With weddings resuming after the lockdown, couples are focusing their attention on where to go on their honeymoon. Quarantine rules change from one minute to the next, so, rather than jetting off to Europe or beyond, we’ve got 5 unique UK minimoon ideas for you to consider.
A minimoon – a long weekend of luxury that is usually close to home, but far enough away so that you feel as if you are taking a break from the daily grind – could just be the break you need before planning an expensive and time-consuming luxury honeymoon.
We know some couples go back to work straight after a wedding but having that time together, just you and your partner after a celebration, is priceless. Bask in the glow of your new union by heading to somewhere unique in the UK. It’s a no-stress start to your marriage. Just get in your car or hop on a train and you’ll be on your way to a special destination without the hassle of heading to an airport.
Why Minimoon In The UK?
The UK has had a renaissance in the last two years of new hotels that wouldn’t be out of place in the top destinations around the world. Minimooning here means you get the best of both worlds, on your doorstep.
Gone are the days of relying on the traditional country manors and old fashioned hotels for a special break in the UK. There is a new breed of owners who are putting experience and design at the heart of their properties. Sustainability and a more eco-conscious approach to building have led to a rise in unique accommodations that truly blend into its own surroundings. Done in a way without compromising on style and luxury, you can now discover a new side to the beauty of the UK, with the right level of comfort.
OK, so let’s get to our top five unique minimoon ideas to give you a special experience.
Read: 5 Luxury UK Breaks For Couples
Minimoon Destinations
1. The Scarlet, Cornwall
Who doesn’t know someone that’s been or tried to get to Cornwall this summer? It’s effectively turned into the French riviera of the UK, with hoards of would-be travellers abroad heading down to enjoy the picturesque, almost tropical coastline. Autumn and winter are when things slow down here thankfully and the perfect, unique minimoon option is the adults-only Scarlet Hotel.
The definition of laid back luxury, you can take advantage of their heated outdoor pool and cliff-edge hot tubs for views over the dramatic beach below, whatever the weather.Committing fully to sustainability, from plant roofing on rooms which support insects and butterflies.
The position of the hotel itself was designed by the architects to attract more sun and therefore needs less energy to run. Your ideal Cornwall minimoon is both eco-conscious and luxurious.
2. The Newt, Somerset
Our next minimoon idea is one of the prettiest country estates in the UK. The Newt has recently been transformed into a modern luxury hotel, with experience at its heart. The sister hotel to the outstanding Babylonstoren wine estate hotel in South Africa is ideal if you’re looking for a unique minimoon with real style. Imagine a slice of Cape Town flavour in a Somerset setting and you have The Newt.
Similar to its South African counterpart, food and drink are a high priority, as are the gardens which sprawl across the expansive estate. Glass buildings abound bringing the outdoors in wherever you are on the property.
With a state-of-the-art pressing space, the team is able to create the highest quality cider. The plentiful gardens give the best of the season produce for guests to enjoy. This is a new addition to the West Country retreat market, which could put the area on the map as a destination in itself.
3. Settle, Norfolk
Sometimes you need to get away from it all and escape to the countryside. At Settle, you don’t have to compromise on comfort or style to switch off in nature. Settle was created by Jo and John Morfoot, a powerhouse couple. Jo was rated one of the top ten florists in the UK by Harpers Bazaar and John has years of building expertise using salvaged resources.
The newly built lakeside cabin is prized accommodation at Settle.The handcrafted luxurious space is set on thirty acres of land. Jo’s eye for interior design blends perfectly with the fittings and exterior built from John’s reclaimed materials, stemming from a desire for sustainability in building.
Huge glass doors look out on the water lily pond outside. Every morning they drop a hamper at your door full of freshly baked sourdough bread and pastries with the finest locally brewed coffee to get your day started. Settle is part of a new breed of unique staycation options and is perfect for a minimoon to truly switch off from it all.
4. Lingholm Estate, Cumbria
The Lingholm Estate is next on our list of minimoon ideas. The Lake District is a breathtaking area, filled with natural beauty. Properties around the region have traditionally been quite dated and old fashioned, until now. The newly built boathouse at the Lingholm Estate has broken convention and set a new standard for a modern and unique minimoon option. Perfect for a couple, this striking building is set on the edge of Lake Derwentwater. With some of the best walking routes in the country on your doorstep, spending quality time together is guaranteed here.
Returning to the Scandi style boathouse after a day exploring the outside world, you’ll enjoy a fully equipped kitchen and a standalone tub. The views out onto the lake from the second level are breathtaking. This is a romantic escape in one of the most stunning areas of the UK. Did you know that Beatrix Potter used to holiday here in the summer and took inspiration from the surrounding area for her novels?
5. Cabu by the Sea, Kent
A cabin by the sea has never been this cool. Especially in this part of Kent. In fact, the whole area has had a revamp in the past two years, emerging as the go-to destination for the hipster generation of East London. With trendy Margate and Camber Sands, arguably the best stretch of beach in England, within touching distance, Cabu is an ideal seaside, minimoon retreat with real class.
The self-contained modern cabins are designed to bring the outside in with a large glass exterior facing the sea. What’s more, all cabins are centred around a hub containing a boutique grocery store with local produce and a guest reception to organise trips around the local area.
You can hire electric bikes to explore the wild coastline and cosy up inside with log burning fire on your return. If relaxation is on the menu, there is a chic outdoor heated pool to switch off with an outdoor barbeque station ready for any late summer sun. Our tip would be to go outside of school holidays to enjoy the property and communal area without kids running around for the perfect, idyllic minimoon.
If you like the sound of any of these unique minimoon ideas in the UK or are looking for other options, contact Many Moons to start planning your escape.
