The Guest Edit: Cassie's story

Some people book one week with Salt Escapes. Cassie booked one and turned it into three (and counting). She's travelled with us to Spain, Greece and Costa Rica, arrived solo every time, and is already planning her next Escape with friends she met on the trip. We sat down with her to talk about what actually happens when you stop overthinking it and just go.

"I don't like to sit still for long"

Cassie didn't come looking for a lie-by-the-pool kind of holiday. She came for the opposite.

"I don't like to sit still for long and I love fitness and adventure. Salt Escapes gives the perfect combo of rest, adventure, and fitness."

That's the pull for a lot of our guests. You want to move, you want to see somewhere new, and you don't want to come home feeling like you need another holiday to recover from your holiday.

Curious what a Salt Escape actually looks like? Explore our destinations and find your week.

On arriving solo

Travelling on your own can feel like a big leap. Cassie won't pretend it didn't.

"Yes, initially I didn't know what to expect, but that faded VERY fast. Travelling solo is intimidating but it didn't feel like 'solo' travel after the welcome drinks."

The bit that surprised her most

It wasn't the workouts. It wasn't even the people. It was the setting.

"I didn't expect how boujee of an escape it is - worth every single penny (I'm American lol). To truly be in our own villa, in a new country, with people cooking meals for us and just walking downstairs to workout, incredible. How much more 'all-inclusive' can you get?"

Private villa. Chef-cooked meals. Workouts a few steps from your room. Everything is handled, so you get to actually be present for the week instead of organising it.

Ready to take the plunge? Find your Escape and book your week.

The moments that stick

Ask Cassie for a highlight and you don't get one answer, you get a list.

"Ahh so many. Taking 'prom' pictures in Menorca, Cova d'en Xoroi as an excursion (bucket list item), team workout days (I'm a bit competitive), and of course, the core memory mini golf sesh at the villa in Zakynthos!"

It's never just the big stuff. It's the random villa nights and the inside jokes that turn a trip into a core memory.

Going solo, but not really

Cassie travelled to the Escapes solo, though she knew one other person heading out separately. It didn't stay solo for long.

"Honestly the friendships are so amazing and you become so close so quick that I'm going on my third escape with one of my friends."

This is the part we never get tired of. One trip turns into a group chat. The group chat turns into a reunion. The reunion turns into booking the next one together.

A word on the workouts

If you're wondering whether you're 'fit enough', here's Cassie's honest take. They're challenging, but they meet you where you are.

"They're challenging.. but I'm annoyingly competitive (just ask Amy & Mike). Workouts can mostly be described as HIIT, lots of full-body movement that keeps your heart rate up. Yoga is a great balance to the day - and reminds me to slow down. It's great."

Lots of full-body movement to get the heart rate up, balanced out with yoga to bring it back down. You go at your pace. The fitness is part of the holiday, not a test you have to pass.

Her advice to anyone on the fence

"Don't hesitate. Take the jump. It's worth every penny, every second, every uncomfortable moment, the long flights & travel days, every drop of sweat, etc. If you're going with friends, amazing. If you are going solo, even better. Either way, you'll end up with new friends by the end of the week."

Pretty hard to say it better than that. Whether you book with mates or take the leap on your own, you'll come home with a crew either way.

Ready to write your own story? Find your Escape and join us.