The most romantic mini-moon ideas in the UK and Europe
If you like the sound of making your first holiday as a married couple a short and understated one, a romantic mini-moon could be the answer, whether it's the main event or a miniature honeymoon before designing a dream trip for the future.
For many, the stress of a wedding creates enough admin and planning a huge far-flung holiday only adds to the to-do list. A shorter (and short-haul) destination could be the solution. As an added bonus, there'll be no long flight times or jet-lag involved.
What is a mini-moon?
A mini-moon, or micro-moon, is a honeymoon closer to home that's shorter than the typical fortnight-long, exotic holiday that newlyweds take after their wedding. A mini-moon can last up to five days or simply take place over a long weekend, making them ideal for couples with demanding schedules, too.
While a mini-moon can be just as extravagant as a honeymoon, you'll usually spend less cash than on a full-length trip to the Indian Ocean, making it a superb option for couples on a budget. The savings resulting from foregoing a longer trip could allow you to go all out on the extras (suite upgrades, massages every day, fine dining…) during a mini-moon, too.
Mini-moons also mean less pressure for the perfect honeymoon and choosing a once-in-a-lifetime destination. You can keep it local on a mini-moon by visiting a romantic place in the UK, hop on the Eurostar for a short break in Europe or fly short-haul for a few nights away.
What are the best mini-moons for 2024?
Whether you're looking to stay in the UK for your first holiday as a married couple, or fancy a mini-break in the Med, you'll want to keep scrolling for our terrific mini-moon ideas, from Oxfordshire to Mallorca.
Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice, Italy
You won't find a more romantic European city for a mini-moon than Venice and at the Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, you can experience the Italian beauty spot in utmost style and luxury. It's one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Venice and every inch of this iconic hideaway is guaranteed to enchant, with its Michelin-starred gastronomy, the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in the city, tennis courts and exclusive tours.
The legendary hotel – which has been a Venetian icon since it opened in 1956, attracting American A-listers and European royalty – is across the lagoon from St Mark's Square, with a branded boat to shuttle guests back and forth, of course. You'll also be able to admire the Doge's Palace and the Campanile from afar.
Chewton Glen, Hampshire, UK
For an extraordinary mini-moon in the UK, Chewton Glen has five-star credentials and something a little different: namely, treehouses with a twist. Set in the gorgeous New Forest, the luxury hotel is the perfect place for mini-mooners to retreat. Its luxurious (not not even slightly rustic) treehouse accommodation is suspended 35 feet above ground with forest views through the canopy of trees. Stay in the Treehouse Hideaway Suite, which comes with a wood burner, a walk-in shower, an outdoor hot tub and a free-standing bath with views of the surrounding woods in the marble bathroom.
When you're ready to emerge from your romantic sanctuary, stroll over (or jump in a golf buggy) to the hotel's superb spa, where you can enjoy treatments by brands such as Oskia, OTO and Natura Bissé. If you're reluctant to leave, couple's rituals can be performed in your suite instead, since it's the perfect peaceful setting. Afterwards, you can stroll around the estate's 130 acres and down to the shore – once you cross the road outside of the hotel, it's a short walk through the woods to the Chewton Bunny reserve by the beach.
La Chevre d'Or, Eze, France
The flight from London to Nice is a mere two hours, bringing you the glitz and glamour of the South of France in less time than it can take to drive to a UK mini-moon spot. Once you arrive, you can make your way to picturesque Eze, where the luxurious La Chevre d'Or awaits. An open-air museum with glorious gardens, the hotel offers epic views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, unforgettable fine dining and a magical setting worth flying for.
The hill-top haven is scented by bougainvillea, jasmine and roses, with sculptures, waterfalls and fountains gracing the grounds. More incredible views of the French Riviera await out on the terrace, which is the perfectly romantic spot for sunset, and there's an alfresco café too, with a wood-fired pizza oven and yet more glimpses of the Med.
La Perla Villas and Suites, Santorini, Greece
Set in the stunning village of Oia, La Perla Villas and Suites provides a spectacular base for a picturesque mini-moon on the Greek island of Santorini. It's not just the sunsets that you'll be mesmerised by here, as the adults-only retreat is the perfect place to hole away for a few nights, with its complex of cave houses and villas that you can book for a romantic stay. Some feature hot tubs, while others come with their own infinity pools.
Oia is one of the most famous spots on Santorini, and you'll be well placed for evening strolls through the pretty town in time for one of the island's unmissable sunsets. Or you may want to stay put in your suite at this hotel on the edge of the caldera to catch the nightly display without the crowds – just order some champagne to enjoy in your hot tub or pool.
Ca Na Xica, Ibiza, Spain
A former country estate converted into a stylish hotel, Ca Na Xica is perfect for an island mini-moon in the Balearics. This Ibizan beauty blends harmoniously into its surroundings, with gorgeous suites, which have either a private terrace or balcony. It's a haven of peace in the northeast of Ibiza, where you can while away the sun-drenched days by the swimming pool, dine at restaurant Salvia and be pampered in the spa.
Ibiza may be more commonly associated with hardcore clubbing, but it's actually also perfect for a more relaxing kind of holiday, with its famously good vibes (something to do with its magnetic energy, said to emanate off Es Vedrà rock), spectacular sunsets and beautiful nature. More wholesome activities on offer on the island include hiking coastal trails and exploring gorgeous inland villages such as Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera.
Villa Cora, Florence, Italy
For a swoon-worthy mini-moon hotel that oozes decadence and classic elegance, check into Villa Cora, a 19th-century villa outside Florence. The converted noble estate overlooks the romantic Boboli Gardens and features opulent rooms and lavish spaces. Memorable meals are served in the Moorish Room, a grand hall with a domed ceiling and original frescoes, and at Le Bistrot. The Bellevue roof terrace is the place to watch amazing sunsets, and the heated pool is open all year round for pure relaxation.
As with most of Italy, Florence scores highly on the romance front. And if you want to spend your mini-moon living like a Medici, Villa Cora is the patrician pad for you. Brides can continue their good pre-wedding habits with a trip to the hotel's spa for a Sarah Chapman facial; body rituals by historic Florentine brand Santa Maria Novella are also on offer.
Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire, UK
One for mini-mooners looking to go on a culinary journey, Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons is a truly special place to escape. The work of celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, this romantic retreat boasts all the ingredients for a foodie adventure. From the sprawling kitchen garden and orchards to the serene Japanese garden and Raymond's brilliant cookery school, to the sumptuous bedrooms with wonderful names, such as Lavande, this boutique hotel was made for lovers.
It has been one of the finest hotels in England for almost four decades now and is the frequent star of bucket lists all over the world. You may be in rural Oxfordshire, but it's a little slice of Provence, with a honey-coloured manor at its heart. Elegant touches include the charmingly Gallic toile de Jouy wallpaper, roll-top bath tubs and canopied beds.
Red has an exclusive offer for a stay at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir, including a five-course dinner and champagne on arrival.
Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain
For simple Mediterranean luxury, Cap Rocat in the Bay of Palma is the perfect spot at which to mini-moon. The former military fortress, built in the 19th century, is now a romantic hideaway with 30 rooms and suites, and a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for a post-wedding trip. The hotel is surrounded by 85 acres of private land and two kilometres of protected coastline. From the spa, carved out of the depths of the rocks, to the sought-after and secluded Sentinel Suites for complete calm, this unique hotel is ideal for newlyweds.
The fort's original bunkers, drawbridge and trenches form a part of the striking architecture, most of which is made from golden sandstone – and even the infinity pool was built onto the existing ramparts. The retreat is on its own peninsula, which adds to the feeling of blissful isolation.
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