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Suitcase Series: Abby Smith Co-Founder of CLUB AM:PM
This week we caught up with Abby Smith the co-founder of CLUB AMPM, a Pilates studio in Melbourne, to find out what she never travels without, her packing tips, and what her most memorable trip has been so far…
Abby Smith is the co-founder of Club AM:PM better known as the CLUB. It’s a full-body dynamic reformer and hot mat pilates studio located in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. Abby founded the studio together with her friend Hannah Laidlaw and the studio opened the doors just over a year ago. The club provides members with red-hot workouts for all levels of fitness, a healthy dose of endorphins and above all, a community where you’re welcome every day from AM to PM.
In this week’s Suitcase Series, we take a sneak peek into Abby’s travel psyche…
What’s been your most memorable trip, and why?
My most recent trip to Europe with my partner who proposed to me on a nudie beach in Hvar, Croatia. Yes, we were clothed at the time. An absolutely magical, love-filled period. Before that, we celebrated two of our favourite people getting married in Liverpool where we stayed at a lush manor for five days beforehand. We also visited Viareggio in Italy which would not have been on our bucket list of places to tick off but our Italian friend just kind of booked this place for a few of us and it was stunning. Barcelona was also on the itinerary which was wild! We loved it. My partner was actually mugged in Barca but no one was hurt… just down a gold chain. We created many memories on that trip, both good and sketchy but a truly unforgettable holiday.
What’s your favourite ever hotel?
Alma Beach Hotel Weligama, Sri Lanka. When you look it up, it looks like nothing too fancy, however my best friend and I stayed in a room that was right on the beach- “open up the doors to step right out onto sand” kinda vibes. We surfed, drank cocktails, ate unbelievable food and hung out with the locals and other travellers in the area. It was bliss!
Where or what is your escape?
This is going to sound dingey as but my escape place at the moment is under Burnley Bridge in Melbourne where there are three bouldering walls that are free to access for the public. I’m certainly no expert at climbing however it’s a place that welcomes anyone and everyone of all ages and demographics. When you’re on the wall you’re completely in the zone and totally present. The perfect mid-week escape.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be…
Koh Lao Lading in Krabi, Thailand. Looks like the ultimate oasis!!!!! Enable the “out-of-office” email, pack your bags. Let’s go!
What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?
Quiet beach (nudist beach if possible please), daily Yoga, a massage every couple of days, a hike and/or a surf each day and no make-up.
My top bucket-list destination is…
Mexico off the beaten track somewhere… all of it!
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Jim Carey. I’ve been a huge fan of his since I was a kid and I know he’s a pretty strange unit but bring it on! He’d have some wild stories and would be a hoot to chat to and laugh with.
What is your jet lag recovery tip?
Think of yourself as a savvy time traveller prepping for an epic journey. Start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days prior to departure to ease into the new time zone. Once you land, soak up some natural sunlight during the day to help reset your body clock. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol, they’re sneaky culprits that can throw off your recovery efforts… easier said than done though… don’t worry, I get it 😉
4 classes valid for 14 days
First time to the club? This is an opportunity to try Pilates and see if it’s for you.
RRP: $59.00
What is your suitcase stalwart?
Americ
What is your number one packing tip?
Less is more. Always pack less than you want to because wearing or using absolutely every item in your luggage on a trip literally never happens. Also… more room in your luggage to make a few holiday purchases, am I right?! Also leave your make-up bag at home. You don’t need it – let the holiday glow do its thing. You’re stunning… I’m breaking the rules here, that’s two tips for the price of one. Bargain! That’s a good deal, if you ask me!
I never travel without…
my Lost Little One Coco Backpack . It’s small enough to take with you absolutely everywhere but large enough and with enough compartments to pack the necessities for day to day activities. This item definitely falls in line with the “less is more” approach. Drink bottle, phone, wallet, sarong. Let’s go!
In my beauty/toiletry bag, I always bring…
Mecca face sunscreen, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and the Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. Travelling can make your skin so dry particularly if I didn’t take my previous advice of limiting alcohol and caffeine. Don’t judge me, I’m on holiday.
For more information visit www.clubampm.com.au
