The vast resort

THE 18-30 STONE HOLIDAY

STV, 9pm HIDDEN away on a Caribbean island is the world’s only hotel that’s been exclusively built for plus-sized people.

Simply called The Resort, on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, it’s custom built for people over 30st.

With one fifth of the world’s population expected to be obese in the next decade, it’s tapping into a booming market.

Many obese people are terrified of leaving the house, let alone wearing a swimsuit in public.

But at The Resort, there’s a private beach, doorways have been widened, the bed frames have been reinforced and each chair is almost a metre wide.

“You can literally jump on that furniture and nothing’s going to happen,” says resort owner James.

Guests can eat what they like from a buffet serving Caribbean dishes or comfort food.

There is also a specially designed programme of activities, including group therapy with a body confidence coach. James adds: “It’s a sanctuary – a place where you can come and have a good holiday without any judgment whatsoever.” Following a group of eight obese Brits as they head to this plus-sized paradise, this is by no means a fat-shaming film. We learn their innermost fears and it’s surprisingly tearjerking as they are inspired – mostly by each other – to gain confidence. Some of their stories are heartbreaking. Mum-of-two Alice, aged 31 and weighing 36st, has chronic anxiety. She’s been told she will die young because of her weight so she’s planned her own funeral.

Dane, who is 27 and weighs 31st, piled on weight after his parents divorced.

He says: “To me, fat means failure.” His confidence is so low that he’s cancelled his wedding twice.

And 23-year-old Steven, who is 37st, rarely leaves his home town. He says: “You are constantly ridiculed, you are constantly abused and you are constantly judged.”