Trip Ideas Honeymoon Destinations 15 Amazingly Romantic Mini-Moon Getaways For Newlyweds There's no better way to decompress after the big event. By Jordi Lippe-McGraw Jordi Lippe-McGraw Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a freelance writer and editor covering travel, parenting, and wellness. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries on all seven continents (including Antarctica while five months pregnant) and equally loves penguins and truffles. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 12, 2024 Fact checked by Kevin Ford Fact checked by Kevin Ford Kevin Ford is a fact-checker with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital media. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Close Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts 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 nice to take a few days to decompress after a wedding, but it can be impractical to spend money on a long trip immediately after dropping some serious cash on a lavish affair. That’s why more newlyweds are opting to go on a mini-moon, a two- to five-night romantic getaway in a nearby destination. Mini-moons offer just enough time to reflect on the whirlwind of the wedding without the commitment or planning of an over-the-top honeymoon. Some couples will only 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 offer tailored packages around these celebratory stays, 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's a nearby mini-moon destination for you. From Mexico and Colorado to upstate New York and the Caribbean, here are 15 fantastic mini-moon ideas. 01 of 15 Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia Courtesy of Jade Mountain Resort Jade Mountain Resort is an adults-only resort that caters to nature-loving couples. Architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy designed the property in harmony with St. Lucia’s southwestern coastline, so each of the 24 infinity pool “sanctuaries” (suites) boasts unobstructed views of Petit Piton and Gros Piton, two volcanic peaks that rise majestically from the Caribbean Sea. Couples can relax in privacy and access the amenities of sister property Anse Chastanet, including several restaurants and two pristine beaches. Jade Mountain Resort offers a Total Romance package, which includes accommodations, meals, drinks, airport transfers, spa treatments, guided tours, and other services and amenities, so you and your loved one can completely unwind at this 600-acre oasis. 50 Best Honeymoon Destinations Around the World 02 of 15 Viceroy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico Viceroy Riviera Maya The private-pool villas feel like living in your own little slice of jungle. If you want to get out of the country without sitting through a long-haul flight, head to Viceroy Riviera Maya. 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. "The private-pool villas feel like living in your own little slice of jungle, and the beachfront pool is a great hangout spot," said T+L editorial director Nina Ruggiero after a 2021 stay. 03 of 15 Madeline Hotel & Residences, Telluride, Colorado Madeline Hotel and Residences In the heart of Telluride's Mountain Village, Madeline Hotel & Residences is an idyllic mini-moon destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its convenient ski-in, ski-out (or hike-in, hike-out) location, spa with nature-inspired therapies, and fine-dining experiences, the property offers a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel also boasts an in-room "bath bar" and "bath barista," who will prep your romantic soak with bath salts and body oil infused with lemon, juniper, cardamom, and more. 04 of 15 The Roundhouse, Beacon, New York This Hudson Valley hotel, which occupies a converted textile factory in the charming art-filled town of Beacon, is ideal for a quick trip from the tri-state area. Spend a couple of days in the penthouse, with its circular soaker tub, spa-like shower with two showerheads, and private deck overlooking Fishcreek Falls. And if you feel like leaving your luxe suite, Beacon is known for its art galleries like the Dia Beacon, craft breweries, and artisanal shops. 05 of 15 Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona Courtesy of Castle Hot Springs Built around the thermal waters of Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs invites couples to soak away their wedding stress. At the 1,100-acre resort in the Sonoran Desert, 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 experience, the resort’s Via Ferrata adventure course provides a chance to bond while traversing a 200-foot-long aerial walkway suspended over the canyon floor. 06 of 15 Rosewood CordeValle, San Martin, California Rosewood CordeValle Situated in California's Santa Cruz wine region, Rosewood CordeValle is a picturesque hideaway for couples looking to sip and swing 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 overlooks the fairway and lush Hayes Valley. 07 of 15 Sea Island Resort, Georgia Sea Island An easy drive from Jacksonville or Savannah, the five-star Sea Island 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. 08 of 15 The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Less than a four-hour flight from many cities on the East Coast, Puerto Rico offers a beach-meets-jungle escape — no passport required. You can't go wrong with Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, which offers rooms and suites overlooking a two-mile stretch of beach or the El Yunque National Forest. Play on two championship golf courses, relax in a poolside cabana, dine at nine on-site restaurants, and pamper yourself at the 7,000-square-foot spa. Couples yearning for more adventure can also fill their days with snorkeling, horseback riding, and rain forest tours organized by the resort. 09 of 15 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona Westin La Paloma A romantic escape doesn't always have to include a beach. Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa provides couples with a serene, wellness-filled escape in the Sonoran Desert. Newlyweds can indulge in couples spa treatments, dine at six on-site restaurants, and access a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The real highlight here is the property's six pools, which include a 177-foot waterslide and an adults-only oasis with a mineral waterfall. 10 of 15 Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico We spent our days spotting whales from our suite's private plunge pool, walking on the beach, and eating ceviche by the pool. 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 tunnel to reach the oceanfront resort. At the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, villas feel like your home away from home 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. "When I say it's tucked away, I mean it: there's a stone tunnel through a mountain that separates the hotel from the rest of Cabo San Lucas, said T+L senior editor Maya Kachroo-Levine after a 2022 stay. "We spent our days spotting whales from our suite's private plunge pool, walking on the beach, and eating ceviche by the pool." 11 of 15 L'Auberge Carmel, California Courtyard at L'Auberge Carmel. Courtesy of L'Auberge Carmel With its stunning sunsets, sun-kissed beaches, and tranquil pace, picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea is 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 Getaway 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. 12 of 15 Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island Ocean House For anyone getting married in New England, Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is the quintessential destination to relax and unwind afterward. The seaside Ocean House boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic and a 12,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with complimentary yoga and pilates classes. After a couples massage paired with bubbly or a romantic walk on the beach, newlyweds can enjoy dinner at Coast, the property's AAA Five-diamond restaurant. 13 of 15 Curtain Bluff, Antigua Curtain Bluff 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 beachfront resort Curtain Bluff, all you have to do is relax. All 72 rooms and suites are just steps away from the powdery white sand, and some feature terraces with private plunge pools. Couples can 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 and day beds overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 14 of 15 Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles Hotel Bel-Air There’s a reason celebrities flock to the Hotel Bel-Air for an escape. Since 1946, the romantic boutique hotel has offered a welcomed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The 12-acre property features stunning gardens filled with sculptures, fountain courtyards, an oval-shaped pool, and swans swimming in a lake. Couples can choose from a variety of plush rooms and suites, some of which come with fireplaces and private pools. Don't miss the spa's signature Bel-Air Couple's Retreat, a tandem massage followed by a romantic bath in a candle-lit sanctuary. 15 of 15 Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts Only a three-hour flight from Southern California, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita was named one of the best resorts in Mexico by T+L readers. The beachfront property offers romantic plunge pool suites and elevated dining experiences that are perfect 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. Updated by Julia Eskins Julia Eskins Julia Eskins is a writer and editor covering travel, design, and culture. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, National Geographic, and more. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries, lived in five, and currently calls Toronto home. learn more