Bethenny Frankel rang in the New Year far from perfect health.
The Real Housewives alum surprised fans by sharing that she came back from her luxury St. Barths vacation with a bacterial infection. It left her face swollen and covered in red bumps. The 55 year old businesswoman shared the update in a raw Instagram post on January 4.
The final image in her photo carousel told the real story. A visibly inflamed face. No filters. No hiding.
Why Bethenny Left St. Barths Early
Bethenny admitted she cut the trip short due to “heartbreaking news.”
She didn’t say it in the caption, but days before, her close friend and makeup artist Jasen Kaplan died.
Despite everything, Bethenny said she still found moments of meaning.
“Despite leaving early because of some heartbreaking news, dealing with a bacterial infection, and St. Barths being the Hunger Games of holiday socialization, I still found moments that really mattered,” she wrote.
Time With Bryn Came First
Bethenny focused on what mattered most. Her daughter Bryn.
“I spent special time with friends and my love, Bryn, and rang in the new year in a way that felt genuinely meaningful,” she added.
Fans noticed how grown up Bryn looked in the photos. Many commented on the strong bond between mother and daughter.
@bethennyfrankel Allergic to St. Barths #bye ♬ original sound – Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Pays Tribute to Jasen Kaplan
The emotional weight of the trip became clearer as Bethenny honored her late friend.
“Jasen Kaplan had a positive energy that was truly infectious,” she wrote. “The world lost a one-of-a-kind gem on New Year’s Eve, which still doesn’t feel real.”
She described him as magnetic, generous, and endlessly supportive. The loss clearly hit hard.
Fans React to Her Swollen Face
The comment section exploded.
Some speculated about the infection.
“Looks like shingles,” one wrote.
“That’s a serious allergic reaction,” another guessed.
Others focused on compassion.
“Sorry for the loss of your friend. Hope the infection clears quickly,” one fan shared.
Bethenny Explains the ‘Real’ St. Barths
Bethenny later took to TikTok to show the rash up close.
“POV: you left St. Barths 3 days early and brought home a bacterial infection,” she wrote.
TMZ confirmed she received topical medication and is already improving.
She also used the moment to call out the illusion of luxury travel.
“The real St. Barths over Christmas,” she said, describing the island as intense, flashy, and stressful.
She compared it to the Hunger Games of fashion and money. Disco lunches. DJs. People obsessed with where they should be instead of where they were.
Bethenny said the only peaceful moments came during quiet walks and time alone with Bryn.
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