Inside the new Love Island villa: FIRST LOOK at the sprawling South African eco-pad complete with armed guards and THREE pools following its makeover ahead of the series
- Viewers have been treated to a sneak peek inside the villa in the heart of the Franschhoek wine valley
- The eco-friendly villa which has been hired for the series is situated in the South African countryside
- The new £1.2million villa features a whopping three swimming pools for the contestants to cool off in
- The supersized luxury retreat boasts stunning mountain views and is nestled away in a ‘protected area’
The new series of Love Island is set to kick off in just a matter of days.
And ahead of the first episode, viewers have been treated to a sneak peek inside the new villa, which has received a bold makeover, in keeping with the colourful accommodation which previously housed the Islanders.
The vast eco-friendly villa which has been hired for the new series is situated in the jaw-dropping South African countryside, set below a range of mountains and overlooking a wine-valley.
FIRST LOOK! The new series of Love Island is set to kick off in just a matter of days and ahead of the first episode, excited viewers have been treated to a sneak peek inside the new villa in South Africa
The new £1.2million villa features a whopping three swimming pools for the contestants to cool off in, which is surrounded by sun loungers for them to enjoy the basking sunshine and top up their tans.
Pictures taken prior to the makeover revealed that the swimming pool was previously a T-shape, however it has since been split into three separate areas ahead of filming.
One side of the garden houses the work out area for the Islanders to keep in shape during their time on the show, beside the iconic fire pit where the weekly recoupling will take place.
It’s getting hot in here! Like previous villas used before, most of the action in this new location is outside, with the outdoor kitchen undergoing a copper makeover for the new season
Change of plan: Pictures taken prior to the makeover revealed that the swimming pool was previously a T-shape, however it has since been split into three separate areas ahead of filming
Get sexy! Inside the property, one of the rooms has been transformed into the show’s hideaway, where couples are nominated to go and spend some alone time together as a special treat
Old photos also reveal the incredible transformation the fire area has undergone, which was previously a sandy area with a basic pit and camping chairs.
The green destination generates its own electricity, water and has various food sources.
The supersized luxury eco-retreat still boasts stunning mountain views and is nestled away in a ‘protected area’ in the heart of the Franschhoek wine valley in South Africa’s ‘millionaire row’.
Stunning: A cosy nook overlooks the plush wine-valley where the villa is positioned
Wow! Old photos also reveal the incredible transformation the fire area has undergone, which was previously a sandy area with a basic pit and camping chairs
Take a seat! Stools were pulled up to the breakfast bar where the Islanders will no doubt be serving each other a morning
Cheers! The kitchen island features a Love Island catch phrase ‘eat, sleep, crack on, repeat’
Inside the property, one of the rooms has been transformed into the show’s hideaway, where couples are nominated to go and spend some alone time together as a special treat.
A huge bed can be seen situated in the middle of a huge blue and pink themed room, below a neon sign which reads ‘get sexy’ and in between two stylish hanging lamps.
The main bedroom is filled with double beds for the couples to share once they have chosen their partners, in typically bright colours with a series of cool graphic prints on the walls.
I’d like to recouple with…: The villa’s fire pit area looks very similar to the one from the villa in Mallorca
Late night snack! The main bedroom is filled with double beds for the couples to share once they have chosen their partners, in typically bright colours with a series of cool graphic prints on the walls
Day beds: This year the day beds are under a beautiful canopy of flowers
Work it! Contestants will be able to keep fit in the astroturfed gym area complete with a weights section
The colourful neon theme continues throughout the villa, with the living area and ‘doghouse’ also being decorated in a whitewash with accents of purple, blue and pink throughout.
The doghouse is where contestants sleep if they do not want to share a bed with their current partner, typically when a fall out has ensued between pairings.
Like previous villas used before, most of the action in this new location is outside, with the outdoor kitchen undergoing a copper makeover for the new season.
Treehouse: One new image revealed a wooden structure in the grounds of the villa, however it is currently unclear whether that will be utilised by members of the cast or crew
True blue! One nook in the villa has two cup chairs for any chats that might occur
Awks! The doghouse is where contestants sleep if they do not want to share a bed with their current partner, typically when a fall out has ensued between pairings
Glam: The colourful neon theme continues throughout the villa, with the living area and ‘doghouse’ also being decorated in a whitewash with accents of purple, blue and pink throughout
One new image revealed a wooden structure in the grounds of the villa, however it is currently unclear whether that will be utilised by members of the cast or crew.
Elsewhere, the cast will be able to get ready for their parties and dates in the new dressing room, which comes equipped with hair styling products and everything they will need for the ultimate glam.
In the room, the walls are lined with shelves of products for the Islanders to use.
Get glam! Elsewhere, the cast will be able to get ready for their parties and dates in the new dressing room, which comes equipped with hair styling products and everything they will need for the ultimate glam
Spoilt for choice: In the room, the walls are lined with shelves of products for the Islanders to use
Stylish: Stools are set up in front of dressing tables with chic gold mirrors
No drama: A freestanding bathtub boasts the phrase ‘bubbles not troubles’ on the side, but it sadly likely won’t prove true when the inevitable series drama kicks off next week
Similarly, there are plenty of products on display in the joint girls and boys bathroom for the cast to get stuck into and sample before getting ready for the night ahead.
A freestanding bathtub boasts the phrase ‘bubbles not troubles’ on the side, but it sadly likely won’t prove true when the inevitable series drama kicks off next week.
Gossip certainly isn’t in short supply when the girls enjoy their morning debrief, which usually happens on the roof terrace, which was last year made famous due to Ekin-Su’s crawling antics.
Get clean: Similarly, there are plenty of products on display in the joint girls and boys bathroom for the cast to get stuck into and sample before getting ready for the night ahead
Chill zone: This year, the lucky contestants will enjoy a covered balcony area which still enjoys the sun with comfy cushions and tasteful furnishings as they discuss villa events
Makeover: Before being transformed into a cosy lounging area for the contestants it was previously a private dining area
This year, the lucky contestants will enjoy a covered balcony area which still enjoys the sun with comfy cushions and tasteful furnishings as they discuss villa events.
Earlier this week it was reported that the villa overlooks the prison where Nelson Mandela served a jail term.
While the singletons will be hoping to find love in the swanky abode, the vibe may somewhat be killed thanks to the view of the jail, in which the former president served the last part of his 27 year sentence, reported The Mirror.
Sun-soaked: The Islanders will be able to make the most of the villa’s huge gardens and different zones
Sneaky links? The balcony provides a private area for the cast to chat
Winter series: The pool also had a makeover and was split into three separate areas
Mandela was held at Drakenstein Prison – formerly known as Victor Verster Prison – for the last 14 months of his sentence. He was jailed for opposing South Africa’s apartheid system.
Drakenstein Prison is located on the outskirts of Cape Town and houses murderers including serials killers.
The prison even housed notorious killers including triple axe-killer Henri van Breda, who was found guilty of murdering his parents and brother back in May 2018.
Taking it easy: The daybeds provide another option for Islanders who don’t want to share a bed with their partners
Decor: The colourful decor continues throughout the villa
Meanwhile the prison was raided overnight during the Christmas period in a bid to combat rising levels of crime, with police going on to seize illegal goods including cell phones, cash, electrical wires and chargers.
Despite the unfortunate neighbours, the supersized luxury eco-retreat still boasts stunning mountain views and is nestled away in a ‘protected area’ in the heart of the Franschhoek wine valley in South Africa’s ‘millionaire row’.
It comes after the ITV2 dating show revealed that they have updated their duty of care policy and enforced a new social media ban while contestants are inside the villa.
Deep it: The garden offers plenty of different areas for the Islanders to relax
Too many chefs: The kitchen features copper worktops, a hob and oven for creating snacks
Champagne anyone? The metallic theme continues in other areas of the house
Appearing on Friday’s This Morning, Maya chatted to hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on the upcoming series.
And the presenting duo were keen to know what advice she had in terms of being online in the public eye.
She explained: ‘If you are already a social media user, use it for fun, if you don’t want the extra stuff, take some time away. Mute people you don’t want to see.
‘I have it so I can only see my close friends on Instagram, so I live in this happy bubble. If you can utilize it for the best bits that a good combo.’
The new Love Island rules mean that ITV2 will ban Islanders’ social media activity during the show and will give enhanced training around behaviour in relationships after a controversial summer series.
Walk this way! The entryway to the house features the show’s signature heart-shaped arch
Talk to me! The beach hut as has undergone a transformation in the new pad
In previous seasons, families and friends have been appointed to man islanders’ social media accounts – often posting on their behalf.
But now ITV have said a comprehensive package of welfare measures remain in place for programme contributors to ensure stars are fully supported before, during and after the filming period.
As part of extended measures to protect both the Islanders and their families from ‘the adverse effects of social media’, participants will be asked to pause handles and accounts on their social media platforms for the duration of their time on the show.
Mini fire pit: The new location also features a separate smaller fire pit
Lounging about! An indoor area for the cast to chill also houses the doghouse
Luxury living: The winter series kicks off on Monday January 16
LOVE ISLAND 2023: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Tanya Manhenga
Name: Tanya Manhenga
Age: 22
Location: Liverpool
Occupation: Student and model
Something not many people know about her: ‘I have Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation, you may not even notice it.’
‘It’s on my lip and I have a stripe on my hair. Not many people know that but I think it’s quite cute.’
‘I don’t care about covering it up all the time, I think it’s a vibe.’
Lana Jenkins
Name: Lana Jenkins
Age: 25
Location: Luton
Occupation: Makeup artist
Something not many people know about her: ‘In my work as a makeup artist I’ve worked with lots of celebrities.
‘Also, when I was 6-years-old I used to live in Spain and I was in an episode of Benidorm as an extra.’
Anna-May Robey
Name: Anna-May Robey
Age: 20
Location: Swansea
Occupation: Payroll assistant
Something not many people know about her: ‘I went on a date once and I never saw him again.’
‘We went for food and shared a bottle of wine. As I was speaking to him he fell asleep!’
‘I had to clink his wine glass to wake him up.’
Tanyel Revan
Name: Tanyel Revan
Age: 26
Location: North London
Occupation: Hair stylist
Something not many people know about her: ‘My celebrity crush is Channing Tatum – I don’t like pretty boys, they give me the ‘ick’ because they always have a crap personality.’
‘Channing Tatum is handsome but not too pretty. He’s manly and he can dance.’
‘If a man can dance I’m in love with him straight away.’
Olivia Hawkins
Name: Olivia Hawkins
Age: 27
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Ring girl and actress
Something not many people know about her: ‘I did a film with Jason Statham and had a nice 10-minute convo about life.’
‘I’ve been a ring girl for KSI, I played a waitress in James Bond with Daniel Craig and I’ve also been a body double for Michelle Keegan and Emma Watson.’
Kai Fagan
Name: Kai Fagan
Age: 24
Location: Manchester
Occupation: Science and PE teacher
Something not many people know about him: ‘I’m a Jamaican citizen. Because of that I played rugby 7s for Jamaica.’
‘I play semi-professional rugby now for Burnage RFC.’
‘I’ve technically got three different degrees and went to three different unis.’
Ron Hall
Name: Ron Hall
Age: 25
Location: Essex
Occupation: Financial advisor
Something not many people know about him: ‘On meeting me, you’d never know I am blind in one eye.’
‘It was the result of a football injury when I was 8. I’ve got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green.’
Will Young
Name: Will Young
Age: 23
Location: Buckinghamshire
Occupation: Farmer
Something not many people know about him: ‘Every night I light a candle and meditate for 20-25 minutes.’
‘A girl I was seeing told me to meditate, I tried it and loved it. I stopped seeing her and carried on meditating!
‘It’s a nice way to self reflect’
Shaq Muhammad
Name: Shaq Muhammad
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Airport security officer
Something not many people know about her: ‘I’m a very emotional person. It can be a blessing and a curse.’
‘Every time I watch Dear John I cry.
That’s my favourite film. Any time I’m with someone and they say, ‘Let’s watch a romantic film’, I’m like, ‘How about Dear John, how does that sound?’
Haris Namani
Name: Haris Namani
Age: 21
Location: Doncaster
Occupation: TV salesman
Something not many people know about her: ‘I’ve never found love. I think this is the show that can help me.’
‘It’s the best opportunity for me to find the girl and find the right one. I’ve obviously not found the right one myself.’
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