Why wait for a wedding or an anniversary to take that dream trip? More and more people are celebrating life’s big moments with their best friends instead. And the trend is only picking up speed.
According to Tripadvisor, mentions of milestone-driven travel – think bestiemoons (yes, friendship honeymoons), retirement getaways, divorce trips, and even sobriety celebrations – have spiked by 39% this year. It’s clear: travellers are prioritising connection and adventure with the people who’ve been there through it all.
The trend has even hit pop culture. The latest season of The White Lotus follows three longtime friends on a bestiemoon at a wellness retreat in Thailand – before things inevitably go off the rails in true White Lotus fashion. But this isn’t just TV drama. Travel advisors from Envoyage say more people are using trips to strengthen friendships and mark life’s big moments in real life.
Travel advisor Catharina Stewart has been organising friendship getaways long before they had a trendy name. One of the most memorable? A bestiemoon for two lifelong friends who needed a reset, especially after one had been caring for her ill husband.
“They didn’t want a packed schedule or a rushed itinerary – they just wanted somewhere beautiful and relaxing, where they could properly enjoy each other’s company,” says Stewart. “So, we built a trip around what truly lit them up.”
One was an artist, so Florence was an obvious starting point – gallery-hopping, museums, and soaking in the Renaissance beauty. The other was a passionate foodie, so a stay at a Tuscan vineyard villa in Chianti Tuscany was booked.
“They had no schedule. Just wine, countryside bike rides, and time to be present and breathe it all in,” says Stewart. “That’s what they needed – not a checklist, just a chance to feel at ease in a stunning place.”
Stewart set up a WhatsApp chat so they could check in throughout the trip. “We laughed in that chat, and we cried – it was like I got to go on the journey with them,” she says.
For Bernadette Terblanche, another Envoyage travel advisor, bestiemoons don’t have to be all deep chats and soul-searching. “I booked a trip for two women celebrating their 60th birthdays together,” she says. “They left their husbands and kids behind and headed to Mauritius for an all-inclusive escape. No itinerary, no expectations… just cocktails, sun loungers and the freedom to enjoy the moment.”
Where Should You Go for a Bestiemoon?
Any destination can be a bestiemoon if you plan it right, but some places are naturally made for friendship getaways. A safari in South Africa is always a strong choice, says Terblanche. One of her top picks? Kateka Lodge near the Kruger National Park.
Safaris strike the perfect balance between adventure and downtime, she says. Mornings start with guided game drives – after all, nothing bonds a group like seeing a lion in the wild for the first time. Afternoons? They’re for poolside lounging, spa treatments, or unwinding with a glass of wine by the fire.
“There’s something about a safari that really brings people together,” says Terblanche. “You start and end the day together, with no obligations beyond soaking up the experience.”
Terblanche says that for friends who want a mix of scenery and a little action, Bali is always in the top tier. “Bali’s Instagram Tour is a favourite. It takes you to waterfalls, jungle swings and cultural landmarks that make for incredible shared moments.”
For total relaxation without any logistical stress, Mauritius is a go-to. “The reason I book so many bestiemoons there is because many hotels offer all-inclusive packages,” says Envoyage travel advisor Denette Fourie. “No one wants to spend their trip calculating costs or figuring out who’s paying for what. You just want to enjoy the moment!”
Envoyage advisor Anneri Papenfus agrees. “If my clients don’t travel often, I usually suggest Mauritius or Zanzibar,” she says. “There are many all-inclusive options.” Her pick for Zanzibar? Riu Jambo – a beachfront resort with a 24-hour bar – perfect for groups who want to party, relax, and enjoy every moment without leaving the property.
For Mauritius, she recommends Mauritia Beachcomber Resort & Spa. “The location is ideal. It’s right in Grand Baie, so you can walk from the resort and explore the nightlife and markets,” she says. “It’s well-priced, all-inclusive, and even has its own club, so you don’t have to go far for a great night out.”
For travellers who love a little adventure with their luxury, Fourie suggests a Turkey-and-Greece combo trip. Start in Cappadocia with a hot air balloon ride over the surreal rock formations, then head to Istanbul for shopping and culture. After that? It’s at least five days in Greece, either at a resort or sailing between islands on a private yacht.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” she says. “You tick off something exciting – something you’ll talk about for years – and then you kick back, sip cocktails by the pool, and enjoy time together in style.”
How to Plan a Bestiemoon Without the Stress
As dreamy as bestiemoons sound, planning a group trip requires some ground rules to prevent unnecessary tension.
The priority? Figure out the budget before booking anything. Nothing ruins a trip faster than realising on day two that you all had very different ideas of what you’d be spending.
Booking early can also turn an expensive trip into a manageable one. “Many resorts offer low deposits if you book in advance, allowing you to pay the trip off over time,” Evonvage travel advisor Papenfus says. “People assume high-end getaways cost a fortune, but stretching the payments out makes them much more doable.”
Choosing the right accommodations is just as important. “Villas, suites with lounges, or boutique hotels with shared spaces make a trip feel more connected,” says Fourie. “The best memories happen in those in-between moments, like morning coffee in your shared space or late-night chats after a long day.”
When it comes to accommodations, Papenfus helps groups find the best room setups to balance budgets and comfort. “If it’s a group of six, I usually go for two triple rooms,” she says. She urges groups to pre-book seating on flights to ensure everyone stays together during travel.
And her final bestiemoon advice? Papenfus suggests booking a professional group photoshoot to capture the trip. “It’s such a fun way to preserve the memories,” she says. “And if you really want to lean into the bestiemoon experience, coordinate outfits: matching swimsuits, a themed dinner night. It just makes the whole thing feel extra special.”