15 Amazingly Romantic Mini-Moon Getaways For Newlyweds

There's no better way to decompress after the big event.

Jetting off on your honeymoon the night of your wedding is a romantic notion that may be a bit unrealistic these days. Receptions are ending later, budgets are becoming tighter, and scheduling a seamless departure is nearly impossible. But just because you can’t get away for a much-needed two-week vacation after the excitement of your nuptials doesn’t mean you can’t take a quick trip — or, as it's better known in wedding terms, a mini-moon.

What are mini-moons?

It’s important to take a few days to decompress after a wedding, but it can be costly for many couples to spend money on a long trip so soon after dropping some serious cash on a lavish affair. That’s why more and more newlyweds are opting for a mini-moon, which is an abbreviated honeymoon (for example, a weekend getaway in a nearby location). Mini-moons are usually either a few hours’ drive away or a short flight to somewhere relaxing and romantic. It’s just enough time to reflect on the whirlwind of the wedding, but without the commitment or planning of an over-the-top honeymoon. Some couples will simply go on a mini-moon, while others will use the quick trip as a pre-honeymoon before the real deal a few months or a year later. The trend has become so popular that some hotels are even offering tailored packages around these short getaways, with perks like Champagne, spa services, and private dinners.

Whether you’re in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, or elsewhere in the U.S., there is a nearby destination ready to cater to your every need. From Mexico and Colorado to upstate New York, here are 15 fantastic mini-moon ideas.

StolenTime by Rendezvous, St. Lucia

The whole premise of StolenTime (about a four-hour flight from Atlanta) is that it's an adults-only all-inclusive resort that caters to couples. The staff goes out of their way to organize romantic dinners in a secluded area on the property or set the mood in guest rooms with music, flower petals, candles, exotic scents, Champagne, and truffles. During the days, you're free to relax on the beach or indulge in a massage at the spa.

Viceroy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

If you want to get out of the country without sitting through a long-haul flight, head to this Mexican retreat. The resort is all about igniting a spark with its numerous romantic amenities. Their private luxury villas come with romantic plunge pools, and you can arrange experiences like turndown with a bottle of sparkling wine, a butler to set the stage for romance with candles and music, a couples massage, or a private three-course dinner on the beach.

Madeline Hotel & Residences, Telluride, Colorado

In the heart of Telluride's Mountain Village, this luxury property is the epitome of an idyllic mini-moon destination. Between its convenient ski-in, ski-out or hike-in, hike-out location, spa with a variety of nature-inspired therapies, and fine-dining experiences, you're guaranteed to have a romantic trip. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel also offers an in-room "bath bar" and "bath barista," who comes to rooms to customize the bath with bath salts and body oil infused with lemon, juniper, cardamom, and more.

The Roundhouse, Beacon, New York

Located next to the rushing falls of Fishkill Creek, on the corner of Beacon's charmingly eclectic Main Street, this Hudson Valley hotel is ideal for a quick trip from the tri-state area. Spend a couple of days in the penthouse, with its private deck overlooking the water along with complimentary wine and cheese. And if you feel like leaving your luxe suite, charming Beacon is known for its art scene, unique eateries, and shopping.

Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona

Built around the thermal waters of Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs invites couples to blissfully soak away their wedding stress. At the 200-acre resort, which is located about an hour north of Phoenix, guests can enjoy all-inclusive access to its mineral-rich natural pools, daily activities like guided hikes and yoga classes, and farm-to-table meals. For couples craving a high-octane adventure, the resort’s Via Ferrata adventure course provides a chance to bond while traversing a 200-foot-long aerial walkway suspended over the Sonoran Desert's canyon floor.

Rosewood CordeValle, San Martin, California

This secluded luxury resort is located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California's wine country, making it the ideal hideaway after an eventful wedding. The 1,700-acre property boasts an 18-hole golf course and is within steps of a beautiful 150-acre vineyard, where you can arrange a picnic, hike a three-mile vineyard trail, or visit the Clos LaChance winery. Book a Villa Suite and you’ll enjoy the bonus of an outdoor hot tub that looks over the lush Hayes valley.

Sea Island Resort, Georgia

An easy drive from Jacksonville or Savannah, this five-star resort is an ideal destination for a romantic mini-moon on a private island. In addition to enjoying the property's five miles of private beach, guests can tee off on one of three championship golf courses, go horseback riding, try salt marsh kayaking, or take tennis lessons with a pro.

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

No need to break out your passport for this tropical island getaway. Just a few hours away by flight from many spots on the East Coast, the beachfront property in Puerto Rico offers a Stay in Love package. You’ll get accommodations, daily breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate truffles, a poolside cabana rental, and a 5 p.m. late checkout. During the stay, couples can enjoy access to two championship golf courses, a two-mile stretch of beach, tennis courts, and a 7,000-square-foot spa.

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona

There’s no better way to get away from it all than heading out into the desert. Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this property provides couples with the option of serenity or adventure. From the breathtaking location in the Sonoran Desert to the creative cuisine, the desert oasis offers newlyweds couples treatments at the La Paloma Spa & Salon, access to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and more.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico

Los Cabos is a popular retreat for Southern Californians, as it’s only about a two-hour flight from Los Angeles. You’ll instantly be transported away from any chaos back home as you walk through a private tunnel to reach the oceanfront resort. At the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, suites are more like luxury apartments, with full kitchens, sweeping views of the Pacific, and private plunge pools — so you’ll never have to leave your room. Couples can book the Sun-kissed Love Package, which includes romantic experiences like a floating breakfast in the plunge pool, a private dinner on the beach, and rose petal turndown service.

L'Auberge Carmel, California

With its stunning sunsets, sun-kissed beaches, and tranquil pace, picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea is regarded as one of the country’s most romantic destinations. Those looking to stay in the heart of town should look no further than L’Auberge Carmel, which is located within walking distance of art galleries, restaurants, and the beach. The highlight of the property is its Michelin-starred restaurant, Aubergine, which celebrates seasonal ingredients from the region. Couples who book the hotel’s romantic package can enjoy a two-night stay in one of the individually designed guest rooms, dinner at Aubergine with wine pairings, and the signature breakfast for two.

Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

For anyone getting married in New England, Watch Hill, Rhode Island is the quintessential destination to relax and unwind afterward. The seaside Ocean House with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean is home to the only Forbes Five-Star spa in the state. After a couples massage at the 12,000-square-foot spa or a romantic walk on the beach, newlyweds can enjoy dinner at Coast, the property's AAA Five-diamond restaurant.

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

To get a little bit further away without spending your whole day on a flight, jet off to Antigua. The flight takes less than four hours from Miami, and once you're at this beachside property, all you have to do is relax. Curtain Bluff allows couples to customize their mini-moon with experiences like a private picnic on the beach, a scuba diving adventure, or a couples massage. The property is designed with plenty of secluded spots to savor each other’s company including swings, day beds, and plunge pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles

There’s a reason celebrities flock to the Hotel Bel-Air for a little escape. The romantic hideaway, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, is dotted with footbridges, gardens, fountain courtyards, and swans swimming in a lake. There are a number of package deals to choose from that include perks likelike a private suite and daily breakfast.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico

Only a three-hour flight from Southern California, this top resort offers the perfect romantic atmosphere for a long weekend away. Couples can relax in the adults-only Tamai Pool, learn how to blend their own tequila, or enjoy a private sunset dinner on “The Rock,” an overlook perched high above the Pacific, followed by an intimate star-gazing session.

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