Get ready, Bachelor Nation, because Bachelor in Paradise is back with a vengeance for its tenth season, and it’s shaping up to be the steamiest yet. After skipping 2024, the fan-favorite reality dating show returns on July 7, 2025, with a fresh cast, a stunning new location in Costa Rica, and a groundbreaking twist that’s got everyone talking. Announced on June 10, the starting lineup features heavy hitters like Dale Moss and Kat Izzo, alongside Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette alumni. With Hannah Brown stepping in as “head of Paradise Relations” and a luxurious beachside resort as the backdrop, season 10 promises drama, romance, and surprises galore. Let’s unpack everything we know about this tropical getaway.
A New Paradise: Costa Rica Takes Center Stage
For the first time in its decade-long run, Bachelor in Paradise is ditching its longtime home at Playa Escondida in Sayulita, Mexico, for the breathtaking beaches of Costa Rica. The show has set up shop at the Costa Sur Resort & Spa, a five-star property known for its private beach, air-conditioned villas, and a swim-up bar that’s sure to be a hot spot for late-night confessions. The resort’s modern amenities, including rooms that open directly to private pools, create an intimate vibe perfect for sparking connections. Producers are calling the new setting “sexy and upscale,” and early footage suggests Costa Rica’s lush jungles and turquoise waters will make every episode a visual treat.
This location switch isn’t just about aesthetics. The resort’s layout encourages spontaneous interactions, with communal spaces designed to bring contestants together. Picture moonlight swims, cozy cabana chats, and rose ceremonies under a canopy of stars. The change aims to reinvigorate the show, which took a year off to rethink its formula after lackluster ratings in recent seasons. Fans are already buzzing about how Costa Rica’s romantic atmosphere might influence the drama, and if the promos are any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride.
Bachelor in Paradise Cast: Who’s Ready for Love?
The season 10 cast, unveiled on June 10, is a mix of franchise veterans, fresh faces, and a few unexpected additions. Here’s a snapshot of the first wave of beachgoers:
- Dale Moss, 36: The former NFL player who got engaged to Clare Crawley on The Bachelorette season 16 in 2020. Their on-again, off-again romance ended in 2021, and now Dale’s back for redemption.
- Kat Izzo, 28: A polarizing figure from Bachelor in Paradise season 9, where she got engaged to John Henry Spurlock before splitting days after the finale. She also appeared on Zach Shallcross’ Bachelor season.
- Justin Glaze, 30: Katie Thurston’s runner-up on The Bachelorette season 17 and a season 8 Paradise alum known for a messy love triangle with Eliza Isichei and Rodney Mathews.
- Jess Edwards, 26, and Lexi Young, 31: Both from Joey Graziadei’s Bachelor season, bringing youthful energy and a knack for stirring the pot.
- Jonathon Johnson, 28, and Hakeem Moulton, 30: Standouts from Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette season, with Jonathon reaching the final four and Hakeem winning hearts with his bravery on a tarantula-filled date.
- Leslie Fhima, 65, and Gary Levingston, 65: Golden Bachelor runner-up and Golden Bachelorette fan favorite, respectively, adding a mature perspective to the beach.
Additional names like Alexe Godin, Bailey Brown, Brian Autz, Jeremy Simon, Ricky Marinez, Sam McKinney, Spencer Conley, Kyle Howard, and Zoe McGrady complete the initial roster. More contestants will arrive as the season progresses, keeping the dynamics unpredictable. The cast’s diversity in age and experience sets the stage for compelling storylines, and fans are eager to see who clicks—and who clashes.
A Golden Twist Shakes Up Bachelor in Paradise
In a franchise first, Bachelor in Paradise season 10 welcomes contestants from The Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette, blending the franchise’s senior spin-offs with its flagship series. Leslie Fhima, who narrowly missed out on love with Gerry Turner, and Gary Levingston, a charismatic suitor from Joan Vassos’ season, are the first “Golden” stars confirmed. Their inclusion has sparked debate among fans, with some thrilled at the prospect of cross-generational romance and others worried it might disrupt the show’s vibe.
Producers are tight-lipped about how the “Golden” twist will play out, but Jesse Palmer hinted during the announcement that Leslie and Gary will “show the younger crowd how it’s done.” Could we see older contestants mentoring younger ones or even sparking unexpected love connections? The age gap—some contestants are in their 20s, others in their 60s—could lead to fascinating dynamics or awkward mismatches. Either way, it’s a bold move to keep the show fresh after nine seasons.
Hannah Brown’s Big Role and the Champagne Lounge
Adding fuel to the excitement, former Bachelorette Hannah Brown joins Bachelor in Paradise as “head of Paradise Relations.” Known for her wit and no-nonsense attitude, Hannah will oversee the new Champagne Lounge, a glamorous space for rose ceremonies, date card reveals, and juicy conversations. Her role is more than ceremonial—she’s expected to stir the pot, offer advice, and maybe even mediate conflicts. After leading season 15 of The Bachelorette and winning Dancing with the Stars, Hannah’s charisma makes her a natural fit to shake things up.
The Champagne Lounge itself is a sleek addition to the show, designed to elevate the drama. With plush seating, twinkling lights, and free-flowing bubbly, it’s the perfect spot for heartfelt confessions or explosive arguments. Hannah’s presence, combined with the lounge’s upscale vibe, signals the show’s push to feel more sophisticated while still delivering the chaos fans love.
What’s Next for Season 10?
With host Jesse Palmer and bartender Wells Adams returning, Bachelor in Paradise season 10 aims to recapture the magic of its early years. The show’s premise—former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants vying for love with alternating rose ceremonies—remains intact, but the new setting and cast shake-up promise a fresh spin. After season 9 saw every couple split post-finale, producers are under pressure to deliver lasting connections. The inclusion of “Golden” contestants and Hannah’s role suggest a focus on deeper, more authentic relationships, though the show’s signature love triangles and tearful exits aren’t going anywhere.
Filming, which began in summer 2025, is already generating buzz. A leaked video from May showed cast members dancing on the Costa Rican beach, with Gary Levingston stealing the spotlight with his smooth moves. Promos tease steamy hookups, emotional breakdowns, and surprise arrivals, including unconfirmed rumors of past villains or fan-favorite returnees. The July 7 premiere on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu, is poised to draw big audiences, especially after the show’s year-long absence.
Why Fans Can’t Wait
The hype for Bachelor in Paradise season 10 is real, and for good reason. The new Costa Rican setting offers a gorgeous backdrop for romance, while the diverse cast—from Dale Moss’ redemption arc to Kat Izzo’s controversial return—guarantees drama. The “Golden” twist adds an intriguing layer, and Hannah Brown’s role ensures plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. After a year off, the show feels revitalized, with producers clearly listening to fans’ calls for a return to the messy, heartfelt magic of early seasons.
Social media is abuzz with predictions. Will Dale finally find The One? Can Kat redeem herself after her season 9 antics? And how will Leslie and Gary navigate a beach full of twentysomethings? Posts on X are calling the cast “10/10,” with many praising the inclusion of Golden stars as a game-changer. The show’s move to Costa Rica and the Champagne Lounge have also sparked excitement, with fans eager for a more polished yet chaotic Paradise.
Don’t miss the Bachelor in Paradise season 10 premiere on July 7 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, and join the conversation online. Share your predictions, root for your favorites, and get ready for a summer of love, drama, and maybe a few broken hearts!