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Get to Know Love Island USA Host Ariana Madix as She Tours the Brand-New Villa

During a round of questions, the Vanderpump Rules alum said hosting was the craziest thing she's ever done for love.

By Jax Miller

There’s something about Love Island USA’s newest host, Ariana Madix, as she gives viewers a look inside the series’ spectacular Season 6 villa.

Filling in for Host Sarah Hyland, the Vanderpump Rules alum and budding restauranteur has packed her bags for the South Pacific. Ariana was all macrame and smiles when holding audiences’ hands through Love Island USA’s jaw-dropping Fiji villa just ahead of its season premiere on Peacock.

When asked about what sets the new season apart from the rest, she playfully said, “Me, of course, this incredible, brand-new villa, and the hottest islanders you’ve ever seen.”

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The new host previously promised to be “involved” and “a little shady” in the upcoming season.

Ariana Madix shells out some advice for the singles

Ariana met viewers by the pool area, answering 24 questions during a light and friendly Q&A against the backdrop of fun summer colors, an outdoor bar, and garden walls of tropical greenery. She admitted she didn’t plan on getting into the pool this season but had some helpful advice for the singles looking for love.

“Keep it real,” she said. “And wear sunscreen!”

In a round of this-or-that, Ariana said she preferred weightlifting to yoga, s’mores to hot dogs, and sunsets to sunrises,“unless I’ve stayed up all night, and then [I’ve] seen the sunrise.”

She had more to say when the questions veered into the story of love.

Ariana is all about the love

Ariana took fans to the outdoor kitchen, admitting there was one thing she’d rather not do herself.

“I prefer someone I love to cook for me,” she said. “But, I mean, this legit herb garden is making things very tempting.”

She said sandwiches were her go-to meal, which was fitting, given the recent opening of her Los Angeles-based sandwich shop, Something About Her, which she runs with Vanderpump Rules co-star Katie Maloney. When asked whether she’d choose ping pong or pool, the cocktail book author said she preferred flip cup.

She also spilled about what she looks for in a romantic partner.

“I’m looking for a man in finance,” as she continued walking through the luxurious accommodations. “Trust fund, six-five, blue eyes.”

And as for the craziest thing she’s ever done for love?

“Flown to Fiji, of course!”

It sounds like a welcome change of scenery after her nine-year relationship with Tom Sandoval abruptly ended over a cheating scandal (not-so-affectionately referred to as “Scandoval”) that sent tsunami-sized waves around the Bravo universe and beyond.

What does Ariana love most about the villa?

Closeup of Ariana Madix

Ariana said the girls’ dressing room was her favorite place inside the holiday home.

The spacious second-floor area, accented with a ton of bright neon signage to keep up with the villa’s summery theme, boasts an entire row of hair and makeup stations, pink and white-striped drapes, and mirrors and vanity lights galore.

“I mean, look at this place,” Ariana said. “Are you guys sure I’m not allowed to stay here?”

She said “it depends on the day” when asked if it took her a while to get ready.

Continuing through the home, stamped with banana leaf décor and exotic florals, Ariana said which of her favorite signs was the favorite.

“OK, there’s way too many good ones to choose from,” she said. “Soul Ties? Obvious contender. I love the savageness of ‘Loves me, loves me not,’ and then in the bedroom, the drippy heart.”

Each of the 10 colorful beds glows under lights with color-matching symbols on the wall, with fluorescent bulbs shaped as cherries, lips, and crowns, among other emojis. Of course, last on Ariana’s tour was the Loves Me Not sign, “where all of the islanders exit the villa.”

Thankfully, fans can see Ariana again when Season 6 of Love Island USA premieres on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, exclusively on Peacock.

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