Minimoon;
noun /ˈmɪn.i.muːn/ /ˈmɪn.i.muːn/
a short break spent together by a newly married couple, typically in advance of a longer holiday to be taken at a later date.
Many couples are choosing to save the big trip for a little later after the wedding, and are jetting off to a short-haul location for a few days to unwind. We’ve rounded up our top 10 minimoon destinations:
SANTORINI
Santorini is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The whitewashed, cliff top villages are a beautiful contrast to the dark, blue Mediterranean sea sparkling below. It’s the perfect spot for some quality downtime with delicious food, luxury hotels and sandy beaches. Make sure to take in the views of the volcanic landscapes and book a boat trip to see the beauty from a different angle. Don’t miss the epic sunsets - they really are out of this world.
COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is perfect for foodies, art lovers and stylish couples alike. There is plenty to see here, from the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront, the grand Rosenborg Castle, the cultural National Museum of Denmark and of course Tivoli Gardens. The food in Copenhagen is some of the best in the world: there are 3 of the world’s top 50 restaurants here: Noma, Geranium and Relæ. Spend your days cycling, drinking coffee, eating pastries and enjoying the city like a local.
ISLE OF SKYE
The perfect location for lovers of walking, wilderness and whisky, the Isle of Skye has so much to offer. Explore the jurassic coastline, ancient castles and breathtaking beaches before relaxing in your Scottish lodge. Take a dip in a fairypool, or take a boat out to sea to spot seals, sea otters and porpoises and finish your day with a whisky tour at one of the isle’s many distilleries. There is plenty of fresh seafood on offer so be sure to make the most of the great restaurants and their super fresh ingredients. Skye is also a beautiful place for an elopement, a private wedding for just the two of you.
AMALFI COAST
Famed for its stunning coastline, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of our top minimoon retreats. Speckled with beautiful seaside towns with bustling cafes, top restaurants and luxurious clifftop resorts, there is really something here for everyone. Spend your time sipping cocktails by the sea, enjoying a cooking class and learning how to make authentic Italian dishes, driving the scenic highway winding along the Mediterranean sea and relaxing into the evening with a sunset cruise, watching the lights twinkle up the cliffside.
ICELAND
Take a trip north to Iceland to witness its dramatic scenery, catch the northern lights, explore the glaciers, geysers and volcanoes and take a dip in Blue Lagoon, one of the many natural geothermal pools, and take advantage of their natural treatments. There are plenty of luxury hotels providing the perfect spot to relax and be pampered after a day full of adventure along with great restaurants serving some of the best in new Nordic cuisine.
LISBON
The perfect mix of city and beach destination, Lisbon really is the best of both worlds. A hub of great restaurants, bars, museums and galleries all just a stone’s throw from beautiful beaches with great surf spots. Explore the streets and soak up some of the culture and history, have lunch at the fantastic food market, take the funicular up one of Lisbon’s seven hills and make sure to hit some rooftop bars to soak in all of Lisbon’s beauty. And be sure to try some of Lisbon’s famous Pasteis de Belem, little custard tarts which are heavenly.
MARRAKECH
A North African melting-pot, Marrakech is a bustling city filled with scents of exotic spices, friendly locals, beautiful artisanal wares and a buzzing atmosphere. Stay in a riad and be treated like royalty with pots of fresh mint tea and homemade delicacies. Be sure to visit the busy market square Jmaa el-Fna, get lost in the souks, filling your luggage with handmade treasures and make time for a couples hammam experience. Don’t miss Jardin Majorelle, a stunning garden filled with the most beautiful colours, once owned by Yves Saint Lauren. For the more adventurous couples, take the short trip to the Atlas mountains.
BARCELONA
In the heart of Catalonia lies Barcelona, a city rich in culture and history, glamour and romance. With endless things to see, food to eat and wine to drink, you won’t be short of things to do. Explore the cities sights, grab a tapas lunch at the local market and make sure to eat paella, washed down with sangria at the beachfront. Don’t miss the Sagrada Familia, a huge basilica designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudi along with other masterpieces dotted throughout the city such as Parc Guell and Casa Battlo. Wander down Las Ramblas and try to leave some time to relax on the Barceloneta beach. Many hotels have rooftop pools which are the perfect spot to escape the bustling streets and enjoy some alone time together.
DEVON
Escape to the seaside, without the need to take a flight (if you live in England, Wales or Scotland!). With beautiful beaches, chocolate-box villages and stunning landscapes to explore inland too there is plenty to explore. Enjoy cream teas (in Devon the clotted cream goes first, followed by the jam!), strolls through the countryside from pub to pub and picnics on the beach. There are plenty of romantic cottages, luxury hotels and oceanfront properties to choose from, all with scenic views. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not give surfing or water-skiing a go! And don’t forget the ice-cream!
