Beyond Dubai: Caroline Stanbury on Luxury Living and Her New Bali Resort By Reyne Hirsch

Caroline Stanbury, the dynamic entrepreneur and reality television star, continues to make waves both on-screen and in the world of luxury ventures. Known for her captivating presence on "The Real Housewives of Dubai," Stanbury has recently expanded her horizons with an exciting new project: a luxurious resort in Bali. In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her journey from the glitzy realms of television to the tranquil shores of Bali, revealing the inspirations behind her latest endeavor and what the future holds for this multi-talented mogul.

RH: What motivated you to join the cast of "Real Housewives of Dubai"? 

Bravo asked me. They knew I was in Dubai, and now I've got a whole new life to showcase! I was just ready to come back. I always left off saying that I was going to come back and now here I am!

RH:  How has your experience on RHoD differed from your previous reality TV experiences? 

My experience has been different on Real Housewives of Dubai from my other reality TV experience because I didn't know these women as well obviously. My last show was with my friends and family, so I got a lot more triggered. I just think my family could hurt me more. Whilst getting to know these women, some I really like and some I just don't care for and never will.  

RH: How do you handle the drama and conflicts that arise on the show? 

I just let all the drama go over my head. I don't get too involved in it and I don't take it to heart. These women will do anything to bring me down, but I'm a very happy, positive person in life and I won't have that changed by anyone. 

RH: What do you hope viewers take away from watching "Real Housewives of Dubai"? 

I hope that the viewers get that old-school Housewives entertainment. All the glamour, the fun, and the lighthearted shade, you know. That it all doesn’t have to go so deep! 

RH:  What has been the biggest challenge for you while filming "Real Housewives of Dubai"? 

The biggest challenge is actually the heat. It gets so hot that we can really only film during a few seasons. Also, the permitting is quite hard here. We are one of the first shows to be in the Middle East, so they're getting used to having us film out here.  

RH: How has living in Dubai influenced your fashion and lifestyle choices showcased on the show? 

In England, you are sort of taught to “take one thing off” and “too much is too much.”  Whereas, here in Dubai, everyone adds something else. So, the fashion here is “more is more.” If you do the vogue look, they want the entire look, so it's very different.  

RH: How has your career evolved over the years, and what are you most proud of? 

I really, really love my podcast more than anything, Uncut and Uncensored. It has allowed me to connect with so many incredible women and help so many people going through such a tough time in their lives, like divorce, relationships, or even just getting back on their feet, and becoming unstuck. Just showing them that women at any age can restart, redefine themselves, and create their best lives yet. I'm also very proud of the move that I made to Dubai and all the real estate choices that I'm making right now. I've just bought an apartment in Dubai and I'm about to buy another one. I think I'm really building my life as an independent woman, and I want to teach other women how to do that. I've always shown this, but I've become a stronger version of myself.  

RH: Your “Uncut & Uncensored” Podcast is very popular. What do you love about having your own show? 

I think having my own show has allowed me to connect with my public and to meet people that maybe I wouldn't have met before. It really shows the changes and impact I'm having on women because I'm probably most famous for that now. When I get to America, everyone comes up to say how they listen in, and I'm really happy about that.  

RH: You also run your own business with Bust the Label.  What do you love about this business and what’s next from the brand? 

 Sergio and I are running it together ourselves, and we've just hired a CEO, Brian Esposito. He’s got a long history in the beauty and wellness industry, and we are super excited to launch it, we’re starting with Ashwagandha, Biotin and Probiotic Gummies, which are all vegan and gluten free.  We're creating an ecosystem. So, we'll have Bali, we have the wellness brand, and I think we're showing you with Bust the Label that we don't fit in the box and the societies’ old rules don't apply anymore. We are breaking the rules! Sergio and I have a 20-year age difference and it's shown that you can live life unapologetically as you. It tells people that they don't need to conform, but instead to stand out and make an impact. 

RH: I’ve heard you are building a new hotel in Bali. Tell us more about that. 

This is really Sergio's project. I haven't even seen the land yet. We're now going there to go and see it, but we bought the land some time ago. It's going to have about 15 bedrooms, six villas, and exist as a sort of small boutique hotel. It’s very Instagramable, so I'm super excited to take you all on this journey!

RH:  Can you describe the concept and vision behind the new resort? 

 The concept of Samsara Nest is a beautiful eco-looking, Instagramable spot with very unique-style pods. It has really fun rooms you’ll want to stay in and take pictures in, but still very luxurious overall. It maintains the feeling that you are in Bali with its beautiful views, but with lots of running water. So, we are very excited for you guys to see! 

RH: How do you ensure your resort stands out in the competitive Bali hospitality market? 

 We are making sure that Samara Nest is offering what isn't already on the market. We truly offer unique designs, and we have an amazing team. Our partner, Gavin Brodin, actually decorated the Spelling Mansion in America. He runs Brodin Design Build in America. He's huge. So, we have an amazing team consisting of Andrew, Sergio, and myself, and we have a clear vision. So hopefully it'll be very personal, and you'll see a big difference between ours and others. 

RH: As someone who has successfully navigated various industries from reality television to luxury hospitality, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, and what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to follow in your footsteps?

Caroline Stanbury: One piece of advice is to never give up; businesses are never a straight line or go the way you think it will go. Being able to pivot is essential in a world that is always changing. The same principle applies to most businesses and many different sectors. I believe it is also good to be able to have many sources of income. To not be pushed around and told that you can’t do something, especially for women, that you are capable at any age, capable of reinventing yourself and starting again. 

Follow Caroline Stanbury: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestanbury/