For newlyweds who need a break between the hectic wedding and that mega honeymoon, a mini-moon is the way to go. These 7 destinations in India top our list. By Shikha Pushpan
Let’s just accept it. There’s no place like Goa when it comes to whisking away your partner on a romantic getaway. And W Goa, near the Vagator Beach, is just perfect for that short and sweet break. The resort’s Whatever/Whenever® service allows its guests to plan the best surprises for their partner—from arranging an intimate evening by the beach to indulging in couples’ spa therapy in the comfort of your suite; basically, the resort offers whatever you want, whenever you want, quite literally. The Fantastic One-Bedroom Seafront Villa is a great place to catch some ethereal sunsets. The best part? You can check into the resort with your pets! And the villa is sound proof (if you know what we mean!).
Newly married couples from eastern India seeking some alone time need look no further than the Vedic Village Spa Resort, Kolkata. Located a mere 25 kilometres from the city, the resort is a secluded retreat, offering a sylvan setting with its tranquil lakes, coconut groves, and earthy villas, whose architecture is reminiscent of a traditional Bengali village. You’ll find yourself relaxing almost instantly as nature woos you with her many wonders—colourful migratory birds and fluttering butterflies, shimmering waters, and dense greenery all around. The more adventurous couples can bond over the many outdoor activities on offer, such as kayaking, zorbing, ATV-bike riding, and more. For those in need of some much-needed TLC, the resort’s lakeside Sanjeeva Ayurveda Spa is a standout experience. Let the experienced masseur knead your tiredness away with the signature Rasayani therapy (four treatments in one!). Curated with no sense of urgency, this is possibly the best way to get rid of all the wedding-related weariness. While here, stay at the Zaminder Suite—laze in the indulgent four-poster bed, take a dip in the Jacuzzi, or simply unwind by your private lake.
Beautiful adventures are created in the wild, or so we believe. And they become even more special at The Tree House Hideaway Resort in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh. With intimate tree cottages located in the middle of dense woods, the retreat ensures your desired privacy. Check into this plush cocoon and spend quality time together spotting wild animals from the comfort of your shaded verandah—the treehouses overlook a watering hole, often frequented by the big cats and tuskers, so expect a few sightings without even stepping out—or soak in the quietness of your calm environs from your four-poster bed. In case you’re in the mood to explore the forest, just book a morning or evening safari to experience nature up close and personal.
Mini-moon or not, this is going to be one of your favourite places on the planet for a very long time. The Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala offers unmatched natural beauty—the kind that dreams are made of. Book the Presidential Suite where Prince Charles and his wife Camilla stayed, and surprise your partner with the best wedding present. The resort’s wood-beamed villas, an excellent example of traditional Kerala architecture, look out over the bewitching beauty of Lake Vembanad. You can even check into one of the resort’s private houseboats—the bliss is tangible as you drift into the lake’s calm waters. A private butler takes care of all your needs. All you need to do is sit back and watch the sunset.
If spending time at a quaint little beach is your idea of a romantic interlude, then head to the Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort without a second thought. Located just 60 kilometres from Chennai, the retreat offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Be sure to check into one of its many plush suites and arrange a romantic dinner for your partner on your private balcony. Gourmet couples are certain to end up spending a lot of time at Melting Pot: The Market Café. With European, South Asian, and Peninsular Indian cuisines on offer, alongside a floating deck and alfresco seating area overlooking the central water feature, the in-house restaurant is a major highlight of the hotel.
Escape the city by taking a flight into the heart of the Thar Desert to Sujan The Serai by Relais & Châteaux in Jaisalmer. Set amidst an expanse of undulating, golden-hued sand dunes, this 100-acre property is a literal oasis. Accommodation here takes the form of spacious and lavish, gold-and-white tented suites, complete with a private spa, outdoor pool, and personal butler. If that doesn’t take your breath away, wait till night falls and the landscape transforms into something out of the Arabian Nights tales. Pick your favourite spot and ask the concierge to set up a cosy, candlelit dinner for you and your partner, to the accompaniment of traditional folk music. Or sign up for The Thar Sundowner experience to catch the shifting colours of the desert.
So, you had that big, fat Delhi wedding and now can’t wait to get away from all the madness for some quiet togetherness? Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida, ticks all the right boxes for an idyllic staycation near home, but with the solitude of a private island. Designed by noted golfer, Greg Norman, the resort scores high on aesthetics, and offers rooms with uninterrupted views of the golf course. Stay in one of the Executive Suites, and step out into the balcony and straight into the bubbling Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne. Adventure- seekers can ask the concierge to arrange a trip to the nearby Buddha International Circuit in a Mercedes Benz. If you’re lucky, you may even get to take a lap around the Formula One Grand Prix circuit!