Phuket, with its pristine beaches and cultural richness, offers couples not just a stunning backdrop but also a chance to embrace meaningful Thai wedding traditions. Here’s a guide to the customs that make a ceremony in Phuket truly special.

Before the Wedding – Pre-Wedding Ceremonies

In Thai culture, your traditional wedding in Phuket will often begin with pre-nuptial rituals that involve blessings from family and monks. These ceremonies set a tone of respect, harmony, and spirituality before the main celebration.

Wedding Venues

Phuket provides a variety of dreamy venues – from luxurious beachfront resorts to traditional Thai villas and stunning tropical gardens. Couples can choose settings that balance natural beauty with cultural authenticity. Properties like Layan Residences by Anantara offer traditional pre-planned wedding packages, making the process a whole lot easier.

Image via Layan Residences by Anantara

Making Merit

A significant part of Thai weddings is making merit by offering food or donations to Buddhist monks. This act symbolises the couple’s gratitude and brings blessings for a prosperous married life.

Khan Maak Processions

The Khan Maak is a lively procession where the groom and his family present gifts, traditionally carried in trays, to the bride’s family. It’s another symbol of commitment and joy, often accompanied by music and dancing.

Water Pouring Ceremony

Known as Rod Nam Sang, this ritual involves elders pouring blessed water over the couple’s hands, offering prayers for happiness and unity. It is one of the most cherished Thai wedding traditions.

There’s something romantic about Dubai’s cosmopolitan glamour. The golden sunsets reflecting off glass skyscrapers, the wooden dhows docked along the creek – the city sets the perfect backdrop for a lover’s retreat, or even a wedding. Plan your dream ceremony in the UAE’s most popular emirate, with a guide to weddings in Dubai.

Image via Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

The Weather

Although Dubai is an excellent year-round destination, desert summers can be quite hot for outdoor weddings. Try planning for the cooler months (October – February) if you are dreaming of tying the knot on a golden beach or a luxurious rooftop. Or, choose from the many incredible indoor venues available throughout the year.

The Venue

Dubai wedding venues exude opulence, no matter where you decide to host your ceremony. Wedding hotels like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offer both indoor and outdoor venues, ranging from private beachfronts to lavish ballrooms.

The Wedding Planner

Hiring a local wedding planner can ease the process, and let you and your partner relax before the big day. They are familiar with cultural nuances, legal steps, and vendor networks, ensuring every detail is seamless. For those booking a hotel venue, many locations may even be able to handle the planning process on-site.

The Travel Arrangements

Since many guests will fly in, plan travel logistics for everyone as early as possible. Group bookings, hotel blocks, and curated itineraries make the experience enjoyable for everyone attending.

Planning a romantic escape with your special someone? Well, if that’s the case, then make Doha your destination of choice. While it may fly under the radar of typical romantic places to visit, you will be surprised at the many things couples can do here as part of a magical getaway.

Embark on a Sunset Dhow Cruise
Set sail from the Doha Corniche on a dhow (a traditional boat) as the sun begins its descent. The golden hues reflecting off the water and the city skyline glittering in the background set the perfect mood. Some cruises even come with dinner for a night like no other, before you return to one of the Doha-based hotel apartments in Qatar and plan more escapades!

Explore the Souq Waqif
Sharing new discoveries is one of the best things about travelling with a partner, and Souq Waqif, a vast, historic marketplace, is perfect for this. Couples staying at properties like Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks can easily walk to this site and wander around its atmospheric alleys; the scent of spices fills the air, and every corner reveals a new treasure. Shop for keepsakes, sample local dishes, and soak up the old-world charm together.

Enjoy a Stroll at Aspire Park
Sometimes the best moments are the simplest. At Aspire Park, you will find a tranquil lake, open green spaces, and winding paths ideal for an afternoon stroll, one of the best things to do in Doha for couples. Spread out a blanket, share a yummy picnic and just enjoy being together. Visit around golden hour and watch the sky turn pastel… it’s basically like a setting of a rom-com in real life!

Go on a Gondola Ride

Image by Ildigo from Pixabay

Yes, you read that right, you can actually take a gondola ride in Doha! At Villaggio Mall, float along indoor canals in a setting inspired by Venice itself. It’s romantic, and you are bound to surprise your Insta followers with selfies on a gondola. After your ride, check out Gondolania, an indoor theme park here which offers ice skating and bowling, which are also great activities for a fun date night.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a place where you can find both adventure and romance. Are you celebrating a milestone in your relationship? Or do you just want to treat your partner to something special? Whatever it is, the options are endless in Abu Dhabi. Here are a few suggestions.

Romantic Dinners 

There’s something magical about dining in a desert city like Abu Dhabi. The city has no shortage of amazing restaurants with beautiful views. Many luxury hotels offer romantic dinners in stunning settings.

Stargazing and Desert Walks 

For something truly unique, head out into the desert. Join a guided safari where you can walk across the sand dunes while holding your lover’s hand. Camel rides, stargazing, and dinners in a camp are some of the must-dos. Speak to your resort to arrange a desert safari. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, one of the 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, offers trips to the desert.

Sunset Cruises 

Sign up for a sunset cruise for an incredibly romantic experience. You’ll be cruising along the calm waters as the soft rays of the evening sun drape the ocean and the beaches. Some sunset cruises also include dinner and music.

Explore the Rich Culture 

Image by Mariakray from Pixabay

Exploring the rich culture of Abu Dhabi can also be an incredibly romantic experience. The city is home to stunning buildings that not only boast beautiful architecture but also offer a glimpse of the culture. Must-visit places include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Be sure to visit the old souks as well.

It’s no secret that the Caribbean is a great choice for a memorable honeymoon destination, but deciding on which of its islands to visit can weigh you down. If you’re looking for the right blend of romance and seclusion, here are a few top picks you’ll want to consider.

St. Lucia

Known for its two dramatic Pitons (mountain peaks), St. Lucia has the perfect backdrop for an idyllic honeymoon getaway. From indulgent spa treatments at luxury resorts to intimate dining and sunset cruises, everything about this island exudes romance.

Barbados

Accessible via InterCaribbean Airways, this vibrant island is filled with a blend of British sophistication and local Caribbean charm. Featuring multiple historical sites, intriguing colonial architecture and mouthwatering Bajan cuisine, Barbados is the perfect spot for those who love a little culture and history with their romance.

Turks and Caicos

You can reach this luxurious island through top Caribbean island flights, and you won’t be disappointed. With stunning underwater worlds and world-class resort spas, Turks and Caicos offers the right blend of adventure and private relaxation.

Image by InterCaribbean Airways

Grenada

This hidden treasure in the Caribbean checks all the boxes for a honeymoon getaway – stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and plenty of ocean adventures. It is also known as the ‘Spice Isle’, growing cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, which means you’ll have a great culinary adventure to look forward to!

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful beach holiday with your partner, Sri Lanka’s south coast is a great choice. With golden sands, turquoise water, and comfortable accommodation, it’s the perfect place for love and romance.

The South Coast 

From Bentota to Yala stretches the South Coast, full of beach towns like Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, and Kalutara. Each of these towns carries a unique charm – some are lively and fun, others are laid-back and quiet, and a few offer a mix of both. Things to do on the South Coast abound, so brace yourself for an unforgettable romantic adventure.

Where to Stay 

Choosing the right place to stay is important, wouldn’t you agree? Luckily, the south coast is home to a selection of cosy hotels and resorts. Anantara Kalutara Resort, for example, is loved by couples. It’s known for romantic dining in Kalutara.

Best Time to Go 

The best time to visit is from December to April. You’ll enjoy sunny days, calm seas, and a lower chance of rain.

Romantic Things to Do 

Image by Wikimedia Commons

The south coast of Sri Lanka is a haven of activity. Here are the top picks for couples:

  • Walk on the beach at sunset.
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner.
  • Get a couple’s spa treatment.
  • Try water sports like jet-skiing, canoeing, and water skiing.
  • Take a cooking class.
  • Try archery.
  • Take a boat trip on the Kalu Ganga.
  • Tour Lunuganga Estate, once home to Geoffrey Bawa, the world-renowned architect.

Bali would be a marvellous destination for a romantic honeymoon as it offers an interesting culture, many engrossing sights, a pleasant laidback ambience and an array of interesting things to do. Here’s more on what you need to know.

Take a helicopter ride 

A truly unforgettable thing to do for couples is taking a scenic private helicopter ride that would provide you with an aerial view of the remarkable Mt. Batur, one of Bali’s outstanding natural features. Stay at luxury resorts in Ubud, Bali, which offer such helicopter excursions that will take you through the mist surrounding the peak to provide you with a glimpse into its eye-catching crater.

Enjoy spa treatments

Wellness treatments would be a marvellous addition to your honeymoon, and you will have the opportunity to undertake special couples’ spa therapies during your stay in Bali. Signature treatments can include features like a Siraman ritual, foot bath and a Taksu massage followed by a reinvigorating Javanese body scrub. Consider staying at properties like Anantara Ubud Bali Resort for your honeymoon, since they also offer such spa rituals for couples.

Visit rice terraces 

Bali happens to be renowned for its scenic rice terraces, and visiting the Tegallalang Rice Terraces will be a wonderful experience for honeymooners. During your excursion, you could admire this splendid sight, descend into the inviting valley and converse with local farmers. It’s an ideal experience for newlyweds who love nature and are looking to spend time outdoors.

Explore temples 

Image by DEZALB from Pixabay

Your sojourn in Bali wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of its enthralling temples, which present a captivating sight for the traveller. You may take the chance to tour the well-known Besakih Temple (the largest on the island) as well as the fascinating Tirta Empul Temple, which is renowned for its holy springs.

Yes, the Maldives is a wonderful destination to visit with its beautiful shores of white sand and turquoise waters. It is no different to the pictures you see online! The blissful seclusion that the island resorts offer also makes the Maldives the ultimate haven for a romantic getaway. Here are a few things you are sure to enjoy doing with your loved one.

Couple’s Spa Session 

Indulge in the ultimate form of relaxation together with your significant other! Resorts like SAii Lagoon Maldives offer rejuvenating spa sessions for two with views of the ever-blue ocean.

Image via SAii Lagoon Maldives

A Game of Tennis

For couples who enjoy sports, make sure to book a Maldives beach hotel that offers tennis court facilities. Challenge your partner with a game or two of tennis before unwinding in the private pool of your beach villa.

Sunset Cruises

Sunsets are one of the most beautiful aspects of nature that the Maldives has to offer. Why not enjoy this moment in style with your partner aboard a traditional dhoni boat? Toast to your romantic escape with a glass of champagne and maybe catch a glimpse of dolphins if you’re lucky.

Private Beach Dinners

Your resort will be more than happy to set up a cosy spot on the island for an intimate meal with your loved one. Savour exquisite flavours and great company!

When it comes to romance, nothing beats the allure of a secluded island. Picture this: crystal-clear water, white sand beneath your toes, and no one around except you and your partner. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip or spontaneous escape, these remote island activities are bound to turn the love levels up to full volume.

Maldives, So in Love
If you’re dreaming of turquoise lagoons and starlit dinners, the Maldives is your ultimate playground. Spend your days snorkelling in coral gardens and your nights dining overwater under the stars. The privacy of the islands makes even a simple walk on the beach feel like something out of a movie.

Private Beach Picnics with a Twist
Why settle for a restaurant when you can have a chef-prepared meal on a deserted beach? Many resorts offer gourmet beach picnics complete with champagne, fresh seafood, and a personal butler to whisk it all away when you’re done. It’s Instagram-perfect and utterly intimate.

Image by Fotos pks from Pixabay

Couples’ Spa Treatments by the Ocean
There’s nothing more bonding than a couples’ massage with waves crashing nearby and palm trees rustling in the breeze. Look for treatments that use natural island ingredients like coconut oil, frangipani, and sea salt for a sensory love story.

Stay Somewhere Unexpected
While remote islands are ideal for romance, why not mix things up with a stopover in a buzzing city? At SO/ Maldives, couples can unwind in a vibrant yet peaceful setting before jetting off to paradise.

Most Romantic Maldives Resorts
For an unforgettable stay, check out some of the best resorts in Maldives for couples. Think private pools, open-air baths, and candlelit dinners on the beach, pure bliss.

If you’re thinking about enjoying your honeymoon getaway in Sri Lanka, you’re on the right track! Teeming with adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences, the island has much to offer, so here’s what you need to consider when planning your much-awaited romantic vacation.

Travel Considerations

One of the most important things to consider is your mode of travel on the island. Public transportation is available in the form of buses, trains, and trishaws, but traffic in the major cities can slow things down. If you aren’t prepared for the grind, consider working with a reputable tour operator like Walkers Tours, which makes touring and travel convenient.

Choosing an Accommodation

Sri Lanka is not short on accommodation, from beachside resorts to boutique hotels to luxury stays, so you have plenty to choose from. Consider a place that provides access either to the beach or any of the island’s lush green landscapes, and which offers a blend of modern comforts with the island’s traditional charm.

Things to Do

Exploring the island’s natural landscapes is one of the top things to do for couples. A tour of the Yala National Park or the Sinharaja Rainforest will immerse you in the island’s captivating biodiversity. Alternatively, whale-watching tours along the southern coast are ideal for the best Sri Lanka beach holidays. Historic and cultural tours within ancient cities like Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are perfect for a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s royal heritage and past.

Image by Chathura Anuradha Subasinghe from Pixabay

Food Adventures

If culinary adventures are what you enjoy as a couple, Sri Lanka won’t disappoint. Offering a wide range of curries, seafood, fresh fruits and traditional celebratory eats, the local culinary scene is a melting pot of flavours. In addition to the more established restaurants, make sure you have time to explore the local street food.