Lily James stuns in bikini during Australian island getaway, says break 'healed and restored' after busy year

Lily James posted a roundup of vacation images from a solo trip to Bedarra Island, a resort off the coast of Queensland, Australia, describing the island break as healing and restoring after a busy work year. In the caption accompanying the Instagram carousel, she wrote, "@bedarraisland I won't forget you and natures power to heal and restore." The 36-year-old British actress has been spending time on the island in recent weeks, posting a sequence of sun-soaked snaps that showcased her relaxed break after a demanding schedule.

The photos depict James strolling along a beach in a white bikini, followed by a shot of her smiling during a boat ride in a black two-piece. Earlier this week, she treated followers to more snapshots, including a semi-sheer mini dress worn over her bikini for a picturesque sunset, then a plunging white look for dinner. Her captions reflected the mood of a year spent on set and on tour for promotion, with one post declaring, "Winter I am not ready for you just yet." The images collectively painted a portrait of a star savoring downtime in a tropical setting as she tunes into rest before new projects.

Beyond the island sojourn, James is poised to return to the big screen next year in a reboot of the 1993 thriller Cliffhanger. In the film’s first shots, the British actress is shown hanging from a rock face, a mirror of an iconic moment from the original movie. The official synopsis frames the story around Naomi (James) and Ray, a father-daughter duo who run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites and are drawn into danger during a weekend trip with a billionaire’s son. As the plot unfolds, Naomi, still haunted by a past climbing accident, becomes a central figure in the fight for survival and the protection of her family.

Cliffhanger’s production spans multiple European locations, with the film shot in Austria, Italy and Germany. The ensemble cast also includes Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery, among others. The project represents a high-profile return to a franchise with a long history in action thrillers, and it positions James at the center of a globe-trotting production that blends high-altitude peril with contemporary survival storytelling.

In the months leading up to the island getaway, James had been part of public sightings that kept fans guessing about her personal life and professional collaborations. Earlier this year, she and her Swiped co-star Pierson were photographed enjoying a stroll in New York City’s Central Park, sharing in the late-summer sunshine and moments of downtime amid work obligations. Pierson has also been in the spotlight for his role in Netflix’s rom-com The Wrong Paris, which has drawn attention to their dynamic off-screen as well. While public appearances offer a glimpse into her life off camera, James has consistently kept her focus on projects and the work ahead, including the anticipated Cliffhanger reboot and other upcoming ventures.

The Bedarra Island escape comes at a time when celebrities often seek private retreats as a counterbalance to demanding schedules. Bedarra Island Resort, located near the Great Barrier Reef, is known for its secluded setting and intimate bungalows, offering guests a tranquil backdrop for rest and reset. While on holiday, James’ social media activity has highlighted a steadfast interest in balancing professional momentum with personal well-being, a narrative that resonates with fans and industry observers alike as she transitions between high-profile roles.

As the year closes, the star’s fans are watching not only for the premiere details of Cliffhanger but also for any further glimpses into her next steps, both in front of and behind the camera. Whether the upcoming reboot will introduce new directions for the franchise or expand James’ on-screen repertoire remains a topic of anticipation. For now, the posts from Bedarra Island provide a rare, unfiltered window into the moments of rest that accompany a high-profile acting career—and the ongoing storytelling that continues to shape Lily James’ public trajectory within culture and entertainment.