When it comes to dating shows, For MAFS casts, honeymoons are the very first time they get a chance to get to know each other, and it can be a little more awkward.
Married At First Sight has over a decade of matchmaking history. There have been many highs and lows, but it's the original dating show when it comes to throwing near-strangers together in an apartment complex. Love Is Blind follows a similar framework.
Couples have a slightly better sense of each other before going away on their romantic getaways and shacking up. Beyond their titles, there are many ways the shows mirror each other. From the pods to the honeymoons, Love Is Blind season 2 looks like it's spurring stronger connections.
The MAFS Honeymoon
This year, the season 14 MAFS cast headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and stayed at the Caribe Hilton Hotel. Katina Goode and Olajuwon Dickerson spent most of their honeymoon working out at the gym and negotiating communications skills while horseback riding. Meanwhile, Mark Maher and Lindsey Georgoulis got busy making mixed drinks at the hotel bar and coordinating what ended up as a not so romantic evening. Lindsey was upset that Mark wanted to slow down romantically after having sex with her several times that day. Michael Morency and Jasmina Outar endlessly struggled to communicate. Then Noi Phommasak developed what she later called "puppy love" for Steve Moy, and he not so gently itted it was unrequited. One would think that romantic swims under waterfalls would do the trick to spark Steve's gushy feelings.
The Love Is Blind Honeymoon
The Love Is Blind cast went to Costa Mujeres, Mexico, and stayed at the TRS Coral Hotel. Each of the couples had private suites with terraces and pools. Jarrette Jones and Iyanna McNeely's steamy massage and spa makeout session was probably the hottest honeymoon moment. Though, everyone's individual suite pools also allowed for much needed intimacy. Jarrette and Iyanna enjoyed their whirlpool time, and even Deepti Vempati felt butterflies on her night swim with Shake Chatterjee. There was no doubt the swim got Deepti in her feelings but it was the beginning of the end of chemistry for Shake. Meanwhile, Natalie Lee and Shayne Jansen had some open conversations about affirmations on the beach. Unfortunately, Danielle Ruhl was feeling unwell and missed a group outing that spawned a fight with Nick Thompson. While not ideal, the conflict helped the couple grow.
Overall, the MAFS couples spent a lot more time with each other than alone and out and about doing activities and exploring Puerto Rico. They certainly needed to mix it up as they were getting to know each other, but the Love Is Blind honeymoon brought more one-on-one time. The couples primarily filmed alone around the resort and totally focused on each other. Like in the pods, the honeymoon centered on intimacy and therefore brought the romance. Time will tell which MAFS couples say yes on decision day, but there's no doubt the honeymoon helped cement Iyanna and Jarrette's and Danielle and Nick's relationships on Love Is Blind.
Married at First Sight airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.