5 Domestic & Not-So-Distant Honeymoon & Mini-Moon Destinations
At a time when venturing out to the grocery store seems scary, it’s tough for some of us to even think about booking an international trip in the coming months. While we know that the idea of traveling in the near future seems nearly impossible right now, we also know that our thirst to see new things, experience the world, and create lasting memories with our loved ones will never cease to exist. When life returns to normal and it is safe to travel again, we will all have so much quarantined energy and pent up travel desire that wanderlust may be stronger than ever; consider yourselves warned! If you don’t feel like you’re quite ready to hop across the pond, but are still looking for some adventure – we have you covered.
We have compiled our top five favorite domestic and not-so-distant honeymoon and mini-moon destinations to give you a glimpse of where to go, what to do, and where to stay on your upcoming travels.
Follow along this week as we post one new destination idea per day. Today’s destination in focus – Mexico! Scroll down to read about California, the Caribbean, Utah, and Hawaii, our previous destinations in focus.
Mexico
Come daydream with us as we narrow in on some of Mexico’s best vacation spots: Cabo, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen.
Cabo: Imagine sipping tequila while soaking in an infinity pool, looking out at waves from the Sea of Cortez crashing onto the rocky outcroppings on the shoreline. This is Cabo – a stunning resort city known for its beaches, arches, water activities, golf courses, and nightlife. While it’s easy to get sucked into the allure of staying on property at the phenomenal resorts, Cabo offers an array of experiences that can make your trip more unique. Some of the can’t miss experiences in Cabo include a boat cruise to the arch, surf lessons, tequila and mezcal tastings, swimming with whale sharks, sport fishing, a trip to Flora Farms, and participating in ancient Mayan rituals.
Where to stay in Cabo:
Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraiso
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, Oasis Margarita & Taco Sampler Experience from Taqueria
One&Only Palmilla
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $150 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Montage Los Cabos
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, $70 daily breakfast for credit, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, welcome amenity
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $150 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, Complimentary VIP airport Lounge Tickets with all Beach Front Suite Bookings
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Tulum: Away from all the busy resort areas, Tulum, with its casual and eco-friendly vibe, allows visitors to instantly disconnect. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, enjoying local foods, partaking in wellness focused activities, and sipping cocktails at a laid back bar. Some of our other favorite Tulum activities include exploring the Mayan ruins and swimming in the cenotes, which are Tulum’s natural cave pools. The energy picks up when the sun goes down with plenty of bars featuring weekly DJs.
Where to stay in Tulum:
Tulum
La Valis Tulum
Hotel Esencia
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, bottle of wine
Be Tulum
Playa del Carmen: This trendy resort town is home to luxury properties, restaurants, shops and golf courses – plus it has some of the best beaches in Mexico. Beneath the turquoise water are intricate caverns, making for world class scuba diving and snorkeling. If you want to sprinkle in some adventure to your relaxing beach days, we recommend exploring the caves, zip lining and kayaking near the Mayan villages, taking a cooking class, and salsa dancing the night away in one of the upscale bars or clubs.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen:
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $50 spa credit per person per day, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, Complimentary one-way private airport transfer (From Airport to the Hotel), a welcome bottle of Mezcal
Viceroy Riviera Maya
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Rosewood Mayakoba
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, welcome mezcal amenity
California
We will be embarking on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip (San Francisco, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles), and exploring Wine Country
San Francisco: Rent a convertible and hit the road on this bucket list worthy road trip starting in San Francisco. If you want to spend the first couple of nights of your trip exploring San Francisco, we recommend checking out the art in the SoMa neighborhood (South of Market), exploring the hidden gems in the outer Sunset Neighborhood, and having a picnic in Dolores Park.
Where to stay in San Francisco:
Ritz Carlton San Francisco
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Cavallo Point Lodge
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Carmel by the Sea: This laid back beach city will make you feel like you stepped right into a storybook. The whimsical village at the city center is full of cute shops, high end restaurants and charming homes. Rent electric bikes and cruise around town, tasting yummy foods from local restaurants along the way. Besides exploring the town, We also love watching the surfers and soaking in the sunset at Carmel Beach.
Where to stay in Carmel By the Sea:
L’Auberge Carmel
–Exclusive OTM Perks: complimentary breakfast for 2, VIP welcome amenity
Big Sur: With waterfalls, redwood groves, unbelievable beaches, and rocky bluffs set against the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is perfect for nature lovers. Some of the Big Sur must-do’s include driving over the iconic Bixby Bridge, hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, hanging on Pfeiffer Beach (known for stunning rock formations), and exploring the redwood canyons in Garrapata State Park.
Where to stay in Big Sur:
Post Ranch Inn
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Santa Barbara: Easy going yet upscale is the best way to describe this gorgeous beachtown (often called the American Riviera), where both surfers and celebrities can rub elbows. The Santa Ynez mountains provide a backdrop for the sprawling sandy coastline, making the Santa Barbara beaches a great place to spend your day. Some of our other favorite activities include shopping at the high end boutiques, taking a scenic bike ride, and exploring the foodie scene.
Where to stay in Santa Barbara:
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, welcome amenity
Belmond El Encanto
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $90 resort credit, daily breakfast for 2, VIP welcome treat, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability
Malibu and Los Angeles: The road trip would not be complete without stopping in Malibu before heading into LA. Just even driving through Malibu is an activity in itself, but if you want to get out of the convertible and explore a bit, the Malibu Wine Safari is a must (yes, it is as fun as it sounds). We also love hanging out on El Matador State Beach and hiking Solstice Canyon. After a fun day, unwind with cocktails and dinner at Malibu Farms. The road trip concludes in LA, where some of our favorite neighborhoods to explore are Santa Monica, Venice and WeHo. For great views, head to Griffith Observatory or hike to the Hollywood Sign.
Where to stay in Malibu:
Malibu Beach Inn
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, $80 breakfast credit per day, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
The Ranch Malibu
–Exclusive OTM Perks: daily breakfast for 2, an additional 50 minute massage, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture or 3 cryotherapy sessions, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Nobu Ryokan
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Where to stay in Los Angeles:
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
–Exclusive OTM Perks: Choice of $100 Spa credit or $100 food and beverage credit once during stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability
Mr. C Beverly Hills
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
The NoMad Hotel Los Angeles
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Wine Country: This is the place to wine, dine and have spa time, but it’s also so much more than that. With rolling green hills, and vineyards at every turn, Sonoma and Napa are truly dreamy and allow for tons of outdoor activities. Some of our favorite wine country activities include wine tours and tastings, hot air balloon rides over the valley, cooking classes, cycling tours, hiking, golfing and farm to table dining. It’s best to not over schedule yourself here, as you’ll want plenty of time to relax and explore unexpected finds.
Carneros Resort and Spa
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Farmhouse Inn
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, complimentary hand curated wine tasting itineraries to the top 25 hand selected winery partners in Sonoma with all fees waived, VIP access and membership benefits as a guest of Farmhouse.
Meadowood Napa Valley
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, welcome amenity
The Caribbean
We will be exploring our favorite spots in the Caribbean: Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, and Anguilla
Turks & Caicos: Bright turquoise water, long white sand beaches, and high end resorts – Turks & Caicos is the perfect place to unwind and luxuriate. Grace Bay Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the archipelago, looks like it is straight out of a postcard and is a must visit. We never get sick of lounging on the beach or sunbathing by the hotel pool, but in case you are looking to switch it up, Turks & Caicos has world renowned scuba diving, great boating, and calm waters for kayaking and paddle boarding.
Where to stay in Turks & Caicos:
COMO, Parrot Cay
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
The Shore Club
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Wymara Resort
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
St. Lucia: With mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, reefs and beaches – this island strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The unique landscape is unlike any other island in the Caribbean. While in St. Lucia, we recommend hiking the Pitons, swimming in the waterfalls, taking a mud bath in the sulphur springs, walking through the rainforests, and ATV biking through historic farms, plantations, and river lined trails.
Where to stay in St. Lucia:
Sugar Beach Viceroy
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Jade Mountain
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Ladera
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, welcome amenity, room upgrade upon arrival (depending on availability), early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
The Bahamas: Basically Florida’s next door neighbor but with a more vibrant, tropical flare, the Bahamas are easy to get to and are made up of hundreds of islands. This gives our clients plenty of vacay options depending on what they are looking for; whether that be off the beaten path exploration, exclusivity, or water sports galore. Depending on which island you choose, some of our favorite activities include snorkeling the tropical reefs, deep sea fishing, walking the long stretches of white sand bars, testing your luck in the casino, and sipping tropical beverages at a swim-up bar.
Where to stay in the Bahamas:
Rosewood Baha Mar
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, welcome amenity, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, welcome amenity
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, welcome amenity, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
The Cove at Atlantis
-Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Anguilla: This is the most charming island in the Caribbean (in our humble opinion). As soon as you arrive in Anguilla you are captivated by the friendly ambiance, allowing you to immediately adjust to island time. The crystal clear water, limestone caves, uninhabited cays, and calm bays make Anguilla a great place to explore by boat. Like the other Caribbean islands, there are amazing snorkeling and scuba diving spots brimming with tropical reef fish. Besides walking the long white sand beaches (or lounging on them, no judgement) we also love that you can go horseback riding right on the sand.
Where to stay in Anguilla:
Belmond Cap Juluca
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, VIP welcome treat, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Four Seasons Anguilla
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Utah
We will be highlighting Canyon Point, Park City, and Deer Valley.
Canyon Point: The vast desert landscape allows for a sense of remoteness while still giving guests access to some of North America’s most impressively beautiful natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Monument Valley. With Navajo inspired spa treatments and a long list of outdoor activities, this destination is both serene and adventurous. Guests can kayak on Lake Powel, take a helicopter ride over the canyons, hot air balloon over the cliffs, and hike through huge rock formations.
Where to stay in Canyon Point:
Amangiri
–Exclusive OTM Perks: Spa credit of $125 per person once per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Park City and Deer Valley: This all year destination offers tons of outdoor activities, a cute downtown area with restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and high-end resorts. During the colder months, we recommend skiing in Deer Valley, taking night time sleigh rides (after apres ski drinks of course), and cozying up by the fire. During the warmer months, we recommend taking in the views from a hot air balloon, horseback riding through the mountain trails, river rafting, golfing and hiking.
Where to Stay in Park City and Deer Valley:
Montage Deer Valley
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
St. Regis Deer Valley
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 resort credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability, welcome amenity
Waldorf Astoria Park City
-Exclusive OTM Perks: $60 Food & Beverage credit per bedroom towards breakfast daily, $100 spa credit per stay, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 spa credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, early check-in / late check-out subject to availability
Hawaii
We will be focusing on our four favorite destinations within Hawaii: Kauai, the Big Island, Maui, and Lanai.
Kauai – Known as the Garden Island (and of course the Jurassic Park Island), Kauai is extremely lush and all about natural beauty. Perfect for the adventure and activity lover, some of the top activities in Kauai include zip lining, taking a helicopter ride to Jurassic Falls, kayaking, hiking to canyons and waterfalls, and tubing through the botanical gardens.
Where to stay in Kauai:
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
–Exclusive OTM Perks: daily breakfast for 2, $100 property credit per stay, early check-in, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, welcome amenity
Koloa Landing
Kona & the Big Island of Hawaii: – Kona is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, allowing clients to have a wide range of activities to choose from – lounge on the white sand beaches, give into your caffeine addiction on coffee tours and tastings, dive with manta rays, visit the active volcanoes, and trek through forest trails teeming with waterfalls.
Where to stay in Kona:
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $50-$200 resort credit (depending on room category), $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability
Fairmont Orchid
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Maui – The sophisticated yet laid back Maui has more beach per coastline than any other island. Besides luxuriating and sipping cocktails on the beach, our favorite Maui must do’s are snorkeling and diving, golfing, sunrise tours, whale watching (depending on time of year), and driving the Road to Hana – an incredible scenic route lined with rainforests, bamboo forests, and waterfalls.
Where to stay in Maui:
Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
–Exclusive OTM Perks: daily breakfast for 2, $100 property credit per stay, early check-in, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, welcome amenity
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Exclusive OTM Perks: $50-$200 resort credit (depending on room category), $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability
Lanai – If unspoiled nature and secluded luxury sound up your alley, Lanai is your destination. With remote, five star resorts, Lanai offers unique outdoor activities and wellness experiences. Some of the most popular ways to unwind in Lanai include scuba diving the Cathedrals, horseback riding through the hills, golfing the oceanfront course, soaking in the views while off-roading on a Polaris, deep-sea fishing, indulging at the spa, and spending your mornings doing beach yoga.
Where to stay in Lanai:
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
–Exclusive OTM Perks: $100 food and beverage credit per stay, daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade upon arrival subject to availability