Incredible Mini-Moon Destinations That Are Surprisingly Close to Home

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the most popular U.S. tourist destinations for a reason: There's an incredible food scene, excellent shopping, and a must-visit downtown historic district. And while there are plenty of beautiful hotels in the city, couples looking to explore and relax should stay at The Beach Club Charleston at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Located in Mt. Pleasant, the property is just a 10-minute drive away from all of the action in downtown Charleston, but it feels a world away thanks to its waterfront views and two Instagram-worthy pools. We recommend spending the afternoon poolside and then head into town to shop on King Street, wander down Rainbow Row, and eat dinner (book a table at FIG).

Miami, Florida

If sun, sand, and shopping are at the top of your vacation to-do list, head to Miami, Florida for your post-wedding jaunt. Just a three hour flight from New York City, Miami is perfect for couples who like to lounge all day and party all night. If you're looking to stay in the heart of the city, book a room at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach. The beachfront property recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, but the hotel retains the incredible Art Deco elements of the original structure. After a long day of sunbathing, retreat to your oceanfront room with a private balcony (it's worth the splurge), and then head to the hotel's Lapidus Bar for one of the best espresso martinis in town. In addition to the impeccably designed lobby bar, the hotel is also home to three on-site restaurants including the newly opened Bagatelle.

St. Michaels, Maryland

At the Inn at Perry Cabin, experience the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay even before you check in (the property offers complimentary transfers from the mainland via a luxurious yacht). After you're settled, set sail on one of the residence's boats or simply sip a drink on the edge of the water in a cozy Adirondack chair. However you decide to make the most of this luxury property (and its golf course, on-site gardens, or proximity to the town in St. Michaels), there's a good chance you'll spend the majority of your time together on or near the water—and there's nothing more romantic than that.

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Bellport Village, Long Island

Long Island's best kept secret, Bellport Village is the ideal getaway for New Yorkers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without traveling outside the state. About halfway between Manhattan and Montauk, the intimate coastal village will make newlyweds feel like they've entered their own private resort. From outdoorsy-minded couples to beach fanatics, the bucolic area has it all—spend your day on the water paddle boarding or surfing, then take things to land and explore the village's antique shops, tennis courts, and golf course. To enjoy all that the area has to offer, book a room at The Mama Farm Bed and Breakfast. Owned by Italian-American actress Isabella Rossellini—who is a Bellport resident—the charming locale holds eight to nine guests at a time, and each of the private bedrooms features beautiful luxury sheets and bathrobes. The beautiful property offers a variety of activities from backgammon to chess and is mere minutes from stunning beaches, nature preserves, and hikes. After a day of exploring, celebrate you and yours by booking a private dinner hosted by the Mama Farm. Made with farm-fresh ingredients and cooked by a private chef, the meal will be one of the hallmarks of your mini-moon.

Washington, Connecticut

This northeastern state may not sound like a mini-moon hotspot, but check into the Mayflower Inn & Spa, and you'll find your preconceptions misguided. This country estate-style retreat is set on 58 acres of woodland and beautifully landscaped gardens within the idyllic town of Washington, less than two hours from Manhattan by car. The Auberge Resorts Collection manages the property, so expect stellar service and five-star amenities including the must-visit spa, called The Well. Book a massage and then explore the recently redesigned property. New York-based designer Celerie Kemble draped the interiors in eclectic patterns and Instagram-worthy pastel hues for a whimsical-yet-elevated vibe. The property hosts a variety of daily activities—from hiking to wine tastings to yoga—and offers two delicious dining options with menus from acclaimed chef April Bloomfield.

Montauk, New York

New York-based couples don't need to travel far to feel like they're a world away from the city: just head to Montauk. Less scene-y than the Hamptons, Montauk is a sleepy, cool beach town where you can unplug and unwind, especially if you book a room at Marram, a new beachfront hotel that exudes relaxation with its desert-inspired color palette. Splurge for an oceanfront king room complete with its own balcony, Frette linens, and Le Labo bath products. Make sure to dine at the hotel's on-site restaurant Mostrador, which offers a rotating menu of locally sourced seafood and vegetables and utterly delicious homemade baked goods. After sunset, hang out by the fire pits and roast a few complimentary s'mores. In the mood to explore the town? The center of Montauk is just a five minute walk from the property.

Deer Valley, Utah

Winter weddings don't always have to be followed up by warm-weather honeymoons. Couples who marry during the cold months can enjoy a bit of the season with an escape to the Wasatch Mountains, near Park City, Utah. The luxurious St. Regis Deer Valley has everything you need for a honeymoon-worthy stay: All guest rooms feature mountain views; the 14,000-square-foot Remède Spa has two private spa suites, complete with a patio and a cascading waterfall; and après-style nightlife is just around the corner in downtown Park City—don't miss a flight of whiskey at High West Distillery.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Pacific Northwesterners need not travel outside the region for an indulgent food and wine experience. A trip to one of the world's most respected regions for Pinot Noir production offers many of the same pleasures as Napa, without the added travel time. Make basecamp at the Allison Inn & Spa, where the 77 guest rooms and 8 suites overlook 35 acres of rolling hillside. From there, you have the perfect jumping-off point from which to explore Willamette's 500 wineries, which benefit from a unique maritime climate characterized by cool, misty winters and mild summers.

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St. Kitts

This West Indies isle largely flies under the radar, thanks to limited flight service and exclusively boutique-style accommodations. Now that Delta Airlines has rolled out nonstop flights to St. Kitts and Nevis, northeastern honeymooners will find it mini-moon-ready. The island's chicest stay is undoubtedly the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, a high-design resort on Christophe Harbor. The minimalist yet cozy rooms are the kind you want to immediately Instagram (especially the suites with private rooftop plunge pools); the three restaurants serve superb locally sourced cuisine (one is even adults-only); and the spa is the Caribbean's first Miraval-branded outpost (expect globally influenced treatments that will reset both mind and body).

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Committed mini-mooners will find a worthy escape on the most exclusive Bahamian isle, Harbour Island. Located just a short ferry from Eleuthera (which is accessible via puddle jumper from Nassau), Harbour Island is a beach-lover's dream. The wide, pink-sand stretch along the eastern Atlantic Ocean side is considered one of the prettiest swaths in all of the Caribbean. Post up on its shores at Coral Sands, a design-savvy resort with one of the island's best beach bars.

Cancun, Mexico

Between the blazing sun, the sultry Spanish music, and the mind-numbing margaritas, Mexico is a home-run as far as honeymoons are concerned. You don't need more than a long weekend for an incredible stay at NIZUC Resort & Spa, just a short drive from the airport in Cancún, but set away from the spring-breaker fray along Cancún's main beach. This upscale resort has numerous infinity-edge pools (and private plunge pools in select suites), two secluded white-sand beaches, a massive 30,000-square-foot ESPA-branded spa facility, and six restaurants serving everything from Italian to Peruvian and Japanese-fusion.