There aren’t many components of the “Love Island” formula that remain untouchable. The show’s success, with its multiple international versions, largely stems from its ability to adapt and surprise viewers. Nonetheless, some classic elements are enduring, even if integrated differently over time. “Love Island” always features bombshells—new contestants introduced as filming progresses throughout the summer in sunny locales, ensuring swimwear and open shirts are ever-present. Casa Amor is a recurring mid-season twist designed to test relationships. This secondary villa surfaces every season, where producers send either the women or men from the main villa to Casa Amor to meet a new set of potential partners, while those left behind also welcome new entrants.

Historically, producers have orchestrated secretive moves, texting one group to quietly shift to Casa Amor without alerting their villa counterparts (occasionally the others are sent away for the day). However, in the latest season of “Love Island USA,” Season 6, host Ariana Maddox presented the male contestants with an option: they could move to Casa Amor to meet new contestants or stay in the main villa with their current partners. It’s uncertain if “Love Island USA” will repeat this strategy in Season 7, but viewers are eagerly anticipating to see what unfolds. Casa Amor is dubbed the ultimate test of loyalty because numerous couples on the show have split due to encounters there. The central question remains—will your partner stay true even in your absence?

“Love Island USA” Season 4’s Deb Chubb described her villa stint as “relationship bootcamp.” Indeed, contestants endure a rigorous regime; they operate on minimal sleep with long nights and early starts, and producers manipulate the dates and times on their phones to blur their sense of time. This creates an insular world, often heightening emotions and attachments, while making it difficult to escape stressful situations for clarity or peace. Additionally, “Love Island” contestants rarely get the chance to enjoy the villa’s pool! The controlled environment means any shift can have significant impacts, and thus, the Casa Amor twist has led to numerous relationship casualties across “Love Island” seasons.

“Love Island UK” Season 5 saw an explosive end to the fan-favorite relationship between Amber Gills and Michael Griffiths after Michael happily re-coupled with a Casa Amor entrant named Joanna Chimonides. Amber and her best friend in the villa, Anna, got into an explosive fight with Michael following his return and Joanna was on edge for her short-lived time in the main villa. That same season, contestant Curtis Pritchard left for Casa Amor and returned single, only to immediately break up with his original partner, Amy Hart, who was very close to confessing feelings of love at that point. Curtis said his head was turned by another woman in Casa Amor, and Amy, rather than stay and witness him move on, chose to leave the villa of her own volition. There are countless other examples of couples that broke up for good or experienced serious stumbling blocks as a result of Casa Amor — it truly is the production team’s trump card.