What became of Jessika Asai following her stint on Below Deck Mediterranean Season 8?
Jessika Asai went out with a bang on Below Deck Mediterranean season 8, but she’s living her best life after a tumultuous charter. With Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm, season 8 highlighted not only the professional challenges and duties of the crew but also delved into their personal lives, including Jessika’s relationship with standout Bosun Luka Brunton. Jessika started the season as a fan favorite, and while some bizarre behavior in the finale soured opinions, she was still a respectable stew in the franchise.
Born in Hawaii in May 1996, Jessika grew up in a close-knit family and developed a love for animals and the outdoors. She began her modeling career in 2013, working with various brands and traveling extensively across the country. Additionally, Jessika’s career in the yachting industry spanned four years, culminating in her role as a stew in Below Deck Med season 8. As many anxiously await the premiere of Below Deck Med season 9, it’s time to catch up with former stew Jessika as she navigates life after the show.
Jessika Is Spending Time At Home In Hawaii
She Cherishes Time With Family
Jessika is prioritizing family time in Hawaii since appearing in Below Deck Med season 8. In May, Jessika posted a selfie with her brother on a walk captioned “home always hits different,” followed by a green heart, palm branch, and an ocean wave emoji. She smiled naturally in the photo with her brother while wearing a simple navy blue hoodie and walking a cute dog, looking at home and happy with her family.
“Jessika seems happy at home on the Big Island in Hawaii after a tumultuous season on Below Deck Mediterranean season 88”
Other photos in the post include gorgeous oceanside views and glamorous bikini pictures, but the best pictures showcase how committed Jessika is to her family. She shared a photo from kindergarten and a drawing of the Powerpuff Girls, showcasing charming memories from her childhood and sharing candids of restaurants and other family members. Jessika is experiencing much-needed rest and rejuvenation with her family after a life aboard yachts. While not clear in her posts, it seems she is currently based in Hawaii, plotting her next adventure.
Jessika Is In A Relationship
Jessika And Mark Started Dating In July 2023
Happily for Jessika, she is now in a relationship with Mark Reeves. Little is known about her new man, but he also appears to live in Hawaii. According to Jessika’s 2023 recap video posted on January 1, 2024, she and Mark have been together since around July 2023, when he first appeared in her year in review. They’ve been posting regularly together since December 2023.
Mark and Jessika enjoy the outdoors together, and they are often seen fishing and sailing in the open seas. As a former yachtie, Jessika is notoriously outdoorsy, so it makes sense that she’s dating a fellow outdoors enthusiast. It’s encouraging to see Jessika so happy with a new beau after her charter crush, Luka, didn’t reciprocate her feelings despite sleeping with her. She deserved better, and Mark is clearly into the Hawaiian stew.
Jessika’s Journey On Below Deck Mediterranean
Her Journey Was Overshadowed By Sleeping With Luka
Jessika’s journey on Below Deck Med season 8 was marked by controversy, culminating in a cringe-inducing incident in the finale. Throughout the season, Jessika’s actions, including kissing Max Salvador to retaliate against her crush, Luka, getting drunk, and kissing another man, garnered negative attention. Eventually, Jessika slept with Luka despite his lack of interest, which was a desperate move. She deserved better than to demean herself in that way.
Jessika also had problems with Natalya Scudder amid her feud with Tumi Mhlongo and Kyle Viljoen. The stew had previously called Natalya a “mean girl” and expressed reluctance to get close to her, prompting a shady Instagram story from Natalya, according to Monsters and Critics. The two haven’t repaired a relationship since Below Deck Med season 8. Natalya and Jessika were friends on the show, but Natalya was surprised and hurt by the comments Jessika made on Below Deck Med season 8.
Will Jessika Ever Return To Below Deck Mediterranean?
The Stew Is Not Likely To Return
Jessika is not returning to Below Deck Med season 9. Her farewell message at the end of season 8 was notably cryptic and laden with sentiments of closure. Jessika reacted to the finale by saying the charter was “the most dramatic season of my life” and expressed relief that she wouldn’t have to relive it, indicating a desire to move on. She also acknowledged that the season was super intense, and her comments underscore a desire to leave reality TV behind.
Jessika is not returning to Below Deck Med season 9, according to the trailer, but could make a return later in the season if someone is fired. However, she more than likely won’t come back. Captain Sandy and Chief Stew Aesha Scott are exciting returns for the upcoming season, but other than that, it will be a new cast. Jessika had a tumultuous finale on the show, but she’s thriving after leaving Below Deck Med.
