Meghan Markle's Retreat Faces Major Setbacks

0:00It's March 18th. Let's get into entertainment and celebrity news. Meghan Markle's wellness for treat in Australia, called her best life, is facing major problems just weeks before it happens. VIP guests are paying nearly $2,300 for a short session with her over a weekend at the Intercontinental Cougie Beach Inn, Sydney. But key features like the pool and spa are not ready, and other issues are piling up. The hotel's ocean-facing infinity pool, poolside bar, and spa, have no set opening date after a big renovation. The retreat was announced on March 10th, promising relaxed pool time with beach views, but that leisure deck might not be available in mid-April, when the event is scheduled. Local beachgoers are warning about so-called poo balls, washing up on Sydney shores, made from cooking oil, soap, and human waste. These cause closures last year, and officials are spending $3 billion over 10 years to fix the sewer system and stop the mess.

1:01The organizer, Jim O'Neill, is in serious financial trouble. Her agency went into voluntary liquidation in November 2025, and she owes over $543,000 Australian dollars in. Taxes plus more to accountants. She told officials on February 20th she can't pay due to no savings and low income. Taxes get shared twin rooms while Markle stays in top hotels with first-class perks. For the high price, VIPs only score seats two rows back at a gala dinner and a group photo, raising doubts if the retreat will even happen. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor. See the description. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, so L.I. Soleypillow.com