The Bachelor’s fantasy suite has always been a top-secret hideaway–until now! Ahead of Nick Viall’s overnight dates with Vanessa Grimaldi, Rachel Lindsay, and Raven Gates, find out all there is to know about the most mysterious stage of the Bachelor process.
Several former contestants have spoken out about this particular leg of the process, including Viall’s ex Andi Dorfman, who went on to detail fantasy suites in her book, It’s Not Okay: Turning Heartbreaking into Happily Never After.
1. It’s Not Always What You Think
Inaugural Bachelorette Trista Sutter once tweeted that fantasy suite dates aren’t simply about physical intimacy. “Fantasy Suite isn’t all about sexual fantasies as it may imply,” she shared. “In my mind, it was more about getting 1 on 1 time without cameras. Sooo impt!”
2. Date Nights Are Not Consecutive
Viewers may infer that overnight dates are back-to-back, but Dorfman explains that the rendezvous are filmed several days apart in different suites. The individual women leave the location the morning after their dates, and the next contestant arrives after the coast is clear.
3. The Show Promotes Safe Sex
Along with a well-stocked refrigerator, the fantasy suite is equipped with all of the necessities to practice safe sex. “[It’s] always safe,” Bachelor host Chris Harrison told Huffington Post in a 2015 interview. “Anything you need to have safe sex, we definitely promote that.”
4. The Hotel Rooms Are Ridiculous
The ladies who are lucky enough to make it to the fantasy suite are treated to luxurious rooms. According to Dorfman, the bathtub is drawn, music is cued, and towels are expertly folded into animal shapes.
5. It’s All About Privacy
Fantasy suite dates are the first opportunity for contestants to connect with the Bachelor off-camera.
In an interview with People, season 21 Bachelorette, JoJo Fletcher, explained that overnight dates aren’t a time to hold back. “In the Fantasy Suite, if you know there is chemistry and a physical connection, it’s a good time to have privacy and let whatever happens, happen,” she shared of her experience.
6. There’s a Link to the Outside World
Bachelor rules are slightly relaxed for the overnight dates. While there’s a no-camera policy in the fantasy suite, and no crew is present, contestants have access to an on-site cellphone for emergencies. On a day-to-day basis, cell phones and other connections to the outside world aren’t allowed during filming.
7. There’s No Shortage of Alcohol or Sweets
There is plenty of wine to break the ice, as well as an abundance of food, according to Dorfman.
However, Harrison explained that the crew doesn’t provide much in the way of extras. “I think [the contestants] have all the tools necessary,” he quipped. “I mean, if you need more than that the first time you’re together, it’s probably not that great, right? You should be able to have fun, at least the first time, before you bring circus animals or whatever else you want in there.”
8. There’s Apparently a Statistic Involved
Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss previously shared on 20/20 that there’s a statistic involved with these dates. “The average guy will end up having sex with three women during the course of the show,” the outspoken executive producer shared. He also revealed that season 4 Bachelor Bob Guiney (Bachelor season four) slept with “five and a half women.”
