BY LUCY MAZZUCCO
While honeymoons already come with an element of excitement, choosing a destination known for a particular festival or event can be a great opportunity for couples to take Insta-worthy photos, enjoy a unique bonding experience and even meet new friends. For those interested in planning a honeymoon that involves more than just some R&R on a beach, these events around the world may be just what they need to get inspired and think outside the box.
The hottest carnivals and festivals for an epic honeymoon!
Carnival — Montego Bay, Jamaica
The beloved Carnival in Montego Bay combines parties, concerts, and festivities of all sorts. The annual celebration of culture and freedom holds a deep meaning to the people of Jamaica, as it does in various other Caribbean islands. Couples planning honeymoons around next year’s Carnival, which is scheduled for April 2025, can expect beautiful costumes, dancing, live music, delicious food, and an unforgettable grand masquerade.
Couples who are timing their honeymoons to coincide with Carnival 2025 have their choice of a wide range of romantic accommodations, including Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive luxury resort home to a full-service spa, two sparkling swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and private beachside cabanas.
The Tulip Festival — Amsterdam, Netherlands
What could be more romantic than a stroll through tulip fields in full bloom? The annual Tulip Festival in the Netherlands, which takes place from mid-March to mid-
May, marks the beginning of spring with millions of tulips in and around Amsterdam. While there are dozens of locations and events to admire these blooms, including the world-famous Flower Parade on April 12, 2025, the best place to see them in all their glory is Keukenhof Gardens. Here, newlyweds will be able to experience true wonder and whimsy.
Located 40 minutes from Keukenhof, Hotel TwentySeven is a luxury boutique hotel in The Dam Square that overlooks the Royal Palace. Featuring a one-Michelin-star restaurant and lavish suites with two-person Jacuzzis, double rain showers and completely soundproof views, the hotel provides plenty of privacy and romance for newlyweds in the heart of Amsterdam.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival — Chiang Mai, Thailand
Newlyweds looking for extra blessings on their new marriage should consider a honeymoon in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where the Yi Peng Lantern Festival takes place every November. Considered one of the most magical festivals in Thailand, the three-day event culminates with thousands of paper lanterns ascending into the night sky, a symbolic gesture of releasing bad luck from the previous year and ushering in good fortunes for the year ahead. Couples will be swooning over the spectacle and sentiment of it all.
To book a honeymoon during the festival, couples can stay at the modern Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar District. Only a short walk from the ancient moated city, the hotel is perfect for couples who want to do some exploring before or after the festival.
Mardi Gras — New Orleans, U.S.
It’s always a party at Mardi Gras, which has been celebrated in New Orleans since 1699. Set to take place next year on March 4, 2025, Mardi Gras (French for ‘Fat Tuesday’) marks the final day of Carnival with vibrant parades, live music, dancing in the streets, balcony parties and, of course, the city’s world-famous beignets. Couples planning their honeymoon adventure around this epic party are guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime.
For an ideal base to explore the city, check into the Virgin Hotel in New Orleans’ lively Warehouse District. Here, couples can luxuriate in gorgeous rooms and suites (some with floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in rainfall showers and complimentary yoga mats), at the Commons Club bar and kitchen, or up top at the rooftop pool, complete with a wraparound lounge deck and full bar.
Holi — Mathura, India
Known as the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring, Holi is considered one of the most joyous events on the Indian calendar. Set to take place again in mid-March 2025, the festival celebrates the eternal love of the deities Radha and Lord Krishna, making it the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind honeymoon. During Holi, millions of Indians smear each other
with red, green, blue and pink powders, turning the air into an explosion of colour. Although celebrated throughout India, the best place to experience the joy of Holi is in Mathura in the town of Uttar Pradesh, revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Newlyweds looking to participate in the festival can rest easy at The Lalita Grand, Mathura, one of the few ‘green’ hotels in the city with eco- friendly facilities, an exclusive pure vegetarian fine dining restaurant, a serene pool and three room categories.
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