Saint-Barthélemy, better known to our American guests as St. Barts, is no stranger to celebrity sightings. But even by our standards, the return of The Real Housewives of New York City in 2023 for Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy felt like something of a surreal crossover—part travel documentary, part fever dream, part emotional Olympics.
If you’re a fan of the show and want to know where the cast stayed, where they partied, and how close it all is to “real” life on the island—this post is for you. And if you live here? Well, read on and enjoy the cultural exchange.
🎥 What Is Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy?
This 2023 spin-off reunites iconic cast members from The Real Housewives of New York City—including Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley, Kristen Taekman, and Kelly Bensimon—for a week-long getaway in St. Barts. It premiered on Peacock in December 2023 and quickly made waves (figuratively and literally) for its blend of tropical luxury, rekindled friendships, and lingering feuds.
They’ve been here before—during RHONY Season 5, back in 2012—and this return plays heavily on nostalgia: same women, same villa, same island… different Botox.
🏡 Where Did They Stay? Welcome to Villa Dunes
- Location: Just above Saline Beach, on a quiet stretch of land that offers total privacy and sweeping views.
- What You See on TV: Gorgeous interiors, huge pools, breezy lounges, full staff.
- What It Is: One of the most exclusive villas on the island—6 bedrooms, 2 pools, a gym, and more house than most people need. Rents from €35,000–€70,000 per week, depending on the season.
The villa is a character of its own. Many scenes—confessionals, breakfasts, poolside breakdowns—are filmed here. It’s the spiritual heart of the Housewives’ St. Barts universe.
📍 What Other Locations Appear in the Show?
Here are the places Housewives fans might recognize (or want to visit):
🌊 Saline Beach
- One of the island’s most beloved beaches—no bars, no shops, just wild dunes, clear water, and a clothing-optional vibe.
- The villa is right nearby, and the cast walks this beach for both soul-searching and gossip.
🍸 Le Ti St. Barth
- Legendary cabaret-meets-dinner-party spot in Pointe Milou.
- The cast went here for themed nights and (yes) pirate costumes.
- If you saw Luann reconnecting with “Tomas the Pirate,” this is where it happened.
🛍️ Gustavia
- The capital, with its harbor, boutiques (Hermès, Louis Vuitton), and cafés.
- Seen in montages of “shopping therapy” and quick reaction shots between dramatic dinners.
🚤 Yachting Day Trip
- Filmed scenes of the cast cruising around the coastline, possibly near Colombier.
- Chartering a similar yacht starts around €3,000 per day. Bring drama at your own risk.
📺 Episode-by-Episode Summary (For Orientation Purposes Only)
Episode 1: “Vive Legacy” – Everyone arrives at Villa Dunes. There are welcome drinks, quick hugs, and immediate passive-aggression. Dorinda redecorates the vibe by hour two.
Episode 2: “The Pirate Part Deux” – Luann is haunted by the ghost of Tomas. Kelly Bensimon is confused but fully committed to whatever this is.
Episode 3: “Take Me Out to the Hockey Game” – Everyone fights at lunch. Someone mentions “boundaries.” Kristen tries to surf; no one else tries anything.
Episode 4: “A Yacht of Attention” – Group therapy by sea. Ramona is thrown (metaphorically) overboard for being, well, Ramona.
Episode 5: “RHONY Relics” – A scavenger hunt turns philosophical. Sonja falls asleep in a closet and somehow wins.
Episode 6: “(Going) Out with a Bang” – Everyone pretends they’re friends again over sunset wine and affirmations. The villa breathes a sigh of relief.
🌴 Is This What Life in St. Barts Is Really Like?
Yes… and absolutely not.
St. Barts is glamorous, but also quiet. Most of us are more likely to be seen queuing at the post office in flip-flops than arguing over a goat cheese salad. The island’s true charm is its low-key luxury: no paparazzi, no screaming, and definitely no matching sequined swimwear (except on New Year’s Eve).
Still, the show does get one thing right: the island is absurdly beautiful. Whether it’s the pale sand at Gouverneur, the golden light over Colombier, or the charm of Flamands at 8am before tourists wake up—it’s all very real.
🤷 So Why Did They Come Back?
Because it works. St. Barts is cinematic. It’s private, French, stylish, and just European enough to feel “exotic” on American TV. For Bravo, it offers a controlled, stunning environment where emotional chaos can bloom.
And let’s be honest: no one throws a tropical tantrum quite like the New York Housewives.
🧳 For Fans Visiting the Island
If you’re a viewer and you want to visit RHONY Legacy locations:
- Book a table at Le Ti (bring your costume spirit)
- Walk Saline Beach (sunrise is quietest)
- Wander Gustavia and spot familiar corners
- Consider a boat charter—but please, no filming breakdowns on deck
And no, you can’t visit Villa Dunes unless you rent it. But trust us: from the outside, it’s just another big gate with a steep driveway. The drama, as always, is on the inside.
