Marcus Hotels Press

08.23.17

U.S. News & World Report

7 Perfect Mini-Moon Getaway Ideas for Newlyweds

By Sheryl Nance-Nash

Increasingly, couples are opting to delay taking a traditional honeymoon. Instead, they’re retreating on whirlwind escapes after walking down the aisle to enjoy some instant rest and relaxation. Mini-moons, or three or four-day postnuptial getaways, also appeal to cost-conscious soon-to-be brides and grooms who are looking to rebuild their funds and go off on their dream vacation in a few months or later in the future. Whether you’re looking for an enchanting escape, a rustic getaway or a full-on outdoor adventure, here are ideal places to plan a mini-moon with your better half.

Charleston, South Carolina

This southern city is known for its romantic atmosphere. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or plan to bike and picnic along the waterfront. After taking in the city sights, you can dig into the city’s famous Southern cuisine (think: gumbo and shrimp and grits) at classic institutions like Husk. What’s more, it’s easy to swoon over Charleston’s enchanting hotels and inns. Take for example The Spectator Hotel, which recalls the extravagance of the Roaring ’20s and is set in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District. At the property, there’s an emphasis on quality service and amenities, with personal butlers and locally sourced in-room breakfast menu options, snacks and beverages. Plus, you can enjoy complimentary vintage bicycles to make your way around the city before retiring to one of the city’s best speakeasy bars showcasing Prohibition-era cocktails, The Bar.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is ideal for a romantic duos craving foliage, lake views and cozy restaurants on a long weekend escape. Take walks along Lake Geneva’s 26-mile Shore Path, which boasts striking views of historic mansions. When you’re ready for more activity, Dan Patch Stables at Grand Geneva offers guided 45-minute horseback riding treks through hundreds of acres of lush landscapes. And for couples looking to hit the links, The Brute and Highlands golf courses offer flowing fairways. The award-winning Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, a 1,300-acre resort in Lake Geneva, recently opened 29 new villas with amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, as well as six fire pits. The villas also offer in-room spa treatments. When hunger calls, favorite local spots include Ristorante Brissago, Lake Geneva’s premier Italian restaurant, with its handmade pastas and comprehensive wine selection, along with The Geneva Chophouse and Tuscan Tavern and Grill.

 Lake Placid, New York

Outdoorsy couples will love Lake Placid’s beaches, which are rife with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, boating, hiking and taking sunset cruises. If you two just want to chill, settle into a reclining beach chair on a white-sand beach before delighting in the area’s excellent cuisine. Lake Placid offers a variety of cuisine, from traditional American barbecue at the much-raved-about Smoke Signals restaurant to organic, fine dining to Simply Gourmet, an eatery featuring 46 different sandwich options named after the 46 High Peaks in New York state. Top-notch resorts such as Lake Placid Lodge and the Whiteface Lodge offering a woodsy yet elegant experience. Vacation days can be spent communing with nature, exploring Olympic village or popping into quirky local stores.

Indian Wells, California

Newlyweds looking for a memorable wedding weekend getaway should consider escaping to this desert oasis in the Coachella Valley. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, with its California palms and mountains, offers an especially romantic atmosphere. Explore the San Andreas Fault by private Jeep tour or cruise to Joshua Tree National Parkto take in an abundance of natural wonders with a rock-climbing session. After a day out in the desert, unwind on the balcony of one of the property’s many Mediterranean-style villas featuring sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. As the evening draws near, pamper yourselves at the newly renovated Well Spa, where you and your better half can take a dip in one of the salt pools or soothing eucalyptus steam rooms. The Well Spa’s Pittura Festa treatment encourages couples to a paint each other with a palette of colorful, healing muds, while sipping champagne before receiving a custom couples massage. Afterward, cozy up to cocktails at Miramonte’s oversized outdoor fire pits as the sun sets before closing the day with a candlelit dinner at the recently remodeled, Citrus & Palm Restaurant, for a farm-to-table dining experience.

Vail, Colorado

Vail is an idyllic village tucked into the Rocky Mountains. In winter, enjoy pastimes such as skiing, snowboarding and tubing. And in the warmer months, you can enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, boating, golfing, paddleboarding and horseback riding. When you’re ready to unwind, join a yoga class around town or make your way to the spa. And when hunger sets in, there’s no shortage of excellent cuisine. You won’t want to leave Vail without eating at Pendulum, Matsuhisa, Sweet Basil, Vintage and Mountain Standard. If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations, treat yourself to a stay at The Sebastian – Vail, a Timbers Resort. The property boasts a pools with mountain-views, hot tubs, a spa, excellent cuisine at its restaurant, Leonara, and great cocktails at The Frost Bar. Another excellent lodging choice for couples is Sonnenalp, which boasts a variety of restaurants, a spa, a tranquility pool and even an oxygen bar.

 Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Then there’s charming about Cape Cod with its vibrant clam shakes and New England cottages. You might want to celebrate your newlywed status by staying at the only five-star resort on Cape Cod, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club. Swim in the oceanfront pool, enjoy myriad water sports, or partake in a round of golf or tennis. You won’t want to skip checking out the nearby town of Chatham, where you can shop at boutiques, enjoy people-watching and feast on oysters paired with your beverage of choice.

Big Sky, Montana

For an off-the-beaten-track escape, consider stealing away to Big Sky Country. At the Collective Yellowstone at Moonlight Basin, you can get a luxury tent at an alpine lake, equipped with a wood-burning stove, a private deck with Adirondack chairs, a private bathroom and a king-size bed with luxurious linens. And you’re sure to get a good night’s rest after spending the day hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddleboarding, canoeing, fly-fishing or hitting the links with your partner. Soothe any sore muscles with a private, in-tent massage. Best of all, breakfast is complimentary, picnic and boxed lunches are available and a three-course farm-to-table meal prepared lakeside is available for dinner.