Add some adrenaline to your break to avoid the post-British summer slump says LEAH SIMPSON

SO summer is over and for many of us the lazy winter hideout has officially begun.

We may have ditched the dreary gym by September but for those of us not wanting our waistlines to expand at the same rate as the thickness of our duvets, an end of summer break doesn’t always have to be a bad idea.

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I for one haven’t been as active as initially planned this sunny season so a resort like the Hillside Beach Club was perfect for a traveller like me who seriously needs to avoid the overindulgence that often comes hand in hand with a holiday.

The resort is open from April 21 to October 31st and just turning up at the Turkish haven is enough to persuade you to ditch the comfort food and kick-start or wave goodbye to summer with a health boost bang.

When I arrived at Hillside – located just outside Fethiye – I could tell my time here would be bustling with all sorts of activity.

Everywhere I looked was an opportunity to get stuck in to some butt busting fun. In fact we couldn’t even get to the main restaurant for a welcome drink without passing the sports courts where guests can play tennis or basketball and practice their archery skills - all inclusive.

From the fitness studio where guests get their aerobics and yoga fix taught by a trained professional to the gym for those leading their own exercise regime, there was no excuse for me to return to UK half a stone heavier.

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And with the tempting waves in the distance - as soon as I could I got stuck into arranging some water-based activities.

After all I was staying at one of the most incredible spots on the Mediterranean so how could I not take advantage of the crystal clear sea?

The private bay’s pebble beach has been awarded with a Blue Flag representing environmental awareness. So although you may not think it at first, Scuba diving was the perfect opportunity to relax and spend some peaceful time with myself – while of course squeezing in a workout.

Yes there we’re at least seven other people around during my lesson  – including our wonderful instructors Ozcan and Mamhet - but once you reach five metres below sea level  and incredible sense of calm comes over you and it’s what I would image it’s like to be back in the womb.

The array of sea life I experienced in all the varying shapes and sizes was magnificent. Squid, grey mullet, you name it we saw it. We even fed it bread and tossed a golf ball around with it.

Emerging back onto land I was presented with my very own Scuba Schools International diving certificate and with that accolade I was ready to face the fitness world - but not without a bite to eat first.

As well as Italian cuisine at the beach bar’s restaurant and traditional Turkish a la carte at Pasha, the private bay offer s buffet service from breakfast through to dinner. And believe when I say there isn’t anyone who can’t be catered for. From morning pastries to a selection of fresh fish and delectable deserts, there just wasn’t enough time or room on my many plates to try all that got me salivating.

Surprising for a non-meat eater usually limited when dining out.

With all this luxuriously good fare and adrenaline pumping action at my fingertips, I was feeling in top form. It was the ideal time to head over to the motor water sports area and make a break for the jetskis.

If the manager John can’t persuade you to try out waterskiing, wakeboarding or even kneeboarding  - riding the waves is still an option. So with the cooling wind in my hair - and several salty splashes up my thighs – I whizzed around Red Island (named after the colour it turns when the sun sets).

On my way I spot on either side of the main beach - Serenity Beach (which can be accessed by shuttle boat) and the Silent Beach, both for adults only. The latter is where one of two spas lie – each with own unique philosophy, designed to revive, rejuvenate and restore.

The Sanda Day Spa sits in the heart of the club, amongst the shopping complex it focuses on Turkish hammam and its jacuzzi and sauna facilities. Whereas the Sanda Nature Spa – above the Silent Beach - hire qualified Balinese therapists to ease away the stresses of everyday life with an array of impressive treatments.

And if parents are looking for an excuse not let go of the little ones, there really isn’t one thanks to Kid Side. The tiny village inside the club features a sleeping corner, two heated swimming pools, toys and most importantly, professional care takers. And once your child sets eyes on the PlayStation 2 they’ll be waving you off into wellbeing in no time.

 Tip: Go for the 5.30pm Sunset Trekking at Oyuk Tepe. It's a whopping two-hour hike but a priceless reward awaits you at the peak.

GETTING THERE
Rooms start from 137 Euros per person per night in a double room, on a full board basis, including taxes. Check out the pillow menu left on your bed!

Watersports incur an extra cost - motorised sports (from 25 Euros), sailing lessons (from 50 Euros) and diving (from 30 Euros).

For more information on Hillside Beach Club visit www.hillsidebeachclub.com

Award winning low fares airline Monarch offers flights to Dalaman from Birmingham and London Luton airports, with fares, including taxes, starting from £52.99 one way (£90.99 return).

In addition to year-round low fares, Monarch also offers a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals that can be pre-booked or purchased onboard with prices from £3.00. Seats can be pre-booked at £8.50 per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for all experienced on some other airlines, or for only £25, extra-legroom seats are available, which offer up to six inches of extra space.

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights can also avoid the queues at the airport and take advantage of online check-in, which is available between 18 days and 4/5 hours prior to departure.

For more information or to book, visit www.monarch.co.uk