Do you know what RHONY means? If you don’t, I was in the same boat. I have since been enlightened. It’s an acronym for the Real Housewives Of New York! There’s a show on Bravo TV called The Real Housewives of New York City. Fans refer to it as RHONY.
A December 15, 2011 telephone phone call to my St. Barth Properties US office and St. Barth Specialist Julie Nally requesting a fabulous 6 bedroom villa for The Real Housewives of New York City prompted me to do some quick research because they were planning on going to St Barts in only 5 short weeks.
A whole new world (aka Reality TV) broadened my horizons and piqued my curiosity even further. I learned the basics: Six real housewives (not actresses) are featured in the series. Three had been fired after season 4 and three new ones plus the three regulars would be on Season 5. I found social media outlets quoting lots of fans who were speculating as to whether or not they liked Bravo’s changes. Several of them bickered back and forth about it, “I hate this one”; “They never should have fired that one” etc. (Bickering among the Housewives is basically what happens on every episode, too).
We found a gorgeous 6 bedroom luxurious villa where the ladies would stay, provided our concierge services from both our US and SBH offices and arranged for a private chef, a massage therapist, make-up artist, hairdresser, butler and of course stocked the wine cellar and liquor cabinet – all the while keeping the entire event strictly confidential…No leaks allowed. We are accustomed to keeping secrets because we often have celebrities staying in our properties and, out of our respect for everyone, SBP would never reveal who they are, so it was no big deal.
Off to St. Barts they went. We met The Housewives at the airport as is customary and escorted them to the extraordinary Villa Oasis de Salines where I was waiting to greet them. Yes! I will be on the show! I met all of the lovely ladies, showed them around the entire villa as they oohed and aahed and eventually each one chose their individual bedrooms. Magdalena Votava the Concierge at our St Barth office was with me so she could assist them with other requests. They loved the villa and of course, St. Barts! (Who wouldn’t?)
I kept bumping into The Housewives in various places, which is the norm for anyone who is out and about on this tiny 8 square mile island. In fact, by coincidence the St. Barth Dental Association meeting was taking place that same week. Both my husband Steve and my son, Mark Smyth (a dentist too) were taking the course. One evening The RHONY Housewives walked into the same restaurant where the dentists and their wives were dining. – Small world. The dentists were dazzled and some even got up to dance with them (I don’t know if that scene will be on the show or it ended up on the cutting room floor).
I started watching Season 5 on Mondays at 9:00 pm with hubby Steve and even he is amused by it. The RHONY series began June 04. Be sure to watch the show (and/or DVR it) on Bravo TV at 9:00 pm August 27, September 3 and September 10, 2012. I have no clue as to what they will be showing but I think you will love seeing all of the scenes as well as the scenery. Please let me know your thoughts about what you saw. It is all in fun and I hope you enjoy it even if you do not dare admit to your friends that you watched it. Who knows they might be RHONY fans too!
9 comments
I do hope the RHONY’s loved and respected the beautiful island and it’s people while they were there! Not everyone gets to go there on a regular basis, so I hope they appreciate it’s beauty!!
I’m tuning in when they are there to get a glimpse of some if our favorite places…. Beaches, restaurants, locals…
Hi Brenda, We have had some very positive feedback from Monday’s night’s episode. People are remarking on how the beauty and vibe of St. Barts is so special. The show prompted some of our repeat guests to book their next trip back. We have so may people who adore out little piece of paradise. I hope to see you there! Sunny regards, Peg
I watched the show because I am interested in visiting St. Barts next year….have been to Nevis, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla and loved them but have heard such wonderful things about St. Barts. I am not interested in the celebrity aspect, but love fine living and dining and heard that St. Bart was the place! Having seen the show and the magnificent Villa am wondering the cost of that or anything comperable for Spring in St. Barth. Could you please contact me at my email address with listings and costs. We arelooking for Mar/Apr 10-14 days…..Thank you very much, Peg Walsh, and I did see you on the show…you handled those ladies quite well!
Thank you for your comments. St Barts is the perfect island for you. I am sending you a private email to discuss your trip. You will love it there All the best Peg
Peg, it’s Vin Giardini one of Tommy’s buddys. We just got back from Grace Bay Turks & Caicos last week and my wife was watching the show last night on DVR. She hollered up to me to come downstairs because the RHONY was in St. Barth’s and they were talking about Turks & Caicos. When I came down I thought, I wonder if Tommy and Peg have anything to do this and then BAM. I saw you on TV. You look great! Congrats on the business, you guys are awesome, I’m so proud of Tommy. What a life you guys have carved out for yourselves. I hope everyone is well, hopefully someday I’ll be calling you guys to rent us a villa. What a wonderful place. Watch out for that Ramona though, she’s tough. Take care!!
Hi Vin, So nice to hear from you and I am thrilled that you saw the show. You really do have to go to St. Barts and it would be fun if Tommy and I were on the island at the same time. I get to spend all winter there (poor me). I hope you can watch the next 2 episodes which are supposed to be a continuation of the Real Housewives of New York in St. Barts and I think I will be on one of the shows again. Oh and by the way, watch a future blog about Ramona and her Pinot Grigio! Hugs to you – Peg
I never knew what the show had an acronym but perhaps it was best since the title was a mouthful to pronounce. Regarding the show, I think it is good entertainment and you made it possible for the show to be featured on St. Barts. Of course, it is exciting to be a part of a reality show.
Hi i love the unusual chairs in the dining room of Villa Oasis – i am trying to source them. Any ideas of the design or where i can purchase.
thanks
susie
Is there a confusion between oasis villa and dune villa? is it the same? Also, the venue of RHONY is paid by St barth or remain a private venture having nothing to do with tourism office and the government? i heard we have to pay them to come and stay and still offer food and beverage and lodging free? is it so?