Me Time, Upgraded: How One Mum Found Power in a Solo Stay in the Bahamas

Kate Heussler, founder of The Model Masterclass, shares why she went to the Bahamas on a solo trip, and why it was exactly what she needed.

How good is a life overhaul and upgrade? It gives main character energy.

For one perfect week in The Bahamas, I was the main character of my own story—no schedules, no responsibilities, just turquoise water, white sand, and the audacity to choose myself.

Similarly, how I coach and mentor my clients to pour all their time, energy, and resources into themselves
– guilt-free – I took my own advice when booking a lux vacation recently at the tail end of a business trip to the USA. The Bahamas is only 1 hour from Miami, and I thought – why not!?

My life has always been so full, mostly in keeping everyone else’s cup full before thinking about my own. That only left me drained, depleted, and resentful. Being a first-time mother, it’s easy to fall into the generational trap (more so if you’re the black sheep or eldest daughter of your family) of feeling guilty if you even think of your own needs. Not me. Not anymore.

I run my own business, and have since I was old enough to register an ABN at 18, choose a different skill to study or master each year, volunteer with a military-like youth organisation on top of being a solo mother to the most magnificent daughter who has drastically shaped (for the better) the person I am today.

So, I made the decision to go alone to The Bahamas as an act of pure self-love. I wanted to step away from the daily noise and really listen to what I needed, without distractions, or guilt for focusing on me. It wasn’t about escaping; it was about truly showing up for myself in a way I never had before.

The Power of Curated Solitude

At first, it was a bit confronting, to be totally disconnected —I won’t lie. I’m so used to the constant buzz of notifications, emails, and social media updates. But once I settled into it, it felt like I’d exhaled for the first time in years. The world went quiet, and I could finally hear my own thoughts. No schedules, no deadlines, no one needing anything from me. Just me, a sun-soaked beach, and the sound of the ocean. Sitting solo at a table with a view of the turquoise water, sipping champagne, and realising I have always been more than the labels people have tried to place on me. It was pure magic.

I learned that I’m a lot braver than I give myself credit for and I need to acknowledge how far I have come with so very little. I swam with the pigs on a private tour—a bucket-list item I’d been dreaming of for twenty years! I was no longer waiting for the “right time” or a partner’s empty promises to go with me; I just did it for me. In that stillness, I realised I don’t need permission to do the things that light me up. I’m capable of making my own dreams happen, even if that means doing it solo. I also solidified, as a proud introvert, that I LOVE my own company. I laughed out loud at my own thoughts, spent hours journaling my ideas, and rediscovered passions that had been buried under the busyness of life.

Intentional time away is so important because as women, and especially as mothers and business owners, we’re so used to pouring into everyone else that we forget to fill our own cup. We convince ourselves that self-care is selfish, or it can wait. But this trip showed me that it’s not just important—it’s essential. Stepping away from the everyday chaos gave me room to breathe, to dream, and to remember what I want outside of my responsibilities. It was a chance to tick off bucket-list experiences and prove to myself that I’m allowed to live big, even if it’s just for me. I came back more centred, more inspired, and with a fire to keep chasing my dreams—not just for Penelope, but for myself too.

Experience at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort

The Ocean Club is like stepping into another world—one where time slows down, and every detail is beautifully curated. From the moment I arrived, it felt like I was part of something timeless. The sprawling gardens, inspired by Versailles, gave this grand, almost regal feel, while the white sand beaches stretched out as if just for me. What made it truly special though was how effortlessly luxury and intimacy were woven together. Despite its grandeur, it never felt pretentious—just incredibly welcoming and serene. Every morning, I’d wake up to that ocean breeze and think, this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

The service was next-level; I’m talking about the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel like royalty. The staff seemed to anticipate what I needed before I even knew it myself. Whether it was fresh fruit waiting on the terrace or perfectly timed iced water as I lounged by the pool, it was like they’d mastered the art of thoughtful luxury.

The Ocean Club’s design is a masterpiece—elegant yet understated. My suite overlooked a private garden, foot steps to the coastline, pools and leisure activities. The French doors that opened onto a private terrace, I’d sit there every morning with my coffee, listening to the waves, and just breathe. The best first-world problem to have is “which bikini am I going to wear today?” I created my own little ritual of starting each day barefoot in the sand, followed by a swim in the infinity pool that seemed to spill right into the ocean. It was the perfect space to slow down, reflect, and truly appreciate the moment.

And the food…oh, the food! Every meal felt like an experience, especially my solo dinners at DUNE. It was adorable the hosts always respectfully commented “miss, where is your husband” to which my response was always, with a beaming smile “he’s yet to meet me” as I enjoyed a tray of freshly shucked oysters.
The beachfront setting, the sound of waves crashing just a few steps away, and the most divine seafood I’ve ever tasted. I savoured every bite like it was its own little celebration.

It was so unexpected how natural it felt for me to be there alone. I had always imagined that a level of luxury like that needed to be shared to be fully appreciated (including the shared expense to make it feasible to go) but it turns out, I was wrong.

One evening, I took myself out for dinner at DUNE, and as I sat there with my glass of champagne, overlooking the ocean, I realised I wasn’t lonely—I was at peace. My heart was filled with new memories and moments to share with my daughter when I ventured home, and most importantly the promise I made to myself – I’m not putting this off for another 7 years. This is going to be an annual thing now, minimum.

There were moments that felt like they belonged on a Pinterest dream board—only this time, I was living them. I found myself standing barefoot on crisp, white sand that crunched underfoot, surrounded by sun-soaked iguanas basking without a care. Swimming with the pigs—something I’d dreamed of for twenty years—was everything I’d imagined and more. Watching their happy (huge) faces paddle towards me in that impossibly blue water was surreal, like I’d stepped into a postcard and never wanted to leave. The real magic, though, came when I swam with sea turtles. Gliding beside them in the stillness of the ocean, I felt this deep sense of peace and gratitude. I have been scuba diving for 25 years and it was still

a reminder that life is meant to be experienced fully, not just dreamed about. Those moments of pure connection with nature weren’t just beautiful; they were proof that sometimes, the biggest adventures happen when you decide to choose you.

A Mini Guide to Solo Luxury in the Bahamas

If you’re planning a solo trip to the Bahamas, consider going in early November. Yes, it’s considered ‘hurricane season’, but that means off-peak rates, fewer crowds, and a resort that feels almost entirely yours. I flew from the US instead of straight from Australia (a 1-hour flight was a lot better than arriving after a long haul) —not just for the more affordable flights, but also to avoid jet lag so I could hit the ground running. The Ocean Club was my private sanctuary, with serene beaches and endless time to just be, though if it’s not in your budget, there are plenty of more family-friendly and different tiered budget options close by.

Make sure to pack USD in small denominations to pay for the landing fees and don’t forget your passport when you leave your resort– tourists are required by law to carry their passport at all times.

My biggest tip for new solo travellers is to book things on a whim that are off the itinerary. One standout spot I discovered was the Exuma Cays—an absolute highlight of the trip. My camera roll of 400+ pics for just that day is enough proof. I booked a private boat tour and found myself on tiny islands with white sand so pristine it squeaked beneath my feet. The guide took me to hidden coves where iguanas roamed freely and to secluded beaches where it was just me and the endless stretch of ocean. It felt untouched, like I’d stumbled upon my own little paradise. Swimming with the sharks wasn’t on my original plan, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable parts of the entire trip. They felt like sandpaper to touch.

The Ocean Club’s internet was flawless—honestly, it felt like I was working from my own home office. But I made the choice to only log on when I was at the resort. When I was out exploring, my phone stayed tucked away (sans taking a million photos and videos), letting me truly soak in the experience without distractions. I also booked everything through a travel agent at home, and via their concierge ahead of time—fees, tours, transfers—so there were no last-minute hassles, queues, or the dreaded stress of missed luggage. It made the whole experience feel seamless and beautifully uncomplicated.

Packing for Style & Simplicity

I wanted this trip to feel effortless, so I kept things simple and intentional. My business wardrobe stayed neatly packed in one suitcase, while I lived entirely out of my small carry-on for the beach. I packed a few stunning pieces from Monday Swimwear — their quality is impeccable, and I felt incredible in every bikini and beach loungewear piece. My beach visor, lightweight loungewear, and flowy neutral-toned and pastel coloured resort dresses made it easy to transition from sun-soaked days to sunset dinners without missing a beat. The key is packing signature pieces that can transform from practical into affluent with a touch of jewellery and accessories. It was the perfect balance of practicality and style.

When I go again, I’ll take even more swimwear options. One per day didn’t cut it for me, rotating through different options for optimal tanning, lounging and blogging. My bikini wardrobe has varied over the years and transitioned from Jets, Seafolly, Baku and Veve to Monday Swimwear, Camilla, Ark Swimwear, Somerfield Swim, Gooseberry Intimates, Sommer Swim and Bydee.

One-piece (best for snorkeling): Amalfi One Piece in Alythia Bikini: Palma Top – Azure Crinkle – Monday Swimwear Linen Dress: Mallorca Dress – Ivory – Monday Swimwear

Sunglasses: MERCEDES – Tortoiseshell | Brown – Locello Sandals: Hermes Oran Sandal or the best dupe is by Billini Gordy Jewellery: Cartier Love Bracelet (it never comes off)

My Monday Swimwear pieces (the Barcelona Tunics and Mallorca Dresses are crinkle linen) are the epitome of timeless, flattering and beach-sexy. I’m all about versatility when traveling; less to pack is less to carry.

My greatest anti-ageing hack is a hat and sunscreen. It’s one of those boring things to focus on when you’re younger that will yield results lasting decades (it’ll save you the cost of Botox if that’s your thing). For summer vacations, I always bring my wide-brim beach visor; it keeps me shaded without sacrificing style (flattens like a pancake for optimal packing organisation).

Keeping it simple is key. I stocked up on Mecca products (a one-stop shop is where it’s at for me; I do not have time to be driving to different places). For skin, I swear by SPF 50+ sunscreen for the day, my
ultra-hydrating face mist (perfect for in-flight to help with moisture retention and alleviate jet lag) and under-eye masks in the evening – they kept my skin fresh and protected all day long. For hair, I have a blonde mane so a leave-in conditioner kept my beachy curls in check, together with my purple shampoo and conditioner combination and a scalp treatment. Everything I packed served a purpose, with just enough luxury to make me feel like I was living my best island life.

My final reflections

If you’re another woman or mum considering taking a solo trip, but you’re hesitant to go alone, I’ll say this: Choose you. I know it can feel daunting to think about going somewhere on your own—especially as a mum, when everything you do is usually for someone else. But taking that time to step away, to recharge and reconnect with yourself, is one of the most powerful gifts you can give—not just to yourself, but to everyone around you. There’s this misconception that self-care is selfish, but I believe it’s the opposite. When you take care of yourself, you come back stronger, clearer, and more present for the people you love. Book that holiday. Go somewhere that lights you up. Do it at least once a year,
partner-free, child-free and absolutely guilt-free.

This trip was a complete mindset shift for me. I realised that I don’t have to wait for the “perfect time” or the “the one” to share it with to pour back into myself—I can create that time. Since coming back, I’ve made my self-care list non-negotiable. I’ve incorporated little luxuries into my everyday life—fresh flowers on my desk, Sunday afternoons just for me, and regular moments of stillness where I put everything else on pause. That trip taught me that choosing myself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s something I want to continue doing every year—a solo adventure that’s just mine.

As women, we wait for permission to travel, to rest, to just be. I’m done waiting. I chose me, and I’ll keep choosing me. Here’s to solo adventures, luxury escapes, and never putting ourselves last again.