“Just you?” the server asks, glancing at the empty seat across from me. I nod, smiling, as he clears away the second wine glass and extra cutlery. It’s an innocent enough question, one that solo travelers know well. But for me, it lands with a peculiar sting — because three weeks ago, I got engaged to the love of my life. And then promptly left him behind in Los Angeles for back-to-back work trips.
Still, I’m not complaining. My final destination? The stunning Secrets Tides Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic — the same place where The Bachelor Season 29 wrapped up. Yes, that finale location. The trip, hosted by World of Hyatt, included the resort’s special “Roses & Romance” package, a lush, $199 add-on (available through June 22 for stays until December 20) that practically begs to be shared with a significant other. Think champagne, roses, breakfast in bed — all the ingredients for a reality TV-style romantic escape. Except, in my case, the other half of the romance was back home.
The moment I stepped into my suite, the theme was clear: this was a place built for two. A chilled bottle of bubbly sat on ice, flanked by two flutes. I toasted our engagement — solo. The next morning, breakfast in bed arrived with all the trimmings: twin plates of eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, and coffee. Even the donut spread was generous, though I passed (wedding dress, hello). I did, however, claim both orange juices — B would have gladly given me his, I reasoned.
The suite itself was exquisite — spacious, luxurious, and unmistakably geared toward couples. There were two bathrobes, two sets of slippers, and even two bathrooms at opposite ends of the suite, designed for privacy and peace. The turndown service brought a fresh bouquet of roses each evening. While other guests, including a few familiar faces from Bachelor Nation like Michael Allio and Jadé Marie, received bedspreads adorned with romantic rose petal initials, I found a single red rose beside my pillow. And two chocolates. Plus the TV remote — perhaps a subtle nod to the fact that yes, my date tonight was Netflix.
Traveling alone is not new for me. I’ve done solo adventures before and loved them. But being newly engaged adds a layer of complexity. On a boat excursion, I struck up a conversation with Bachelor alum Alicia Holloway and her partner, Juan Matallana. When I mentioned my recent engagement, they congratulated me warmly. Still, I noticed their eyes drop briefly to my bare ring finger — I’d left the ring safe at home. I pulled out my phone to show them the proposal video, as if to reassure them (and maybe myself) that this love, this engagement, is real.
Truth is, I’ve done this kind of trip before — a solo retreat to the Amalfi Coast back in 2018, right before I turned 30. That was my personal Eat, Pray, Love moment, a time to figure out my life, my work, and my heart. I returned from that journey with clarity: a renewed focus on my career and a better understanding of what I wanted in a relationship.
This trip to Punta Cana, despite being wrapped in couple-centric luxury, gave me something similar. It reminded me that joy can be found in solitude. That love doesn’t always need to be side-by-side to be felt deeply. And that taking time to reflect — even on a bed made for two — can be a powerful reset.
B and I have been together for six years. From day one, he believed in “us.” It took me longer to fully believe in that kind of lasting love. Our relationship hasn’t been without its challenges. We’ve grown through them — slowly, painfully, and beautifully. So while I sat alone, overlooking turquoise waves and sipping solo champagne, I didn’t feel lonely. I felt proud. Proud of our journey. Proud of the work we’ve put in. And proud of myself for embracing this next chapter — engagement, marriage, and all.
At a timeshare presentation years ago, someone asked, “What’s the purpose of a vacation?” The answers varied: fun, rest, perspective. This trip — even without B — checked all those boxes. It reminded me that love isn’t always about proximity. Sometimes it’s about knowing someone is with you, even when they’re not physically there.
Now, back from a romantic getaway designed for two, I’m diving into wedding planning with excitement — and maybe, just maybe, booking another Secrets Tides stay. Next time, though, I’ll be bringing my husband-to-be.
4o
