Honeymoon, Party of One

Taking yourself on the ultimate romantic getaway — and why you shouldn’t wait a second longer.

My last entry was about giving yourself grace and a little self-care when life gets overwhelming. But let’s be honest—sometimes meditation and face masks just don’t cut it. Sometimes grace looks a lot more like…booking the trip.

I’ve shared how empowering it is to take yourself on a solo adventure. But the next level? Taking yourself on a honeymoon. Yes, the ultimate romantic destination—the trip everyone assumes you need a partner for. Let me let you in on a little secret: you don’t. You don’t need anyone else to make it magical.

So, let’s rewind to 2021. Scary times, I know. We’d all been cooped up inside for over a year, sneaking in tiny bursts of freedom just to see loved ones. I was working from home, working out from home, even my social life was on FaceTime. I was itching to get out. The world was just starting to open back up and, after all that waiting and not knowing when freedom would feel possible again, I realized: I couldn’t wait any longer. It was time to book the ultimate getaway. The one I thought only existed in postcards: The Maldives.

And if I was going to go to The Maldives, I wasn’t just going to go. I was going to go all out. I booked an overwater bungalow at Komandoo, an intimate, adults-only, all-inclusive resort complete with an underwater restaurant. For months I stared at photos to get me through the wait. And when the day finally came? Chills. After 30 hours of travel, a seaplane ride, and a tiny boat transfer, I stepped into my villa and saw that impossibly clear turquoise water. It was even better than the photos.

As I explored the resort, it hit me: this place was designed to be the ultimate romantic escape. At first, I felt out of place. But over the years, I’ve learned that the best thing I can do when I feel insecure is to stare my fears right in the face. So that’s exactly what I did. I leaned in. Champagne breakfasts delivered to my villa? Yes, please. Solo photoshoots at the heart-shaped art installations? Obviously. A fancy dinner 5.8 meters under the sea? You better believe it.

And that dinner? That was the ultimate test. The restaurant had ten tables: nine set for couples and one—for me. My insecurities came rushing in. I wanted to bury myself in my phone, but cell service doesn’t reach 5.8 meters under the sea. So my only option was to be fully present—with myself, and with the fish swimming around me.

Eventually, everyone got up to take photos, and I decided I wasn’t about to sit there in my gorgeous dress without getting some too. I asked one of the women if she’d take a few shots for me, and after that, the ice broke. She asked if I was an influencer. I laughed and said no, why? She told me that a few of them had been talking about me—about how inspiring it was to see a woman take herself out for such a honeymoon-esque dinner. She said if I wasn’t already an influencer targeting solo women living their best lives, I should certainly consider it. (Does writing a blog count? 😉)

Honestly, that trip changed my life—similar to how Paris did. Paris taught me how to travel solo and flirt with life. The Maldives taught me how to treat myself like the main event. And I loved it so much that when I decided to get scuba certified last year, I knew exactly where I’d go. Back to the same resort, same bungalow, almost the same week of the year. And guess what? It was just as fucking magical.

Now, I’ve made a deal with myself to return every few years. As much as I’d love to make it an annual trip, I also want to leave space for new places. Because every destination has its own lessons to teach, and I’m ready to receive them.

And here’s the truth: you will have moments of discomfort, loneliness, or frustration on a honeymoon-for-one. The same way you would in any relationship. But just like you’d put in the effort to work through those tough moments with someone else, why not do that for yourself? There’s nothing more rewarding than sitting with your own company, listening to your body, and figuring out how to move through the hard stuff. Those moments make the good ones even sweeter.

What’s the worst that can happen? You fall head over heels for the incredible person you are—and realize that while you’ve been waiting for someone else to love you, you’ve had the power to love yourself more fiercely than anyone else ever could.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to share these places one day with someone. But how terrible would it be to rob myself of these experiences while I wait for someone who might never show? Life waits for no one. So stop waiting on someone you haven’t even met, and start treating the person who deserves your love more than anyone. YOU, babe. It’s time to say yes…to yourself.

Et voilà! The art of being a Bonne Vivante is knowing you don’t need anyone else to make life magical—you just need the courage to treat yourself like the great love story you already are.

✨ P.S. If this has you dreaming of your own Maldives moment, stay tuned—next up I’ll be sharing my guide to planning the perfect honeymoon-for-one in paradise.