Here’s what it’s really like to experience a Married At First Sight-style getaway.

MAFS has featured some show-stopping honeymoon destinations over the past 12 seasons. Photos: Channel Nine

From Singapore and Fiji to Perisher Valley and the Whitsundays, Married At First Sight has featured some show-stopping honeymoon destinations over the past 12 seasons. While there’s no guarantee the couples will get along after tying the knot, the brides and grooms can rest assured that their honeymoons will be luxurious.

As an avid viewer of the reality show – and someone who has written innumerable articles about the series – I’d be lying if I said I’ve never wondered what it’s like to experience a MAFS-style honeymoon. Are the locations as picturesque as they appear on TV? Would I be offered the same hospitality if no cameras were on me? And would it actually have any impact on my relationship?

Inspired by intruder couple Clint Rice and Lauren Hall, I recently decided to visit Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley. Although Clint and Lauren’s relationship fizzled out halfway through the experiment, things got off to a great start when they enjoyed a wine tasting and game of golf in the stunning surrounds of Australia’s largest wine region.

Best of all, it’s one of the closest MAFS honeymoon destinations to Sydney as it’s only a two-hour drive away.

Lauren Hall and Clint Rice’s honeymoon location was Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley. Photo: Channel Nine

What is it really like to experience a MAFS-style honeymoon?

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort is set amidst rolling hills and lush vineyards, offering guests a serene haven away from the fast pace of daily life. Its features include two restaurants, two bars, three pools, two tennis courts, and an 18-hole championship golf course.

While I don’t play the sport myself, former pro-golfer Clint tells Yahoo Lifestyle he loved the facilities at the resort – which is ranked as Australia’s Best Golf Hotel.

“My stay at Cypress Lakes was really cool. Even though we didn’t get to actually play the course, I could tell it was a championship course and it looked unreal,” he shares. “We did some practice and had some fun on the putting green and hit some balls on the practice range.

“It was an amazing facility and I really look forward to getting back there to play it.”

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort is ranked as Australia’s Best Golf Hotel. Photo: Supplied/Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

Better or worse than what’s shown on TV?

My two-night stay at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort made me realise that MAFS’ honeymoon destinations are nothing like they appear on TV – they’re so much better.

The reality show has such a strong focus on drama that Clint and Lauren’s honeymoon episode didn’t feature many of the resort’s unique features, including their dining venue, Oak & Vine. Known as a hidden gem of the Hunter Valley, the restaurant offers an impressive range of Sri Lankan-inspired dishes expertly paired with exclusive wines to make it an experience to remember.

Standouts from the well-priced three-course meal include Chef Vinura’s homemade Sri Lankan chicken curry and the chocolate coconut raspberry pebble for dessert.

Another highlight from my stay that wasn’t shown on TV was the onsite spa, Elysia Wellness Retreat, where I enjoyed a Hawaiian Kahuna Massage. Described as the ‘Rolls-Royce of massages’, the treatment is a full mind and body experience using ancient Hawaiian massage techniques and energy work.

I can wholeheartedly say the one-of-a-kind treatment was the best massage I have ever experienced, and the dated-yet-tranquil spa and steam room at the wellness centre were welcome additions to my visit.

Highlights from the resort include Oak & Vine restaurant and Elysia Wellness Retreat. Photos: Supplied/Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

Are MAFS’ honeymoon locations ‘cursed’?

If I’m being honest, a small part of me was nervous at how a MAFS-style honeymoon might impact my relationship, given that most of the couples who experience them end up splitting. But are these locations truly cursed, or is it just the producers’ controversial tasks, such as the Partner Swap and Final Test, that tear them apart throughout the experiment?

If anything, staying at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort actually brought my partner and me closer together. We bonded over our shared love for a buffet breakfast, enjoyed a friendly rivalry on the tennis court, let our hair down at the day spa, and even teamed up to get a frog out of the bathroom – talk about being immersed in nature!

The resort’s location in the Hunter Valley also allowed for endless activities during the day, including visits to various wineries, distilleries, cheese factories and chocolate shops.

While I was nervous the stay would end with our relationship becoming like Lauren and Clint’s, we drove back to Sydney feeling more like Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels.