Written by Robyn Pound-Woods
We were delighted to recently host actor Hannah Van De Westhuysen at the Scarlet Hotel for a mini break. We sat down to talk about their experience and favourite Scarlet moments, mental well-being and to find out what's next for the actor.
We’re so thrilled that you chose to stay with us at Scarlet. What did you enjoy most about your experience with us?
'I've been fortunate enough to visit some incredible places, but the Scarlet truly stands out. It's hard to pick just one highlight! The mouthwatering breakfast was a delight, and I devoured every bite of my generous order from the incredible selection. The spa experience was another high point; the intensely relaxing massage, combined with the therapist's expertise in Ayurvedic medicine, was unforgettable. However, the most special part was the constant attention to detail. From the handmade fudge and elderflower cordial in our room with a handwritten note, to the guided breathwork during my massage that brought me to a new level of mental and physical relaxation, to every wonderful staff member remembering to wish my mum a happy birthday and surprising her with a delicious dessert, our stay felt personalized and special. It felt like everyone at Scarlet was just as excited as we were about the new delights we discovered throughout our trip.'
As a professional actor, how crucial is rest and recovery for your physical and mental well-being?
'Rest and recovery are absolutely essential! Firstly, from a practical standpoint, many self-employed individuals struggle to know when to stop, so avoiding burnout is key to maintaining performance levels. Rest can significantly boost productivity, a fact that's easy to overlook. Secondly, from a more indulgent perspective, every creative person produces better work when they are relaxed and cared for. Whether it’s physical ease after rest (and a perfectly attuned massage certainly helps!) or the mental freedom to allow creativity to flow, relaxation is crucial.'
Could you describe in 3 words how you felt before your stay and then how you felt as you were leaving?
'Before: Excited. Distracted. Fatigued.
After: United. Inspired. Serene.'
What was the top highlight of your stay in Cornwall?
'It's tough to choose just one highlight! The constant breathtaking views, whether enjoying a delicious three-course meal in the Scarlet restaurant or strolling along the cliffs to the Bedruthan Steps, were awe-inspiring. The natural beauty was so picturesque, it felt almost unreal.'
What’s next for you after your Cornwall trip? Any holidays, work, or exciting things in the pipeline that you can share?
'One magical aspect of visiting the Scarlet was the reminder of how much beauty lies close to home. I was fortunate to film in Dublin for a while, and the waterfalls and fairy gardens were highlights. Often, living in London makes it easy to forget what the rest of the UK has to offer. My partner and I are planning a summer tour of Scotland, which is great for our carbon footprint too! Since leaving the Scarlet, I've felt extremely inspired, pulling me out of a deep writing rut on a particular project. I’m sure many creative endeavors have blossomed from that magical place, and I hope to share mine on screen soon!'
