Why should the post-wedding fun stop when the reception does? We round up four brilliant friendmoon destinations for couples who want to honeymoon with their closest friends or family in tow
A honeymoon traditionally means disappearing into newlywed bliss à deux, but there’s no rule that says you can’t bring your favourite people along for the ride. Enter the friendmoon – or buddymoon: a post-wedding getaway shared with friends, family or both.
Whether you fancy keeping the party going in Ibiza, ticking several destinations off your list on a Mediterranean cruise, holing up in a Cotswolds cottage or hitting the slopes together, these four group-friendly escapes prove there’s plenty of fun to be had beyond the classic honeymoon for two.
Jump to our pick of buddymoon destinations:
Ibiza | Italy & Croatia | The Cotswolds | Val d’Isère |
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The ‘Sun of a Beach’ pool at Ryans Lolas Ibiza is more than just a place to swim – it’s a brilliant space to share with friends (Photo: Ander Puga)
For the party people: Ibiza, Spain
If your closest circle always brings the energy and never says no to staying out for “just one more”, Ibiza’s newest adults-only hotel could be the place to tide you over those post-wedding blues.
Recommended by Barrhead Travel’s specialists, Ryans Lolas Ibiza blends chic Balearic interiors with the lively atmosphere the island is famous for, making it a brilliant choice for couples travelling with friends.
Spend lazy afternoons by the pool, head out to beach clubs for sunset cocktails, then dance the night away knowing everyone is staying under one roof.
And if you’d prefer a fun night in? Foosball, retro arcade games, ping-pong and award-winning smash burgers with a Mexican twist are right under your nose.
At a glance: Rates at the San Antonio Bay hotel start from £649pp for four nights from Manchester, based on eight adults sharing four double rooms, via Barrhead Travel.
The colourful eclectic energy continues throughout Ryans Lolas Ibiza's rooms (Photo: Mario Pinta)
For the scenic sightseers: Italy and Croatia
If narrowing down your post-wedding escape to one destination feels impossible, why not let a cruise – and Barrhead Travel’s specialists – do the hard work?
Celebrity Cruises’ 11-night voyage along the coastlines of Italy and Croatia is ideal for couples travelling alongside family or friends, with plenty of freedom to explore together or split off whenever you fancy.
One day you could be wandering Dubrovnik’s medieval streets, the next soaking up the glamour of the Amalfi Coast before trips to Florence, Pisa and Rome.
Evenings bring everyone back together over dinner and drinks, making it a winning blend of quality time and incredible views.
At a glance: Prices for the 11-night Celebrity Cruises sailing start from £1,559pp via Barrhead Travel.
Famed for its cascading pastel-hued houses and pebbled beachfront, Positano is a breathtaking cliffside village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast – and one of the striking spots included on this 11-day cruise (Photo: Shutterstock)
For the cosy cottage lovers: The Cotswolds, England
If your idea of the perfect friendmoon involves long pub lunches, village strolls and candlelit card games by the fire, The Knapp delivers in spades.
This beautifully restored Cotswolds home, sleeping up to eight guests, feels like a countryside escape straight from the pages of a novel, complete with characterful interiors, wildflower-filled gardens and an outdoor kitchen made for leisurely feasts.
Spend your days discovering local walking trails, browsing nearby markets for fresh produce or simply lingering over a glass of local cider as the sun sets across the Slad Valley.
At a glance: The Knapp sleeps up to eight, with stays from £3,950 per week or £2,950 per short break via Unique Homestays.
Though especially beautiful in full bloom, this Cotswolds garden is equally dreamy in the colder months – just think 'The Holiday' (Photo: Unique Homestays)
For the adventure seekers: Val d’Isère, France
Swap cosy cottages for chic chalets with a luxurious Alpine escape boasting more than enough space for your favourite people – and all your snow-sport essentials too.
Sleeping up to eight, Le Collectionist’s Grand Pré 4 in Val d’Isère combines all the comforts of a high-end chalet with the kind of extras that truly tick every box – from an indoor swimming pool and private sauna to a roaring fireplace for cosy evenings in.
Whether you spend the day zipping down the slopes, embracing après-ski or simply soaking up the Alpine views, there’s something for everyone – snow bunny or slow bunny. With concierge service, daily housekeeping and even ski fitting on site, getting the group organised is made that little bit easier.
At a glance: During peak ski season, a seven-night stay at Grand Pré 4 starts from around £12,750 via Le Collectionist.
Looking for a romantic mini-moon destination in Scotland? You don't have to travel far to enjoy that blissful just-married feeling
Staying in a chalet like this is every skier’s dream – we even spotted boot warmers in the massive private storage room! (Photo: Le Collectionist)
How to plan a friendmoon
A group honeymoon takes a little more coordination than a getaway for two, so it pays to agree on the big things – budget, dates and the kind of trip you want – before anyone books.
Accommodation with plenty of communal space works particularly well, while destinations offering a mix of activities give everyone the freedom to do their own thing as well as spend time together.
And remember: it is still your honeymoon. Build in some time for just the two of you, whether that’s dinner, a spa afternoon or even an extra couple of nights after the rest of the group heads home.
Kick off your happily ever after with the getaway of your dreams, check out more honeymoon and weddings abroad suppliers on our directory
