Where is ‘Love Island USA’ filmed? Inside the tropical locations

Romance, steamy chemistry, and loads of pettiness — these are the staples of Love Island USA.

The reality show, which premiered in 2019, follows a group of contestants (known as Islanders) living together in a luxurious villa under 24/7 surveillance. To stay on the show, each Islander must couple up with another Islander or risk being dumped from the villa.

Aside from the messiness, what brings the hit Peacock series to life are its breathtaking filming locations. From the sparkling shores of Fiji to Las Vegas rooftops, the stunning backdrops provide the perfect setting for every sweet and chaotic moment.

So, grab your favorite drink and read on to learn more about the dreamy spots where Love Island USA comes to life.

Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

The most recent seasons of Love Island USA, seasons 5, 6, and 7, were filmed at private villas in Fiji’s dazzling Mamanuca Islands. A popular tourist destination, the Mamanucas are a volcanic archipelago of nearly 20 islands (though some disappear beneath the ocean at high tide).

These islands have also become a go-to filming spot for Hollywood productions. Survivor has filmed there since season 33, and the island of Monuriki gained prominence thanks to the 2000 film Cast Away.

Each villa is uniquely crafted and custom built by the production team. According to TV Insider, the season 5 villa featured 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space for Islanders to eat, sleep, and stir the pot.

For season 6, executive producer Simon Thomas told Today that the team constructed an entirely new (and neon-bright) villa. Thanks to the season’s success, the same villa returns for season 7, complete with a few stylish upgrades.

Designed by production designer Richard Jensen, the two-story oceanfront villa was transformed from an existing Fijian estate into a modern tropical getaway. It includes two pools (one with in-pool seating), a sauna, a photo booth, and even a hidden speakeasy for secret chats and stolen kisses.

Villa Takali, Fiji

The very first season of Love Island USA was filmed at the gorgeous Villa Takali in Fiji. Tucked away in the town of Pacific Harbour, this secluded oceanfront oasis offers plenty of outdoor areas, making it easier for production to capture exciting moments — like Zach asking Elizabeth to be his girlfriend — from multiple camera angles while still keeping equipment out of sight.

While the villa is available for bookings through its official website, its primary appeal in the context of the show was how well it supported the format, offering both privacy for one-on-one moments and space for group challenges, as well as re-couplings and dumpings.

Of course, there’s so much more to Pacific Harbour than just the villa. Known as Fiji’s adventure capital, the region brought an added layer of visual appeal to the fan-favorite series.

The Cromwell, Las Vegas

In early 2020, CBS announced that season 2 of Love Island USA would be filmed in Fiji. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, production had to pivot, and filming instead took place on the rooftop of the Cromwell, a luxury boutique casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

Choosing a hotel allowed the production to create a “bubble” environment, which was essential for minimizing health risks during the pandemic. The rooftop space was transformed into a fully functioning Love Island villa, complete with a pool, fairy lights, and neon-lit confessional areas designed to evoke the tropical atmosphere in a controlled setting.

Originally opened in 1979 and rebranded as the Cromwell in 2014, this hot spot provided the privacy and space needed to isolate cast and crew from the public while still delivering all the flashiness and drama expected from the show.

Waterfalling Estate, Hawaii

For its third season, Love Island USA turned up the heat by heading to Hawaii. Nestled on a cliff with sensational views of the Pacific on the Hamakua Coast, the Waterfalling Estate became home to the Islanders.

In addition to Love Island USA, the roughly 11,000-square-foot showstopper has set the stage for MTV’s Ex on the Beach and hosted celebrities like Justin Bieber. And guess what? You, too, can live like a star by requesting a reservation at the amazing residence.

Its layout features open-air terraces, an Olympic-sized 25-meter pool, and unique natural features like dual private waterfalls, which supplied Love Island USA producers with a range of filming settings, from lively parties to awkward dates (like Korey and Elly’s). Its remote setting also helped maintain privacy and minimize outside distractions during filming.

Dos Pueblos Ranch, Santa Barbara

Love Island USA underwent some major changes for season 4, including its move to Peacock and a new filming location. The show stuck with the West Coast, this time setting up camp at the Dos Pueblos Ranch in Santa Barbara.  

With its extensive compound and private beach, Dos Pueblos Ranch provided ample space for any heated conversations (think Timmy and Jeff) and playful games. The historic ranch’s seclusion also helped maintain the security essential for filming a high-profile reality series.

The name “Dos Pueblos” honors two nearby Chumash settlements, Mikiw and Kuya’mu, where Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo first met the native tribes in 1542. Earlier this year, the ranch attracted attention by going back on the market with a whopping $65 million price tag, according to Bloomberg.

Where can I watch Love Island USA?

You can watch seasons 4-6 of Love Island USA exclusively on Peacock, including the brand-new season 7, which premieres Tuesday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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