Zoe Rae, sister of Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague, was spotted looking effortlessly casual in Hale, Cheshire, just weeks after stirring up a social media storm over her luxury holiday in Bali.
Sporting hair rollers and a relaxed outfit, Zoe enjoyed a low-key day out with her husband Danny Rae, showing no signs of slowing down despite the recent backlash.
A Casual Day Out With Her Husband Danny Rae
The fitness influencer, 28, was seen leaving a local hair salon clutching a bottle of water and her car keys before hopping into her brand new £80,000 Land Rover Discovery.
Dressed down in an oversized navy ALO zip-up sweatshirt, matching shorts, white socks, and beige Birkenstock sandals, Zoe appeared at ease as she strolled through the upscale village alongside Danny.
Why Zoe’s Bali Trip Divided Opinion
This outing marked Zoe’s first public appearance since she openly criticized her Indonesian getaway, which she cut short just 48 hours after arrival.
In a candid YouTube review, she explained that the anniversary trip didn’t live up to expectations, saying Bali “missed the mark” and didn’t resemble the dreamy images often shared by influencers online.
Luxury Suite Didn’t Match Their Experience
Though the couple stayed in a lavish sea-view suite at the five-star Radisson Blu in Uluwatu—complete with an infinity pool and fine dining—they decided to leave early and fly to Dubai instead.
Zoe admitted, “Unfortunately Bali wasn’t really the right fit for us with how we intended to spend our wedding anniversary.”
The Reality Behind the Instagram Filter
Zoe went on to explain how the island’s real atmosphere clashed with the glossy, filtered posts she’d seen on social media.
“If you zoom out from those pretty coffee shop pictures, you see the reality,” she said.
She believes many influencers tend to showcase only the luxury side of Bali, leaving out the less glamorous parts.
Zoe’s Southeast Asia Travel Experience Shapes Her View
Having spent five months traveling across Southeast Asia before joining the army—including visits to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, and Hong Kong—Zoe felt Bali was quite different.
She questioned why Uluwatu was considered one of the best places to visit if their experience was underwhelming, adding that perhaps exploring northern Bali or the jungle areas like Ubud might have offered a different perspective.
Backpacking vs. Holidaying: Different Experiences
Zoe acknowledged Bali’s appeal for backpackers wanting to explore multiple destinations, but suggested it might not be the best choice for those wanting a relaxing holiday in one spot.
She also shared that many followers who backpacked in the region found Bali to be their least favorite destination, hinting there are other places in Southeast Asia that might provide a better overall experience.
Fans Push Back and Call Out the Luxury Lens
The candid remarks sparked criticism online, with some accusing Zoe of being “out of touch with reality,” noting that Bali is a developing island where many locals face poverty.
Others mocked her apparent surprise that the island’s everyday life outside high-end resorts doesn’t match its polished Instagram image.
Zoe Stands Firm Despite the Backlash
Despite the negative reactions, Zoe doubled down on her opinion that social media posts only show a filtered version of Bali’s reality.
She told her followers she had expected “lovely places to eat, beaches, gyms, and coffee shops,” but was ultimately left disappointed.
Comparisons to Molly-Mae’s Bubble
Some critics drew parallels between Zoe’s comments and those of her sister Molly-Mae, who has faced similar accusations of living in a privileged bubble disconnected from the struggles of everyday people.
