Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Iris Sinilong
Seriously? Just when I thought I’d heard it all! Sure, people are now having “divorce” parties instead of bachelor parties. And once upon a not so long time ago, we saw a reality show where couples with relationship woes tempted themselves by vacationing on an island surrounded by rock-hard abs, bikini-wearing hotties and copious amounts of alcohol. It saddens me that this is what classifies as quality entertainment today. But I digress.
So just when I thought I’d seen it all, a news release lands in my inbox to announce a new type of hotel that offers couples a weekend retreat — from each other!
Located in The Netherlands, it is called the Divorce Hotel. Over the course of just three days, unhappily married couples can check into the hotel, while checking out of their respective marriages. The getaway package includes access to one of six boutique hotels in the Netherlands, luxury accommodations (albeit separate accommodations), and your choice of lawyer to help finalize the details. The hotel even provides mediators and psychologists.
“They arrive on Friday and we give them everything they need to leave Sunday with their divorce papers,” said Founder Jim Halfens. “Divorces can cost a lot of money and a lot of time. Here, it’s done in three days.”
I know you’re wondering – how much does this special little weekend cost? Anywhere between $2,500 and $10,000. Basically, the messier the divorce, the more expensive the getaway. Factor in complicated distribution of assets, custody battles and psychological pick-me-ups, the price continues to climb.
The silver lining is that it’s all done in just three days. Halfens said, “The marriage failed, and that’s negative. But it’s also a new start, and that’s positive. The only thing we can do is offer a better solution than fighting for years.”
Halfens now has his sights set on the US, which makes sense I suppose, to bring his hotels into a society wherein 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Halfens even went so far as to invite Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, who’ve been on the outs since November last year. But guess what … they didn’t respond. Go figure.
“We once had a guy that said, ‘I want a bottle of champagne,’ and did a toast to his wife,” said Halfens. “He said, ‘I had a wonderful time with you, and I wish you a nice future. Please wish for me a nice future as well.’” I can’t help but wonder what her response would have been!
And coming full circle back to the very beginning of my post, Halfens said he hopes to launch a reality TV show about Divorce Hotel.
Well of course he does.
“It’s time to show people this is possible,” he said. “And obviously it would be a great television show.”
Obviously? Not sure how obvious it is, but that’s just my opinion. I’d love to hear your opinion on the new Divorce Hotels – please share your comments below!
