James Wilby Visits Amada Colossos Resort for a Second Time

Olympic medalist, World Champion and one of Britain’s leading breaststroke swimmers of his generation, James Wilby knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. His career has taken him around the world for training camps and competitions, but Rhodes has become a place he is drawn back to.
 

During his second stay at Amada Colossos Resort, James found time to slow down, stay active, explore more of the island and enjoy a different kind of relationship with the water. We sat down with him to talk about visiting Rhodes, the importance of rest and recovery, staying active on holiday and the experiences that made his second visit just as memorable.

 

Amada Colossos Resort: This was your second stay at Amada Colossos Resort. As someone whose career has taken you all over the world for training camps and competitions, what was it about the experience here that made you want to return?
 

James Wilby: I love travelling to Greece as a whole; there are so many things to see and do, but Rhodes in particular has always been a favourite. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something about the combination of the landscape, the towns, and the people that makes it such an amazing place to relax. And what better place to use as a base for all this than Amada Colossos Resort? Having everything I need at a “home away from home” means enjoying the whole stay is just so natural and easy to do.

 

Amada Colossos Resort: As an athlete with very specific nutritional needs, how did Amada Colossos Resort’s 16 Restaurants & Bars cater to your routine? Were you able to balance your performance needs while still enjoying the dining experience? Did you have a favourite meal or standout choice?
 

James Wilby: The variety and quality are the two key components to having a great experience when you eat somewhere. And the Main Restaurant at Amada Colossos Resort provides this every meal, every day. The fact that I was able to leave knowing I didn’t quite try everything that was on offer is a testament to the incredible range of options. But range doesn’t work unless it’s backed by the quality of the food. And I can honestly say that there are times in the past in competitions where I would have paid good money to have the Amada Colossos Resort team providing the food instead of what we had at the venue. That’s how pleased I was with what was on offer!

 

Amada Colossos Resort: Elite athletes swear by proper rest just as much as training. Was Amada Colossos Resort the kind of place that let you switch off?
 

James Wilby: Absolutely! It’s so common for aspiring athletes or just people in general to forget about the importance of rest. The fact is, without me taking the time to switch off and relax at places like Amada Colossos Resort, my body wouldn’t be ready for all the demand required from it when it’s time to perform. An enjoyable and comfortable experience seems to be at the heart of every guest interaction, and that is definitely what I received!

 

Amada Colossos Resort: We know you can’t stay still for long. Did you find any favourite running routes around Kallithea, and what was it like training with the Aegean as your backdrop? Is it cool to run and catch the sunrise from our part of Rhodes?
 

James Wilby: Just keeping the athlete inside of me ticking means I’m always thinking about moving a little each day. Given the great location of Amada Colossos Resort on the island, it meant that it didn’t take long for me to get to spots with incredible views. From the stunning beaches to world-famous bays, seeing all of these practically on the doorstep was something that made the little bits of exercise pretty special. Oh, and I also did a trip to the ancient Olympic stadium near Rhodes Old Town... that was a hidden gem I didn’t find on my previous stay. Nice to complete a small victory lap around that on the trip!

Amada Colossos Resort: You’ve competed in Olympic pools in front of thousands, but what was it like swapping that for Amada Colossos Resort’s 140m pool and 430m Blue Flag beach right on your doorstep?
 

James Wilby: It was certainly a lot more of a calm and relaxed environment! The 140m pool was one thing for sure; being able to swim from one end to the other in practically a straight line was a surprising experience considering it is almost three times the length I’m used to! But the beach was probably my favourite. I think since I’ve spent so much time in pools, when I get the chance to really immerse myself in a stunning, open body of water... that’s what I’ll pick when it’s right there. I love the waters around Rhodes, so that was my go-to.

Amada Colossos Resort: Competition and travel often mean seeing destinations very differently than most people do. Did Rhodes give you a chance to experience the island in a more relaxed way? Any recommendations?
 

James Wilby: For sure. When we travel, it doesn’t always allow for time to really see a location. Travelling for leisure like this really gives the chance to get stuck into a place’s history and culture. For me, some of my favourite elements of Rhodes are definitely Lindos and the history there, but also diving in the waters around the island. I found that under the water is just as amazing an experience, so that is something I would recommend to anyone who travels to Rhodes.

 

Amada Colossos Resort: For someone who’s not an Olympian but wants to stay active on holiday — with the pool, the gym, and the beach all on site — do you think Amada Colossos Resort could genuinely work as a training base for everyday fitness lovers?
 

James Wilby: I think so. In fact, I know from friends who have also stayed that it strikes just the right balance of relaxing but also active elements. Sometimes an active resort can be a little intimidating to some, but having the balance of everything being on offer whilst also having that tranquil holiday setting is something I’m sure many people will find appealing.

 

Amada Colossos Resort: Swimming requires discipline and consistency over years of training. Did you see anything during your stay at Amada Colossos Resort that reminded you of those same values?
 

James Wilby: The culture and attitudes amongst the staff were something that was a real pleasure to see. From the very top all the way down the chain, there was attention to detail and genuine care about the job that was refreshing to see. I believe that it is a consistent culture like this that really allows teams, whether that be in sport or in resorts, to truly perform at their best.

Amada Colossos Resort: Finally, as someone who’s now experienced Amada Colossos Resort firsthand, what’s your one tip to make sure guests get the absolute most out of their stay?
 

James Wilby: Definitely book for as long as you can. The trip will go so quickly since it’s just such an enjoyable experience. But even if it’s only a short stay, really maximize the staff and what they can offer. They’re amazing people who will always be there to help make the stay even better.
 

Born in Glasgow in 1993, James Wilby is a British breaststroke swimmer whose career includes medals at Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth level. Among his standout achievements are gold in the 200m breaststroke at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, gold in the 100m breaststroke at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the European 200m breaststroke title in 2022.
 

He also won Olympic silver as part of Great Britain’s men’s 4×100m medley relay team at Tokyo 2020 and was part of the gold medal-winning British team in the same event at the 2019 World Championships. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Wilby became one of the few swimmers to defeat fellow Briton Adam Peaty in a major international 100m breaststroke final.
 

From the discipline and consistency of elite sport to the importance of slowing down and recovering, James’ second stay at Amada Colossos Resort was a chance to experience Rhodes at a different pace, without ever leaving the athlete within him too far behind.
 

Discover Amada Colossos Resort and experience your own balance of relaxation, activity, and island life in Rhodes.