Celebrate life’s biggest moments in these top global destinations
Mark important occasions with an elevated getaway to celebrate friendships and family.
By Paul Oswell | October 1, 2024
From babymoons and birthdays to graduations and retirements, there are many milestones to celebrate throughout life. When it comes to marking these occasions, there’s nothing like a jubilant getaway to an enticing destination that guarantees an experience you can share and remember for years to come. Here are our suggestions for celebratory travel that you won’t soon forget.
Bali, Indonesia
No matter the occasion, this paradise is an idyllic destination for a more relaxed approach to the festivities. You’ll be moved by the intricacy of Bali’s ancient temples, bask in the beauty of gorgeous, world-class beaches and take in the sensuous aroma of wild frangipani hanging in the air. The best of Indonesia is celebrated at Conrad Bali, where local culture is seamlessly blended into every aspect of your stay. Speak with the concierge to arrange one of the Sensory Odysseys for a selection of thematic wellness programming, including forest bathing and Indonesian sound healing, or head straight to JIWA SPA for a multitude of holistic treatments. The unique experiences continue at Suku, one of the resort’s restaurants that takes guests on a culinary journey through the decadent diversity of Indonesian cuisine.
Cancun, Mexico
With its year-round sunshine and vibrant energy, Cancun is a wonderful choice for a carefree graduation trip or a friends group reunion, especially when staying at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. The celebratory atmosphere permeates the streets of Cancun, but your concierge can arrange a chartered private yacht to Isla Mujeres for a more intimate gathering on the crystal-clear waters. After a day on the waves, continue the celebrations with the resort’s picnic by the sea service. Toast your friends as the sun sets over the ocean, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. No matter the occasion, your festivities would be incomplete without some pampering time at Waldorf Astoria Spa. Take your pick from a variety of treatments that draw inspiration from local Mayan culture, like the Melipona Honey Ritual.
Phoenix, Arizona
If there’s a family birthday on the cards, then Phoenix has plenty of options for special celebrations, particularly for younger guests of honor. Choose from VIP experiences that will appeal to every generation like private shuttles and backstage access offered by the exclusive, host-led tours of Phoenix Zoo. Older teens will love the one-of-a-kind Amethyst Package offered by Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts. A helicopter will whisk your group away to a local amethyst mine, where guests can mine for gems and create custom jewelry pieces. Continue the theme back at the property with the menu of gemstone-enhanced treatments at Tierra Luna Spa.
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. He frequently writes about luxury travel and bespoke experiences around the world. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions, including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and the United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
Find your stay
Read more:
Find travel inspiration