The rise of the 'partymoon': How newlyweds are ditching serene getaways for beach clubs and DJ sets after suffering from 'post-pandemic FOMO'
British couples in their droves are ditching the quiet getaway after they tie the knot in favour of booze-fuelled 'partymoons' in destinations like Ibiza and Dubai.
In place of intimate candlelit dinners, loved-up couples are flocking to pool parties, beach clubs, DJ sets and late night sushi spots.
As the trend grows, hotels and resorts are offering 'party-friendly honeymoon packages' that include private DJs, VIP access to nightlife, and group-friendly accommodations.
One such destination seeing an influx of newlyweds is the FIVE Palm Jumeirah resort in Dubai, where so-called 'partymooners' are booking their getaways.
Travel expert and the founder of My Baggage USA, Paul Stewart, revealed he's seen a considerable increase in newlyweds inquiring about destinations with a 'vibrant nightlife, pool parties, and social gatherings as the main focus, rather than the typical secluded romantic retreats.'
He explained: 'Where couples used to want secluded beach locations or mountain getaways, now we have requests for places known for lively, party atmospheres.
'The trend has been especially pronounced among millennial and Gen Z couples who view their honeymoon as an extension of their wedding celebration rather than a peaceful escape.'
Paul explained that several factors are contributing to the trend, but suggested that social media may be the most significant influence.
He said: 'There are several factors at play here, but the biggest driver is definitely the influence of social media on how couples view their honeymoon experience.
'Today's newlyweds have grown up documenting their lives online, and a lively pool party or VIP club experience provides more shareable content than a quiet dinner for two.
'There is also a generational shift in what romance looks like. For many young couples, having fun and adventures together is more romantic than dinner by candlelight.
'They want to experience something special and Instagram-friendly, and really, dancing the night away together in some exotic club does that.'
Another reason couples could be ditching secluded beaches and peaceful getaways is post-pandemic FOMO [fear of missing out].
After years of missed events, travel bans, crowd restrictions and social distancing couples are keen to travel and mingle with like minded music lovers.
Couples faced the challenge of being together 24/7 while almost everyone worked from home, so the thought of spending alone time together in a secluded island has now lost its charm for some.
Travel expert Paul added: 'Post-pandemic FOMO is a huge impetus for this trend. After all those years of lockdowns, postponed celebrations, and less social interaction, there is this pent-up eagerness to catch up and live.
'Couples had to scale down the guest list at their weddings or postpone them, so now the honeymoon is their chance to indulge in the big, celebratory experience they have missed out on.
'There's also this underlying anxiety about missing out on experiences while they're young and free, before responsibilities like mortgages and children potentially limit their ability to travel and party.
'The pandemic particularly highlighted how rapidly life can change, so couples are embracing the "live it up now" attitude more than ever.'
One hotel embracing this new trend is FIVE Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, which has a network of world famous DJs on rotation, pool and beach parties and boozed up brunches for newlyweds to mingle with other partygoers.
Bohemia Beach Club is also home to events such as Bohemia Presents, which sees a curated series of beach events featuring DJs such as French Montana, Diplo, Lost Frequencies, Dimitri Vegas, Sonny Fodera, and Jan Blomqvist, amongst others.
Meanwhile nightclubs BLING or The Penthouse Dubai, which stay open until 4am, embodies the glamorous party nightlife of Dubai.
And for the partiers who want some R&R after a heavy night, there's plenty of opportunity for some down time.
The FIVE Spa, which won World Luxury Spa Awards 2024, offers alternative moments of rejuvenation such as CBD-infused massages and vitamin and energy-boosting IV drips.
The 'partymoon' trend comes as 'buddymoons' have also been on the rise in recent years, with people increasingly opting to make the most out of a holiday and delight in the celebrations with all their loved ones.
Rather than heading off for a romantic break, some couples are inviting family and friends to carry on the celebrations with them on holiday.
The reason for the rise in alternative honeymoons appears to be based around making the most of your money.
This perhaps isn't surprising, given that, according to the latest survey from wedding experts Hitched, the average nuptials cost £23,250 in 2024.
Data also revealed that 59 per cent are saving for a honeymoon alongside their wedding, and 32 per cent are saving for a house, too.
Meanwhile the average honeymoon costs £4,255, with 1 in 10 couples spending over £9,000 on their holiday of a lifetime.
So is it no wonder that couples want to make their honeymoon something to remember and are combining it with their traditional party holiday.
Meanwhile others are saving money by opting to combine their stag and hen parties with their honeymoon, creating a longer, more immersive celebration before or after their wedding, according to How Stean Gorge.
This is sometimes referred to as a 'hag do' and it has several advantages, such as the bride and groom making memories together and it saves money and time to roll the events into one larger trip abroad.
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