Starring rom-com legend Jennifer Lopez and “Ted Lasso” favorite Brett Goldstein as coworkers Jackie Cruz and Daniel Blanchflower, Netflix’s “Office Romance” has fans eager to track down its stunning real-world backdrops since its release in June. Instead of relying on soundstages, director Ol Parker opted for authenticity by shooting in actual locations across New Jersey and the Dominican Republic.
From sweeping waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline to the sun-drenched luxury of Caribbean resorts, the film’s beautiful settings perfectly elevate the romance while grounding the story in reality. If you are looking to step into Jackie and Daniel’s shoes, these accessible, real-life destinations offer the perfect inspiration for your own movie-inspired getaway.
New Jersey Was The Main Filming Hub For ‘Office Romance’
Key Scenes: Per Atlas of Wonders, the exterior of the fictional Air Cruz headquarters was filmed at the Northeast Science & Technology Center in Kenilworth. Jackie’s upscale home is a private residence on Gates Avenue in Montclair, and the film’s opening restaurant scene was filmed at Hunan Taste in Denville. Exterior prison shots (when Daniel visits his imprisoned sister) were also filmed at East Jersey State Prison, according to Time Out.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore these filming locations is from May through October. Spring offers comfortable temperatures and blooming parks, while summer provides the best conditions for walking along the Hoboken waterfront. Fall is particularly beautiful in Montclair, where tree-lined streets showcase colorful fall foliage.
Transportation Options: New Jersey is easiest to explore by rental car, especially if you plan to visit Hoboken, Kenilworth, Montclair and Denville in a single trip. Visitors staying in New York City can reach Hoboken via PATH trains.
New Jersey serves as the primary backdrop for “Office Romance”, standing in for much of Jackie Cruz’s corporate world. Production took place across several towns, including Hoboken, Kenilworth, Montclair and Denville in April 2025.
One of the most recognizable locations is Hoboken, where many of Jackie and Daniel’s outdoor interactions were filmed. The city’s waterfront promenade and skyline views create a polished urban setting without the logistical challenges of filming directly in Manhattan. Meanwhile, Kenilworth provided the exterior for Air Cruz headquarters, and Montclair offered the upscale residential setting for Jackie’s luxurious home. Denville also appears briefly during one of the film’s early dinner scenes.
Things to Do: While in Hoboken, stroll the waterfront walkway and enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan. Montclair offers excellent museums, boutique shopping and a thriving arts scene. Nearby Jersey City and New York City are great places to explore too.
Where to Eat: For the most authentic movie-inspired dining experience, Hunan Taste in Denville is the standout choice since it appears directly in the film. Visitors to Hoboken will also find numerous waterfront restaurants serving everything from Italian cuisine to modern American fare. In particular, Turning Point of Hoboken is highly rated.
Where to Stay: Visitors focusing on “Office Romance” should consider staying in Hoboken, which offers convenient access to several major filming locations. Boutique hotels and modern accommodations along the waterfront provide spectacular Manhattan views. Some good options include the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel and The Virginia Hotel & Cottages. Travelers seeking a quieter atmosphere may prefer cozy accommodations in Montclair.
Many Viewers Are Curious About The Dominican Resort Featured In The Movie
Key Scenes: The luxury work retreat featured in “Office Romance” was filmed at Cayo Levantado Resort, per Condé Nast Traveller. This lush getaway is located on a private island off the coast of Samaná Province. The neighboring villas occupied by Jackie and Daniel, along with many of the tropical resort scenes, were filmed on-site.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Samaná is generally between December and April, when temperatures remain warm and rainfall is lower. This period also coincides with whale-watching season, one of the region’s most popular attractions. Travelers visiting during the summer months can still enjoy beautiful weather, though occasional tropical showers are more common.
Transportation Options: Most international visitors arrive through Santo Domingo or Samaná-area airports before transferring to the region by road and boat. Guests staying at Cayo Levantado Resort typically receive transportation assistance through the resort. Rental cars are available for exploring the mainland, which may be preferable for some travelers. Organized excursions offer convenient access to beaches, waterfalls and nature reserves throughout the province.
While New Jersey provides the corporate backdrop for “Office Romance,” the Caribbean shines during the film’s pivotal work retreat sequence, where Jackie and Daniel’s professional relationship evolves into something much more complicated. The lush tropical landscapes, crystal-clear waters and luxury accommodations provide a dramatic contrast to the boardrooms and office corridors seen throughout the first part of the movie.
According to Condé Nast, the Cayo Levantado Resort in Samaná Province was selected for its secluded setting and luxury amenities, helping create the idyllic environment required for the film’s romantic turning point. As Director Ol Parker gushed to CN about filming in the Dominican Republic, “Everyone looks even happier and more gorgeous with water behind them – especially when they’re Brett and Jennifer.”
Things to Do: Travelers can visit El Limón Waterfall, explore Los Haitises National Park or enjoy whale-watching excursions during migration season. Beautiful beaches such as Playa Rincón regularly rank among the Caribbean’s finest. The region’s combination of nature, adventure and luxury makes it an ideal extension of any “Office Romance” inspired trip.
Where to Eat: Guests staying at Cayo Levantado Resort have access to multiple on-site dining venues featuring Dominican and international cuisine. Outside the resort, visitors can find fresh seafood restaurants throughout Samaná town and along the peninsula’s coastal communities. Local specialties often include grilled fish, coconut-infused dishes and tropical fruit-based desserts. Try out El Dieciocho Las Terrenas and Restaurant Luis for a fresh bite to eat.
Where to Stay: Cayo Levantado Resort remains a top-notch choice. The luxury property served as both a filming location and a production base for “Office Romance.” Travelers looking for alternative accommodations will find numerous beachfront resorts and boutique hotels throughout Samaná Province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is “Office Romance” rated R?
“Office Romance” is rated R for sexual content, language and adult humor. Unlike many traditional workplace rom-coms, the film embraces a more mature tone.
Where can I stream “Office Romance”?
“Office Romance” is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
