The way the sun is hitting proves that our Hot Girl summer has officially kicked off, because sis, it is smoldering in these streets.
We know you've been out here drinking your water, growing your edges, and living your best life in this summer heat, but if you need a break and some good old fashioned R&R, there's no better way to do that than with a seasonal spritzer and a new Netflix favorite that you can binge to your heart's desire; and luckily, xoNecole has you covered with a list of everything that's new and black AF on the streaming service.
Here's what you can look forward to on Netflix this July:
A Thin Line Between Love & Hate - July 1
When a young bachelor with commitment issues meets a beautiful woman in the club, he thinks he's hit the jackpot, but it isn't until later when he learns that everything that glitters ain't gold. This hilarious spin on Fatal Attraction was released in 1996 and stars iconic actors Martin Lawrence and Lynn Whitfield. 20 years later, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a stark warning for men who like to play with fragile hearts.
Stranger Things 3 - July 4
Back from a two-year hiatus, the third season of Stranger Things promises even more eighties nostalgia and teenage angst than before and picks up with the gang less than a year where they left off when they are approaching adolescence as well as some of their most challenging adventures yet. Showrunners anticipate that this season will be the biggest season so far and will feature the full original cast.
Kinky - July 9
Netflix
Starring Robert Ri'Chard (One on One) and Dawn Richard from Danity Kane, Kinky just might be the erotic 50-Shades of Black-style thriller you didn't know you needed. When a successful surgeon seeks a little excitement, she stumbles upon a wealthy entrepreneur who has an affinity for spanking and boy, do I need that in my life. While the movie has gotten some pretty poor ratings online, if you've got an hour and 10 minutes to spare, you can check out Kinky on Netflix starting July 9.
Family Reunion - July 10
When two free-spirited parents and their three kids uproot their lives leave Seattle to reconnect with family down south, they encounter a major culture shock right in the heart of the Bible belt. This sitcom-style comedy boasts itself on having an all-black writers team and stars Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Loretta Devine, and a few other familiar faces.
Last Chance U: Indy Part 2 - July 19
Sports has never really been my thing, but a reality TV show about smalltown football with big dreams is filled with all the drama I didn't know I needed. Returning for its 4th season, the Emmy-nominated series follows a championship-worthy junior college football team from Independence, Kansas and their fight for a future in the league.
Queer Eye: Season 4 - July 19
ROB KIM/GETTY
The last time I was getting my hair braided, my stylist put me on the Fab Five in a major way. For four hours straight, we laughed, cried, and YASS'd with the fabulous Queens of Queer Eye and my life will never be the same. Later this month, our five favorite men are hitting the streets of Kansas City in search of souls to touch and lives to dazzle for their fourth and most fabulous season yet.
Orange Is The New Black: Season 7 - July 26
It's finally come time for us to bid farewell to the ladies of Litchfield and my heart can't take it. Will Daya baby daddy finally bring his funky ass back around? How will Piper readjust to life as a free woman? Will Taystee ever forgive her BFF, Cindy? We have questions and Season 7 of Orange is the New Black promises to answer every single one of them.
Featured image by Giphy.
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What made it even more special? We were back in the place where we first fell in love, now creating new memories in the same sun-drenched paradise. From booze cruises, pickleball matches, and wellness shots, to alluring late-night jacuzzi rendezvous, soul karaoke, and far too much champagne mixed with tequila, to really good jerk chicken and repeat-visit-worthy Asian cuisine, bae and I had a time.
Couples Negril And Couples Swept Away: Twins On The West Coast Of Jamaica
And it’s fitting that we visited in June (which is considered low season—a time when there are less travelers and better deals) because these sister resorts are like Gemini twins that embody two distinct sides of the same spirit.
Set between Negril and Hanover, Couples Negril is the social butterfly, full of energy and artistic flair; Couples Swept Away is the introspective dreamer, grounded in nature, wellness, and tranquility.
While they’re quite opposite in vibe, they’re united by a shared history and reflect the classic Gemini duality: light and shadow, play and peace, expression and reflection.
Bae’s Favorite: Chic, Modern, And Cozy At Couples Negril
Couples Negril Suite
Courtesy, Couples Negril
Bae’s favorite was Couples Negril—which has more than 230 rooms and spans 18 acres—for its mix of entertainment, modern minimalist vibes, and a diverse crowd of couples. He especially loved Otaheite Restaurant with its low-lit red velvet love seats and dishes meshing luxury with traditional island flavors (like the merlot stewed rabbit served with coconut polenta and the filet mignon with the jerk glaze.) And he lives for hearing me sing, so the piano bar was our jam.
We also spent lots of time at the beach bar, one of five on the property, snacking on fish tacos and sipping margaritas just steps from our suite.
We saved the rum for the included catamaran cruise (book ahead!), which came with endless punch and views of Negril’s West End—a fave spot of ours. Couples Negril made the all-inclusive life feel surprisingly easy and fun.
The property also features a treehouse spa, two pools, four jacuzzis, an au naturale beach (whew, chile!), and sports facilities. Everything was easy to access—the layout felt cozy and well-organized, making it simple to move between activities and amenities. At this resort, you can really have some grown-and-sexy fun without it feeling like a raunchy spring break episode of Couples Gone Wild.
My Favorite: Private, Classic Charm, & Nature Mystique At Couples Swept Away
Couple's Swept Away Suite
Courtesy, Couples Swept Away
While I loved Couples, once we stepped over to Couples Swept Away, the lush nature set on 19 acres won me over. This twin, which has 312 suites, 7 restaurants, 8 bars, 3 pools, 5 jacuzzis, and a spa, leans into intimacy and seclusion, and I felt like we had more privacy and room to explore–just the two of us—at this property. The rooms are rustic-luxurious, dressed in island cedar, with classic shutters and expansive verandahs that have hammocks where you can enjoy bright flora, the sounds of exotic birds, and the sea views.
The absence of TVs—along with its tropical fantasy allure— meant a 10 out of 10 experience for me. This resort invites couples to breathe deeper, slow down, and truly get to the core of intimacy, all within the hum of nature.
There were hidden enclaves with dipping pools, jacuzzis, open-air cafés, and quiet corners where you can sit by ponds filled with fish and bird watch (or have a little sneaky link with bae!)
One of my favorite stand-out amenities at this resort: the 10-acre fitness complex just a short walk across the road from the main property where I’d have my early-morning me-time while bae slept in. It has 10 tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, a fully equipped gym, and a wide range of wellness and fitness classes are held there. I also enjoyed turmeric and ginger shots at the wellness bar.
Other standouts for food and nightlife included Lemon Grass (where you can enjoy Asian-inspired food and listen to the live music coming from downstairs), the chic Patois Bar (which was the late-night hotspot overlooking one of the pools and serving your usual bar fare like burgers and quesadillas—felt like we were at a Miami nightclub), and the Aura Bar (where bae sang with a quintet of other slightly drunken men and where we did the cliche but super-lit millennial couple thing: danced the night away to Top 40 hip-hop, salsa, and rock classics).
The Patois Bar
Courtesy, Couples Swept Away
Baecation Tip: Just be sure your partner packs a few linen or dress pants, loafers or soft dress shoes, and a few button-down shirts for the restaurants that require reservations. Also book your table and all-inclusive excursions in advance (or on the first day you arrive at the resort).
All in all, this resort-hop wasn’t the stifling, prison-in-paradise all-inclusive experience I remembered from the Jamaica family vacations of my youth. It also wasn’t the stereotypical AI disaster of bland food, lackluster customer service, and senior citizen activities that many complain about on social nowadays.
Both resorts offered a fresh take on luxury, great food, and good vibes—all without losing the intimacy we craved. All-inclusives might not be our every trip vibe, but for this chapter? It was exactly what we needed, and we look forward to making repeat bookings at both Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away in the future.
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