Paul de Leeuw’s ‘An Unforgettably Beautiful Journey’ Explores Dementia with Compassion

Paul de Leeuw is set to return to television with a deeply personal and moving latest program, An Unforgettably Beautiful Journey, airing on Omroep MAX starting March 24, 2026. The series follows de Leeuw as he travels with individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers to Benidorm, Spain, offering a poignant look at life with the condition.

A Journey Born from Inspiring Care

The concept for the program originated with Marc Dik, a producer at Sky High, who was inspired by the approach to dementia care at De Hoeven Care Center in Oirschot, Netherlands. The center, led by Mieke van Hagen and her sons Giel and Gijs, focuses on maximizing the capabilities of residents rather than dwelling on limitations [Paul de Leeuw Official Website]. Dik previously collaborated with the center on the BNNVARA series Can’t be made small and brought the idea to MAX.

Capturing Memories in the Moment

A central element of An Unforgettably Beautiful Journey is the emphasis on creating new memories. Participants are provided with photo albums and encouraged to document their experiences throughout the trip. Photos are printed daily, allowing individuals and their families to reflect on the journey together [MAX Vandaag]. This practice aims to provide a tangible record of shared moments, acknowledging the challenges of memory loss.

A Demanding but Rewarding Experience

De Leeuw describes the week in Benidorm as “exhausting,” requiring constant engagement and attention to the needs of everyone involved. Despite the demands, he found the experience profoundly rewarding, emphasizing the unconditional love and positive outlook of the group. He noted the importance of the informal caregivers and the demand for more support for them [Broadcast Magazine].

Collaboration with Alzheimer Nederland

Henriëtte Brons from Alzheimer Nederland participated in the program, offering insights into the complexities of dementia and addressing common concerns. The collaboration was designed to be informative without being overly didactic, with Brons contributing a sense of humor and directing viewers to resources like memory tests [MAX Vandaag].

Moments of Connection and Possibility

The series highlights the importance of focusing on possibilities, showcasing moments of joy and connection despite the challenges of dementia. One example cited is Joma, who overcame her fear of swimming during the trip, a moment celebrated by her family. An Unforgettably Beautiful Journey aims to demonstrate that, with the right support and care, individuals with dementia can continue to experience meaningful moments and participate in life to the fullest.

Broadcast Details

An Unforgettably Beautiful Journey will premiere on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 8:30 PM on MAX on NPO 1 [Broadcast Magazine]. A reunion episode will be available on the MAX YouTube channel after the final episode on April 28, 2026 [Omroep MAX Facebook].