A new “Love Island” dating experience whisked two Brits away for a chance to find love – but they sadly didn’t meet their match.
Rebecca and Brendan, both 45, were picked for the all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime to Florida – but there was a catch, as this was the singleton’s first date together.
The pair, from Redditch and Leeds, put their love life in the hands of Ocean Florida, a company offering a “Love Island” dating experience.
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But while they had fun, their fairytale wasn’t meant to be – and now, they’re still on the hunt for a perfect match.
“I knew after about 48 hours that there was nothing for me romantically,” Rebecca, a working mum, told What’s The Jam.
“But I found myself second guessing if I was missing something.
“I think when you are put into a ‘matched’ situation and you don’t necessarily understand why you have been put together, it can be a bit disorientating trying to work it out.”
The pair were whisked away on 12 February 2024 for nine days in the sunshine, exploring theme parks, beaches and even wilderness glamping.
But despite romantic dinners at the Four Seasons Hotel – and £25,000 spent on the trip – sparks didn’t fly.
Brendan, a project manager, said: “It would have been nice if there had been a romantic connection, but that was always going to be a tall order.
“I consider myself very lucky to have had this experience, and, honestly, I feel lucky to have been paired with Rebecca, because we really did get on very well and that wasn’t guaranteed.
“Dating can be hard work and understandably, I think a lot of people get disheartened and even jaded.
“But I think if you take people as you find them and try to use every interaction as an opportunity to learn – then it can be a positive experience.”
Rebecca and Brendan were two of the lucky 147 applicants to be selected by Ocean Florida.
The pair, albeit not right for each other, have learned a valuable lesson – and gained a friend for life.
Rebecca added: “It hasn’t changed how I look at love.
“I did know that finding love on the trip was a long shot but I still felt it was worth a try.”
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