Reality television star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has been soaking up the sun on the luxurious island of Saint Barthelemy, sharing glimpses of her tropical getaway with her millions of followers. The former Real Housewives of New York City cast member was spotted wading in the Caribbean Sea, showcasing her enviable physique in a classic black-and-white gingham bikini.
Island Escape and Fitness Philosophy
The 55-year-old, who stands at 5ft 5in, accessorised her beach look with oversized white sunglasses and a large sun hat. Frankel has previously opened up about her surprisingly straightforward method for maintaining her slim figure, attributing it to the simple act of 'walking on the beach'. In a candid TikTok video last August, she elaborated on her toned appearance, stating, 'I do have toned arms. I don't look, like, ripped... Because I don't work out or do weights'.
She acknowledged the common advice about building muscle mass with age but humorously resisted the idea, adding, 'I know as you get older, you gotta build muscle mass and do weights - I don't want that'.
New Year Celebrations and Family Time
The Just B podcaster, who boasts an impressive 10.4 million social media followers, also celebrated the arrival of the New Year on the island. She teased her audience with a look at a stunning low-cut pink corseted dress worn for the festivities, though the details of her celebration remained private. In a characteristically bold message looking ahead, the native New Yorker declared, 'Hey 2026: despite the beautiful haters, I'm still around and coming for you… xoxo!'
Frankel's holiday is a family affair, as she arrived on December 26 with her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn Hoppy, whom she affectionately calls 'Peanut'. Frankel has full custody of Bryn from her three-year marriage to pharmaceutical sales executive Jason Hoppy. Their divorce was finalised in 2021, concluding a lengthy nine-year legal separation.
Launching 'The Core' and Moving Forward
Beyond relaxation, Frankel is focused on business. On December 3, she launched a new members-only, intention-driven dating community named 'The Core'. Her team is reportedly already 'vetting thousands of applications' for the service, which has membership tiers priced between $50 and $1,200.
Frankel explained her vision to the Daily Mail, criticising conventional dating apps: 'Swiping is a non-satisfying, anxiety-producing, distracting process... No one here is casually dating or looking for a booty call, sugar daddy or a free meal.' She positions The Core as a solution for those genuinely seeking a life partner.
This venture follows a period of personal change for Frankel. She has been single since dating Yapstone founder Tom Villante in 2024 and ended her on-and-off six-year relationship with ex-fiancé Paul Bernon in March of the same year, admitting to feeling lonely for the past five years.
The business-savvy star, a protégée of Martha Stewart, first found fame as a runner-up on The Apprentice in 2005. Her financial acumen is well-documented; she built a reported $80 million fortune, largely from the 2011 sale of her Skinnygirl empire to Beam Suntory for $100 million, a deal which still provides her with ongoing payouts.
