Premieres: Saturday, Feb. 13 at 9/8c: Hallmark’s upcoming romantic mystery Caught by Love is already generating some buzz ahead of its 2026 release date, and one big reason for that is where they made it. Directed by Kevin Fair and written by Marcy Holland, the film features Rachael Leigh Cook, Jake Allyn and Emrhys Cooper in a story that mixes romance, light adventure and just a hint of intrigue.
Although the storyline is centered on a resort visitor who gets unexpectedly caught up in an undercover jewel investigation, styling plays an equally crucial role. Set against the backdrop of luxury, history and beaches, Caught by Love was shot exclusively in Malta – instantly imbuing the film with a slick, travel-romance vibe that aligns seamlessly with Hallmark’s vacation-style storytelling.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the Caught by Love locations, together with the filming dates and behind-the-scenes recon.
Caught by Love Filming Locations
Caught by Love was filmed in Malta on a three-week production schedule in 2025. Cast members have since taken to social media to say the shoot was smooth and fun, featuring scenes shot outside at actual locations, not on stage sets.
Shooting on location enabled the production to infuse the natural light, coastal air and historical grandeur of Malta (instead of stand-in pillows and salt-shaker snow), features that essentially sell a movie’s holiday-romance vibe.
Malta
Characters and filming Caught by Love was filmed exclusively on the island of Malta. The country has historic architecture, luxury estates and Mediterranean coastline that makes it a desirable location for international shoots.
For this Hallmark movie, the tranquil calm of Malta and its beautiful landscapes contributed to reflecting the character’s self-discovery. This old-world charm, coupled with some modern luxury, is fitting for a film that mixes romance and mystery.
Malta was deliberately selected by the filmmakers, who aimed for a place where they could have access to several different visual palettes (resorts, beaches, old-world “properties”) without the complication of international travel.
Villa Bologna – Attard, Malta
Numerous glamorous party and social scenes in Caught by Love were shot at Villa Bologna, an 18th-century former country house in Attard.
The villa is well known for:
- Baroque-style architecture
- Grand interior spaces
- Beautifully landscaped gardens
Villa Bologna is also featured in the movie as a venue for high-society events associated with the jewel-scandal storyline. The air of sophistication and the slight sense of intrigue that hang in the air make it a great setting for when golden guests and key plot points are taking place.
The setting gives visual texture to the film and lightly undergirds its mystery, without overwhelming its romance.
Salini Resort – Naxxar, Malta
Caught by Love: The manservant’s travelogue Salini Resort features as an important location in caught by love, this is where part of the story takes place at a fictional resort.
Production was spread across various spots at the resort, with different scenes unfolding naturally throughout the property.
Giuseppi’s Bar & Bistro
A number of social and character scenes were shot at Giuseppi’s Bar & Bistro, within Salini Resort. These are the times which feature conversations, chance encounters and slowly developing emotions between characters.
The casual but chic backdrop of the bar adds a touch of reality to the romance, instead of making it seem over-the-top dramatic.
Poolside Areas
Along with the interiors, the resort’s poolside was also featured in shooting. These sequences are set against relaxed, sun-soaked locations that lend the film a romantic and holiday-ish touch.
Nestled near Salina Bay, with sleek modern architecture, looking out over the sea and the tranquillity of its location, Salini Resort is a natural choice for Hallmark’s destination romances.
Golden Bay Beach – Mellieħa, Malta
Golden Bay Beach, Mellieħa Another vivid location for Caught by Love is Golden Bay Beach on the Maltese island of Malta.
Golden Bay: One of the island’s most popular beaches with…
- Its wide sandy shoreline
- Clear blue water
- Open, natural landscape
The film features outdoor scenes shot on the beach, which signify moments of introspection, liberation and emotional connection. These sequences, with their messy public bathrooms and the like, offer a visual counterpoint to the film’s high-end interiors that also serve to temper tone.
The beach location maintains the personal exploration theme whilst adding a relaxed, romantic tone overall. Some of the recent films that were shot in Malta includes:
Caught by Love Cast
- Jake Alun as Reid
- Rachael Leigh Cook as Annie
- Emrhys Cooper as Colin
- Rupert Hill as Robert
- Ruby Kammer as Joanna
- Luke Macfarlane as Jake
- Nichola Manners as Kimberly
- Mark Meilak as Hotel Guest #1
- Peter Winfield as Yacht owner
- Theodore Zammit as Hotel Guest #2
Behind the Scenes
The cast and crew have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm for the project, giving fans a glimpse of how everything is coming together behind the scenes.
Actor Jake Alun gave a behind-the-scenes update in which he referred to his time spent in Malta as “3 beautiful weeks”, and commended the cast and crew for making it an effort-less production. He also let me know that the movie airs Saturday, January 24th at 9pm EST on the Hallmark Channel.
And meanwhile Nichola Manners, who plays American influencer Kimberly said that she was “over the moon” about the release date and added: “Filming on location in Malta has been a truly unforgettable experience – both for its amazing locations and, more importantly, the connections between everyone on set.”
And these behind-the-scenes peeks let us glimpse that not only were there gorgeous settings, but a nice atmosphere during filming of Caught by Love.
Is Caught by Love shot on locations or sets?
The film was shot mostly on location in Malta, using actual hotels and old villas as sets, as well as public beaches, rather than studio facilities.
Where to watch Caught By Love?
Caught By Love premieres: Saturday, Jan 24 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel, and will also stream on Hallmark+ the next day for subscribers. The movie will reair on the following dates.
- Sun, Jan 25 at 6/5c
- Wed, Jan 28 at 8/7c
- Sat, Feb 7 at 11/10c
- Sat, Feb 21 at 6/5c
Final Thoughts
Utilising Malta’s cinematic heyday as backdrop, Caught by Love features a blend of luxury resorts, historic locations and picturesque beaches; while showcasing the stunning natural beauty that is symbolic of the island. In addition, these real-world locations not only enhance the story visually, but also help to support the themes of romance, mystery and self-discovery in the film.
For lovers of Hallmark, who are partial to romance set in foreign locale but with a twist, Caught by Love will deliver you an emotional story against a stunning Mediterranean landscape when it releases in 2026.
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