22 Destinations for a Romantic Mini-Moon Getaway
With wedding season '21 underway, it's only a matter of time before the planning begins — where to travel for your honeymoon, that is. No matter which wedding trend you've incorporated into your big day, the idea of forgoing a full-length trip for a "mini-moon" can have some major perks. Plus, a long weekend away can be more affordable and easier to plan, and it's a great chance to splurge on a place that's a bit more luxurious than usual. And best of all, if it's one of these destinations, there might even be so many things to do on-site, you never have to leave!
Big Sur, California: With state parks for camping and beachcombing and a twisty-turny two-lane highway, this destination is perfect for a secluded mini-moon. At the Post Ranch Inn, you can stay in a tree house and soak in the expansive views via your own open-air tub or one of the two infinity edge pools. (Photo via Post Ranch Inn)
San Antonio, Texas: Named 2017's most romantic city in the US by Amazon, this southern Texas city is also hitting its gastronomic stride thanks to acclaimed progressive Mexican restaurant Mixtli and modern Texas brewhouse Southerleigh. Situated right on the River Walk, the Naranja bar at the Hotel Valencia is the perfect place to drink in the San Antonio River with a salted margarita — or two. (Photo via Valencia Inn)
Watch Hill, Rhode Island: This classic seaside village checks every quintessentially New England box: art galleries, small boutiques, and even the oldest operating carousel in the US, but you may find it hard to leave Ocean House, a recently restored historic hotel dating back to the late 1800s. It has a calendar of activities and its own private beach. But if you do gather up the energy to go, you can travel in style — you can even use one of the hotel's four Mercedes-Benzes without charge. (Photo via Ocean House)
Portland, Oregon: After years of growing fame for its food truck scene, local craft brews, spirits distilleries, and maker culture, this Pacific Northwest hipster hub is growing up with new luxury hotel openings, restaurants, and an expansion of things to do in its downtown neighborhoods. Newlyweds can explore it all from a home base at Hotel Modera in downtown's Fountains District, which has an underground Egyptian lounge, secret fountains, and Portland's first Mexican coffee house. (Photo via Hotel Modera)
New York City: A perfect mini-moon could start with dinner at romantic bistro Frenchette and then a long weekend stay at the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park. It can't get any more posh than sipping Champagne while overlooking Central Park in the updated club lounge, indulging in a treatment at the La Prairie Spa, or even just stealing away to your room with some King's County bourbon and North Fork potato chips from the honor bar. (Photo via Ritz-Carlton New York)
Stone Harbor, New Jersey: This area of Jersey's southern shore is known for its white sand beaches, local towns, and wetlands. For a totally relaxing, beachy mini-moon, The Reeds at Shelter Haven has everything you need, including a Turkish steam bath at its Salt Spa, made-to-order Coney Island "Wafflewitches" (ice cream sandwiches tucked into waffles), and even electric golf cart rides to the beach. (Photo via The Reeds at Shelter Haven)
La Paz, Mexico: The capital city of the Mexican state of Baja, the name of this town literally translates to "the peace" thanks to its relatively untouched marina and access to the Sea of Cortez. Newly developed resort Puerta Cortés serves as the gateway to the sea's rich natural ecosystems with rare whale sharks, dolphins, grey whales, humpbacks, orcas, sea lions and more. (Photo via Puerta Cortez)
Tuckers Town Smiths, Bermuda: An easy three-hour flight from the East Coast, Bermuda's pink sandy beaches are the perfect destination for a romantic mini-moon. Located on eight acres of coastline, The Loren at Pink Beach offers lovebirds uninterrupted views of the ocean and wellness offerings featuring local ingredients like hibiscus. Guests can end their day at one of The Loren’s two restaurants — the laid-back Pink Beach Club or fine dining Marée. (Photo via The Loren)
San Diego, California: This SoCal city and its surrounding towns have everything you need for a three-day trip, including incredible city center dining in the Gaslamp Quarter, some of the best surfing and kayaking on the West Coast, and some pretty magical sunsets. Long recognized as one of the world’s most romantic retreats, the Forbes triple five-star Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego is ideal for couples. Golf, play tennis, hike its 400-acre nature preserve, or just take in the resort's charming old-world vibe at one of four sparkling pools, inducing an adults-only relaxation pool. (Photo via San Diego)
O‘ahu, Hawaii: Home to the state capital of Honolulu, this Hawaiian island is known for history, culture, and outdoor adventure. It also has one of the best resort spas in all of the islands, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. Sitting on 21 acres of beautiful Ko Olina oceanfront on the leeward coast, you can spend days taking in treatments, such as the mineral-rich Lucky Legs, an omega-rich exfoliation with massage perfect for ameliorating lower leg stress from all that wedding dancing — ahh! (Photo via Aulani)
Royal Island, Bahamas: How about your very own private island escape? For couples looking for something really special, you can book one of five private villas on Royal Island, a private island located four miles from North Eleuthera, and 40 miles northeast of Nassau. Guests can fly into North Eleuthera from Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Nassau, where they’re met by staff for a 15-minute boat trip. While you're there, you can request meals from a private chef, chill out at the beach club, or even kayak, paddleboard, or cruise on the Royal Treatment boat to your own private sandbar for picnic lunch. (Photo via Royal Island)
Scottsdale, Arizona: Couples would be hard-pressed to find a more romantic night view than the sparkling lights of Paradise Valley at The Sanctuary at Camelback Resort and Spa, perched high above the Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, Arizona. The award-winning spa makes an ideal retreat for newlyweds coming down off of days of partying, complete with accommodations in a spacious private casita and daily breakfast in-room or at its health-focused restaurant Elements. (Photo via Sanctuary on Camelback)
Manchester, Vermont: With the Green Mountains encircling historic inn The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa right in the heart of downtown Manchester, you'll find a luxurious perch from which to discover this classic Vermont town. While you might want to spend the majority of time sinking into the Inn's comfy beds or relaxing at the pool and spa, you'll probably also want to try seasonal dinner (like maple syrup-crusted shepherd's pie) at or for something a little unique and adventurous, there's even a Falconry School and Land Rover Off-Roading Driving School right nearby. (Photo via Equinox Golf Resort & Spa)
Cle Elum, Washington: Pack your flannels and head 80 miles east of Seattle to Suncadia Resort, located on the sunny side of the Cascade Mountains. Taking cues from the area's rich history local wine cultivation, land conservancy, and herb harvesting, this 6,400-acre resort will have you snuggling up to your partner while enjoying the calming sounds of nature and basking in the fresh alpine air or enjoying one of the nightly fireside s’mores under a blanket of stars. (Photo via Suncadia)
Nashville, Tennessee: Nashville is really heating up at the moment, and if you love music, food, and nightlife, this is your perfect mini-moon destination. Bobby Hotel's edgy, polished vibe and location in the cool Printers Alley neighborhood just steps away from the music industry’s most iconic venues is the must-stay of the moment. When not catching local bands, you can hang out at its rooftop bar complete with retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser tour bus. (Photo via Bobby Hotel)
Panama City, Panama: With its miles of golden beach and tropical rainforests and location only a quick four-hour flight from many gateways in the US, this may very well be the ideal destination for a quick mini-moon getaway. With a view of ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal and Panama's famous purple sunsets, The Westin Playa Bonita's spacious suites with private balconies are the perfect place to celebrate your love. (Photo via The Westin Playa Bonita)
Key Largo, Florida: Not quite ready for the celebration to end? At coastal chic hotel-within-a-hotel The Hammocks at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, just one hour's drive down US1 in the Florida Keys, you can take in all of the Keys' fun activities by day and then retreat to one of 10 two-story private bungalows in the rare natural hammock trees by night. You'll even have your own private butler service for secluded dinners overlooking crimson sunsets. (Photo via Playa Largo Resort & Spa)
Finger Lakes, New York: A five-hour drive from New York City, this wine region has so much to explore and do, including nature adventures at Bristol Mountain's new High Point Terrain Park and cultural activities at the new Equal Rights Heritage Center paying homage to New York state's history of women's, LGBTQIA+ and civil rights. The Inns of Aurora is a romantic lakeside resort with totally unique guestrooms featuring fireplace and balconies overlooking Cayuga Lake. For something a little more zen, try Ayurveda-certified Director of Serenity for essential oil and tea blending classes, Ayurvedic consultations, and even tarot card reading. (Photo via The Inns of Aurora)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: This lush island dotted with bright colored homes has no traffic lights, no chain hotels or restaurants, no golf course, and no gated communities — and the dress code regularly calls for bare feet. Insta-friendly Bequia Beach Hotel, a family-owned resort, is styled as an authentic Caribbean escape reminiscent of yesteryear and offers access to some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling and the property's yacht, dubbed the Star of the Sea. Caribbean Airlines recently launched its nonstop flights from New York to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, making it even easier to reach. (Photo via Bequia)
Thousand Islands, New York: The town of Clayton on the shores of the St. Lawrence River is a picture-perfect destination for couples seeking an out-of-the-way getaway. From your perch at the scenic 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, spend a relaxed day exploring shops, restaurants, and the Clayton Opera House. Then tour the St. Lawrence River by boat and discover the romantic story of Boldt Castle, built by the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel as a symbol of love for his wife. You can also explore Thousand Islands Seaway Wine Trail, which features eight unique wineries, or sip spirits at the Clayton Distillery for a little after-hours fun. (Photo via Meghann Foye)
Asbury Park, New Jersey: Classic Jersey beach town Asbury Park has undergone a huge revitalization over the last 10 years, transforming the boardwalk and surrounding town into a hipster-friendly year-round resort area. This year will see the opening of boutique hotel Asbury Ocean Club, which will be home to Light of Day, the area's legendary music fest where hometown heroes Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi frequently play. Test out your bowling skills at the just reopened Asbury Lanes or get cozy at the outdoor fire pit. (Photo via Asbury Ocean Club)
Coast Starlight Trip, California: For a sweet, old-school trip, why not try a mini-moon by rail? You can take in sweeping views of California's coast from Los Angeles to Seattle on its Coast Starlight route — doesn't that just have a sweet ring to it? Covering the snow-covered peaks of the Cascades and Mount Shasta to the Pacific Ocean shoreline, The Coast Starlight is known as one of the rail service's most beautiful routes. (Photo via Amtrak)
Would you ever consider a mini-moon? Let us know by tweeting us @BritandCo.
This post has been updated.
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