September 11, 2026

Hi, friend!

Today’s sunny stories travel to seaside villages, colorful resorts, and shores where romance and new adventures are always right around the corner. Settle in with these cheerful picks and enjoy a quick island escape.

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A spirited English family embraces island life

5 books for an island state of mind

A rom-com with a sea breeze

Sponsored: Teach your teen money habits that last

Rom-Coms With a Sea Breeze

These island-set romantic comedies deliver mix-ups, second chances, beautiful scenery, and endings sure to make you smile.

This Little Love of Mine

Streaming on Prime Video

Workaholic lawyer Laura returns to her island hometown with one goal: convince her childhood friend Chip to take over his family’s company. Chip agrees to consider the offer, but only if Laura joins him for a series of relaxing island activities, giving the old friends plenty of time to rediscover their chemistry.

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Resort to Love

Streaming on Netflix

After a career setback, singer Erica accepts a job performing at a luxurious island resort—only to discover that her former fiancé is getting married there. Christina Milian stars in this breezy romantic comedy filled with surprises, musical performances, and second-chance love.

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Here’s to your teen’s next big step

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5 Books That Put You on Island Time

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These sunny reads deliver romantic mix-ups, fresh (seaside) starts, and characters discovering just how powerful a change of scenery can be.

Island Affair

by Priscilla Oliveras

When her boyfriend misses a family vacation, Sara convinces Key West firefighter Luis to pose as her devoted fiancé. But as they navigate family dinners, island activities, and romantic evenings together, their pretend romance starts to feel surprisingly real.

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Hotel Spotlight

Together with Inside Hotels

Download 📺: Rushmore | Pack 📚: Bluebird, Bluebird

Check In: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa | Houston, TX

Nestled on 27 acres in the heart of Houston, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is a private oasis that feels worlds away. Guest rooms feature warm, residential-style design with views of towering oaks. Amenities include access to a members-only health club and the award-winning Trellis Spa—one of the largest spas in Texas. Enjoy a mouthwatering meal at TRIBUTE or relax poolside beneath the trees. See more.

Check In and Stay a While

Pack your imaginary suitcase for two sunny series filled with colorful surroundings and big personalities.

The Durrells in Corfu

Streaming on PBS

Searching for a fresh start, Louisa Durrell moves her spirited family from England to the Greek island of Corfu. Their new life quickly fills with unusual neighbors, wandering animals, budding romances, and an endless cascade of delightfully unpredictable situations.

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Renovation Island

Available on HGTV

Contractor Bryan Baeumler and designer Sarah Baeumler move their family to a tropical island to transform an abandoned beachfront property into a welcoming boutique resort. Between colorful design plans, ambitious renovations, and the realities of building somewhere far from home, their project becomes a family adventure with a sunny payoff. Come for the island scenery and stay for the satisfying before-and-after reveals!

Watch full episodes on YouTube

Hotel Spotlight

Together with Inside Hotels

Download 📺: Casino Royale | Pack 📚: An Embarrassment of Mangoes

Check In: Hawksbill Resort | Five Islands, Antigua & Barbuda

Hawksbill Resort is a laid-back, all-inclusive escape spread across 30 lush acres and four stunning beaches—including Antigua’s only clothing-optional stretch. The resort’s 106 rooms, cottages, and bungalows strike a balance between classic island style and thoughtful modern touches, including outdoor showers, air conditioning, and private verandas. Come evening, enjoy Caribbean cuisine at the open-air restaurant before winding down to live music under the stars. See more.

Island Rom-Com Spotlight

Lost in Paradise

Streaming on Hallmark+

When an unexpected detour leaves them stranded together on a seemingly deserted island, fashion company founder Sophia (Lacey Chabert) and chef Max (Ian Harding) must work together to survive. And as they trade their usual routines for survival, improvised meals, and a little teamwork, romantic sparks begin to fly.

Hotel Spotlight

Together with Inside Hotels

Download 📺: The Rum Diary | Pack 📚: A Trip to the Beach

Check In: Zemi Beach House | Shoal Bay Village, Anguilla

Zemi Beach House is a boutique hotel that lets you experience Anguilla’s natural beauty while treating yourself to next-level luxury. Each room comes with a motion sensor AC system and Malin + Goetz toiletries. Located in an authentic 300-year-old Thai House, the award-winning Zemi Thai House Spa offers unforgettable experiences, including the five-step Taino Bathing Ritual, therapeutic mud treatments, holistic body treatments, and more. See more.