Steven Bartlett, the Dragons’ Den star and Diary of a CEO podcaster, has taken his decade-long love story to the next level.
The 33-year-old entrepreneur recently proposed to his yoga and wellness guru girlfriend, Melanie Lopes, during a luxury family holiday in Marrakech, Morocco.
The engagement marks a significant milestone in a relationship that has been anything but conventional.
Social media posts from Melanie’s family reveal the couple beaming with joy while exploring the desert in a dune buggy convoy, accompanied by her parents, sister, and brother.
Other snaps show them enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine, camel rides, scenic walks, a spa day, and a visit to a charity supporting disadvantaged women in culinary skills.
It remains unclear if Steven’s parents and three older siblings joined the trip, though they are reportedly close.
A Stunning Christmas Proposal
The couple’s engagement was officially announced earlier this week.
After an on-and-off relationship spanning ten years, Melanie shared a picture of her dazzling oval-cut ring, estimated at £200,000, while holding Steven’s hand, captioning the post: “Mon amour.”
Their romance is strikingly modern, with both leading careers on opposite sides of the globe.
Steven is based in Los Angeles, while Melanie spends much of her time in Bali, running her wellness business.
Despite the distance, their relationship has flourished, blending independence with deep connection.
Melanie Lopes: The Global Wellness Entrepreneur
Melanie is the founder of Bali Breathwork, a high-end wellness company offering yoga, meditation, and breathwork retreats worldwide.
Her previous retreats have taken place in locations like Greece, Portugal, and South Africa.
She shows no signs of slowing down, with an upcoming retreat in Sri Lanka set for April 2026, bringing together 20 women at £1,750 each for a week-long immersive experience.
The retreats focus on helping participants reconnect with their sensuality and feminine power, drawing inspiration from the energy of Hindu goddesses.
Melanie is also trained in reiki, hypnosis, and other somatic practices, emphasizing holistic wellness and self-discovery.
From Instagram Connection to Long-Term Love
Steven and Melanie first met on Instagram in 2016.
They were together for a year before splitting as Steven focused on building his business empire.
During their time apart, Melanie traveled the globe, posting vibrant images from Bali, India, Paris, New York, and beyond.
She also worked as a lingerie model and promoted wellness products, including an aphrodisiac drink made with Horny Goat Weed.
Steven addressed years of speculation about his relationship status in 2021, confirming on YouTube that he was straight and single.
Their reunion, however, was dramatic: Steven flew 22 hours to Bali while Melanie was in another relationship.
After spending four days together, she reportedly “fell for him all over again,” and the couple has been inseparable since.
Public Displays of Affection and Shared Values
Even though Steven rarely appears on Melanie’s Instagram, he has been vocal about their bond in interviews and on his podcast.
From surprising her with a limousine full of roses on Valentine’s Day to serenading her with a gospel choir at his live arena podcast tour, Steven isn’t shy about showing love publicly.
He credits Melanie with helping him overcome childhood trauma, particularly from witnessing parental conflict.
She has also taught him about physical affection, emotional openness, and healthy relationships—shaping his vision for the future, including fatherhood.
Steven’s Journey to Success
Born in Botswana and raised in Plymouth, England, Steven faced a difficult childhood.
Financial struggles, racism, and a challenging school life shaped his early years.
Dropping out of university at 18, he launched his first ventures, eventually building The Social Chain, valued at £300 million.
Despite past difficulties, he maintains a strong bond with his family, expressing gratitude for their support and sacrifices.
Controversies in the Wellness Space
Steven’s involvement in wellness hasn’t been without controversy.
In 2024, his Dragons’ Den investment in Acu Seeds, a company selling gold-plated ear seeds claiming to treat ME, attracted complaints from health professionals.
Episodes of his Diary of a CEO podcast have also faced criticism for promoting unverified health claims, though his team emphasizes freedom of expression and presenting multiple perspectives.
Additionally, two Facebook ads promoting wellness companies he invested in were banned for failing to disclose his financial stake.
Despite these hiccups, Steven and Melanie remain aligned in their interest in holistic health and wellness, blending personal passion with professional ventures.
Looking Ahead
As Steven Bartlett and Melanie Lopes plan their life together, questions about where they will ultimately settle remain unanswered.
Their love story continues to captivate, a mix of glamour, travel, and wellness, wrapped in a commitment that survived distance, time, and the pressures of public life.
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