Ashley James shares bikini snaps from her solo holiday which allowed her to ‘reset’ from the ‘overstimulation of work and home life’ after sparking fierce debate for mocking the Bible

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Ashley James recently took a solo trip to an island to relax and recharge, saying she needed a break from the busyness of both her job and personal life. She shared a collection of photos from her vacation on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old TV personality posted several bikini photos from her trip to Tulum, Mexico, saying the getaway allowed her to relax and take a break.

Ashley shared photos of the beach resorts she visited on her vacation and confessed she really missed her children, four-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Ada, while she was away. However, she said the time off helped her feel refreshed and ready to return to work.

The post appeared shortly after Ashley received backlash online for comments some considered to be disrespectful towards the Bible and inaccurate, particularly because they were made on a major religious holiday.

Ashley shared photos of herself in bright swimsuits while vacationing at Villa Pescadores Tulum, before continuing her trip at the Ahau resort.

She shared that she was looking forward to a week of relaxing, reading, enjoying good food, and simply doing things at her own pace – a chance to recharge and be herself.

‘I’ve missed the kiddies SO much, but I really needed this reset.

I started my trip with a few days at Villa Pesca Tulum, a really peaceful spot hidden away inside the national park.

It’s a peaceful place with great food and the ocean – no pushy vendors here. I even wrote my book, ‘Bimbo,’ while staying there, so returning felt incredibly meaningful and like everything had come full circle.

I spent the last few days at @ahautulum in Tulum, a place I first visited ten years ago! It’s become much more popular since then, but Ahau still has a relaxed atmosphere with live music and a peaceful feel.

Tulum holds a special place in my heart. Even though it’s changed a lot over time, it still has a magical quality about it.

Honestly, solo trips are my absolute favorite. As someone who’s a bit of both an introvert and extrovert, and who rarely gets true alone time in my daily life, being able to escape and recharge on my own is just… essential. It really helps me feel like myself again.

I often forget how refreshing it is to not have a rigid schedule and to be open to spontaneous conversations. It’s a great way to escape the constant demands of work and home life!

If you’re considering a solo trip, I highly recommend it! Tulum and Bali are great, accessible options. Simply book a beachfront accommodation, and you’ll easily connect with others if you’re feeling social.

I’ve always believed that learning to be comfortable with yourself is so important. It’s easy to stay in relationships that aren’t right just to avoid being alone, and honestly, times like these really highlight how much I enjoy my own company. It’s a good reminder that I’m perfectly happy being by myself.

I’m really looking forward to getting back to work and focusing fully on my kids. It’s important for moms to remember to take care of themselves first – you can’t give your best if you’re running on empty.

Ashley caused a lot of online discussion after people criticized her for posts they said made fun of the Bible and shared false information, especially given that it was a major religious holiday.

The mother-of-two shared a passage from the Bible, posting it on Instagram on Easter Sunday. 

She began by wishing everyone a Happy Easter and shared that she wanted to celebrate by reading a favorite passage from the Bible – Psalm 116, verse 11.

‘I said in my haste. All men are liars. Thank you.’

Taking to the comments, she wrote about the reason for her playful post.  

Some people have labeled me as “woke” or a “feminazi,” and others have told me I should become religious.

She followed their suggestion and started reading the Bible, and surprisingly, she found it really resonated with her, as they had predicted, she wrote.

‘Obviously this is a joke. I respect all faiths: Faith is beautiful.

I strongly disagree with anyone who uses religion as an excuse for conflict, dominance, or mistreatment of others. This is particularly troubling when it’s used to restrict women’s rights, control their bodies or sexuality, harm LGBTQ+ people, or create animosity towards immigrants.

Some of the Easter-related messages from the White House this week have been quite concerning.

Paula White-Cain drew parallels between Donald Trump and Jesus, claiming he had experienced betrayal, arrest, and false accusations.

Franklin Graham presented the possibility of war using religious terms, asserting that Iranians desire the destruction of Jewish people and portraying Donald Trump as divinely appointed, thus supporting military action.

It really makes me question whether Jesus would approve of separating families and holding them in detention.

While many people are facing hardship, is it right to spend money on luxuries like ballrooms and private jets, especially when essential services like healthcare are being cut?

Referring to people as “illegal”? The deaths of innocent civilians globally? Or boasting about sexual assault? These actions are deeply troubling.

‘Stop this nonsense.’

She went on to say that if people are going to interpret the Bible literally, they should apply all of its teachings consistently, not just selectively to justify those in power. She referenced William Blake, adding that…

‘A truth that’s told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.”

For me, faith is really about showing kindness, treating everyone equally, and supporting human rights. It’s about working towards a more loving and peaceful world. ❤️

‘So Happy Easter, lovers, and here’s to dreaming of a more beautiful world.’

She also posted a message that her son Alfie, five, wanted to go to church. 

She received a text saying, ‘Alfie wanted to go to church with Nana lol.’ She responded with, ‘Just in case anyone was curious,’ and included a crying face emoji.

While some people were amused by her joke about the Bible, others felt that she was mocking it. 

People commented, asking that we not make fun of the Bible. They also requested we avoid linking Trump’s actions to Jesus, especially during this important religious weekend. They pointed out that people with bad intentions often exploit religion for their own gain, and he is no exception.

Jesus showed compassion by caring for the needy, healing the ill, and offering liberation to all, particularly women. He consistently focused on women in key moments – at the well, during his crucifixion, and even at his tomb. He sacrificed his life to offer everyone a chance at life, and while belief is a personal choice, respectful consideration is appreciated, especially now.

Please be respectful and avoid making fun of the Bible. While you may not be a religious person, Tom was, as are many others in our family.

It feels like they’ve completely changed their approach to just generate outrage for views and profit – it’s really disappointing. To mock your child’s faith twice in a week, and now to broadly mock religion itself, is incredibly disheartening.

Sharing this on Easter Sunday is disrespectful, and I’m not easily offended. Please put your phone and equipment away and take some time to be present in the moment.

Even though I’m not Catholic or particularly religious, I found this deeply offensive. It actually made me question if you represent everything I dislike – someone exploiting women and sexuality for personal gain.

Ashley also shared a video of Trump in which he was compared to Jesus. 

She expressed strong disapproval, questioning how something could be considered acceptable even within conservative Christian beliefs, and using strong language to convey her shock and disbelief.

It’s baffling to see comparisons between Trump and Jesus. Many people are understandably upset, and the form of conservative Christianity gaining prominence in the US is genuinely concerning.

True faith and supporting war that harms innocent people are incompatible. Similarly, identifying as Christian while selectively determining who deserves protection contradicts the core tenets of the faith.

‘And you cannot be “pro-life” while denying women life-saving healthcare. 

‘This isn’t about religion. It’s about politics power and control and using faith to justify harm.’ 

Ashley has also written about her choice to spend Easter on holiday alone.

I’ve been getting some mixed reactions to my decision to take a trip without my kids. Some people think it’s selfish, while others just find it strange. I understand it’s not for everyone – some parents would never consider it – but I really enjoy spending time by myself!

I believe taking care of my own needs actually makes me a better mother. It’s strange to me that society often expects mothers to constantly sacrifice their own interests and somehow remain unchanged after having children. When my husband, Tommy, travels, no one challenges him about childcare or questions his dedication to our family. It’s a double standard.

‘And yet when I go away, it’s always questioned.

Working mothers often get criticized for relying on others to help with childcare, a double standard since working fathers rarely face the same judgment.

I discovered true happiness through solo travel. In my late twenties, being single felt like a personal failure and left me feeling lonely. But traveling alone showed me that a fulfilling, exciting, and joyful life doesn’t require a partner or children. It helped me redefine what happiness meant for me.

‘It’s where I got to know myself… and started to actually like myself.

Leaving for a while isn’t about running from my life, but returning to myself. I truly needed this time to recharge.

I’ve been completely exhausted lately – from waking up early, work, and even trying to write my book. I just feel drained and have nothing left to give.

She added that she misses her children terribly. They’re enjoying a wonderful time in France with Tommy and their grandparents, and she’s happy they’re having such a special experience. ❤️

It also allows them to develop their connections independently, which is beneficial for everyone involved, including Tommy.

‘And for me, it’s a chance to slow down, read, think, and just be.

Many mothers struggle with feeling guilty about having interests and goals beyond being a parent, but pursuing those things actually sets a good example for our children. It shows them that we can live fulfilling lives, and it ensures we have our own passions and identities when they eventually grow up and leave home.

Mothers aren’t machines. While we often put others first and make sacrifices, it’s okay to prioritize our own needs sometimes, and we shouldn’t feel bad about it.

‘So some say it’s selfish, but I say it’s selfless.’

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2026-04-08 02:50