There is a script that most celebrity weddings follow. The intimate ceremony, the carefully curated outfits, the flurry of social media posts -- and then, inevitably, the honeymoon. Two people, one exotic destination, and a carefully maintained aura of romantic exclusivity. Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have read that script, understood it perfectly, and set it aside.
Instead of disappearing into a bubble of newlywed privacy, the couple packed their bags, rounded up their closest friends, and headed to the sun-drenched island of Koh Samui in Thailand for what is being called a "buddymoon." It is a choice that says a great deal about who they are -- and perhaps even more about how a younger generation of couples is beginning to think about love, celebration, and what it means to start a life together.
The wedding that started it all
The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony near Udaipur, a setting that was characteristically low-key for two of Indian cinema's biggest stars.
And then, rather than retreating to a private island resort for two, they did something unexpected. They invited their friends along.
Living the place, not just visiting it
Speaking to Vogue, Rashmika and Vijay were candid about why they made this choice. For them, travel has never really been about ticking off landmarks or following a tourist itinerary. Their idea of a great trip is one where you slow down, settle into a space, and let the experience come to you -- and that, they felt, was best done in the company of people they love.
"We could all be together in one space, hang out, play games, be in the pool and watch the sunset, enjoy good food, and experience the local culture in a more real, unfiltered way," they shared. "It felt less like visiting and more like living the place."
The villa that made it possible
Of course, a buddymoon of this scale requires the right setting. The group checked into Villa Koh Koon, a clifftop Airbnb perched dramatically above Chaweng Bay that blends Mediterranean and Asian design influences into something genuinely spectacular. At approximately ₹2.35 lakh per night, it is not an understated choice -- but for a group of this size, it makes a certain kind of sense.
The villa's seven bedrooms can accommodate up to 14 adults, with a driftwood-inspired dining table that seats 22, a clifftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a beach-style wet bar, and a kitchen equipped with hand-built pizza ovens. There is a pool table, a foosball setup, and a dartboard. There are shaded lounging areas, alfresco dining spots, and a mezzanine study for gentle moments.
Why the buddymoon makes sense
The concept itself is not entirely new, but it is gaining real momentum. A buddymoon allows newlyweds to extend the warmth of their wedding celebrations into the days that follow, rather than abruptly transitioning into an isolated romantic retreat. For couples who have spent months consumed by planning, the idea of immediately being alone together -- however appealing in theory -- can sometimes feel like pressure in disguise.
Setting the tone for a marriage
What Rashmika and Vijay have done, perhaps without intending to, is offer a compelling vision of what modern marriage can look like. Not a retreat from the world, but a conscious, joyful embrace of the relationships that make it worth living in.
In a video shared on Instagram, Rashmika admitted she is still getting used to calling Vijay "my husband." He, in turn, called her his best friend. It is perhaps the most telling detail of all. They began their marriage not by withdrawing into each other, but by celebrating -- openly, generously, and in very good company.
&w=3840&q=75)