Ashley James, the 39-year-old television personality from This Morning, has publicly celebrated the benefits of taking a solo holiday to "reset" from what she describes as "the overstimulation of work and home life." On Tuesday, she posted an extensive gallery of images from her recent getaway to Tulum, Mexico, showcasing her time in colourful swimwear at beachside resorts.
Embracing Solitude and Self-Care
In a detailed Instagram caption, Ashley explained that she spent a week away to read, unwind, wake up naturally, and enjoy good food on her own schedule. She stayed first at Villa Pescadores Tulum, located in a national park, which she found peaceful and quiet, noting it was where she wrote her book "Bimbo." She then moved to the Ahau resort in the heart of Tulum, a place she first visited a decade ago, appreciating its calm atmosphere despite the area's increased bustle.
Missing Family but Needing a Break
Ashley admitted missing her two young children, Alfie, four, and Ada, three, "so much" during the holiday. However, she emphasised that the break was necessary, stating, "I really needed this reset." She described herself as an ambivert who rarely gets time alone, making such trips essential for recharging. Ashley reflected on the joy of unpredictability, saying, "I always forget how nice it is not knowing exactly what the day will look like or who you might end up chatting to."
She recommended solo travel, suggesting Tulum or Bali as easy starting points, and encouraged others to book beachside accommodations to naturally meet people. Ashley also shared a personal insight: "If you don't get comfortable being alone, it's easy to end up holding onto the wrong people just so you don't have to be." She concluded that the experience reminded her she "actually really likes" her own company.
Controversy Over Easter Posts
The holiday post came just days after Ashley sparked a fierce online debate by sharing a passage from the Bible on Easter Sunday, which some critics interpreted as mocking. She posted Psalm 116 verse 11, which reads, "I said in my haste. All men are liars," alongside a playful caption. In follow-up comments, she clarified it was a joke, expressing respect for all faiths but criticising the use of religion to justify war, control, and oppression, particularly regarding women's bodies and immigrant communities.
Reactions and Defence
While some followers found humour in her post, others accused her of disrespecting the Bible on a sacred day. Critics commented that she should not mock religious texts, with one noting, "Posting this on Easter Sunday is offensive." Ashley responded by sharing a video comparing Donald Trump to Jesus, questioning conservative Christian values and calling the comparison blasphemous. She argued that faith should focus on compassion and human rights, not politics and control.
Addressing Motherhood and Solo Travel
In her posts, Ashley also tackled perceptions of solo travel as selfish for mothers. She wrote that filling her own cup makes her a better parent, contrasting societal expectations for mothers versus fathers. She highlighted that when her partner Tommy travels, no one questions his commitment, but her trips are often scrutinised. Ashley shared that solo travel in her late twenties helped her find happiness and self-acceptance, teaching her that life could be fulfilling without traditional milestones like relationships or motherhood.
She acknowledged feeling burnt out from early starts, work, and her book, stating the break was a chance to slow down and reconnect with herself. Ashley emphasised that her children were enjoying time with family in France, which allowed them to build independent relationships. She urged other mothers not to feel guilt for pursuing personal interests, asserting, "Mums aren't robots. We can be self-sacrificing, but sometimes we need things for ourselves too."
Ashley ended her reflections by expressing excitement to return to work and her children, reminding followers, "Remember mums, we can't pour from an empty cup." Her posts have ignited discussions on self-care, religion, and parenting in the public eye.
