Guest Blog by the Fabulous @StephFoxTravel

M I N I M O O N S //

The very much anticipated Guest Blog by the absolutely FABULOUS @stephfoxtravel…

Places to book NOW for your UK & European Mini-Moons!

I’m so excited to bring you Lovelies this amazing blog post including some absolutely stunning hotels and Inspo for all your Mini-After-Wedding-Celebrations!

Can you book a Mini-Moon if you’ve been married for 2 & 1/2 years already…? Cause I’m literally about to go and book every single one of these now!

Allow me to introduce you to the absolute boss blogging babe behind this post… Stephanie Fox:

Previously listed by the Chronicle as the No. 1 Travel Blogger for the North East!

I’m sure a few of you will know already… Steph was a HUGE driving force behind me starting my own blog – she was my inspiration and pushed me to get started… she also told many many times that I was being ridiculous when I kept saying that I wasn’t sure if I even had enough advice to share! So if you enjoy my blogs, or my Instagram… just know you have her to thank!

I’m SUPER lucky to have her a friend like her in my life, everyone deserves a ‘Steph’ of their own! Unfortunately she’s mine, so you can’t have her… but I AM willing to share her with all you Lovely Brides & Grooms for this blog post, to make sure you have the most perfect Mini-Moon ever!

So without further ado, let’s hand over to the Travel Queen herself… take it away Lovely!

I may not be married, and have not yet had the pleasure of Hannah taking over my life with wedding planning, but if there’s one thing I can plan or offer advice on to ‘Mrs T’s bride to be’s’  it’s a good couples break. Long weekends away, short breaks abroad, couple escapes – and for you brides to be or newlyweds that means mini moons. 

And I don’t just mean your run of the mill few days away in a hotel with bed and breakfast – your mini moon needs to be next level, extra special, go all out! Whether that’s in the lap of luxury, traditional honeymoon touches, or something a bit different hopefully I can offer some suggestions to inspire yours.

I’m a big fan of a pre-holiday holiday, a smaller trip to get a base tan and start building your holiday wardrobe before the main summer holiday. It’s something I’ve done for years so if I were you I’d look at a mini moon like that. A pre honeymoon mini moon. I mean why not?! 

All of these places I’ve either been to and loved myself, or have extensively researched for future trips. 

Just to be clear I don’t make it my business to go on mini moons as a habit – but I do love a bit of luxury and these places have serious potential for the romantic, relaxing, private escape you and your partner need to unwind and reflect on your big day just the two of you.

UK Minimoons

I’ll start with the UK to be on the safe side considering the travel situation at the moment, and because it was one of the most requested. These suggestions will be largely Northern, but also venturing to the Lakes, Yorkshire and Scotland.

Rockliffe Hall, Darlington

My personal favourite hotel and spa, this 5* luxury hotel markets itself as being an idyllic home away from home. While most of us don’t live in a stunning 18th century estate with beautiful spa facilities, incredible dining options, an 18 hole championship golf course and a helipad – whenever I’ve stayed there you really do forget the rest of the world. Even a one night stay will have you feeling like you’ve been away a week.

Although all the room options are luxury and beautiful, for your mini moon I’d really recommend upgrading to either a New Hall superior room or an Old Hall Suite. They’re simply fabulous. 

Definitely book a massage for you both, and a private two hour time slot in the secluded spa garden, with infinity pool, and order a bottle of champagne while you’re in there. They’re served with a plate of frozen grapes and in the hot spa they’re a dream. 

For all booking options and added extras visit the Rockliffe Hall website here

South Causey Inn, County Durham

I’m desperate to visit here, this rustic luxury hotel in Beamish Valley has a range of deluxe hot tub rooms, each individually themed. There’s the Causey Cottage, the Treehouse, Hadrian’s Villa and the one I think would be perfect for a mini moon – The French Boudoir. 

Each of these rooms are huge, decorated with so much detail and have their own private outside space and hot tub. The extras South Causey offer both as individual add ons and as packages go the extra mile, including the usual rose petals, champagne on ice, chocolates and so on. 

If you want to venture out of your boudoir I’m told the restaurant and cocktail bar are fabulous, with excellent food, but if you’re locking yourselves away they have a selection of room service packages too. Take a look at the ‘Proposal Package’ they offer to get an idea of how far they’ll go to make your stay special.

Rudding Park, Harrogate 

Indulgent and exquisite are words to describe Rudding Park in North Yorkshire, a traditionally English estate with sweeping grounds, golf course and private cinema. The luxury accommodation gets great write ups on its own but it’s the rooftop spa that really attracts me to this place.

It’s the only northern spa to be awarded Five Bubble Luxury, and it looks absolutely incredible. A real treat to pamper yourselves and relax together after your wedding day. 

Brimstone Hotel, The Lake District 

Brimstone Hotel is part of the Langdale Estate, so don’t get it confused with the Langdale Hotel or Langdale Luxury Lodges that are also within the same estate and grounds. Although they both are lovely options, Brimstone Hotel is just next level when it comes to Lakeland luxury. 

They have 5 suites, which are all slightly different from each other and all would be absolutely perfect for a mini moon. Think plush decor, double showers, oversized stand alone bathtubs, private balconies, log burners, and all surrounded by the stunning Lakeland views of the Langdale hills. 

This really is secluded luxury, with staff on hand to cater to your every need, and a private reading room and lounge downstairs with complimentary drinks and snacks. You also get access to Brimstone Spa, which I’ll be honest about and say it is the best spa I’ve ever been in. 

It’s an absolutely incredible setting with an indoor/outdoor thermal pool, fireside relaxation, an ice fountain, a Finnish sauna. Honestly it’s idyllic. Order champagne and indulge yourselves. 

Schloss Roxburghe, Scottish Borders 

Although it would be beautiful at any time of year I’d really recommend Schloss Roxburghe if you’re after an autumn or winter mini moon. Up in the Scottish Borders, this elegant Manor House has turrets, roaring open fireplaces, character filled lounge and dining room and gorgeous unique bedrooms.

Definitely upgrade to a four poster suite, and enjoy a three course gourmet meal in their restaurant as this place really is for the foodies. The food is seasonal and phenomenal, I can’t recommend it enough. 

Despite being a big Manor House the fireplaces make it feel so warm and cosy, after a day wandering the Scottish countryside and a cocktail in the bar. They are also expanding to include a spa which will open in 2022.

So those are four mini moon suggestions that really spring to mind for the UK, but I wanted to list a few other hotels that I also thing have a lot to offer and would be the perfect post wedding escape:

The Gilpin, Lake District

Walwick Hall Hotel, Northumberland 

Hesleyside Huts – if you fancy glamping, particularly Holly Hut or The Treehouse

The Principal Hotel, York

European Mini Moons

While the UK offers some fabulous options for luxury mini moon stays, you might like to venture further afield for a weekend or short break in Europe. Maybe you’re after something more active than just locking yourselves away in a hotel suite and spa, which is totally fine and can really be a mini moon to remember.

Maybe you have a bucket list dream destination you want to visit together that isn’t the same as your actual honeymoon, or maybe you just want to make some of your first memories as a married couple somewhere new. All very valid reasons to look to a European city break for your mini moon.

Paris

I’m going to start with the obvious, the romantic capital of the world. I’m a firm believer that your experience of Paris can be made or broken by where you stay, so be prepared to splash out and stay central. Some of the most fabulous hotels in the world can be found in Paris – The Ritz, Hotel de Crillon, Four Seasons George V, Mandarin Oriental.

If you aren’t a millionaire then there are more affordable options in the same areas so do your research. Enjoy breakfast and coffee together on Parisian street side cafes, have a French picnic by the Seine, go see the glittering Eiffel Tower at night, and drink French wine with dinner all evening. 

Florence

Rome may be the go to for an Italian city break mini moon but I’d actually suggest Florence instead. It’s a lot less stressful than dealing with a bustling capital city, and it really is a stunning place to explore together as newlyweds.

It’s small enough to walk around all the cobbled streets hand in hand, stopping for an antipasti lunch in historic squares like Piazza Signoria. Visit the iconic Duomo, share a gelato on the famous Ponte Vecchio, dine on the most incredible food at Il Baretta and sip on fizz in one of the many wine bars. 

Finally, make sure you get a heart shaped pizza at Gusta! 

Palma

If you want the summer sun to shine on your first days as Mr & Mrs then Palma, Mallorca may be the mini moon for you! This is somewhere I love as a pre holiday holiday as it’s a short affordable flight, quick transfer at the other end and it has everything – beaches, sunshine, great food and a city to explore.

You get the best of all worlds really, relax in the sun together with a jug of sangria, then head to Palma old town for some historic culture end the best Spanish food you could wish for. 

Avoid the big hotel chains on the beach front and go for somewhere boutique in the centre, they’re stunning with rooftop pools and views of the cathedral. Recommendations are Posada Terra Santa, and the Nakar.

Amsterdam

Hear me out on this one because I promise I’m not suggesting you in your newly wedded bubble go anywhere near anything that might spring to mind when you think of Amsterdam. The absolute opposite in fact, go as far away from it as possible and head to Prinsengracht and the Nine Streets. 

Stay in the Pulitzer or the Ambassade, luxury hotels in traditional canal houses that will honestly transform your entire opinion of the city and what it has to offer. 

Wander across all the beautifully lit arched bridges that glitter over the canals in the evening, head to the W rooftop cocktail bar, stroll or cycle through Vondelpark (the only place where cycling isn’t stressful) and spend some time in the quaint museum district. 

And a quick fire list of alternatives to finish it off…

A snowy lodge in Austria for a winter mini moon

A sun kissed glamorous few days in Nice 

Now they do direct flights from Newcastle a four day Grecian break to Santorini (if you’re not going there for your actual Honeymoon!)

Culture, tapas and a visit to the Nou Camp in Barcelona 

After the last year and a half I really feel for all the brides and couples that have been affected. I know plenty myself and the wedding industry has been so badly treated. You guys deserve absolutely everything when it comes to your big days, mini moons and honeymoons so I really hope I’ve given you some inspiration for a small part of it.

… WOWEE!!

What can I say!… I’ve been SO looking forward to this blog post and I knew you were definitely the woman for the job! Thank you so much Steph for all this FABULOUS inspo!

I can’t wait to see all your pictures of all your gorgeous mini-moons when you’re finally MARRIED!!… Don’t forget to tag me & Steph in your pics… we’d love to know which one you picked!

And if you aren’t already subscribed to/following @stephfoxtravel… you can find the links to all her socials below!

Lots of Love,

Mrs T (& Miss Fox!) xx

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Link