Ben Higgins popped the question to Lauren Bushnell during the season finale of The Bachelor last week, melting hearts just about everywhere. The pair's happy ending came on the heels of a romantic few weeks spent in Jamaica, an ideal setting for anyone looking to fall in love. But while just watching the final episode is usually enough, I needed to do just a little more digging to find out exactly how these two came to be together. I traveled to Jamaica with a group of other reporters to retrace Ben and Lauren's steps and to relive some of their magic — and let me tell you, I get why they are so head over heels in love.
In addition to seeing some of the show's stunning locations, I also discovered a few fun facts about this season that aren't very well known. By staying at the gorgeous Sandals Ochi Beach Resort (the same one Lauren, JoJo, and Caila stayed at), being taken on last-chance dates, and staying in an actual fantasy suite, I learned a thing or two about the show. Keep reading to see 10 fun facts you probably didn't know, then check out why JoJo will make the perfect Bachelorette!
1The Proposal Happened in the Middle of the Day (and Sweltering Heat)
After Ben broke up with JoJo, you may have noticed that he promptly removed his jacket after getting too emotional. What you may not have caught, however, was that his back was covered in sweat . . . and for good reason. Besides breaking JoJo's heart, Ben was actually sweating because the finale was taped in the middle of the day in November. People who worked on the set said that instead of waiting until sunset, they went for it on an extremely hot day and that everyone was feeling the heat.
1 / 10
2The Owners of the Proposal Property Kept a Show Souvenir
Producers on The Bachelor built the walkway that both JoJo and Lauren walked down to learn their fate with Ben. The stunning backdrop is located at Rio Chico by Sandals Resorts, a private estate in Jamaica. After filming wrapped, the owner decided he liked the way it looked and kept it instead of having the producers remove it.
2 / 10
3Ben Stayed at a Private Home — Away From the Ladies
While filming sometimes makes it look like the Bachelor is just a few doors down from the women who are vying for his heart, this isn't always the case. Remember when Caila hopped in a car to surprise Ben just minutes before he sent her home? She had to take about a 10-minute car ride to get to him. While the final ladies all had private villas with their own butlers, Ben stayed at the massive estate that is Rio Chico, which comes complete with a private chef, multiple pools, a private beach, and this unbelievable view.
3 / 10
4Everyone Got a Different Fantasy Suite, and They Were All Unique
As part of my Bachelor adventure, "Chris Harrison" invited me and my guest (calm down, I brought my mom) to enjoy Ben and JoJo's fantasy suite. While we got to tour all of the other fantasy suites, we actually stayed in this one. Every suite is different, and Ben and JoJo got a room with their own private pool, hot tub, and separate living room. Caila's fantasy suite had a gorgeous view of Sandals Royal Plantation resort while Lauren's was right on the beach, just a few feet away from a swinging bed hung from a tree (yes, a full mattress). One thing they did all have in common was the endless amount of tropical flowers, rose petals, chocolates, and bottles of Champagne that were sprinkled around the room.
Ever wonder what Chris Harrison does when he's not dishing out meaningful advice or leading the rose ceremonies? Well, he's enjoying himself! In addition to taking care of business, Harrison stayed at a private villa at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort during this season's time in Jamaica. Harrison's room came with his own private pool, deck, and personal butler who took care of all his needs.
5 / 10
6The Place Where JoJo Told Ben She Loved Him (and He Said It Back) Is Not the Most Ideal Spot For a Makeout Session
JoJo and Ben shared a romantic date at the stunning YS Falls in Cornwall, Jamaica. The nature-based attraction, which has multiple waterfalls for swimming, was where JoJo first told Ben that she loved him. The two also shared a few steamy kisses while in the beautiful water. What viewers didn't see was that the location is not remote and is actually part of a popular public park. There are also a lot of rocks at the bottom of the waterfall pools, so when JoJo and Ben were locking lips, they were probably in pain.
After Ben broke JoJo's heart, we saw her break down in the limo as she was driven away. While most people might think that she immediately packed up and headed for the airport, that wasn't exactly the case. Nobody could leave Jamaica early in order to avoid looking suspicious and revealing Ben's final pick, so JoJo stayed in Jamaica another day and the entire crew flew out together.
7 / 10
8The Women Weren't Completely Cut Off From the World
While the women weren't allowed to have any phones during filming, they weren't completely isolated from the outside world. Sandals did not remove the TVs from their rooms, so they still probably enjoyed some downtime, even though they were in the constant company of their own producers. The final three women also spent zero time together in Jamaica and were kept separated.
Ben didn't get to choose where he popped the question to Lauren, as production had to scout out locations far in advance. But with a view like this, we're pretty sure he was 100 percent on board.
9 / 10
10Ben Had to Travel in Order to Get the Perfect "Contemplation Shots"
When Ben was in turmoil over his decision in the last few episodes, he didn't just walk out of his bedroom and stare off into the sunset to think. He actually flew to a separate location, The River Bumpkin Farm, and sat on a bench in order for production to get the perfect shots of him thinking. Ben flew in Sandals' private helicopter, and the farm is about a 25-minute ride away from where he was staying.
