Luke Jones’ Journey After Below Deck Down Under Season 2: What You Need to Know

Bosun Luke Jones recently became one of the most talked-about former crew members after his dismissal from Below Deck Down Under, Season 2. In Episode 7, he was expelled from the series for sexual harassment directed at Stew Margot Sisson. The decision came after Chief Stew Aesha Scott escalated the matter to Captain Jason Chambers and the production team, prompting immediate action.

Throughout the season, Luke’s troublesome behavior was evident. Captain Jason frequently criticized Luke for his inadequate leadership and lack of initiative, as his performance on the yacht fell short of expectations. Although he harbored feelings for Margot, he complicated matters by engaging in a brief encounter with Stew Laura Bileskalne just two nights into the crew’s outings. Given his poor work ethic and disrespect towards his colleagues, Luke’s termination was warranted. But what has he been up to since leaving the Below Deck franchise?

Luke’s Life in Dubai Post-Below Deck

According to his Instagram, Luke Jones relocated to Dubai after his exit from Below Deck Down Under. His social media activity reveals a focus on fitness, promoting his personal brand, and flaunting a luxurious lifestyle. While he first shared his Dubai experience in late 2022, recent posts indicate he was still in the UAE until late April 2024. As of August 2024, Luke has transitioned to Sri Lanka, where he continues to share updates from this picturesque location.

Luke’s New Relationship

Montage of Below Deck’s Luke Jones — Custom image by Cesar Garcia

Luke appears to be romantically involved with fitness influencer and personal trainer Diana Maldonado. While her content largely revolves around fitness and wellness, Diana often features Luke in her posts, expressing affection and admiration for him. It seems the couple has not only been living together in Dubai but is also enjoying each other’s company in Sri Lanka. Their compatible lifestyles suggest a strong partnership.

After initially keeping her profile private in the aftermath of Luke’s dismissal, Diana has made it public again. Her content promotes wellness, paralleling Luke’s commitment to fitness. Together, they have founded a business named Empowerment Retreats, focused on helping individuals achieve personal growth. As of January 2025, their relationship status remains somewhat ambiguous, though they still follow each other on Instagram, indicating that they may still be together.

Luke’s Commitment to Self-Improvement

Despite the controversies surrounding his run on Below Deck Down Under, Luke is making strides in personal development. Following his firing, he shared a photo of a yacht on Instagram with the caption “Self-Improvement 1.5 years on.”This post suggests he is taking responsibility for his past actions and striving for betterment. Although his behavior warranted dismissal, there is hope that he has reflected and learned from this experience.

The Downward Spiral of Luke’s Tenure

Luke’s narrative during Season 2 of Below Deck Down Under stands out as one of the most troubling in the show’s history. Initially cast as the bosun, he faced criticism for his performance early on. His attempts to court Margot, who was less interested in him than in deckhand Harry Van Vliet, compounded his troubles. Following a rejection, Luke engaged in a brief fling with Laura.

Despite this, he continued to pursue Margot, ultimately leading to an incident where he attempted to lure her into his cabin while naked—a situation fortunately halted by a producer’s intervention. The seriousness of this behavior prompted Aesha to report it to Captain Jason, who swiftly dismissed Luke the following day. The repercussions of his actions cast a long shadow over the remainder of the season.

Future in the Below Deck Franchise

Custom Image by César García

Given the serious nature of Luke’s misconduct, it is unlikely he will make a return to the Below Deck franchise. The gravity of his actions has made it impossible for Bravo to consider his reinstatement, as he poses a potential liability for the network and the well-being of its cast members. Additionally, the trauma Margot experienced from the incident remains a significant concern for the production team, further cementing Luke’s exclusion from any future productions.

Consequently, Luke’s precarious reputation and the embarrassment following his actions indicate he is likely seeking to distance himself from reality television altogether. Moreover, it appears he has moved away from a career in yachting after leaving the series, focusing instead on self-improvement and personal growth.

Current Endeavors of Luke Jones

As of 2024, Luke has successfully moved on from his turbulent past on Below Deck Down Under. His focus has shifted away from the yachting industry as he embarks on a globe-trotting journey with girlfriend Diana. Together, they co-founded Empowerment Retreats, a business dedicated to organizing wellness retreats aimed at holistic transformation. Their upcoming retreat is scheduled to take place in Kyrgyzstan, with participation fees set at AED 5,450, approximately $1,500 USD.

In addition to their entrepreneurial efforts, Luke is prioritizing his health and wellness. A recent workout video reveals his comprehensive approach to fitness, emphasizing the significance of exercise, hydration, quality sleep, and a balanced diet as crucial elements for overall well-being. He has also made the lifestyle choice to abstain from alcohol, although he mentions moderation as a viable option for those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This decision may prove to be a pivotal step in Luke’s journey of personal growth after his tumultuous experience on the show.

Viewers can still catch Below Deck Down Under streaming on Peacock.

Sources: Luke Jones/Instagram, Diana Maldonado/Instagram, Empowerment Retreats/Instagram

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