Positano paradise: Enjoy the celebrities' choice on the Amalfi CoastFrom the moment of proposal, weddings are generally a (terrifically exciting) maelstrom of planning and preparation. The honeymoon, by contrast, is supposed to be all about relaxing. But what if budget and time restraints scupper plans for a lengthy romantic holiday on some exotic isle?
Step forward the 'minimoon', which first emerged during the credit crunch when struggling couples opted for shorter breaks to save money.
Since then it has developed into a fully fledged honeymoon option, with some newlyweds deciding to splash out on a short, luxury trip rather than spin it out over a fortnight in a mediocre resort.
And couples feeling hard done by for missing out on a longer jaunt can then plan a big trip further down the line, once the coffers have been replenished.
But where to start when looking for the ultimate minimoon? Jane Anderson, editor of www.101honeymooons.co.uk, rounds up the best options...
Towering over the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast remains one of the world's most beautiful destinations where all the plaudits tend to ring true when you see it for yourself. Bag a beautiful apartment for two such as La Trasita, set in a 14th century Saracen tower with views over Positano from its circular roof terrace. With the island of Capri and the mighty Vesuvius nearby, there's plenty of options for day trips but hiring a car and driving around the coast, stopping for lunch in villages that hang over the ocean, is hard to beat for romance.
How to book: www.cvtravel.co.uk
Chateau chic on the Côte D'Azur
For a fairytale honeymoon, Château de la Chèvre D’Or is one of those magical places that you can hardly believe is real. Thirty rooms and six suites are scattered around the heart of the medieval city of Eze on the dreamy and very accessible Côte d’Azur. The panoramic views are jaw-dropping and foodies will be in heaven with the fine food in the gourmet restaurant.
How to book: www.kirkerholidays.com
Going Dutch: A break among the canals of Amsterdam can be truly romanticCruising the waterways in Amsterdam
For a mini-moon close to home, Amsterdam is always a winner. Everything is within walking or cycling distance with over a thousand pretty bridges to kiss on. Take a canal cruise, visit the open-air markets, the legendary coffee shops or dance the night away at the Nachttheatre Sugar Factory.
The hippest hotel in town is The Dylan. Originally built in 1632 and revamped into a boutique hotel ten years ago, the unique property overlooks the Keizersgracht canal and combines sleek service with old-world charm.
How to book: www.dylanamsterdam.com
British charm at Lucknam Park
Country house hotel Lucknam Park is perfectly placed just outside Bath. A Relais & Chateaux Palladian mansion dating from 1720 may sound stuffy, yet this five-star find is anything but. With a stunning new spa set in a walled garden, a gorgeous pool where you can swim at night next to an open fire, horse-riding and magnificent four-poster suites, it offers the perfect dose of luxury and romance. The 500 acres of parkland offer ultimate tranquility and are a great setting for secluded picnic.
How to book: www.lucknampark.co.uk
Arctic freeze: The Ice Hotel provides the perfect excuse to cuddle upKeeping warm in Sweden's Ice Hotel
There's nothing like temperatures of -5c to encourage you to cuddle up. Sweden's famous Ice Hotel is both hotel and art project, annually carved of snow and ice. Stay in an Art Suite with its ethereal ice sculptures and unusual design.
Honeymooners can keep warm in thermal sleeping bags on their pod-like frozen bed. Knock back a warming vodka in the Absolut Icebar then head outside to catch one of nature's greatest phenomena, the Northern Lights.
How to book: www.specialisedtours.com
Ethical adventures with Under The Thatch
Ethically aware couples looking for a minimoon with a difference will love Under the Thatch’s choice of gorgeous places to stay in Wales including old railway carriages, yurts, cabins and even a Romany caravan. There is also a great choice of picturesque thatched cottages for those looking for a more traditional setting. As a former guest puts it, 'Looking at the website is like opening a box of chocolates and not knowing which to pick.'
How to book: www.underthethatch.co.uk
Stunning skyline: Miami is close enough to enjoy a short break thereMaxing it out in Miami
With direct flights, there no reason you can’t make it to Miami for a blow-out minimoon. Miami's South Beach is a funky strip of cool hotels, great restaurants, bars and shops, all buzzing with beautiful people. The new hotel on the block, W South Beach, is a contemporary stunner with studios, suites and bungalows overlooking the ocean from private balconies. Spend days at W SoBe lounging by the pool or being pampered in the spa.
How to book: www.northamericantravelservice.co.uk
Idyllic island living in Santorini
Don’t be fooled by the twee sugarcube dwellings that adorn Santorini. This is the most sought after of the Cyclades Islands. Behind the cobbled streets and blue domes lies a world of Greek chic.
For short-haul honeymoon heaven, this Aegean idyll delivers with infinity-pooled hideaways, sexy tavernas and swoon-inducing views. With a total of just 10 suites, Carpe Diem is ideal for couples seeking pure relaxation, privacy and escapism with a heavy dose of unpretentious style.
How to book: www.planet-holidays.co.uk
Romance capital: There are plenty of chic places to stay in Paris and it is so easy to reach by plane or trainAll aboard the Orient Express to Venice
Experience the golden age of travel as you set foot in the vintage carriages of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Fine dining, intimate, ornate cabins and sublime scenery - especially in the Alps - combine to make this rail adventure the ultimate in stylish - and blissfully slow - travel.
And with Venice at the end of the line a second dose of romance awaits. A quick flight home ensures you can make the most of your time.
How to book: www.orient-express.com
Old-fashioned romance in Paris
From the shimmering Eiffel Tower to the simplest of Left Bank bistros, Paris is the blueprint for romantic cities. But where to stay: my personal favourite is the highly original Hotel Particulier Montmartre. Its five opulent suites - all designed by different artists - are surrounded by lush greenery, making you feel a million miles away from the bustling city.
Or if you want more privacy, the sleek Spacio Loft is a cool apartment in a converted 18th century printing house near the Pompidou. Spread over three floors and with its own cobbled courtyard it is a secret escape perfect for two.
How to book: www.i-escape.com
source: dailymail
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