When Vogue Williams turned 40, she didn’t just blow out candles—she vanished into the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea with her husband, Spencer Matthews, and their three young children. The couple, both staples of British reality TV, checked into the MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalıkavak in Yalıkavak, Bodrum, Turkey, marking a rare moment of quiet luxury amid years of public scrutiny, personal struggles, and reality TV chaos. The trip, though unannounced, feels less like a vacation and more like a victory lap.
A Birthday Built on Survival
Williams’ 40th birthday isn’t just a milestone—it’s a testament to resilience. Just weeks before the getaway, she entered the jungle camp of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here as a latecomer in the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Matthews had already been through the experience—barely. He withdrew after two days in the same season, not because he couldn’t handle the bugs or the challenges, but because he wanted to be there for her. "He left so he could be home with the kids," Williams revealed on Elizabeth Day’s How to Fail podcast. "That’s not what most people do on reality TV. He chose us." That choice echoes louder now. Their marriage, once framed as a glossy reality TV romance, has been tested by addiction, public judgment, and the relentless glare of fame. Matthews, once a fixture on Made in Chelsea, openly admitted on the Everything I Know About Me podcast that he knew he’d lose Williams if he kept drinking. "There was a certainty," he said. "I was watching her rise while I was sinking."From Alcoholism to CleanCo—and Back
Matthews’ journey out of addiction led him to launch CleanCo, an alcohol-free spirit brand that briefly made him a self-styled sober evangelist. But the purity didn’t last. "I became sanctimonious," he admitted later. "I’d look at people having a glass of wine like they’d committed a sin. That wasn’t me. That was fear talking." Now, he drinks occasionally—sparingly, guiltily. "I feel an instant level of regret," he said. "That’s why I don’t do it often." It’s a nuanced recovery, not a perfect one. And Williams, who grew up watching her father drink daily but never miss a beat, understands the difference between dependency and habit. "My dad was a drinker," she told Day. "He was always in the pub at five. But he showed up. Spencer showed up too—after he stopped drinking."
Luxury as a Language of Love
The family’s stay at the MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalıkavak isn’t just about opulence—it’s about presence. They’re not just staying in a five-star resort; they’re reclaiming time. Their children—Theodore, Gigi, and Otto—have seen their parents on screens, in headlines, in rehab headlines. This holiday is their quiet rebellion against the noise. It’s also a continuation of a pattern. Last year, they spent £700 a night at a luxury villa in Sotogrande, Spain, according to Entertainment Daily. That wasn’t a birthday trip. It was just… them. Their lifestyle is undeniably privileged, but it’s also intentional. Every resort, every flight, every quiet morning by the pool is a deliberate act of rebuilding.What the Public Doesn’t See
Behind the Instagram reels of the kids splashing in the sea, there’s something deeper. Williams has spoken about a "non-negotiable rule" in their marriage—though she’s never revealed what it is. One guess? It’s about showing up, even when you’re broken. Another? It’s about not letting the cameras define your healing. Matthews’ withdrawal from I’m A Celebrity wasn’t a failure—it was a pivot. He didn’t need to prove anything in the jungle. He needed to be there when his wife did. And now, with her birthday behind them and the cameras off, they’re not chasing attention. They’re cultivating peace.
What’s Next for the Family?
The couple hasn’t announced any new TV projects, though both remain active on social media and in brand partnerships. Matthews continues to promote CleanCo, though with less dogma. Williams is reportedly developing a podcast focused on motherhood and mental health. Their children, now aged between 2 and 7, are growing up in a home where vulnerability is modeled—not hidden.They won’t be on the cover of Vogue this month. But they might just be living the kind of story that deserves to be told.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Spencer Matthews leave 'I'm A Celebrity' so quickly?
Spencer Matthews withdrew after just two days in the 2023 season of 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here' specifically to support his wife, Vogue Williams, who was entering the camp as a later contestant. He later confirmed on podcasts that he didn’t need to prove himself in the jungle—he wanted to be home with their children and emotionally available for Vogue during her experience.
How did alcohol affect Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews’ marriage?
Matthews’ heavy drinking created a growing emotional distance, with Williams fearing she’d lose him if he didn’t change. She compared his behavior to her father’s daily pub routine, noting that while her dad was present, Matthews was emotionally absent. He admitted on the 'Everything I Know About Me' podcast that he knew he’d lose her if he continued, prompting his decision to quit drinking and later launch CleanCo.
What is CleanCo, and is Spencer Matthews still involved?
CleanCo is an alcohol-free spirit brand launched by Spencer Matthews in 2021 as part of his recovery journey. While he initially promoted it aggressively as a sober lifestyle brand, he later admitted to becoming "sanctimonious" and scaled back his involvement. He now drinks occasionally, acknowledging the guilt he feels, but still supports CleanCo as a product he believes in—just without the preaching.
How does Vogue Williams feel about their luxury lifestyle?
Williams hasn’t publicly defended their spending, but her actions suggest she views luxury travel as a form of self-care and family bonding, not excess. After years of public battles, including her own mental health struggles and the trauma of reality TV, the family’s stays at places like the Bodrum hotel and Sotogrande represent intentional moments of stillness—not status symbols.
Are there any upcoming projects for Vogue Williams or Spencer Matthews?
Williams is reportedly developing a podcast centered on motherhood and mental health, while Matthews continues to promote CleanCo with a more low-key approach. Neither has confirmed new TV appearances, though both remain active on social media and in brand collaborations. Their current focus appears to be on stability, not stardom.
Why did they choose Turkey for this birthday trip?
The MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalıkavak offers seclusion, luxury, and a calm environment ideal for a family recovering from public exposure. Unlike the chaotic energy of UK resorts or the paparazzi-heavy spots in Spain, Bodrum provides privacy and natural beauty—key for a couple who’ve spent years in the spotlight and now prioritize quiet, unscripted moments with their children.