Why occupying a hotel room alone (yes, all alone!) is the shit

‘Welcome Mrs. Düren. I hope you will enjoy your solo retreat.’ I hold the card at the door until the light turns green, step inside, and thoroughly examine the hotel room. On the bed lies a pampering package with a bath bomb, face mask, and meditation tips. Through the window, I look out onto a meadow where horses are grazing. Honestly, this room radiates tranquility. A feeling I haven't always allowed myself in the past few months.

Making time for yourself is important, yet it often gets pushed aside. They understand that here. ‘Here’ is at Mooirivier, one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Overijssel. To start the year fresh and relaxed, they have devised a Solo Retreat. A night away with yourself. Soloness. Time to walk along the Vecht. Time to take a bath. Time to think about your biggest world plans for 2020. Time to pause and catch your breath.

Yes, I went on a date with myself. And it brought new insights. This is why you want to book that hotel room by yourself.

Being able to do exactly what you want is SUPERCHILL

Feeling like locking yourself in your hotel room for thirty hours? You can. Living on room service? That’s possible too. Taking a bath six times? Go ahead. Sleeping diagonally in a king-size bed: it’s your party. That one good book. A cup of tea by the fireplace. Enjoying a long meal without having to consider others. Anything is possible on your solo trip.

All the energy you normally invest in others, you now invest in yourself
All the attention from listening, all the energy from talking, from being ‘a fun conversation partner’. It’s not necessary. And that’s quite nice. It may sound a bit airy-fairy, but you get to know yourself so much better by being alone.

Your true self pops up

Suddenly, I don’t care about makeup at all. Clothing suddenly becomes a functional thing. Am I cold? Oh, then I’ll put on that warm sweater. Do I feel like wearing pajama pants? Do I feel like a late-night macaron and a cup of tea?

Oh, and when you get hungry: dining alone has its advantages

That nice conversation with that handsome bartender you would never have met otherwise. Being able to do whatever you want. A cocktail as an appetizer, a greasy dish as the main course, and three desserts if you feel like it. Everything is possible. This is how you make dining alone fun, by the way. 

Oh my lord, and I haven’t even mentioned restaurant Aan de Oever yet
It’s included in your solo retreat trip. And, trust me: this is more than just a restaurant with a beautiful view over the river. Here, they cook with passion. And… nice to know: the hotel has a mention in the Michelin guide. Recommendations include the marinated scallop, langoustine, and the apple 5 spice for dessert.

YES, it gives your self-confidence a boost
From every trip alone, you will grow. A night away with yourself is a great stepping stone to learn to be ‘okay’ with being alone. Making memories with your lovely self: the person on this planet you’ve been with the longest.

It’s scary how quickly I’ve become zen during this trip.

Also excited? Good to know: the solo retreat can be booked until March 15. Check here for more info.