Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda ditched the honeymoon for a buddymoon in Thailand: What it is and why you need one too

For decades, the standard post-wedding move for Indian couples was a secluded, “just the two of us” getaway. But as anyone who has survived a three-day big fat Indian wedding knows, the transition from 500 guests to total isolation can be a bit of a shock.
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda just proved that the coolest way to wind down isn’t by disappearing—it’s by bringing your favorite people with you. After their stunning Udaipur wedding and the whirlwind of celebrations in Hyderabad, the couple jetted off to Koh Samui, Thailand, for a “buddymoon.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: a honeymoon, but with the squad.

Photo: Rashmika Mandanna/ Instagram

Instead of a cramped hotel suite, the group took over Villa Koh Koon, a massive clifftop estate that looks like a Mediterranean farmhouse landed in the middle of a tropical paradise. At roughly Rs 2.35 lakh ($2,500) a night, it’s definitely a splurge, but it’s designed for connection rather than just sleeping.

Think double-height ceilings, sun-drenched living rooms, and a 22-seater dining table made of driftwood. Between the infinity pool overlooking Chaweng Bay and the hand-built pizza ovens, the vibe was less “formal vacation” and more “ultimate house party.” It’s about having a space where you can play foosball or darts at 2:00 AM without a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging on the door.

Photo: Rashmika Mandanna/ Instagram

What makes this trip feel so real is the way Rashmika and Vijay talk about each other. In their shared videos, you catch the small, unscripted moments: breakfast giggles, messy-hair dances, and late-night movie marathons.

Rashmika admits she’s still getting used to calling Vijay “my husband,” but she keeps coming back to the fact that he’s her best friend. Vijay’s take? He loves how she can turn a rental villa into a home just by being there. It’s a reminder that even when you’re world-famous, the best part of a relationship is the simple stuff—like debating who’s better at table tennis or planning where in the world you’ll travel next.

Photo: Rashmika Mandanna/ Instagram

The “buddymoon” trend is largely a Gen Z and Millennial response to a world that finally realizes friendship is just as vital as romance.

The Decompression Factor: Going from a 1,000-person guest list to zero can be exhausting. Having your “inner circle” around keeps the energy high and the wedding blues away.

Chosen Family: We’re moving away from the idea that a partner has to be your entire world. Bringing friends along honors the people who helped you get to the altar in the first place.

Split the Bill: On a practical note, splitting a luxury villa between 10 friends makes “celebrity-level” luxury actually affordable for the rest of us.

Photo: Rashmika Mandanna/ Instagram