Pearl Lowe: ‘Living with ADHD and OCD makes holidays a challenge’
Pearl Lowe, 55, is a London-born fashion and interior designer who also spent time as a singer-songwriter. She is married to musician Danny Goffey and they share three children: Alfie, 29, Frankie, 26, and Betty, 20. She also has a daughter, Daisy Lowe, 36, from a previous relationship with Gavin Rossdale. The family now calls Frome, Somerset home.
Holidays can be tough for me. I struggle with OCD, which means I need my surroundings to meet many specific criteria, and I also contend with ADHD, which tends to make travel missteps more likely. I often don’t fully absorb documents, leading to a variety of mistakes: we’ve shown up at airports on the wrong day, checked into the wrong hotel, and I’ve even left with an empty suitcase because packing didn’t register properly. Generally, I end up overpacking, yet I end up wearing the same dress repeatedly. I’m fortunate to be roughly the same size as my daughters, so I can borrow their clothes—though Betty’s wardrobe is off-limits for me, given how tiny her skirts and shorts are.
Long-haul flights aren’t my favorite; they can feel endless. Still, some places are worth the journey. Sri Lanka stands out as the most underrated destination I’ve visited. Our family trip happened just before the pandemic, and the country’s beauty was jaw‑dropping. The people were incredibly kind, and the hotels were superb. We explored from Colombo to Tangalle, staying at Amanwella and even taking a crocodile safari along the river.
Tangalle Beach in Sri Lanka left me in awe of its natural beauty
I’m also fond of Mexico. A few years ago I spent time in Tulum, staying at La Valise and Our Habitas, both known for striking interiors. I’ve yet to visit Mexico City, but I’d love to go—my fascination with Frida Kahlo has me eager to see her home there.
If you’d like more on travel to Mexico, check out our full Mexico travel guide.
Recently we sold our 11-bedroom home in Somerset and are in the midst of downsizing. We spend a few days each week in a Notting Hill flat, but we’re planning to settle in Frome for good. We adore the town, and so do our kids. My favorite restaurant in the world is High Pavement, tucked away in Frome’s St Catherine’s Quarter. It’s essential to book well in advance since it’s open only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but it serves the most delicious tapas you’ll ever taste. I’m also a fan of Frome Market, which runs on the first Sunday of each month from March through December. The selection of food, antiques, and everything else is outstanding. Somerset also boasts some of the UK’s finest hotels; Number One Bruton is a personal favorite for its impeccable design. Babington House is another staple, where we celebrated a gothic-inspired winter wedding in 2008.
With the move occupying most of my thoughts, travel plans are on pause for the moment. I considered a home-swap to simplify travel, but I encountered unattractive options on one of those platforms, making the idea feel unfair and impractical.
I’m eager to return to Morocco. Our stay at El Fenn in Marrakech was unforgettable—colorful, stylish, with amazing food. The interiors were gorgeous, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We also spent time in the Atlas Mountains to celebrate a friend’s 50th at a venue at the base of the range, which was a truly special experience.
Paxos in Greece remains a favorite as well. We typically rent a villa there, and once we even chartered a 109-year-old boat, Circe, with Scott Williams Villas. The voyage was magical, even though the cabins felt tiny, like sleeping in coffins. Our skipper, Adonis, played guitar every evening as the sun set, creating memories I’ll treasure forever.
Pearl Lowe and Daisy aboard Circe in Paxos
One rough patch occurred about six years ago during a family trip to Goa, India. We were desperate for rest after a challenging year, but a sickness outbreak at the beach resort left us all laid up. I remember boarding the plane thinking, finally heading home. I’d be keen to return to India someday, with Jaipur as a top destination on my list.
As a child, August vacations usually found us in Mallorca at a familiar Meliá hotel. Our family circle grew to include friends and their kids, though I was always the youngest and often stayed inside while others went out. As I aged, my brothers left for university, and trips became just my parents and me—visiting places like Barbados and staying at the Sandy Lane hotel.
My father bought a small Miami property when I was nine, and we spent summers there, plus Christmas and spring breaks. I cherished those memories as a teenager until the family sold the house. The city’s architecture, pastel tones, South Beach, Wynwood’s art scene, and the food all left a lasting impression, especially after my father passed away in 2016.
Miami holds a special place in my heart, tying closely to my dad’s memory.
My first solo holiday without my parents was a Provence girls’ trip to Club Med when I was 17. It was the late 1980s, and Club Med was buzzing. We partied from sunrise, thanks to all-inclusive drinks, and enjoyed a lively resort with plenty of activities and plenty of potential romance. That trip wasn’t about seeing the south of France so much as just letting loose and having fun.
Faded Glamour in the City is Pearl Lowe’s new memoir, published by Cico Books. You can order it at Times Bookshop. Free UK standard shipping applies on orders over £25, with special discounts for Times+ members.
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