Mini Moons - Our 10 favourite destinations!

​A Mini Moon is a perfect way to begin life as husband and wife, allowing you both to unwind and relax after your big-day.  So much time and planning goes into organising your wedding and arranging a honeymoon to an exotic location can seem like one thing too many to do.  Mini Moons allow you to take a well-deserved romantic break together as newly-weds and also offer a practical solution for couples who want have a dream honeymoon destination picked out but find themselves out of season!

People on average plan their Mini Moon for between 3-7 days as not to take over the importance of the main honeymoon but to continue their celebrations straight after the wedding.  I’ve put together a top 10 of mini moon destinations which I thought were pretty cool for you to peruse.

1. Paris
​Paris is literally the blueprint for romantic cities. Plenty of sightseeing, loads of culture, good food and wine- definitely rates highly with me. Make a journey to the Island of the Temple Of Love, have a "Lady and the Tramp" style dinner down by Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine or tango on the Seine, this is the place of dreams.

2. Amsterdam
​For a mini-moon not too far away, Amsterdam is a popular destination- take a canal cruise, visit the open-air markets, the legendary coffee shops or just take in all of the culture. Why not catch a show at the  Koninklijk Theater Carré or if you are a wine lover take a trip to Vyne, one of Amsterdam's only bars dedicated to wine. 

3. Tuscany
​​A beautiful, beautiful place. On researching this blog I couldn't help but fall head over heels for Tuscany. Book your accommodation in a castle to take in the full view and take a walk along a beautiful beach or bathe in the natural hot springs. You can even book Champagne Balloon Rides - weather permitting of course)! And when it comes to sightseeing and dining out the cities of Florence and Siena have all you could need. Tuscany screams romance!

4. The UK.
You don’t have to spend a fortune and jet yourselves off somewhere super exotic - there are so many great places in the UK to choose from. Hiring a Log Cabin in Devon or Cornwall with a Jacuzzi and Steam Room would certainly be a winner, or maybe get the bridal suite in a Castle in Scotland or a Stately Home in the countryside. I’m sure if you mention you are newlyweds you will be able to get a few added perks! 

5. Lapland
​Is there anything more romantic than a night under the stars and the Northern Lights in your very own Glass Igloo? Lapland has much to offer- try an old fashioned reindeer safari and visit the Fjell Cottages at Iso-Syote, or, if you go in the summertime, witness the majestic Midnight Sun.  Lapland is a wonderland for couples. 

6. Santorini
The small volcanic Island of Santorini in Greece is an ideal setting for the perfect mini moon. You can go swimming at Red Beach or sunbathe at the super hot Black Beach, if you are feeling adventurous and want to get around you can hire a moped to see the sights. or similarly you can book in a wine tasting session to relax and watch the world go by. You can also unwind with a mud bath by the volcano- perfect!  

​7. Rome
Aside from the awesome Colosseum there are plenty of romantic things to do whilst in Rome. There are lots of sightseeing trips- why not look to see the fragrant orange blossoms in the Garden of the Oranges, walk around the Pincio Gardens or make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. The magic of Rome is everywhere whether it be at one of the famous landmarks or in one of their many hiddens cafe's and hotel rooftops.

8. Ireland
Ireland is full of charm and character and fairly local!  Book in to dine at the Cliff House in Ardmore– Ireland’s only one star Hotel Michelin Restaurant or why not book a stay in Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren. You could also treat your other half to a stay at the amazing Spa at the Europe Hotel in Killarney, overlooking Ireland’s highest mountains

9. Barcelona
​You can't help but love Barcelona. Enjoy a sunny day at Parc de la Ciutadella with your beloved in the charming gardens, the zoo or the Museu d’Art Modern. Barcelona is jam packed with romantic restaurants. A stroll through the old town and adventures down its narrow streets will nearly always reap the reward of a charming little restaurant.

10. Venice
​​Book a trip to Venice and be swept away with romance. With its gondola rides, opera and lavish baroque buildings, Venice oozes romance from every piazza, bridge and canal. Wonder at the sheer scale of the domes of the Basilica San Marco and the ornate Doge’s Palace on Venice’s romantic central square or Look out over the maze of red rooftops and the endless lagoon from St Mark’s Campanile bell tower.

Happy planning!
​Pete
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