The R105 Million Secret: Where Love Island Season 6 Was Truly Filmed (It Wasn't Majorca)
The question of where *Love Island* Season 6 was filmed holds a unique answer in the show's history, as it marks the first time the popular reality series left its traditional Spanish home. As of December 2025, the filming location for the UK's sixth series—known as the "Winter Edition"—was the sprawling, ultra-luxurious Ludus Magnus villa, set deep in the scenic Franschhoek wine region of South Africa. This massive estate, located near Cape Town, provided a stunning, sun-drenched backdrop for the dramatic couplings and re-couplings of the 2020 winter season, offering a completely fresh aesthetic compared to the familiar Majorca villa.
The decision to move the production to the Southern Hemisphere allowed the show to maintain its summer vibe during the UK's winter months, premiering in January 2020. This shift to a new continent and a spectacular new villa was one of the biggest shake-ups in the show's format, introducing a whole new set of lavish features for the Islanders, including winners Paige Turley and Finn Tapp, to explore. While *Love Island USA* also has a Season 6, the UK's winter version remains the most distinct filming location for this specific season number.
Inside Ludus Magnus: The Spectacular South African Villa
The Ludus Magnus estate is far more than just a house; it’s a colossal, 25-acre luxury compound that redefined the scale of the *Love Island* villa. Situated in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, an area globally renowned for its world-class vineyards and dramatic mountain ranges, the property offered unparalleled luxury and space to the Islanders. The villa’s design is ultra-modern, featuring sleek lines, vast open-plan living areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the breathtaking South African landscape.
The sheer size of the Winter Love Island 2020 villa meant that the show's producers could introduce new features and expand on existing ones, enhancing the viewing experience and providing more secluded spots for romantic moments. The villa's price tag was reportedly a staggering £5.3 million at the time, or listed for sale at R105 million (South African Rand), reflecting its opulence and prime location.
Key Features and Specifications of the Ludus Magnus Villa
The Ludus Magnus estate was chosen specifically for its ability to host a large-scale TV production while offering maximum luxury. The features of the villa are a major part of the season's unique identity:
- Multiple Swimming Pools: Unlike the Majorca villa's single pool, the Cape Town villa boasted a total of three swimming pools, giving the Islanders more options for lounging and filming.
- The 'Dog House': A brand-new addition to the villa layout, the 'Dog House' was a separate bedroom where Islanders could be sent to sleep if they were kicked out of their partner's bed, adding a new element of drama and punishment.
- Spa-Style Jacuzzi: The large, secluded jacuzzi area provided a perfect spot for late-night chats and intimate moments away from the main fire pit.
- 25 Acres of Land: The expansive grounds allowed for larger outdoor seating areas and more dramatic entrances and exits for new Bombshells.
- Location: Nestled in the Franschhoek wine region, the surrounding scenery included lush vineyards and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, a stunning contrast to the usual Mediterranean views.
The Winter Edition Legacy: Hosts, Winners, and Key Entities
The UK's Season 6, which aired in early 2020, was a landmark series for several reasons beyond its stunning location. It was the first-ever Winter Edition of the show, a format that was later briefly revived for a second winter series in 2023, also filmed in South Africa, but at a different villa. The season was also notable for being the first hosted by Laura Whitmore, who took over presenting duties from the late Caroline Flack.
The series was a huge success, despite the change in location, and introduced a memorable cast of Islanders who became household names. The season's success cemented South Africa as a viable, high-end alternative filming location for the franchise, showcasing its ability to deliver the same high-stakes romance and drama.
Key Entities and Topical Authority for Season 6 (Winter 2020)
To provide complete topical authority on this unique season, here are the essential entities and details:
- Show Title: *Love Island* (UK Series 6)
- Filming Year: 2020 (January-February)
- Location: Ludus Magnus, Franschhoek Valley, Cape Town, South Africa
- Original Host: Laura Whitmore
- Voiceover: Iain Stirling
- Winners: Paige Turley and Finn Tapp
- Runners-Up: Luke Trotman and Siânnise Fudge
- Notable Islanders: Shaughna Phillips, Callum Jones, Demi Jones, Luke Mabbott, Jess Gale, Eve Gale, Mike Boateng, Nas Majeed.
- Key Moments: The first-ever Winter Casa Amor, Shaughna's iconic reaction to Callum's return, and the emotional tribute to Caroline Flack.
- Production Company: ITV2 / Lifted Entertainment
The season's winners, Paige Turley and Finn Tapp, became the first-ever winners of a winter series, sharing the £50,000 prize. Their relationship, which began in the Ludus Magnus villa, was a central storyline, though they did eventually confirm their split in 2023, adding a final, fresh detail to the season's legacy.
The Global Love Island: UK vs. USA Season 6 Filming
It is important to note that the *Love Island* franchise is a global phenomenon, and the question of "Season 6" can refer to two different productions, each filmed in a different part of the world. The confusion is a common search query, and a complete answer must address both major versions.
The primary focus of this article is the UK's first winter series, which is the most distinct and memorable "Season 6" location change. However, for complete clarity on the most recent "Season 6" filmed:
Love Island USA Season 6 (2024)
In contrast to the UK’s 2020 winter edition in South Africa, Love Island USA Season 6 was filmed in 2024 and returned to a more traditional tropical setting. The US version’s sixth season was filmed in Fiji, specifically on the main island of Viti Levu. This location was a return to the tropical aesthetic, utilizing the same luxurious beachfront villa that was also used for Season 5 of the American series. The US Season 6 was hosted by Ariana Madix, and the winners were Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, who found their connection in the Fijian villa.
Ultimately, when people ask "where was season 6 of love island filmed," the most unique and historically significant answer is the Ludus Magnus estate in Franschhoek, South Africa. This colossal villa, with its three pools and 25 acres of vineyard views, stands as a stunning one-off location that broke the Majorca mold and gave us the first-ever Winter Love Island champions.
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