Bye-bye Romantic Getaway, Hello Group Holiday… Are Buddymoons the New Way to Honeymoon?
06 Oct 2015
We all love our besties, but surely honeymoons are a time for newlyweds to holiday alone? Not according to one of the latest celebrity honeymoon trends which involves taking best friends away with you
Image gallery
Image gallery
Dubbed the buddymoon,the latest honeymoon craze involves rounding friends up for a group holiday with the newly married couple. Sound strange? Well, a reported fifth of newlyweds have now honeymooned with friends, which means its popularity is evident.
Celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys and Reese Witherspoon are said to be heading up the trend which sees couples jet off post-nuptials with their friends in tow.
Travelling in a group does cut costs, meaning couples who have just spent a small fortune on their wedding celebrations can travel to luxury destinations, and some newlyweds may think that taking friends along can make the trip more enjoyable. Some extend the invitation to family to spend more time with them.
For those who want to share their honeymoon experience and invite pals or loved ones to the party, here are some fun buddymoonluxury travel ideas.
Would you honeymoon with friends and family? We’d love to know what you think. Tweet us @BrideMag
African eco-luxe lodge
What: A spacious eco-luxe lodge in the forests of Africa
Where:Volcanoes Safaris, Rwanda and Uganda
Group Gains: Gather friends for a post-wedding adventure. Track the endangered mountain gorillas, hike volcanoes and dance with the local Batwa tribe. Newlyweds can have their marriage blessed in a traditional Rwandan tying the knotceremony in the company of loved ones.
Rates: Seven-day safari rates start from £4,120 per person, five-day safari rates start from £3,106 per person.
Bookings: salesuk@volcanoessafaris.com, +44 3333 239 740
Historic Croatian villa
What: An entire historical villa in the heart of Dubrovnik
Where: Villa Orsula, Croatia
Group Gains: With 13 rooms including two exclusive suites, Villa Orsula is the perfect destination for groups wanting a luxurious haven in the heart of a buzzing city. Friends can relax in the privacy of the villa’s stunning seafront garden, with sea access or discover the old town behind the famous city walls just a stone’s throw away. For a touch of romance, indulge in fresh oysters from the small town of Mali Ston and enjoy Peruvian fine dining at the Villa’s Victoria Restaurant.
Rates: From £493 per room/night, including complimentary Bulgari products, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi
Bookings: reservations@alh.hr, +385 20 300 300
www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/en/villa-orsula/
Moroccan haven
What: An intimate Moroccan honeymoon haven
Where: Royal Mansour Marrakech
Group Gains: Live like kings and queens and stay in one of the King of Morocco’s private three- bedroom riads, for up to six guests at the legendary Royal Mansour Marrakech hotel. From the exquisite dishes served at opulent restaurant La Grande Table Marocaine, to the heavenly spa, and your riad’s private terrace with its own hammam, sun terrace, dining area, pool and personal 24-hour butler, this exotic experience will have the group reminiscing for years to come.
Rates: Riads cost from £5,897 per night
Bookings: reservations@royalmansour.ma
T: +212 (0)52 98 08080
www.royalmansour.com
Italian retreat
What: A rustic retreat and exquisite Puglian cuisine
Where:Masseria Trapana, Puglia, Italy
Group Gains: A delicious breakfast underneath scented lemon trees on the terrace of this newly-renovated masseria is truly the perfect honeymoon retreat for a group of friends wanting to experience the best of Puglia. Nine elegant suites have been designed to complement the architecture of this rustic 16th century farmhouse. Guests can share relaxing yoga sessions in the morning before wandering around the historic town of Lecce. Maria Carla, the resident chef, serves wholesome Italian dishes each day, inspired by Puglia’s cucina povera.
Rates: From £268 per room/night including breakfast
Bookings: +39 340 186 3924
masonrose.com/masseriatrapana
Mountainside palace in the Swiss Alps
What: A penthouse suite perched high in the Swiss Alps
Where: Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
Group Gains: Atop this majestic hotel in the Bernese Alps, friends can enjoy a spacious three-bedroom penthouse suite and private terrace complete with outdoor Jacuzzi. Toast the newlyweds at legendary nightclub, GreenGo, the Swiss Alps’ultimate party hotspot.
Rates: The Penthouse Suite is from £9,422 per night mid-week / £10,779 per night at weekends including half-board, Wi-Fi, service and all taxes
Bookings:info@palace.ch, +41 0 33 748 50 00
Portuguese seaside villa
What: A plush Portuguese villa
Where: Vila Vita Parc, Algarve
Group Gains: Vila Praia in the Algarve is the ultimate seaside escape for up to eight guests. With access to celebrated vineyard, Herdade dos Grous, friends can raise a glass of local wine to the happy couple. For the ultimate in relaxation guests can enjoy the villa’s private infinity pool and secluded beach, and have access to facilities at the award-winning Vila Vita Parc hotel.
Rates: Price upon request
Bookings:reservas@vilavitaparc.com, +351 282 310 100
Colorado ski adventure
What: Alpine adventure
Where: The Little Nell, Aspen
Group Gains: The Residences at The Little Nell offer spacious and luxurious ski in/ski out two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, right at the bottom of Aspen Mountain. Perfectly positioned in Aspen’s downtown corridor, the Residences have access to the rooftop hot-tubs, swimming pool, and water garden. In summer, groups can enjoy The Little Nell’s jeep tour adventure, which includes a picnic provided by the hotel’s premier restaurant element 47–a very special gourmet treat to prolong celebrations.
Rates: Residences are from £1,186 per two-bedroom residence per night
Bookings:stay@thelittlenell.com, +1 970-920-4600
