Want a stress-free holiday? Travel with seven perfect strangers

Want a stress-free holiday? Travel with seven perfect strangers (none of them men!) Alex Hollywood on the restorative power of a girls-only trip

• Alex Hollywood, 59 this year, opens up about her trip to the Italian Dolomites
• She enjoyed the all-women getaway with a group of delightful strangers 
• READ MORE: How to save up to £3k for your summer holiday

This time last week I was lounging in a deckchair on the powdery white slopes of a mountain, sipping hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles, admiring the on-piste fashions and giggling like a schoolgirl over selfies with the women around me.

I’ve been lucky enough to go on quite a few ski trips over the years, but this was the first time I’d travelled in a group without men — and it was marvellous.

When I booked myself on an all-women trip to the Italian Dolomites I was, frankly, terrified about the idea of doing something on my own.

But I’m 59 this year and, having been single for six years following my divorce from Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood and with my 21-year-old son Josh off at university, I’d been hunting for solo challenges to celebrate my newfound freedom.

Having worked as a chalet girl in my 20s, I’ve always loved the mountains, but it was the promise of a ‘testosterone free environment’ on this trip which really appealed.

Happy on holiday — without the testosterone: Alex pictured with her ski ‘gang’ at the Italian Dolomites

When skiing with men, there’s always an exhausting route march to a distant destination that has to be reached at breakneck speed, with great energy thrown into bashing the black runs and drinking the bars dry.

What’s wrong with having a bit of time to soak up the scenery and have a second hot chocolate? Why do holidays with men so often mean egos and grumpiness (on their part) and compromise and sacrifice (on ours)?

My ex-husband only learned to ski after we married and he’d probably be the first to admit that it was never at the top of his list of wonderful things to do.

So although I was spared the pressure of trying to keep up with a macho speed-freak, I did spend our holidays worrying whether he was enjoying the slopes.

Alex, 59 this year, decided to look for ‘solo trip’ options after initially searching around for ‘singles holidays’

Since posting about my trip on social media, I’ve had so many messages from women who’d love to go away without their male partners. One woman’s husband enjoys the luxury of large, shiny-floored hotels with endless buffets, yet her idea of bliss is a room in a tiny taverna opening on to a deserted beach and a simple menu of salad and fresh fish.

Another told me she dreams of a solo holiday because her husband snores so loudly — she’d love to get separate rooms but feels too guilty about making a fuss.

Of course, as a single woman I can please myself, but that turned out to be easier said than done.

Searching for ‘singles holidays’ threw up endless opportunities to find a new mate, which is just not on my agenda. In fact, I resent the idea that you have to find the perfect partner in order to feel complete (on holiday or anywhere).

As the team foodie, Alex says she took on the role of researching the best eateries on the team’s trip

Alex, pictured enjoying her break, branded the experience at her ski trip getaway as ‘marvellous’ 

Once I realised I needed to stop searching for ‘singles’ holidays and start looking for ‘solo’ trips instead, I found plenty of options for like-minded women who may or may not be in some sort of partnership, but who find themselves looking for adventures on their own.

The second I booked my trip to Italy, I regretted it. I’d be going away with a bunch of women I’d never met before! What if they were cliquey? What if I didn’t fit in?

Arriving at the airport felt like the first day at a new school. But, very quickly, our disparate group of eight women bonded. We were a mix of ages (40 to early 70s), some single, some not — and all out to have a good time.

Among our number was a team glamourpuss in her leopard-print jacket, and a well-organised teacher who became unofficial team leader, which was wonderful, as it meant someone else was happy to take charge.

It was day three before any of them twigged to whom I’d been married, but after a few polite questions the subject was quickly dropped (thank goodness).

As the team foodie, I took on the role of researching the best eateries and, as the only one who’d had laser eye surgery, I was often called upon to check maps which would otherwise have necessitated a mass pulling out of glasses.

Alex thinks that women tend to be natural people pleasers and soothers, and generally put their needs and choices last on a family holiday

It turns out when you’re with a bunch of good women you really can let your hair down — and we had so much fun.

If anyone had an off-day or a bit of a wobble at the top of a steep run, we would all pull together to encourage and support — it was a blessed relief not to have any male criticism in the mix. I didn’t once have to ask anyone’s permission or hold my tongue.

We were one loud, laughing gang and we didn’t miss the testosterone at all. In fact, we were all the happier without it.

I think women tend to be natural people pleasers and soothers, and generally put their needs and choices last on a family holiday. I admit that on this trip I found it wonderfully liberating that there was no one to mollify or cajole or try to keep happy.

Women are so fascinating. We bond in a very particular way, exchanging stories without judgment and very quickly feeling secure in each other’s company.

There’s so much stigma attached to the idea of women going away on their own. But we should be celebrating our freedom — midlife women are always being told what we should and shouldn’t do and we are made to feel so fearful for our personal security.

We were one loud, laughing gang and we didn’t miss the testosterone at all,’ Alex says. ‘In fact, we were all the happier without it’

Yet ageing is not a disease and I hate the implication that women of a certain age are invisible. We should not be told to stay in the background. Plus, in a group of like-minded women, it’s unlikely you’ll feel unsafe; we look out for each other.

This feels like a special time of my life — it’s like my 20s all over again, but without the angst — and I intend to make the most of it.

I look at my body and think this is as good as it is ever going to get. I’ve just got to keep it running optimally — it’s like maintaining a classic car. And that requires adventure as well as good food and regular exercise.

Ultimately, this trip has reinvigorated me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone — and that’s what makes you feel alive.

I’d encourage any like-minded woman thinking about a girls-only holiday to do it. Don’t be held back by your own imaginary brakes. You can thank me when you get home.

As told to Louise Atkinson

Instagram @alex_hollywood1

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