Why Lady Michelle Is Captain Sandy's Favorite Below Deck Mediterranean Yacht to Date

In an exclusive chat with E! News, Captain Sandy Yawn explained why the season six yacht for Below Deck Mediterranean is her favorite. See what she had to say!

Watch: What We’ve Learned About Yachting From “Below Deck”

All aboard!

In an exclusive chat with E! News, Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Captain Sandy Yawn dished all about her season six yacht, named Lady Michelle. Fans of the Below Deck franchise got a taste of the luxury vessel during season two of Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Yet, in the new season of Below Deck Med, viewers will get a front row seat to what the yacht has to offer.

And, from what Captain Sandy told us, Lady Michelle is one impressive yacht. “My favorite boat ever,” she shared. “It was like so solid, I didn’t even know we were at sea.”

While the layout of Lady Michelle is certainly breathtaking, boasting six guest cabins and over 180 feet in length, the captain revealed that she loved the way it handles. “For me, how it responds in the sea,” she explained. “You know, the layout was great, it’s for charter…The volume for the size was incredible.”

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Below Deck Mediterranean Season 6: Meet the Cast

This is certainly high praise coming from Captain Sandy, who has previously captained mega-yachts Sirocco, Talisman Maiton and The Wellington. However, after learning of Lady Michelle’s $310,000 winter rate/per week, we can’t say we’re shocked that the yacht is so spectacular.

Although Lady Michelle typically sails the Caribbean and Bahamas, Captain Sandy led her through the waters of Croatia this season. On returning to the European country’s coast, she relayed, “It was absolutely beautiful. The people were great. You know, remember, it was very quiet ’cause of what was going on around the world.”

Bravo

Per the captain, she was “just grateful” that they “got to go there.”

Speaking of the coronavirus pandemic, Captain Sandy assured us that season six will be just as entertaining and fabulous as its predecessors. “We made it incredible, right?” she said. “So, that’s the beauty of being on a boat is you can quarantine off-shore and have this epic time and see these beautiful places while the rest of the world is shut down.”

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Craziest Guests on Below Deck

The captain highlighted how the charter business also helped the economy. She concluded, “At the same time, you’re employing people, you’re provisioning, you’re buying goods. You know, so you’re helping the community at the same time.”

Below Deck Mediterranean premieres tonight, June 28 at 9 p.m. on Bravo. All new episodes will be available on Peacock one week early, starting June 21.

(E!, Bravo and Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family.)

How to Vacation Like Your Favorite Reality TV Casts

The stars of Real Housewives, The Bachelor, Vanderpump Rules and more may lead you to your next travel destination.

Courtesy of Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos

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If there’s a time when we wish we could trade lives with reality stars, it’s when they travel and go on vacation. Well, minus the vacation-induced drama. That is something we don’t need in our own lives. We’ve put together a guide to help you book your next trip based on your favorite reality TV show.

We know what you’re thinking—this has to be too good to be true. Reality stars don’t vacation on the average budget.  But Peta Phipps, publisher of Caribbean Living and Swanky Retreats, believes it is absolutely possible for viewers to live out their favorite reality TV vacations. “Avid viewers know the experiences inside and out and guided activities are available to almost anyone willing to get out there and go for it,” Phipps shared with E!.

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5 Great Girls’ Trip Resorts to Book ASAP

In fact, these resorts will welcome you with open arms! “Destinations and hotels benefit from these shows being filmed on site because the trips are aspirational and reach millions of viewers,” the travel expert added. So with a little planning—and some saving—you can have the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.

Whether you want to be heading off to a tropical paradise or straight to the casino, this list of TV destinations will take you on vacations you will never forget. All you’ve gotta do to have the time of your life is take Real Housewives of New York City‘s Luann de Lesseps‘ legendary advice: “Be cool, don’t be all, like uncool.” 

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Make It Nice with Dorinda Medley’s Travel Must-Haves

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Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa- The Bachelorette

Katie Thurston filmed her season of The Bachelorette at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in New Mexico. You can relax and rejuvenate at one of the multiple pools, in the hot tub, at  the spa, on the golf course.  There’s also a tennis court, horseback riding, and a fitness center.

$188 – $326

Trip Advisor

Bentley Hotel South Beach- Keeping Up With the Kardashians

When most people mention the word “Bentley” in reference to the Kardashian family, that infamous Season 2 fight when Kim Kardashian was swinging her purse around. However, there’s another significant “Bentley” moment in the family’s history. Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian stayed at the Bentley Hotel for their spin-off show Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami. The hotel has a prime location on Ocean Drive along with a luxurious rooftop, pool, and jacuzzi overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also a private beach club.

$179 – $561

Trip Advisor

Nemacolin- The Bachelor

Matt James‘ season of The Bachelor filmed at the Nemacolin resort in Farmington, PA. Even though it was a “bubble” season with zero travel, there were so many activities to do that it really didn’t feel like the cast was isolated at all. The property has indoor and outdoor pools, fitness classes, a casino, swim-up bar, a golf course, skiing, a spa, kids activities, and, of course, a hot tub. They did film The Bachelor here, after all.

$264 – $933

Trip Advisor

La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort- The Bachelorette 

Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams‘ split season of The Bachelorette filmed at the La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California. There are many pools, a golf course, bike rentals, fitness classes, and a spa to enjoy.

$149 -$666

Trip Advisor

Dream South Beach- Vanderpump Rules

Vanderpump Rules fans remember the Season 3 Miami trip for many reasons, including Tom Sandoval and Kristen Doute’s tears-filled heart to heart and for what happened after the trip: Kristen inviting “Miami Girl” to SUR. Hopefully, you’ll have a drama-free trip when you stay at Dream South Beach. The pet-friendly hotel has a stunning rooftop terrace, multiple pools, a spa, and other amenities. It’s conveniently located on Collins Avenue, surrounded by boutiques and nightclubs.

$151 – $358

Trip Advisor

The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda- The Real Housewives of Potomac 

Those dreamy pink sand beaches became a reality for The Real Housewives of Potomac cast during their stay in Bermuda. Karen Huger and Charrisse Jackson-Jordan had some drama regarding who was supposed to plan the trip, there’s nothing that mends fences like a gorgeous sunset cruise. This private beach club is the perfect place for adventure and relaxation all-in-one.

$332 – $791

Trip Advisor

Moon Palace Cancun- Little Women

The all-inclusive resort hosted the first ever international retreat for the Little Women cast members. In addition to the family-friendly environment of the resort, there’s plenty of fun activities to do such as Aventuras Mayas‘ snorkeling, ziplines, and ATV. The resort is fully accessible and accommodating so everyone can have the vacation of their lives!

$319- $392

Trip Advisor

Moon Palace Jamaica- The Real Housewives of Atlanta

The award goes to Kim ‘Tootie’ Fields for Best Exit in Jamaica!” Kim Fields and Kenya Moore went at each other over Cynthia Bailey‘s eyewear line commercial during this Jamaican vacation. But drama aside, the all-inclusive resort the Housewives stayed at is a great place to experience the pulse of reggae and the soul of luxury of the island.

$273- $335

Trip Advisor

Pineapple Beach Club Antigua- Married at First Sight

Four of the show’s newlywed couples spent their honeymoons on the Caribbean Island of Antigua during Season 9. The adults-only resort is all-inclusive (yes, that means food, drinks and activities!), which is perfect for those looking for a resort that has it all!

$424-$646

Trip Advisor

Mondrian Los Angeles- Vanderpump Rules

Why have one bachelor party when you can have two? Jax Taylor threw his first pre-wedding celebration at this Hollywood hotel before having a second one—with Brittany Cartwright—in Florida. Whether you want to experience this luxury hotel in Los Angeles or Miami, you will have the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.

$419

Trip Advisor

Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa- The Real Housewives of Orange County

If you want to get your meditation on like The Real Housewives of Orange County cast, look no further than this all-inclusive resort and spa. Though the zen didn’t last long after Kelly Dodd hit Shannon Beador on the head, the resort is well known for having one the best wellness getaways for anyone that needs a break from their own everyday drama.

Contact for price

Trip Advisor

Wynmara Turks & Caicos- The Real Housewives of New York City

“So be cool, don’t be all, like uncool!” Luann de Lesseps‘s iconic comeback after her co-stars found a man sleeping in one of their rooms was at this Turks and Caicos resort. The 91 guestrooms and 5 villas all overlook Grace Bay Beach so you can vacation like the Real Housewives.

$620 – $1,429

Trip Advisor

Playa Escondida Resort- Bachelor in Paradise

In a secluded resort 40 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta exists Bachelor in Paradise. The Playa Escondida Resort is home to the iconic beach bar and never-ending coast line. Staying at the resort sans-bachelor is an experience in itself, with access to horseback riding, yoga, surfing and relaxing by the pool, you’ll never want to leave.

$2,678-$2,712

Trip Advisor

Dream Hotel Midtown- The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills went to the big apple for Kelsey Grammer‘s Broadway premiere, but the real spotlight was on Camille Grammer and Kyle Richards. The altercation between the two, which ended on the iconic, “You’re such a f–king liar Camille!” took place during their stay at this luxury hotel. The Dream Hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan and is the perfect place for a glamorous evening or a true TV showdown. 

$216 – $451

Trip Advisor

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas- Jersey Shore: Family Vacation

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! During season two of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation the gang stayed at this contemporary resort and casino right on the strip. Aside from the iconic views and casino, stars like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera have their residency shows at this hotel. You’ll be in the midst of all the action!

$92 – $388

Trip Advisor

Atlantis, The Palm- The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 

The Season 6 cast trip in July was all about those Munchausen Syndrome allegations and it’s a shame the ladies didn’t have more fun during their stay at their super luxurious hotel. The rooms are to die for. Some of them even have a wall that’s entirely covered by a fish tank. There are pools, restaurants, a lazy river, bowling, a tennis court, a water park, a nightclub and many more amenities.

$189 – $588

Trip Advisor

Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos- Real Housewives of New Jersey

This resort offered Teresa Giudice and crew butler service, unique gourmet culinary offerings, a state-of-the-art spa, world-class entertainment and unique experiences that provided good TV and one unforgettable trip during Season 9.

$515 – $971

Trip Advisor

Still undecided about where your next vacation should be? See six family friendly resorts that are worth the splurge.

—Reporting by Mike Vulpo

— Originally published Oct. 23, 2019 4 AM PT

Where Are Your Favorite Olympic Gymnasts Now?

As Simone Biles and the rest of the U.S. gymnastics hopefuls head into the 2020 Tokyo Games, let's take a look at what the sport's beloved Olympians from years past are doing now.

Watch: Simone Biles Flips With Nabisco’s “Snack Together Win Together”

Olympic gymnasts somehow have a special way of capturing the nation’s heart, and this affection never quite goes away. 

As the world gears up for the 2020 Tokyo Games, the Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics kicks off on Thursday, June 24, with Simone Biles and the rest of the U.S. hopefuls preparing to represent their country. Simone is already among the pantheon of greats in her sport and is likely to add to her success this summer, as she’s on the cusp of becoming the most-decorated gymnast in history ahead of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 23. 

But before we find out which new moments will become classics, it’s time to catch up with standouts from previous gymnastic teams for a quick dose of nostalgia. 

Indeed, plenty of past displays continue to live on in fans’ memories, including incredible performances courtesy of such stars as Mary Lou Retton, Kerri Strug, Shannon Miller, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Gabby Douglas and many more. 

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2021 Summer Olympics Status Check

Keep scrolling to see what some of your favorite Olympic gymnasts from years past have been up to since putting down the chalk, and be sure to watch the 2020 Tokyo Games this summer on NBC and Peacock. 

(E!, NBC and Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family.)

Rich Clarkson / Rich Clarkson & Associates

Cathy Rigby

A pioneer in the sport, she was among the first female athletes to help popularize gymnastics in the nation, thanks to her strong performance at the 1968 Mexico City Games, although she never medaled. Rigby retired after the 1972 Olympics and is perhaps best known for playing the title role in the theatrical musical Peter Pan, which earned her a Tony Award nomination in 1991. 

She has been a familiar face to not only theatre fans but also TV viewers, due to serving for many years as an ABC Sports commentator, in addition to appearing on the series The Six Million Dollar Man. Rigby has also been open throughout the years about her previous battle with disordered eating. 

The star and husband Tom McCoy share two children, and she has two children from a previous marriage.

David Madison/Getty Images

Mary Lou Retton

A defining cultural figure of the 1980s before retiring in 1986, she won five medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Among those prizes was gold in the all-around, making her the first American woman to achieve this feat in the sport. She shares four children with her ex-husband, former University of Houston quarterback Shannon Kelley, who she split from in 2018. 

Outside of athletics, she became vocal in politics, supporting President Ronald Reagan along his 1984 reelection campaign trail and later speaking at the 2004 Republican National Convention. Retton made cameos in the films Scrooged and Naked Gun 33+1⁄3, and more recently, she became the first woman inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. 

Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Shannon Miller

With a total of seven medals, won during the 1992 Barcelona Games and 1996 Atlanta Games, she is the most-awarded female Olympic gymnast in history. After failing to qualify for the 2020 Sydney Games, Miller turned her focus to her schooling, earning a business degree and later a law degree, although she never took the Bar Exam. 

Miller went on to appear in fitness videos, published the 2015 autobiography It’s Not About Perfect and is an advocate for preventing childhood obesity. She and second husband John Falconetti share two children. 

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Kerri Strug

She is a two-time medalist best known for competing on the vault despite an ankle injury at the 1996 Atlanta Games and later being carried to the podium by coach Béla Károlyi. The memorable feat led to a whirlwind of media moments, including appearances on SNL and Beverly Hills, 90210, plus a visit with President Bill Clinton, and she retired shortly thereafter. 

Strug went on to become a schoolteacher and also got involved in politics, including speaking at the 2004 Republican National Convention. Her memoir, Landing On My Feet, A Diary Of Dreams, is in development as a feature film from director Olivia Wilde, with Thomasin McKenzie attached to play the athlete. 

She and husband Robert Fischer share two children. 

ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP via Getty Images

Dominique Dawes

She competed in the 1992 Barcelona Games, 1996 Atlanta Games and 2000 Sydney Games, winning four medals. This includes the team gold in 1996, making her the first Black gymnast of any nationality to win a gold medal.

Dawes retired after the Sydney Games. She has appeared in multiple music videos, including Missy Elliott‘s “We Run This” in 2006, and played Patty Simcox in a 1990s Broadway revival of Grease. 

The athlete was named co-chair of President Barack Obama‘s President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition in 2010, and she is also an advocate for autism awareness. Dawes and husband Jeff Thompson share four children. 

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Shawn Johnson

She was among the stars of the 2008 Beijing Games, thanks to her four medals, including gold in the balance beam. Shawn retired just before the 2012 London Games, having already become a pop-culture personality due to winning Dancing With the Stars in 2009. 

She has remained a media mainstay ever since 2008, notching appearances on a long list of shows that includes The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Celebrity Apprentice, The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Family Feud. The star also led the Pledge of Allegiance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention and has authored several books, including the 2016 YA novel The Flip Side. 

Shawn shares one daughter with NFL player Andrew East, who she married in 2016, and the couple is expecting a boy, as of June 2021. The Olympian has been open about her previous struggles with disordered eating. 

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Nastia Liukin

The gymnast nabbed five medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, including gold in the all-around. She retired just before the 2012 London Games and has appeared on such shows as Gossip Girl, Make It or Break It and Hellcats, in addition to making a cameo in the film Stick It. Nastia also competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2015 and released the memoir Finding My Shine in 2015.

In 2018, she and hockey player Matt Lombardi called off their engagement.

KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images

McKayla Maroney

Her two Olympic medals from the 2012 London Games include team gold. After winning silver in the vault that summer, she became a meme when her expression on the podium made her appear to be unimpressed. 

Maroney, who announced her retirement in 2016, has since transitioned into both acting and singing. She has appeared on a range of TV shows including Hart of Dixie, Bones and Superstore, and she released her first single, “Wake Up Call,” in 2020. 

In 2021, she appeared in a Geico ad, during which she gave her infamous “not impressed” look.

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Gabby Douglas

She was part of the gold-winning teams at both the 2012 London Games and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. She also won gold in the gymnastics all-around in 2016, becoming the first African American to do so. 

Douglas retired after the Rio Games and has become a prominent TV and media fixture. She published her 2012 memoir Grace, Gold, and Glory, was the subject of the 2014 Lifetime movie The Gabby Douglas Story and starred with her family in the Oxygen unscripted series Douglas Family Gold.

Other TV appearances include Kickin It and Undercover Boss, along with winning The Masked Dancer in 2020.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Aly Raisman

The second-most-awarded American Olympic female gymnast behind Miller, Raisman picked up six medals between the 2012 London Games and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, including the floor competition gold in 2012, along with consecutive team golds.

Raisman, who retired after the Rio Games, released her memoir Fierce in 2017 and made a cameo in the 2019 Charlie’s Angels film. She placed fourth on Dancing With the Stars in 2013 and appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in both 2017 and 2018. 

Her dating life has included a high-profile relationship with Colton Underwood that ended in 2017, prior to him appearing on The Bachelorette and later leading The Bachelor.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Laurie Hernandez

The two-time medalist at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games was part of the U.S. gold-winning team. She remains an active gymnast but did not qualify for the Olympic Trials ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Games. 

Aside from athletics, Hernandez won season 23 of Dancing With the Stars, becoming the youngest-ever champion at age 16, and served as a reporter on American Ninja Warrior Junior. She also voiced a character on Nickelodeon’s Middle School Moguls, which aired in 2019, and released memoir I Got This in 2017.