Beyond Palaces and Ballrooms: Indian Weddings Redefine Tradition

Beyond Palaces and Ballrooms: Indian Weddings Redefine Tradition

By Hariharan U

Published on October 1, 2025

Indian weddings have always carried the weight of grandeur, but today’s celebrations are moving beyond the palace-and-ballroom template. Guest lists may be getting smaller, yet the experiences are becoming more imaginative, meaningful, and deeply personal. Couples are rewriting tradition with destinations that offer far more than backdrops they create stories.

 In Ras Al Khaimah, weddings feel like they belong in a dreamscape. Here, mehendis unfold in centuries-old coral-stone courtyards, while adventurous celebrations take flight on the Jebel Jais zipline. At Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, haldis take place barefoot on private beaches, where the golden sun mirrors the turmeric hues. Evenings shift seamlessly from ballrooms glowing with sangeet lights to pheras under desert skies painted in fire.

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 Thailand’s charm lies in its intimacy. Pheras take place on terraces that seem to float above the Andaman, framed by limestone cliffs. Sangeets glow under paper lanterns in tropical gardens, while mornings start with Thai wellness rituals. At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, weddings begin with a dawn blessing by monks a moment of serenity before the festivities unfold. Each celebration here feels uniquely curated, never copied.

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 Seychelles transforms weddings into experiences that feel elemental. With its scattering of islands—from cultural Mahé to untouched Platte couples celebrate amidst nature that feels otherworldly. Pheras glow on pristine beaches, mehendis spill into palm groves, and starlit sangeets bring families together in landscapes so pristine they feel eternal.

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 Kenya offers backdrops where nature writes half the story. In Nairobi’s wildlife conservancies or the Maasai Mara, vows unfold as elephants graze in the distance and golden skies turn to star-filled nights. Safari lodges double as venues, blending game drives with evening sangeets. Along the coast, Mombasa and Diani host barefoot pheras on soft white sand, followed by Swahili feasts and music carried by the sea breeze. No two weddings here are alike each one shaped by the wild or the ocean.

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 Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas feels designed for Indian weddings. With its vast coastline, palatial ballrooms, and villa clusters, every ritual finds a fitting stage. Lantern-lit courtyards host mehendis, pheras glow beneath Gulf sunsets, and sangeets spark to life in waterparks or glittering ballrooms. It’s luxury and drama, woven seamlessly into days of celebration.

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Sri Lanka offers something different intimacy as the ultimate luxury. Teardrop Hotels’ boutique estates host weddings that feel more like family tales than events. Within Galle Fort, pheras unfold to the rhythm of the ocean. In Nuwara Eliya, misty tea fields wrap couples in a fairytale haze. Along southern beaches, barefoot ceremonies gather only the closest circle, turning vows into cherished secrets.

For Indian couples, weddings have never been just about two people, they’re about family, rituals, and memory. Today, as celebrations shift toward immersive and personal experiences, the future of Indian weddings lies not in how big they are, but in how deeply they resonate.


Acqualina Resort Debuts Luxurious One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite

Acqualina Resort Debuts Luxurious One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 21, 2025

Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, the Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond luxury resort in Sunny Isles Beach, has unveiled its newest accommodation: the One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite with Convertible Den. Designed by Isabel Tragash of STA Architectural Group, the suite offers a unique blend of residential comfort and Acqualina’s renowned service and amenities.

Located on the fifth floor of the resort, the 2,767-square-foot Villa Suite redefines the luxury hotel experience with its contemporary interiors, flexible layout, and expansive outdoor living spaces. The design embraces modern Mediterranean aesthetics, featuring curving silhouettes, muted color palettes, and dramatic uplighting, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication.

“The One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite represents a new chapter of luxury at Acqualina,” said Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner of Acqualina Resort & Residences. “Designed for both extended stays and intimate escapes, the Villa provides our guests with the feeling of a private residence while enjoying the impeccable service and amenities that have made Acqualina the most awarded beachfront resort in the United States.”

The suite features an open-concept layout with a gourmet kitchen equipped with Calacatta Oro marble countertops, Miele appliances, and a full backsplash. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and breakfast areas, adorned with custom-made furnishings, Italian-sourced pieces, and curated décor accents. Artistic touches include abstract artwork by Domenica Brockman, Innovations Pintuck wallpaper, and a Philip Jeffries Terra Tones accent wall, enhancing the suite’s elegant ambiance.

The primary bedroom is designed as a serene sanctuary, featuring a Pianca bed, Cattelan Italia nightstands, a curved upholstered sofa, and a dramatic crystal pendant light. The bathroom showcases Cosmos stone floors, onyx walls, expansive vanities, and premium fixtures by Dornbracht and Kohler.

A convertible den adds flexibility, transforming into a guest bedroom or private office with Italian-built millwork, a concealed queen-sized bed, and a dedicated bathroom.

One of the suite’s highlights is its two terraces, totaling nearly 900 square feet. The ocean-facing terrace, furnished with Harbour’s Victoria Collection, lush trees, and topiaries, offers an alfresco living experience, perfect for morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or sophisticated entertaining.

With its meticulous design, high-end international brands, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite sets a new benchmark for luxury accommodations in South Florida, promising an unmatched residential-style retreat for guests seeking both elegance and comfort.


LEGO Code Break Brings Gaming Universes to Life in San Diego

LEGO Code Break Brings Gaming Universes to Life in San Diego

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

The LEGO Group has launched LEGO Code Break, a first-of-its-kind gaming adventure that bridges virtual and real-world play, bringing gamers together to celebrate beloved gaming universes. From October 16–18, fans nationwide are invited to uncover a secret code inspired by iconic games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Sonic the Hedgehog, unlocking a massive LEGO vault packed with legendary prizes in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter during TwitchCon 2025.

The challenge begins online at LEGO.com/CodeBreak, where hidden clues within gaming content help players crack the code. Participants can follow gaming creators like Andre Rebelo (TypicalGamer), Alex Kushelevskiy (FORMULA), and Jess Adel (JustJesss) to spot letters, numbers, or symbols crucial to unlocking the vault. The grand prize? An exclusive collection of LEGO gaming sets, perfect for building the ultimate gaming sanctuary.

The on-site activation in Gaslamp Park transforms San Diego into a LEGO gaming playground. Visitors can explore a massive mystery vault, build mini LEGO gaming controllers, check out custom LEGO set displays, and pose with larger-than-life video game characters. The experience runs daily from 12 PM to 8 PM, giving fans a hands-on taste of LEGO gaming creativity.

Beth McKenna, Head of U.S. Marketing at the LEGO Group, shared:

“With LEGO Code Break, we’re combining our rich gaming legacy with hands-on, real-world experiences. It’s a celebration of gaming culture and creativity, showing how virtual worlds thrive when they meet LEGO bricks.”

LEGO gaming sets allow fans to build, display, and play within their favorite video game universes, turning digital adventures into tactile, interactive fun. From crafting bespoke worlds in Minecraft, to epic battles in Fortnite, and fast-paced challenges with Sonic the Hedgehog, LEGO continues to unite gaming and creativity like never before.

For more information and to join the quest, visit LEGO.com/CodeBreak.


Omio’s NowNext ’25 Report Unveils the New Era of Intentional Travel

Omio’s NowNext ’25 Report Unveils the New Era of Intentional Travel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Omio, the leading multi-modal booking platform, has released its annual NowNext ’25 report, revealing how global travel will evolve over the next year, driven by emotional motivations, economic realities, and a growing sense of purpose among travellers.

Commissioned in partnership with YouGov, the report draws insights from an omnibus survey of over 10,500 respondents across Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK, the US, Brazil, Japan, and Australia. Combined with Omio’s own platform data, the findings present a detailed picture of what’s next for the world of travel, from mindful spending to cultural immersion and destination discovery.

Key Themes from the NowNext ’25 Report:

Worldwide Woe:

Global events continue to shape travel decisions, with 69% of respondents saying such factors will impact their plans. Yet, the desire to travel remains strong, 30% still plan to travel more than before.

Deal or No Destination:

Rising costs have made travellers smarter about spending. 38% will prioritise travel over other non-essential expenses, while 31% plan more flexibly and 27% prefer early, careful planning, giving rise to the ‘Travel Thrifties’, who balance wanderlust with budget wisdom.

Love EU More:

Europe continues to dominate travel plans, with 56% of Brits, 45% of Germans, and 42% of Italians and Spaniards planning European getaways, reflecting a focus on proximity and comfort amid global uncertainty.

World of Mouth:

Inspiration is becoming more personal again. While social media influences 29% of travellers, 42% rely on past trips and 39% on word-of-mouth recommendations. Interestingly, 23% admit being influenced by films and TV shows. marking the rise of screen-driven tourism.

Beach, Please:

2026 will mark the revival of seaside getaways, with 46% seeking relaxing beach holidays and 51% wanting to return recharged. A growing 20% prefer solo, reflective trips, while 18% focus on wellness and self-care.

Overtourism & Out:

Sustainable travel remains vital but is evolving. Travellers are focusing on supporting local businesses (25%), embracing regional culture (38%), and visiting under-the-radar locations (32%) rather than just choosing eco-transport.

Capital Losses:

Travellers are shifting from capitals to smaller, lesser-known cities. 21% plan to explore smaller metropolises for lower prices (51%) and fewer crowds (44%), while Omio’s data reveals bookings to second cities have risen by 34% year-on-year.

The Gender (Off)Balance

Gendered travel motivations are diverging. 19% of men plan to travel solo, seeking disconnection, while women lean toward connection, 34% for family reunions, 30% to connect emotionally, and 22% to travel with friends.

Generation Zealous:

Gen Z is driving change with a mix of ambition and awareness. 34% want to travel more, 26% plan longer trips, and 23% will opt for greener transport. They’re the most budget-conscious and environmentally mindful of all age groups.

Reflecting on these insights, Veronica Diquattro, President of B2C and Supply, Omio, said:

“Travel has shifted dramatically in recent years, from no travel during the pandemic to revenge travel, and now into a new era of intentional travel. The desire to explore remains strong, and travellers continue to find a way. Our report reveals a new age of conscious, smart, and value-driven travel. At Omio, we dedicate our efforts to keeping pace with emerging traveller demands, ensuring every journey is seamless and inspiring.”

Through NowNext ’25, Omio spotlights how travel continues to evolve, not just as a leisure activity, but as a deeply intentional, reflective, and value-driven experience for the modern traveller.

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