In a significant shift from The Bachelor‘s longstanding traditions, Joan Vassos, the first Golden Bachelorette, has reimagined the purpose of the Fantasy Suites. Since the show’s debut in 2002, Fantasy Suites have been a consistent, often controversial element of the franchise, typically involving an opportunity for physical intimacy. However, for Joan’s season, the focus has moved towards emotional connection.
Fantasy Suites have traditionally allowed the lead contestant and their top three suitors to spend the night together privately, away from the cameras. Often, this has led to intimate moments and, occasionally, dramatic revelations. In previous seasons, contestants like Jenn Tran and Hannah Brown used the suite to discuss serious topics or navigate complex relationship issues. Yet, the assumption has generally been that physical closeness plays a large role in these encounters.
For her journey on The Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos has opted to depart from this norm. In an interview with Parade, she shared that her version of the Fantasy Suites will not include beds, emphasizing her desire to prioritize emotional intimacy over physical interactions. Joan explained that she wasn’t comfortable with the idea of being physically intimate with multiple men, which influenced her decision to redefine the Fantasy Suites.
Joan also noted that her family, especially her children, had concerns about the traditional Fantasy Suites format. During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, she mentioned, “My kids were terrified about the Fantasy Suites,” suggesting that family considerations played a role in her choice to set personal boundaries.
Interestingly, Joan’s approach received positive reactions from the men on the show. According to sources, the remaining suitors respected her decision and appreciated her focus on emotional connections. Joan emphasized that she wasn’t judging others who chose differently, but that this felt like the right decision for her.
By focusing on meaningful conversations rather than physical closeness, Joan Vassos is reshaping the way the Fantasy Suites are perceived. As The Golden Bachelorette continues, it will be interesting to see how this new approach influences her relationships and sets the tone for future seasons.
