Wedding season has commenced, but busy lifestyles mean that newlyweds aren't always able to swing the traditional two-week honeymoon, and let's face it, time and money don’t grow on trees. Enter the mini moon: A long weekend escape during which you and your darling can bask in post-wedding bliss (but in a realistic way). From the tranquil beaches of Mexico to the rolling hills of of Napa, these destinations are ideal for two.
1. An Eco-Escape in Mexico
To keep the wow-factor going after the reception, visit Casa Cuixmala, once a private family estate situated on the Mexican Pacific and surrounded by jungle terrain, exotic wildlife (hello, zebras!), and 30,000 exquisite acres of UNESCO-recognized eco-reserve. Cuixmala blends Moroccan, Indian, and Mexican influences throughout the property, showcasing brightly colored interiors, intricately embroidered textiles, and hand-crafted furnishings. Explore the property via foot or on horseback, via a vast network of trails. You'll likely encounter herds of the aforementioned zebra, antelope, and exotic bird species. When you’re not getting down with nature, lounge in a hammock along the white sand beaches of Caleta Blanca, a calm bay ideal for whale watching and dolphin sightings. Throughout the weekend you can dine on healthy, hyper-local dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from Cuixmala's very own organic farm and ranch.
2. An Easy Retreat on the East End
If you only have a few days to slip away post-nuptials, post up at one of the newest additions to The Hamptons, Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina in Montauk, NY. Spend your days sipping on watermelon margaritas and eating fish tacos at The Pool Club, take surf lessons on the private beach, and pencil in a boat day at the onsite marina. Less party and more refined than the stereotypical Hamptons scene, Gurney's Star Island is an ideal place to relax with nightly live music, cool outdoor fire pits, and convenient eating options in close proximity— from Il Forno’s wood oven pizza restaurant to fresh caught seafood at the newly opened Showfish Bar.
3. A Posh Getaway in the Berkshires
Set on 110 acres of rolling hills and majestic gardens, Blantyre resort’s gilded age mansion allows you to take a step back in time (it was built in 1902!). Spend the morning perfecting your backhand on the tennis courts or partake in a leisurely game of croquet. In the afternoons, you can master your cooking skills with a lesson from Blantyre's chef and follow it up with a wine tasting in the onsite cellar. Venture off the grounds for a summer concert at Tanglewood in Lennox, MA, home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where they host jazz concerts and performances from visiting artists. For dinner, make a reservation at either The Bistro, serving casual brasserie-style cuisine, or The Conservatory, Blantyre’s fine dining restaurant with a five-course farm-to-table experience. Post-dinner, toast yourselves at The Champagne Salon’s indoor/outdoor lounge, where they serve inventive cocktails featuring Dom Pérignon and exclusive specialty vintages. Cheers!
4. A Parisian Dream Weekend
Keep the romance alive with a long weekend away in the city of lights. Located in the center of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the newly renovated Hotel Lutetia is one of the best known and most beautiful in the Left Bank. Though the space's historic bones date back to 1910, old elements seamlessly blend with the new. Ethereal frescos and romantic moldings contrast modern amenities, like a holistic spa with an indoor lap pool and a secluded cocktail lounge with hardwood paneling and deep leather couches—ideal for cheersing all evening long. For a celebratory dinner, make a reservation at Le Saint Germain, serving cuisine inspired from Executive Chef Benjamin Brial’s global travels. Stroll through the Tuileries, visit The Picasso museum, or take a day trip to Versailles, and spend your afternoons reminiscing and making plans with a glass of wine (or two) at one of Paris's many romantic outdoor bistros.
5. A Southern Sanctuary in Texas
Explore the romantic side of Texas Hill Country by checking into the Inn at Dos Brisas, a former private estate transformed into Spanish style casitas set on an impressive 313 acres. Honeymoon amongst private heated plunge pools, roaring fireplaces, and mission-style antique décor. Get the ultimate ranch experience with horseback riding classes (the staff will set you up with a gourmet picnic lunch to take with you) and fishing expeditions, or spend your days perfecting your golf swing at several local country clubs. Take a fragrant afternoon stroll through the rose garden—which boasts 150 different varietals, get after your green thumb with a lesson in the garden, and book an in-room massage or a private poolside treatment. Afternoon wines and cheeses are served in the lounge daily, but don’t fill up—the inn’s restaurant is the only Forbes five-star in Texas. Cozy up in the intimate mahogany dining room and savor world-class dishes accompanied by wine from the 7,000 bottle cellar.
6. Sip and Cycling in Napa Valley
For active newlyweds who want to live out their Sommelier dreams, DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. will give you a mini moon unlike any other. Leave the planning to the experts, as they create a four-day bike tour that will immerse you in the behind-the-scenes bustle of Cali wine country. You’ll ride along the Pacific coast into Sonoma’s redwood forest and across California’s most celebrated wineries. Picnic under 1,400-year-old redwood trees, discover scenic backroads, and explore the historic towns studded across Sonoma and Napa Valley. You’ll pop into tasting rooms to sample wine along the route, meet local artisans, and dine in some of the region's award-winning restaurants. Want to sleep in, book a massage, and lounge poolside? You'll have down time to do all of that too.
7. A Theatrical Miami Oasis
A trip to Miami is always a good idea, but for a mini moon, get away from the South Beach bustle and stay at Faena Hotel Miami Beach—a destination in and of itself. With interiors designed by Baz Luhrmann and his wife, award winning costume designer Catherine Martin (of The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge), the fantastical hotel expands your imagination. Gold flecked walls, theatrical murals, and iconic artworks, like Damien Hirst’s gold woolly mammoth sculpture, make Faena a fantastical place to spend a few days. For the ultimate spa experience, book a couple’s treatment at the onsite Tierra Santa Healing House, making sure to stop by the wet spa for a pre-treatment experience: a cleansing waterfall shower followed by a jasmine-infused hammam and a pause at the calming herbal steam room, sauna, and heated stone beds. At night, take in a cabaret show at the Faena Theatre after eating dinner at Argentinean Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman or Asian-inspired Pao by Paul Qui. For a special night out on the town, book a reservation at Hiden, an eight-seat omakese experience that's a feast for the senses, offering a multi-course sushi-inspired menu at a super secret location you enter through The Taco Stand.
8. Newlywed Adventures in New York City
An urban adventure can be just as luxurious as a beach vacay, and The Baccarat’s entire existence will prove just that. The luxurious midtown oasis is one of the most regal places to spend your New York City 'moon, with an extraordinary art collection, a dedicated La Mer spa, and a cabana-lined heated pool on premisis. With your backyard none other than Central Park, spend your morning with a stroll through the tulips, checking out the MoMA, and exploring the newly opened Hudson Yards. Just be sure to be back by 3-ish so you can indulge in The Baccarat’s afternoon tea, surrounded by roses, baccarat crystal, and a feast of finger sandwiches, caviar, and champagne. If you want an alternative to Broadway, arrange tickets for a performance at Lincoln Center (home of the New York City Ballet, Julliard, and the Met Opera) and book dinner at one of New York City’s hotspots, maybe the fashionable Polo Bar? Or try an old standby, like One if by Land, Two if by Sea, the ultra-romantic restaurant that served as Aaron Burr’s former carriage house, built in 1767.
9. Nature-Filled Fun in Colorado
The picturesque mountains of Colorado aren't relegated to the winter season. Their beauty is even more apparent come warmer months, with lush greenery, breathtaking views, and dwindling crowds. Offering great deals for a super luxe stay in the off-season, The Ritz Bachelor Gulch is the perfect basecamp for an adventurous mini moon, filled with days spent hiking, fly fishing, and wine tasting, and nights spent around a campfire enjoying bluegrass, barbecue, and stargazing. For a bit of R&R, unwind with a river stone massage at the spa and dive into a good book at one of the poolside cabanas. Be sure to secure a reservation at Anderson’s Cabin for a special dinner to kick off your newly minted marriage. Enjoy sweeping views of Vail Valley, and a private farm-to-table meal with nothing but the West's best seasonal ingredients.
10. Secluded Beach Vibes in The Bahamas
If you just want a bit of privacy after all of the hubbub, visit The Other Side's gorgeous solar powered glamping retreat on the island of Eleuthera—just a boat ride away from the resort town of Harbour Island. Choose to stay in a luxurious (and eco-friendly) tent or hut alongside a secluded beachfront. Rooms have natural elements throughout, but don't skimp on comforts like AC and wifi, plus deep outdoor soaking tubs, which are nothing short of divine. When you’re not maxing out on beach time or lounging at the seawater pool, hang out in the communal tents for a game of pool or rainy day parlor games. Homemade Caribbean-inspired meals are served in the dining tent with fresh ingredients picked from the onsite garden. In the evenings celebrate the two of you in a tent-turned-cocktail-bar where you can mix up your own drinks or call upon an expert to create a tiki style nightcap.
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