Although there’s much uncertainty about the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” it appears the filming location has been decided.
On Wednesday, “Bachelor” sleuth “Reality” Steve Carbone reported that Season 17 of the long-running dating series will begin shooting in New Mexico in late March. Carbone reports that the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, which is considered a 4.5-star hotel, is rumored to be the location.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa boasts three outdoor pools and one whirlpool, in addition to a yoga wellness studio. The activities available also include hot air balloon rides, a golf club, and tennis courts.
The next “Bachelorette” has not yet been named, nor has the show’s host.
The show has been marred in controversy as of late, with longtime host Chris Harrison at the center of it. Earlier this month, Harrison announced he would be “stepping aside” from the franchise “for a period of time,” after he asked fans to give “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell a “little grace” concerning alleged racist behavior in her past. Kirkconnell is currently vying for the affections of Matt James, the show’s first black leading man.
It has not been revealed whether Harrison will return to his post, and several members of Bachelor Nation have called for his ouster.
Both Harrison and Kirkconnell have issued apologies.
This week, James, 29, spoke out about the controversies that have engulfed the franchise.
“This moment has sparked critical conversations and reporting, raised important questions and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation. It has also pushed me to reevaluate and process what my experience on The Bachelor represents, not just for me, but for all contestants of color, especially the Black contestants of this season and seasons past, and for you, the viewers at home,” he wrote.
Both James’ season of “The Bachelor” and the most recent season of “The Bachelorette” have filmed at luxurious resorts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Nemacolin Resort in Pennsylvania serving as the backdrop for James’ season and the La Quinta Resort & Club in California acting as a location for “The Bachelorette.”
Reps at ABC and Warner Bros. did not immediately return our request for comment.