BREATHE, BEACH, BLISS, REPEAT …
Words Cleo Glyde – Photography Josef Nalevansky
No-one is going to say no to a six-pack, but it is more than physical fitness and looking good that underpins KAAIAA training. Sydney-based Leah Simmons’ 15-year background in the health industry as a certified Pilates instructor, personal trainer and Kundalini yoga teacher forged her desire to bring different kinds of strength to a simple exercise class. “It takes a few different things to get me where I need to be and keep me together,” explains Leah. “Different types of training keep me in peak condition or help me deal with difficult situations on a daily basis. I thought, why not combine the four proven practices that I use into one seamless workout?”
Leah developed KAAIAA, which fuses breath work, body strength exercises, meditation and an integration technique in 30-, 45- or 60-minute classes. Students are trained to not only seek out their physical strength limits, but break down the emotional barriers that act as life obstacles as well. “Traditionally, physical training and mental wellbeing are seen as separate health pillars, but they are even more powerful together.”
This resonated with many people, and Leah’s growing online class community became a lifeline throughout covid lockdowns – while @thisiskaaiaa has now reached more than 15,000 followers. “KAAIAA is a physical workout at its essence, yet it’s interesting that the feedback is rarely about muscles, and more about people reporting a lift in confidence and self-esteem,” Leah says. “I have clients tell me that their mindset shifts and they are able to face challenges with total calm, particularly for 23 hours after a session.”
The Central Coast community was keen to jump on the bandwagon and Leah visited recently to offer KAAIAA’s unique blend of music, movement, strength and stillness in a highly anticipated class at Killcare SLSC. “We had 75 people come, and half were new to the practice. I found the local community to be open minded and really willing to step outside traditional fitness,” she says. The KAAIAA demographic is mainly women of between 35 and 55, and it was a dedicated follower who had started the workouts during lockdown who encouraged Leah to bring the practice north.
“I met a group of intelligent, driven, go-getter women – some were business owners, creatives, or in tech. Like women around the country, they want to be energised and have these sorts of offerings available in their own community.”
It wasn’t just the locals who won Leah over. Belle Property Escapes’ beautifully positioned property Sea Mist, perched over Killcare Beach with 180-degree views, also created a lasting impression. “The first thing that catches your eye is the incredible panorama. The beach is breathtaking,” she says.
Sea Mist’s crisp beach-house palette and pared-back contemporary feel (including Coco Republic furniture) is like a home away from home. Leah brought three girlfriends on her
Central Coast KAAIAA tour, who were equally mesmerised by the view. “You can just sit and stare at the ever-changing sky and ocean; it’s like a moving piece of art. We had these grand plans to bushwalk and do so many things, but ended up just staying in the house, ensconced in the environment,” Leah says.
The property features a master bedroom, three queen-sized bedrooms, a self-contained bedsit, games room, and open-air showers set up for easy communal living. Perfect for a beach getaway with friends and family.
For more information visit kaaiaa.com
Special thanks to LuLu Rose Foundation for facilitating Leah’s visit and @cameronhackney.privatechef for preparing a beautiful meal at Sea Mist.
AT YOUR SERVICE
You too can enjoy the delectable fine-dining delights whipped up by private chef Cameron Hackney while enjoying a stay at a Belle Property Escapes property.
While Cameron works on a freelance basis, the Belle Escapes Concierge Team is happy to enlist his services for guests staying in one of the many luxurious Belle Escapes holiday homes on offer, just as Leah Simmons and her guests did.
Cameron’s career as a private chef began when he was working in Bali in 2013, while on rotation on a superyacht. He has worked at various top restaurants overseas, including in Singapore, Bali and London, as well as in Sydney and the Hunter Valley.
Upon his return to Australia and his move to the Coast, Cameron worked at well-known restaurants such as Bells, Pretty Beach House and Yellowtail before deciding in 2018 to once again work on superyachts and private dining.
His offerings include events catering – comprising canape and shared menus – private dining with bespoke degustation menus, and superyacht/holiday house live-in chef services.
Cameron describes his food styling as “Modern Australian”, with elements of native ingredients and locally sourced produce. Menus frequently feature wholly Australian ingredients such as kangaroo, spices, smoked crocodile and emu, to name a few.
Working closely with quality purveyors such as Two Providores, Shane’s Seafood and Newcastle Greens, all Chef Cameron’s plates are artisanal to match the quality of produce.
For more information see cameronhackneyprivatechef.com, @cameronhackney.privatechef
To arrange Cameron Hackney to be your private chef during your stay at a Belle Property Escapes holiday home, contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717.
