There’s an original ‘Fantasy Island’ series, a movie with the same name, and a full reboot series that debuted in 2021. In this article, we focus on the most recent series. This will include giving a brief summary of what the show is about and highlighting where Fantasy Island is filmed. We also give you tips on the best time to visit the real-life location, and the kind of wildlife you can spot while there. Plus, we share a bit about all the exciting adventures you can partake in during your stay!
What Is ‘Fantasy Island’ About?
‘Fantasy Island’ is a modern drama with a luxury resort setting. Here, all guests have the opportunity to request their fantasies and have them fulfilled. The twist is that what they request turns out differently than what they envisioned. The luxury resort is in a secluded location and those who visit have a specific desire. Through the mystical realism of the island, they each uncover something previously unknown about themselves.

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Where Was ‘Fantasy Island’ Filmed?
Although some shows depict a different location than where they are filmed, with ‘Fantasy Island,’ there was no fantasy necessary. The series was filmed on location in Puerto Rico. Some of the locations throughout Puerto Rico where filming took place include San Juan, Old St. Juan, and Rio Grande. Some of the outdoor scenes were filmed in a well-known recreational park called Escambrón Marine Park. The majority of the city scenes were filmed in the barrio of Santruce and a sub-barrio called Miramar.
The best part is that the resort as depicted in the show is a real place! It’s a spot you can add to your travel plans because it’s open for business. While there are no magical portals transporting you to your fantasy, you may just feel as if you’re living another life during your stay at the Hyatt Regency Grande Reserve Puerto Rico. This resort is situated at the seaside, only a few steps from Puerto Rico’s gorgeous beaches. Here you can bask in luxury, get a massage, and take in all the breathtaking sights.
You get to watch the true backdrop of Puerto Rico throughout the show. While that gives you insight into the real place, it has also served Puerto Rico’s economy well. Approximately 400 locals had the opportunity to take part in the production. The estimated economic impact was a whopping $54 million. Of course, the crew needed places to stay during filming, which majorly boosted the hospitality industry as well.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico
The location where Fantasy Island is filmed enjoys cool and warm weather. Although the winter season is usually the time for winter coats, scarves, and boots, in Puerto Rico, the weather remains balmy, with temperatures ranging from 70 °F to 83 °F during January, their “coldest” month. December all the way through March is the dry season in Puerto Rico, which makes it the most pleasant time of the year to hop on a plane and go check out this Caribbean archipelago.
Now, it’s no secret that the winter season is the best time to visit Puerto Rico so prepare to find lots of other tourists checking out the area. If you prefer to wait until the crowds have scattered, you may want to visit between April and June. During these months, the craze is over, and you can enjoy sunny, breezy weather (and more affordable rates at luxurious hotels!). After July, it’s the off-season and you’re more likely to get caught in a hurricane.
Wildlife in Puerto Rico

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In Puerto Rico, the unofficial national animal is the coqui frog. Puerto Rico does have an official bird, however, and it’s the striped-headed tanager. Some of the largest animals found on land and in the water around Puerto Rico include the humpback whale, the West Indian manatee, the leatherback sea turtle, and the Puerto Rican boa. Some of the rare animals include the giant anole, Mona Island iguana, and Puerto Rican parrot. When visiting, you can head out to a couple of different places to take in the splendor of the wildlife. Some of the best spots include the Caribbean National Forest, Bosque Cambalache National Park, Cabo Rojo Wildlife Refuge, and the Vieques and Culebra Islands.
Things to Do in Puerto Rico
While you certainly have the option to check out the luxury resort where ‘Fantasy Island’ was filmed and you have a list of places to check out the wildlife, there is a wide range of outdoor experiences you can partake in while you learn about the lively island culture and discover some mesmerizing hidden gems. There are over 300 beaches where you can catch some rays, you can kayak on the radiant bioluminescent bays, and take a hike to check out some stunning rainforest waterfalls!
Where is Puerto Rico Located on a Map?
Puerto Rico, an island in the Caribbean, is an unincorporated U.S. territory renowned for its stunning landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and the El Yunque tropical rainforest.
The capital city of San Juan is home to the vibrant Isla Verde area, famous for its hotel strip, beach bars, and casinos. The Old San Juan neighborhood showcases picturesque Spanish colonial buildings and impressive centuries-old fortresses such as El Morro and La Fortaleza.
Here is Puerto Rico on a map:
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