> At a Glance
> – Bethenny Frankel revealed a bacterial infection left her face covered in a red rash during her St. Barths vacation
> – The 55-year-old reality star documented the flare-up on Instagram after ringing in 2026 with daughter Bryn
> – Despite cutting the trip short due to heartbreaking news of friend Jasen Kaplan’s death, she called the getaway “genuinely meaningful”
> – Why it matters: Frankel’s candid post shows how health crises and personal loss can upend even the most curated holiday plans
Bethenny Frankel’s New Year’s escape to St. Barths turned into a headline-making lesson in resilience when a bacterial infection erupted across her face and family tragedy forced an early departure.
Infection Strikes on Holiday
The Real Housewives alum shared a close-up photo Sunday showing the rash that overtook her complexion while she vacationed with 13-year-old Bryn. In a follow-up video she told followers, “My entire face broke out in a rash,” though she didn’t specify what triggered the bacterial flare.
- Posted recap images on Jan. 4, one day after New Year’s Eve on the island
- Included selfie that displayed the extent of the irritation
- Did not reveal medical treatment or exact cause
Sudden Loss Ends Vacation Early
Mid-trip, Frankel received news that celebrity makeup artist Jasen Kaplan-a pal who once appeared on Finding Prince Charming-had died. She immediately decided to head home, cutting the mother-daughter getaway short.
Frankel reflected on Instagram:
> “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.”
Silver-Lining Mindset
The entrepreneur emphasized that joy came from companionship, not the setting:
- Spent “special time” with friends and her daughter
- Rang in 2026 “surrounded by good people”
- Stated “real happiness … comes from within”
Key Takeaways
- A bacterial skin infection can surface rapidly, even in tropical paradise
- Frankel chose transparency, sharing unfiltered photos with her 3 million followers
- Personal loss prompted an early exit, underscoring life’s unpredictability
- She credits close relationships, not luxury backdrops, for meaningful memories
By turning an uncomfortable rash and sudden grief into a gratitude post, Bethenny Frankel reminded fans that even glam holidays can hinge on health and the people beside you.
