When Amaya “Papaya” Espinal signed up for Love Island: Beyond the Villa, she had a feeling the time would eventually come for her to reunite with ex-boyfriend Bryan Arenales.
“Honestly, it wasn’t as much of a difficult decision for me, just because I’m very focused on my own path,” Amaya, 26, exclusively shared with Us Weekly while partnering with Corona Sunbrew to promote their citrus-forward beverage. “I know when the chapters are closed and when the past is the past. I’m very mature, and his presence doesn’t really bother me, you know? We’re both, like, human beings. He’s on his own path. I’m on my own path.”
Peacock cameras ultimately rolled when Amaya and Bryan, 28, decided to talk one-on-one.
Part of the reason Amaya agreed to the chat was because a part of her wanted some closure on what went wrong after they left the villas on Love Island USA.
“I feel like the audience also deserved to see that conversation and see what has happened because they witnessed our journey unfold,” she said. “I feel like that’s what they deserve. And it felt good to be able to have a mature conversation between two individuals and to say, ‘Hey, even though we didn’t work out, I wish you the best.’”
In August 2025, the Love Island USA season 7 winners announced their split less than one month after leaving the villa.
They have since returned to reality TV to participate in Love Island: Beyond the Villa, which features several fan-favorite contestants from Love Island USA’s most recent season.
When asked where she stands with Bryan today, Amaya said he’s not a major focus of her life.
“I wish him the best, and I’m just focused on myself,” she explained. “That chapter is closed. But this is a new chapter.”
Just in time for warmer temperatures and sunnier days, Amaya teamed up with Corona Sunbrew. Brewed with real orange and lime peels, with a splash of real orange and lime juice, the brand’s bold citrus flavor proves that great pairings don’t just add up, they multiply.
“We’re both not afraid to try something new, to try something vibrant and to be bold,” Amaya said about the Corona Sunbrew. “I can’t wait for everyone to see and everyone to try the perfect Corona Sunbrew.”
Amaya’s also pumped for what the future could bring as she continues to receive support from fans and family.
“Stepping outside of the villa in my life right now just means being my best self as possible,” she explained to Us. “That means showing up for myself, making sure that I pour myself that self-love and also making sure after a hard, long day of work, I relax and a perfect Corona Sunbrew in my hand.”
New episodes of Beyond the Villa premiere on Peacock Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
