm, glowing sun. 
Find out what makes them and their team tick, below. 

Salt Escapes Founders Mike Chapman and Amy Costello on their fitness retreat in Greece
Salt Escapes Founder Mike Chapman exploring the cliffs in Zakynthos on fitness retreat in Greece
Mike
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.

Salt Escapes Founder Amy Costello running through the Greek countryside on fitness retreat
Amy
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.

Sophie
Ops / 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
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.

When she’s not training, Clem’s heart belongs to travel and music. With her half-Italian roots, food is central to her life, and she delights in exploring cultures and cuisines from around the world. Her favorite travel memories include cruising the Amalfi Coast on a Vespa, soaking up the sun, and indulging in mouth-watering pizza and pasta—Bellissima!

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. After a Salt Escapes retreat with Clem, you’ll be pumped, inspired, and ready to tackle any challenge or adventure that life throws your way!

Andy
Host / 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.

As a Master Trainer and Development Coach at 1Rebel, one of London’s leading fitness studios, Andy specialises in running and functional training, helping people unlock their full potential. He’s also an Online Trainer for Reebok, extending his reach to athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. 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.

When he’s not coaching or competing, Andy loves to hang out at home with his 2x cats: Cookie and Poppy and sink a few spicy margaritas with his Fiancé Gemma.

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.

A yoga instructor holding a pose in front of a retreat villa on Salt Escapes fitness retreat in Greece on Paros island
Beth
Admin / Yoga

Meet Beth, Salt Escapes yoga instructor, back of house administrative assistant, and the most calming, generous and funny soul you’ll ever meet. Beth discovered yoga whilst working a corporate job back in 2017, realising the power it has to help the mind and body cope with the rush of modern life. Now as a 650hr qualified yoga teacher, and certified in pre & post natal, Beth teaches classes and private events, and runs her own online yoga studio. 

Originally from Cornwall, England, she now lives in Amersfoort in the Netherlands, where she spends her spare time hiking, camping and cycling across Europe. Her favourite travel memory so far is plucking up the courage to cliff jump on Salt Escapes in Zakynthos.

Her passion for helping others by making yoga accessible, added to her beautiful voice and all-round loveliness, will have you feeling more relaxed and recovered than you thought was possible, ready for the next Salt adventure.

Tamara
Host / 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.

Originally from London and raised in Poland, Tamara has traveled extensively across Europe and beyond, fueling her enthusiasm for exploration. One of her fondest travel memories is discovering New Zealand—from the thrill of bungee jumping and skydiving to caving and immersing herself in the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. This zest for adventure and new experiences infuses her approach to yoga.

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.

AJ
Host / Coach

Meet AJ, a powerhouse in the world of strength and performance coaching, whose love for fitness and personal development drives his work 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.

Outside of the gym, AJ is all about football and music. As a lifelong Arsenal fan, he’s as dedicated to supporting his team as he is to his clients, and he’ll happily debate the latest match or playlist to get you pumped up for your next workout.

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.

The team

Salt Escapes Founder Mike Chapman exploring the cliffs in Zakynthos on fitness retreat in Greece
Mike
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.
Salt Escapes Founder Amy Costello running through the Greek countryside on fitness retreat
Amy
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.
Soph
Ops / 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
Host / Coach
Meet Clem, a powerhouse 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.

When she’s not training, Clem’s heart belongs to travel and music. With her half-Italian roots, food is central to her life, and she delights in exploring cultures and cuisines from around the world. Her favorite travel memories include cruising the Amalfi Coast on a Vespa, soaking up the sun, and indulging in mouth-watering pizza and pasta—Bellissima!

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. After a Salt Escapes retreat with Clem, you’ll be pumped, inspired, and ready to tackle any challenge or adventure that life throws your way!
Andy
Coach / Host
Meet Andy, a dynamic 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.

As a Master Trainer and Development Coach at 1Rebel, one of London’s leading fitness studios, Andy specialises in running and functional training, helping people unlock their full potential. He’s also an Online Trainer for Reebok, extending his reach to athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. 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.

When he’s not coaching or competing, Andy loves to hang out at home with his 2x cats: Cookie and Poppy and sink a few spicy margaritas with his Fiancé Gemma.

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.
A yoga instructor holding a pose in front of a retreat villa on Salt Escapes fitness retreat in Greece on Paros island
Beth
Admin / Yoga & Breathwork
Meet Beth, Salt Escapes yoga instructor, and the most calming, generous and funny soul you’ll ever meet. Beth discovered yoga whilst working a corporate job back in 2017, realising the power it has to help the mind and body cope with the rush of modern life. Now as a 650hr qualified yoga teacher, and certified in pre & post natal, Beth teaches classes and private events, and runs her own online yoga studio. 

Originally from Cornwall, England, she now lives in Amersfoort in the Netherlands, where she spends her spare time hiking, camping and cycling across Europe. Her favourite travel memory so far is plucking up the courage to cliff jump on Salt Escapes in Zakynthos.

Her passion for helping others by making yoga accessible, added to her beautiful voice and all-round loveliness, will have you feeling more relaxed and recovered than you thought was possible, ready for the next Salt adventure.