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

Scotland is wonderfully romantic whether in the long days of summer or the crisp short days of winter when you can snuggle up beside a real fire. Check out this 4-night Classic Scottish honeymoon which takes in the Trossachs, the Glencoe Pass and a ferry across to the Isle of Skye. Luxury hotels and great food are guaranteed.

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.

Gwel an Mor overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the north coast of Cornwall with wood-built lodges, some with private hot tubs. The hotel also boasts a spa and heated indoor pool.

Other luxury hotels in the UK that I recommend include The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey and Pentre Mawr Country House in Wales.

Self-catering is another great option for a mini moon. Rent a cottage in the Cotswolds or Yorkshire Dales with Rural Retreats.

If you want somewhere different, how about renting one of the fabulous quirky properties at Sawday’s Canopy & Stars. They have yurts, gypsy caravans, love nests in private woodland glades and this amazing uber-designed Ekopod in Cornwall.

Mini moons in Europe

The Cote d’Azur in France is a glamorous and sophisticated honeymoon destination, and easy to reach by a short flight or super-fast train from St Pancras. My recommended hotels include Le Negresco in Nice, the Hotel Metropole in Monaco and Chateau Eza perched on a cliff top in the medieval village of Eze.

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.

If you’re looking for short-haul sunshine in winter, I recommend Madeira. Stay in a beautifully renovated quinta (country house) and take fabulous walks in the rolling countryside. More about honeymoons in Madeira.

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.

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.