ELLIE Goulding has been living her best life in a tropical paradise with friends and a hunky surf instructor.
The pop star jetted to Costa Rica for some rest and relaxation and has been nourishing her soul too.
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The singer has been taking yoga classes, going on beach walks and enjoyed kisses in the surf with new toy boy Armando Perez.
In a poolside selfie Ellie showed off her toned body in a blue bikini emblazoned with seahorses.
Going makeup-free, she smiled at the camera with her damp hair falling over her shoulders.
Another shot saw her having a sunset stroll on the beach with a female friend. The pair wrapped an arm around each other and pouted as if they were going to kiss.
Ellie’s male pal nestled into her neck and gave her a friendly peck in another beach snap.
She played a game with friend Cassandra back at their sprawling villa while enjoying a drink, and the trip were pictured beside a light aircraft too.
It looks like the getaway had the perfect blend of friendship and romance.
In our exclusive pictures from her loved-up surf session on the beach, Ellie, 37, was without her wedding ring while frolicking with Armando in his native Costa Rica.
Last night a source confirmed for the first time that Ellie and husband Caspar Jopling were in the process of splitting after marriage difficulties last year.
An insider said: “Ellie and Armando seemed very into each other.
“They share a lot of interests including their love of nature and the ocean.
“Armando runs a surf school on the beach with his brother and he has been giving Ellie lessons.
“When Armando wasn’t teaching Ellie, he couldn’t keep his hands off her and pulled her in for a hug and a kiss.
“Ellie looked blissfully happy and was laughing and joking with him as they messed around in the sea.”
The Sun first reported last summer that Ellie’s marriage to art dealer Caspar, 32, had run into trouble.
Despite both removing their wedding rings, those close to the couple insisted there was “no discussion of divorce”.
The couple, who got hitched in August 2019 and have a young son, were last seen together in London six weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Ellie and Armando also appeared to spend time together in Costa Rica last month.
The chart-topping star posted a photo of herself standing in front of a tree on Instagram, with Costa-Rican born Armando sharing an identical picture, which Ellie liked.
She also posted other photos from her January trip with the caption: “Pura Vida,” which translates as “pure life” in English.
Ellie — who has had a string of UK No1 singles including Burn and Love Me Like You Do — headed there again with pals this week for a “wellness break” following her last public concert, in Dubai on February 16.
She is due to perform at the Brit Awards a week tomorrow.
Shortly after her marital difficulties emerged last year, Ellie struck up a close friendship with ex-Tory MP and life peer Zac Goldsmith.
The pair were seen together in London last autumn after apparently bonding over their passion for climate issues.
But in September The Sun revealed how Ellie had cut ties with Zac in a bid to give her marriage to Caspar another chance.
Yesterday a friend of Ellie said: “There’s been a lot of speculation about Ellie’s marriage over the past year or so, and it’s been pretty exhausting for her.
“She and Caspar have overcome a lot of hurdles against all odds, and are in a really good place.
“Ellie came out to Costa Rica for herself and no one else.
“This is very much a wellness break with some great girlfriends ahead of the Brits.
“She’s in a great place mentally, and is excited for the future.”
Last night a source close to Ellie told The Sun: “Ellie and Caspar have had a tough time these last couple of years figuring out what they want for their family.
“However it’s now widely known in their social circles that, although they are still best friends and spend time together as co- parents, they decided to call time on their relationship
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