18 Travel & wellness


20TH MARCH 2023 THE GOOD LIFE DISTRIBUTED WITH


Ever found yourself struggling to get over a particularly bad breakup? We’ve all been there. But what if there was somewhere you could go to recover from your heartbreak, complete with cashmere mattresses, guided yoga lessons and even a spot of therapy? Enter Te Heartbreak Hotel. Counselling psychologist Alice


Haddon set up Te Heartbreak Hotel alongside bestselling author, coach and friend Ruth Field back in 2021. Teir concept has proved wildly successful, with wave after wave of women going back out into the world with their oomph replenished. I caught up with Alice and Ruth to chat about the project and their plans for the future.


Check in to The Heartbreak Hotel


Meet the founders of a luxury retreat exclusively for women going through difficult breakups. Words by Andy Hill


How do guests find you? Te first step is to fill out a form on our website that asks about their situation, how they feel and how they’d like to feel. It’s important we get as much info as we can. It’s more than just a retreat, though — we’re a mental health operation. Many of our guests exhibit symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. It’s important to know where people are at clinically. Breakups are a serious trauma.


What’s the vibe of the retreat? We cocoon our guests in warmth and comfort. We spent a long time sourcing the perfect venue. Right now we occupy a beautiful place up in the Peak District. We don’t allow phones and there’s no alcohol, because we feel you can’t be numbing your feelings while learning how to manage them and live with them. Tere are lovely cashmere mattresses, underfloor


Sheraton Soma Bay


heating, hot water bottles, a real fire, healthy food and soft lighting. We get through a lot of candles.


Do guests make friends? We host eight guests at a time, and group them together based on shared experiences. On the first night, they all sit by the fire and share the story of their heartbreak. By the end of the weekend’s therapy, we gather by the fire again to tell a different story. It’s a rescripting of all they’ve been through, based on the fresh perspective we’ve helped them achieve. It’s the most moving part of the retreat.


What happens to guests at the end of the weekend? Our guests leave feeling empowered. Te world outside might be tough, but they’re equipped to deal with these things. When we check back in six months later, our guests almost always report lasting positive changes. Our groups form friendly WhatsApp communities, through which they support and keep in touch with each other.


Any plans for the future? We have big plans! Tere’s a book in the works — which places the reader in a lightly fictionalised version of our retreat, sharing stories with five other guests. Our wider mission is to light up hearts all over the world. We’re hoping to develop a virtual Heartbreak Hotel, where we can help both women and men work through their trauma. Rates for Te Heartbreak Hotel are £2,500 per retreat. A 10% early bird discount is available for bookings made four weeks in advance. theheartbreakhotel.co.uk


RECOMMENDS


Resort Red Sea resort The Sheraton Soma Bay Resort is surrounded by the nature of Soma Bay’s sandy beach and breathtaking scenery. Explore the wonders of the Red Sea’s amazing natural scenery, with wonderful weather all year round. Indulge yourself and your family in a one-of-a-kind stay, with a variety of hotel facilities and a completely relaxing atmosphere. A direct view of the sea makes it the perfect destination for your next fun family trip. Visit marriott.com/hrgss for more information.


OBLU Select Sangeli


Luxury resort Balmy turquoise-hued waters and lush green palm trees ease you into a serene getaway at OBLU Select Sangeli. The vibrantly designed beach and overwater villas are a delight to the senses. A medley of flavours are on offer, with all-day dining, pool bars and two speciality restaurants. Explore at leisure the sparkling white beaches and turquoise lagoon beaming with vibrant coral life. With the Serenity Plan, you can enjoy snorkelling, ocean excursions, kids’ club access and daily activities and dine-around experiences — all blended into your stay. coloursofoblu.com


SHERATON SOMA BAY RESORT


OBLU SELECT SANGELI


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