11 Ideas of Great Hotels for a Minimoon
Not everyone can afford a honeymoon in Fiji, the Maldives, or another exotic honeymoon destination that necessitates significant time off work and a large sum of money. This is where minimoons come into play. Minimoons are a shortened version of post-nuptial trips that are usually closer to home, less expensive, and not as long. Nonetheless, it provides the opportunity to celebrate your love in a romantic setting. These are some of the best mini-break hotels to consider.
#1 Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – Little Torch Key, Florida
If you want to go on a tropical mini-vacation without leaving the country, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key, just 28 miles from Key West, is the place to go. A private real-life Gilligan’s Island, you’ll have to take a boat or seaplane to get here, but you’ll be far from the crowds and without the sounds of a TV, alarm clock, or phone. In fact, the only traffic you might see are iguanas sauntering across a crushed-shell path. You’ll be greeted with chilled champagne, a white sandy beach for romantic strolls, snorkeling opportunities among the vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish, a hammock for napping, and access to incredible cuisine at The Dining Room, including fresh seafood. Thatched roof bungalows with private furnished decks, stunning sea views, and outdoor showers are available for accommodation.
#2 Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, California
Post Ranch Inn, located on the Big Sur coast and overlooking the Pacific, is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, ideal for a mini-moon with plenty of opportunities for romance. Enjoy an award-winning couple’s massage, a candlelit dinner at the exclusive Sierra Mar restaurant, swimming in clifftop pools, and incredible stargazing. While there are several room types available, the Pacific Suite provides ocean views from every vantage point in the room, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened to enjoy the fresh salty sea air and a luxurious tiled bath for two.
#3 Hyatt Zilara Cancun – Cancun, Mexico
The adults-only section The Hyatt Zilara Cancun is easily accessible from many US cities and provides an unforgettable all-inclusive stay focused on pura vida, or living the good life. It has a spectacular beach framed by the Caribbean’s brilliant blue, a spa with a sea view, two gorgeous pools, live music, and nightly activities. Despite being an all-inclusive resort, the dining options are impressive, with chef-inspired restaurants among them. The suites are luxurious, with large balconies, some of which are swim-outs.
#4 The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek offers a luxurious and romantic Montana ranch stay surrounded by the Sapphire, Pintler, and John Long Mountains. It provides an all-inclusive wilderness experience with opportunities for a variety of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and fly fishing. A winter mini-vacation allows you to sled down hills, snowshoe, and cross-country or downhill ski. Following that, you could enjoy a relaxing massage followed by a delicious meal of regionally inspired fare. Villas with huge brass beds and cozy down quilts, fireplaces, kitchens, deep soaking tubs, and large screened-in porches are among the options.
#5 Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas – La Ribera, Mexico
Cabo is easily accessible from many cities in the United States. The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a short drive from Los Cabos International Airport. This is the polar opposite of the downtown party scene, with long stretches of swimmable sandy beach virtually to yourself. You’ll have access to calm turquoise waters for swimming and snorkeling among abundant marine life if you stay in the East Cape area along the Sea of Cortez. A spa with a variety of pampering treatments is available, as are multiple pools. A golf course and a sports center with a gym and volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts are also available. There are five chic eateries and bars to choose from when it comes to dining.
#6 The Allison Inn & Spa – Newberg, Oregon
Wine lovers will enjoy a mini-moon at The Allison Inn & Spa. It provides an idyllic wine country retreat among sprawling lawns, lush gardens, and seven acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapevines in the heart of Willamette Valley, known for its hundreds of wineries. The renowned spa offers a menu of treatments that incorporate local ingredients such as berries, rose, and honey, as well as wine, for extra-special pampering, while Jory, the on-site restaurant, serves delectable farm-to-table fare and approximately four dozen wines by the glass. The serene rooms have bay window seats with scenic views, gas fireplaces, and large soaking tubs. Book a suite with a balcony so you can relax in the fresh air while admiring the view.
#7 Fairmont Empress – Victoria, BC, Canada
The Fairmont Empress, a National Historic Site and an icon in British Columbia’s capital city, is a must-stop for afternoon tea, which has been a tradition here since 1908. It is also an impressive venue for a mini-moon, as it is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, with spectacular views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Relax at the Willow Stream Spa, which features a sauna, steam room, mineral pool, and indulgent body treatments. There’s also a pool, a fitness center, and excellent dining featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine. The Fairmont Gold rooms are worth the extra money because they include access to a private waterfront lounge with a fire pit.
#8 The Wauwinet – Nantucket, Massachusetts
The Wauwinet, one of Nantucket’s best hotels, is an adults-only inn with two beaches, one on Nantucket Bay and one on the Atlantic. It has many modern amenities, elegant antique furnishings, lush gardens, outdoor decks, and enticing pathways leading to water views. Its remote location on the island’s northeast end makes it ideal for romantic seclusion, offering a perfect place to relax and enjoy each other’s company. There’s a seaside spa, as well as lots of extras like complimentary kayaks, free coffee, tea, and baked goods in the library every morning, and a complimentary daily port and cheese hour. Rooms, suites, and cottages all have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and views of the ocean or garden.
#9 Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort – Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
What about a Caribbean mini-vacation without the need for a passport? Puerto Rico is easily accessible from many east coast cities, and the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa provides a reasonably priced all-inclusive resort option. A private beach, three lagoon-style pools, hot tubs, two golf courses, and beachside yoga are all available. You could take salsa lessons together, try your luck at the casino, relax with spa treatments, and eat delicious meals featuring everything from upscale Italian to traditional Puerto Rican and pan-Caribbean specialties.
#10 The Ahwahnee – Yosemite National Park, California
Ahwahnee Hotel, one of the best winter adventure lodges in the world, is ideal for nature-loving minimooners in the heart of Yosemite Valley, surrounded by towering sequoias and iconic sights like Half Dome and El Capitan. It is a National Historic Landmark that transports guests back in time, complete with stone fireplaces and stained glass. During the warmer months, you’ll have access to a variety of activities such as hiking, climbing, biking, rafting, and fishing, while the winter snow is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For romantic twirls, there’s even an ice rink. When you book the Presidential Suite, you will be staying in the same room where President John F. Kennedy once stayed. It has a parlor with a fireplace and spectacular views of Glacier Point.
#11 Hotel Cerro – San Luis Obispo, California
Hotel Cerro, located on California’s Central Coast, is an ideal base for exploring wine country, golfing, shopping, and other activities, while beautiful beaches are only a short drive away. Spa Cerro, which offers a full range of massage treatments and options, including facials, scrubs, and wraps, as well as steam baths and fireside tea, is right on-site. The rooftop pool is a particular highlight, with cabanas and loungers for relaxing while taking in views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Poolside service is also available. When you’re ready for a full meal, visit the acclaimed Brasserie SLO, which serves California coastal cuisine, or one of several other restaurants. The spacious rooms are decorated in a variety of styles, with some featuring ultra-luxurious amenities such as fireplaces and soaking tubs.