Our inaugural ‘WFWJ’ earlier this year was an unforgettable four-night retreat hosted at the breathtaking Villa Skyfall, a luxurious five-level, eight-bedroom villa nestled in the hills of Koh Samui, Thailand.
A group of six amazing women, along with personal trainer, Ana Coppola and photographer, Chadi Sabsabi, embarked on this special wellness journey to experience the natural beauty of Thailand while immersing themselves in fitness, fun, and relaxation.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the Villa Skyfall management team, who gave us a tour of the property, while the friendly staff served a delicious breakfast featuring Thailand’s iconic fresh coconut water.
The first day was all about settling in and getting to know one another, ending with a relaxing in-villa massage.
Day two kicked off with an adventurous hike to one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful waterfalls, followed by a stunning beach photoshoot capturing the magic of the moment.
Day three began with a group workout led by Ana, energising everyone for the day ahead. A stylish photoshoot at the villa was followed by a relaxed afternoon of shopping and exploring local markets.
On the fourth day, the girls enjoyed a memorable horse-riding session along the beach, complete with a dreamy photoshoot with the horses, a perfect ending to an empowering and rejuvenating experience in paradise.
This retreat was more than just a getaway, it was a powerful blend of wellness, sisterhood, and adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. A truly transformative experience that left everyone refreshed and inspired.
More information: Email womensfitness@womensfitness.com.au or DM us on Instagram
Villa Skyfall Samui – A Breathtaking Luxury Escape in Koh Samui
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury retreat in Thailand, Villa Skyfall Samui delivers on every front. Perched high above Choeng Mon in the exclusive Samui Summit Estate, this private eigtht-bedroom villa offers unmatched 270° panoramic sea views, jaw-dropping design, and five-star service that feels more like a boutique resort than a private home.
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed into a world where contemporary elegance meets traditional Thai charm. The villa’s architecture and interiors, created by an award-winning design team, blend natural materials like stone and wood with carefully curated antiques, giving every corner of the property a warm, refined feel.
Each of the eight suites is uniquely designed, but the 1,200 sq ft Master Suite is a true standout, complete with a massive bath/hot tub and two private balconies. Other favourites include the ultra-modern Theatre Suite and the airy, glass-fronted Mezzanine Suite, all offering total privacy and indulgent comfort.
What really sets Villa Skyfall apart is the amenities and service. You’ve got a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a rooftop bar for sunset cocktails, and even a private cinema room. Plus, the villa is fully staffed with a professional in-house chef, daily housekeeping, and a concierge who can arrange everything from spa treatments to yacht charters.
Despite its secluded feel, the location is surprisingly convenient, just 5 minutes from Choeng Mon Beach and 10 minutes from the airport. It’s also close to restaurants, local attractions, and nightlife if you want to explore the island.
Villa Skyfall is also incredibly event-friendly, accommodating up to 40 guests with a poolside stage setup, perfect for weddings, yoga retreats, or corporate escapes. It’s rare to find a place that can be so versatile without compromising on luxury or experience.
Verdict:
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to experience Koh Samui at its finest, Villa Skyfall is a destination in itself, private, opulent, and unforgettable.
More information: www.villaskyfallsamui.com.
Isabella Zena Dorothy Edström
STATUS UPDATE:
HOMETOWN: Birmingham, UK
BORN: 6 June 2000
INSTAGRAM: @bellxedstrom
TikTok: @bellxedstrom
SNAPCHAT: @bellaedstromxx
Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
I wake up, read some of my book, then I always fill out my gratitude journal to track what I’m grateful for, things that will make the day great, my aims etc to keep myself accountable and present in the moment. I always make sure that I eat something fairly substantial for breakfast, I never used to but this has made a big difference for my energy levels for training.
Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
Growing up my parents were very big on hiking and camping etc so that was a big part of my life, living an active lifestyle overall rather than being specifically fitness focused. I danced throughout my teenage years and did kickboxing as well during uni but didn’t really start gaining interest in the gym until I was in my early twenties. I now really love training and focusing on building my strength with my personal trainer Lucca – I think hybrid training is what works for me, keeping all of these elements in play at the same time.
How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
For me it’s all about keeping a routine and showing up no excuses every time – when it’s a non-negotiable, it’s easier to stay motivated.
What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
For me, I don’t like the culture that tracking your food is necessary for success in the gym. It works for some people but for me, I think there’s a lot of value in eating intuitively which for me is more sustainable and healthy.
What is your approach to nutrition? How do you maintain balance and still enjoy your favourite foods?
Like I just spoke about, I eat very intuitively so I make sure that I’m eating super clean the majority of the time just as a part of my normal routine – lots of leafy greens, grains, protein, etc, but that means that when I want to go out for dinner or drink occasionally I can enjoy it without any stress.
Who inspires you?
Honestly, working in the modelling and entertainment industries, I’m surrounded by so many beautiful and strong women who are very dedicated with their fitness, so I would say that I am most inspired by my colleagues.
What’s your go-to treat?
I love frozen yoghurt, Yo-Chi is my Kryptonite. Haha.
You’re working out in the gym – what are you listening to?
Maybe a bit unconventional but I pretty much always blast drill when I’m working out – you can take the girl out of Birmingham but can’t take the Birmingham out of the girl.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to let it be – simply, don’t let yourself be impacted by anybody else’s opinion, any outside factors or unexpected circumstances. This is something I try to life by, where I carry on pushing forward and focus on what I can control without letting things outside of that impact my motivation or mental health.
What’s next for you?
I’m looking to get back into kickboxing for a bit more variety in my training and potentially getting back into teaching dance – I’m actually a qualified dance teacher from back in the UK so that’s a potential next step for a bit more variety and something fun to do in Australia alongside my current career.
Mariè Strazdins
STATUS UPDATE:
FULL NAME: Mariè Strazdins
HOMETOWN: Sydney, Australia
BORN: 20 August 1995
INSTAGRAM: @mariestrazdins
TikTok: @mariestrazdins
Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
I love to start my day with lemon water, coffee and a refreshing shower. And if I have time, light exercise and writing.
Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
I’ve always enjoyed exercise. Over the years, I’ve become more intuitive about listening to what my body needs and adjusting my health and wellness to suit that.
How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
When I’m not motivated to work out, I like to go for a walk or do a quick 5 minute workout.
What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
Calorie counting and a focus on image, over actual health and wellbeing.
What is your approach to nutrition? How do you maintain balance and still enjoy your favourite foods?
I like to be 80 percent healthy and 20 percent indulgent.
What’s your go-to treat?
Krispy Kreme
Who inspires you?
A lot of people around me inspire me in small different ways. My grandma on my mum’s side went through so much, and still did a lot and came out an amazing person!
You’re working out in the gym – what are you listening to?
I like listening to remixes.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Take care of your future self.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just wrapped up a bunch of fashion editorials and photoshoots. It’s been such a meaningful chapter creatively.
Ana Coppola
STATUS UPDATE:
FULL NAME: Ana Coppola
HOMETOWN: São Paulo, Brazil
BORN: 27 September 1983
INSTAGRAM: @ana_coppola_coach
TikTok: @ana_coppola_coach
Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
I’d love to tell you that my mornings are sacred and I have a perfectly curated routine that never fails me, but the truth is, in my 40s, I’ve learned that discipline isn’t always about rigid rituals. It’s about self-respect, and that looks different every day. There are mornings I wake up full of energy, excited to train and tick off a to-do list before sunrise. And there are mornings I wake up feeling stretched thin—like my mind is already racing through all the ways I need to show up for other people. So instead of swearing by a single routine, I swear by checking in with myself first. I ask: ‘What do you need this morning?’ Sometimes it’s movement, sometimes stillness, sometimes a strong coffee and ten minutes staring out the window before I even think about work. That’s probably not the answer people expect from a personal trainer, but I think at this stage of life, it’s more important to be honest than impressive.
Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
Growing up in Brazil, movement was just part of life—dancing, playing sports, spending hours outdoors. My dad was a bodybuilder when he was young, and I still remember the old-school metal dumbbells he kept in his room. They were always there, like a quiet reminder that strength is something you can choose to keep close. He’s about to turn 90, and he still inspires me to see fitness as a lifelong relationship, not a phase. In my 20s and 30s, I was mostly chasing an ideal of how I thought I should look. I even competed in the Arnold Classic Bikini competition in Melbourne, which was an amazing experience but also very focused on aesthetics and external validation. Later, competing on Australian Ninja Warrior in my late 30s and Gladiators in my 40s was incredible, but it also showed me how easily we can tie our worth to extremes—whether it’s how we look or what we achieve. Now that I’m in my 40s, my philosophy has shifted—but I’m not going to pretend I don’t still care about how I look. I do. And I think that’s okay.
How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
Most mornings, motivation is the last thing on my mind. On the days when I’m tired or overwhelmed, I do two things. First, I visualise myself at the end of the session—ticking the workout off in my app, feeling accomplished, knowing I’ve kept a promise to myself. That simple mental picture makes it real. Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘You’re doing so well. You’re so close to your future self. Just train hard—that’s the one thing you can control today.’ I remind myself that discipline is a promise I keep to my future self. And to be honest, there are also days when I tap into the memory of how it felt when I let myself go. I remember the low self-esteem, feeling insecure in my clothes, comparing myself to everyone around me. That contrast is sometimes all I need to get moving. I also visualise the life I’m building—like my upcoming move to Dubai—and how feeling strong supports that vision. But I’ve learned not to make it so complicated. If I’m truly exhausted, I just pick one thing. Like today—I only did weighted pull-ups. Five sets of two reps, that was it. The important thing is to start. Even ten minutes can shift your entire energy.
What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
The myth that you have to train for hours every day or push yourself to extremes to see results is one I wish would just disappear. I used to believe I needed the perfect routine, the ideal plan that would deliver quick, dramatic results. But even when I followed those intense programs, I wasn’t happy. It wasn’t sustainable—and honestly, it didn’t fit with how I wanted to live my life outside the gym. Over time, I’ve learned that lasting change comes from patience and consistency, not extremes. It’s about building habits that fit your life, not the other way around.
For me, that means daily practices beyond just exercise—journaling, writing to myself, setting simple goals, and catching my own thoughts and behaviours so I can gently shift old patterns. It’s about being aware and kind to yourself, not punishing. I see so many people held back by the idea that fitness has to be hard, boring, or all-consuming—like they have to sacrifice their social lives or give up fun just to get results. That mindset stops them from even starting.
Consistency beats intensity every time.
What is your approach to nutrition?
For me, food is one of life’s great joys—especially as someone who loves to travel and experience new cultures. My approach is simple and sustainable. I focus on protein at every meal because it fuels my training and keeps me feeling satisfied. I’m not one for complicated cooking, so I batch cook the same meals most days and mix it up occasionally. Who has time to figure out new recipes all the time? I also rely on quality supplements to fill in the gaps and support my nutrition, especially when life gets busy. I’m not someone who pretends all food is equally good for you—some things, like deep-fried food, don’t even sit well in my stomach. But that doesn’t mean I turn it into a crisis if I decide to have it now and then. It’s just food—it’s not the end of the world.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves—successful, strong, and authentic.
What’s next for you?
This year is all about expansion and stepping into the next level of my purpose. I’m relocating to Dubai to launch my fitness app and grow my online coaching internationally. I want to create a global community where women feel strong in their bodies and unstoppable in their lives. Whether it’s through training, mindset, or simply sharing my story.
Sommer Shiels
STATUS UPDATE:
FULL NAME: Sommer Shiels
HOMETOWN: Sydney, Australia
BORN: 27h February 1989
INSTAGRAM: @sommerShiels
TikTok: @sommerShiels
TWITTER: @sommerShiels
Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
- Hydration with salt first always.
- Then step outside: 5–10 min of natural light tells your brain: “It’s time to be awake,” balancing cortisol and circadian rhythm.
- My first stop in Oz is always Beach House Gym in Bondi Beach! This is the best gym in Australia. Hands down the best way to start the day is weights and the good vibes that Beach House has! They also have the absolute best spa downstairs! Slow House! It’s become the hottest celeb spa and the best place to relax, recharge and enjoy.
Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
Yes! Incredibly. Little athletics, netball, ballet, jazz were all a part of growing up in Australia! I loved sports growing up! My fitness philosophy has changed now.
How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
The workouts are when you don’t feel like it. The weights will lift you! The gym and walking in the sunshine make you feel better! Always.
What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
That ladies who lift gain weight and get big! Lifting is important for ladies of all ages, especially after 35+.
What is your approach to nutrition? How do you maintain balance and still enjoy your favourite foods?
The 80/20 principle. I’m a big believer in not eating all day long and I’m definitely not a snacker. I don’t eat breakfast most days as I prefer to train empty. We don’t need three meals a day. Two is sufficient, but I guess we’ve been conditioned to overeat. I love all food and don’t really eliminate anything. I still love dessert most days.
What’s your go-to treat?
I am a dessert girl. I love chocolate and I’m a sucker for Anita Gelato!
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who are growth-orientated. We can only change as to the amount we are willing to admit about ourselves. I inspired by real people who are vulnerable and authentic.
You’re working out in the gym – what are you listening to?
Oh wow, it’s such an eclectic mix. At the moment I’m listening to Bosa Nova (samba music). It’s a bit old-fashioned, but it puts me in a good mood. I also have a favourite classical mix and then when I need pump hip-hop or rnb!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
For health: Creatine and collagen with hyaluronic are the ultimate!
For life: Choose to be happy, focus on the positive, but be aware of the negative, be kind, always try to be and do better!
Filming my documentary series I was given the best advice about longevity: Don’t stop working and have a great purpose plus a sense of community. Community and connection are imperative and the best thing for your brain.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just launched my skincare line @sommerskin, and I’m launching a women’s supplement line and a digital health platform and app. You can find it at womensform.com. Coming September 2025!
Rachel Williams
STATUS UPDATE:
FULL NAME: Rachel Williams
HOMETOWN: Brisbane, Queensland
BORN: 19 July 2000
INSTAGRAM: @raachel.williams
TikTok: @raachelwilliams
Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
Waking up I have to always make my bed to start the day right, followed by a morning coffee and taking my pup for a walk!
Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
Yes I’ve been involved heavily into health and fitness since grade 12! I love the way I’ve learnt how to properly train and exercise my mind body and soul to get the best results!
How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
Discipline over motivation is a statement I stick by every single day. Whether I feel like it or not, those results won’t get there themselves unless I put the work in
What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
Lifting weights makes women bulky. I absolutely love lifting weights it’s the best I’ve ever felt when I do. I love to progress and to increase my strength and try new ways to grow muscle!
What is your approach to nutrition? How do you maintain balance and still enjoy your favourite foods?
I have no restrictions – just mindful eating. Try to live by an 80/20 at least just so I know I’m being mindful but still allowing those sweat treats if I feel.
What’s your go-to treat?
Protein ice cream! It’s an every night occurrence in my house at the moment.
Who inspires you?
My parents! Discipline over motivation is what came from them, not just with fitness but life in general – they have been the best role models
You’re working out in the gym – what are you listening to?
Rnb or some insane remix’s on Soundcloud. Hahah I just need to listen to songs with words, not just beats.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“You become what you repeat.” Habits shape your identity more than goals do.
Shanti Griffin
STATUS UPDATE:
FULL NAME: Shanti Griffin
HOMETOWN: Gold Coast, Queensland
BORN: 24 January 1998
INSTAGRAM: @shantigriffin
TIKTOK: @shantilanigriffin
Do you have a morning routine that you swear by?
Yes! I wake up, go outside to find the sun and breathe deeply. I pray, journal, do my skincare, make coffee and breakfast, take my supplements – all while listening to good music to set the vibe for the day.
Was health and fitness important to you growing up, and how has your fitness philosophy changed over the years?
Definitely. I was super sporty growing up – I danced and played soccer and touch football. These days, it’s less about performance and more about how I feel. I move to feel strong, clear-minded, and energized.
How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
I remind myself that progress is just about becoming 1% better every day. I don’t need to do everything at once – just something that moves me forward.
What’s a fitness myth that you wish would go away, and why?
That lifting weights makes women bulky! Strength training builds muscle, boosts confidence! I find it helps me become mentally stronger too!
What is your approach to nutrition? How do you maintain balance and still enjoy your favourite foods?
I aim for balance. I eat whole, nourishing foods most of the time, but I’m also a foodie – I love treating myself to delicious, exotic meals. Food is joy. I believe in enjoying it fully without guilt.
What’s your go-to treat?
Chocolate mousse – always.
Who inspires you?
Women who are unapologetically themselves. Creators, mothers, leaders – anyone turning pain into power and living with heart.
You’re working out in the gym – what are you listening to?
Beyoncé, Doechii, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Janelle Monáe, and always a throwback Black Eyed Peas moment.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t stop when you’re tired – stop when you’re done.”
For the full article grab the August/September 2025 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
