Mini moon ideas

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 honeymoons

If you’re planning a honeymoon but don’t have the time – or perhaps the budget – for a fortnight in the sun, you should consider a mini moon.

A mini moon can be every bit as glamorous and indulgent as a longer honeymoon – so long as you get the location right. With only a short time away from home, you clearly don’t want to spend too long travelling. It’s all about finding a gorgeous place to stay and settling down quickly to a few days of fun and relaxation.

Here you’ll find a selection of my favourite mini moon destinations in the UK and overseas.

UK mini moons

The Cary Arms – owned by Peter de Savary and his wife Lana – is one of the most sophisticated hotels in Devon. The hotel is set above Babbacombe Bay and is the best of modern British seaside chic. There’s a bijou spa room and a space-age pod for wedding vows with breathtaking sea views.

Other luxury hotels in the UK that I recommend include Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath, Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa in West Sussex, The Lugger Hotel in Cornwall, The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey and Pentre Mawr Country House in Wales.

Self-catering is another great option for a mini moon. I love the beautiful cottages offered by Coastal Retreats on the Northumberland coast (okay, I am biased – it’s where I’m from. But it is gorgeous and criminally under-rated).

For an upmarket self-catering experience in Cornwall try the The Sail Lofts St Ives. Or rent in the Cotswolds or Yorkshire Dales with Rural Retreats.

Alladale Wilderness Reserve is a 23,000- acre nature reserve in the Scottish Highlands. Romantic and private, it’s a perfect escape for a few days. Hide away in Ghillie’s Rest Lodge where activities include mountain biking, pony-trekking, clay pigeon shooting and fly-fishing.

Another honeymoon option in Scotland is a short stay at a luxury hotel in Edinburgh followed by a driving tour of the Western Isles in a rented classic or sports car such as a Mini Cooper S convertible or Aston Martin DB9.

And if you want exotic beaches without leaving the UK, try the Isles of Scilly.

Mini moons in Europe

Amsterdam is a beautiful romantic city, easily reached by train or short flight. Rent bikes, explore the canals, take a cruise, visit the open-air markets and unwind at funky bars and jazz clubs. My recommended hotel is The Dylan.

For something spectacular – and incredibly romantic – how about a honeymoon at Sweden’s Ice Hotel.

On the South coast of France, between Nice and Monaco, the Château de la Chèvre d’Or offers the perfect combination of rest and relaxation, superb views and Michelin-starred food.

For old-fashioned glamour and indulgence, you can’t beat a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London followed by a couple of nights at a luxury hotel in Venice.

Italy has no shortage of options. I particularly like the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa on the stunning island of Capri. You could also make a quick dash for Tuscany and stay in one of these fabulous hotels. Or stay on the shores of Lake Como at a classic hotel such as the Villa d’Este or the charming family-owned Hotel du Lac.

Be pampered at The K Club which combines fine Irish hospitality with five-star living and a gorgeous spa. Golfers are in heaven with two championship courses and there’s fly-fishing on the Liffey, horse-riding and clay-pigeon shooting.

If you have cash to splash, how about departing in style on a private jet. You could do a day trip to France with lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant, or a stay at the medieval Chateau de Bagnols, or a few nights at the Hotel Metropole in Monaco. Choose the UK airport most convenient for you and your aircraft will be waiting to whisk you away at a time to suit you.

More honeymoon advice by Jane Anderson

Need help with arrangements? Read Jane’s advice on honeymoon planning

Advice on getting married abroad and beach weddings.

Looking for more inspiration? Here’s a selection of honeymoon packages

Short of cash? Find out about honeymoons on a budget.

>> Find more ideas on our homepage plus deals, ideas and advice in Jane’s Honeychat section.