Gourmet meals, masseuses, private rooms with fireplace and a view of one of the world's most exclusive beaches are what greeted Britney Spears when she checked in to try and regain control of her dysfunctional life.
Malibu is one of the capitals of high-end detox. There are about 25 rehab centres with inviting names such as Harmony Place, Renaissance and Cliffside. The Promises website pledges an "unparalleled recovery experience" and refers to itself as the choice of executives and government officials in addition to celebrities. | Her latest temporary home, the Promises Residential Treatment Center, boasts such alumni as Ben Affleck, Charlie Sheen and Diana Ross. Treatment does not come cheap. A 30-day stay is $48,000 (£24,500), which buys a personal trainer, beautician, tennis courts, two pools and riding nearby. The place is so up-scale that the chefs are not called that, but "recovery nutritionists".
Malibu is one of the capitals of high-end detox. There are about 25 rehab centres with inviting names such as Harmony Place, Renaissance and Cliffside. The Promises website pledges an "unparalleled recovery experience" and refers to itself as the choice of executives and government officials in addition to celebrities.
Steve Cron, a criminal defence attorney from Santa Monica, has visited numerous clients at Promises. "I've often said if I had nothing else to do and a substance abuse problem and had $40,000 lying around I'd go there for a vacation," he says. Then adds, judiciously: "All kidding aside, it's an outstanding programme."
Fred's not too sure he's willing to accept advice from someone who refers to himself in the 3rd person. |