5 incredible mini-moons
Mini-moons are more popular than ever, but if you're looking for a romantic location not too far from home, where should you choose?
Mini-moon in 24-hours…
The Scarlet, Cornwall
This is the perfect option for a short break as it will make you feel as though you’ve been away for much longer. Plus, with Newquay Airport just down the road, it’s easy to get there from anywhere in the country. With so many relaxation, beach and indulgent food options to choose from, you can pack lots into a short stay at The Scarlet. And of the best things is that you’ll definitely not want, or need, to leave the eco-hotel once you’ve arrived.
Its in a prime position, built into the rocks on Mawgan Porth beach complete with hot tubs next to the sand and a natural, reed-filtered swimming pool – it really is a back-to-basics escape with a twist. They have an ‘anytime, anywhere’ concept meaning, too, you can have food and bubbles wherever you please. Picnic on the beach for two, please. Oh, and did we mention that it’s adults-only? Go there: From £240 per night
Mini-moon is 48 hours…
Hinterland Cabin, Wales
Hinterland Cabin was voted ‘possibly the best log cabin in Britain’ by the Independent, so it’s no surprise that those searching for romance flock to this quaint hut in the woods. You can really hide away and hunker down here. Think popcorn on stand-by, marshmallows for hot chocolate and fluffy bathrobes and slippers for sauntering between the cabin, hot tub and sauna. And when you finally fall into the king-size bed, you can expect a luxurious Hungarian goose-down duvet and Egyptian cotton linens.
There’s a hint of adventure, too – it’s in the shadow of Snowdonia (on a good day, you can see up to 20 peaks!) and a fishing lake is just a stroll away. Go there: From £1,050 per short break
Three-day escape…
L’Apogee, Courcheval
You’ll be able to pack a lot into a three-day stay here, especially if you want an active mini-moon – L’Apogée offers some of the best ski-in, ski-out snow sports in the Alps. If you fancy something less active, what could be more romantic than holing up in the mountains, hiding from the elements with open fires, hot toddies, as much cheese as you can eat and piles of luxurious blankets?
Each suite is like a mini-chalet, with dreamy views from the private heated balconies, plus a bottle of Champagne in your room on arrival and spa treatments in the duo cabin, specially designed for sharing. This magical location does come at a price, but it’s not somewhere you’ll forget easily. And, of course, that’s half the joy of a mini-moon – you can splurge that little bit more. Go there: From £941 per night, including breakfast plus lunch or dinner up to the value of £135
A long weekend…
Ikos Aria, Greece
When you think of Greece, romance and hot weather invariably spring to mind and this all-inclusive resort offers both in spades – and it’s only a short flight away (under four hours). Opened in May 2019, Ikos Aria on the island of Kos, has stunning interiors and a great location. You’ll be spoilt for choice, too, with à la carte menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, a list of 300 wines and a choice of local restaurants outside the resort where you can dine, all included in your stay.
We’d recommend exploring the island alone together, just the two of you, to really soak up that post-wedding feeling and make the most of every minute. For one day, you can even take out a Mini Cooper before heading back to enjoy the adults-only beach. Go there: From £256 per night
Five-day escape…
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman
If you fancy a Middle Eastern alternative to Dubai, Oman is just as easy to get to (less than eight hours) and you’re sure to have an incredible experience – it’s cool in winter and hot in summer, for a start. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is also one of the world’s highest luxury resorts and destinations don’t get much more romantic than this. Whether you fancy doing yoga together on the edge of a rock face, or going mountain biking or hiking, there are so many things you can do together to immerse yourself in the heritage.
And if you fancy something more relaxed, the resort also has the world-acclaimed Anantara Spa, known for its ancient hammam rituals. What could be more romantic than enjoying a secluded meal at the top of a mountain (try the design-your-own-menu option!), before retiring to your suite for a dip in the private pool. Go there: From £277 per night
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