Say 'I do' to these 5 magical mini-moons

These short stays are packed full of romance – perfect for a new bride and groom.

Who says you have to hit the beach for a fortnight once you've tied the knot? Celebrate your nuptials at one of these gorgeous getaways that are just as romantic as an island in the Indian Ocean.

Riad Star, Marrakech 

Morocco’s pink-walled city has long been a popular place for romantics and it’s little wonder with the abundance of dreamy roof terraces, petal-strewn pools and candle-lit restaurants. But where to stay? Riad Star (from £112pn), is a 13-bedroom oasis in the heart of the Medina and once home to 1940s jazz superstar Josephine Baker.

Treat yourselves to a hammam and massage in the bijou treatment room, take a dip in the courtyard plunge pool and, best of all, sip wine or even dine (staff can whip up a lamb tagine at your request) on the stunning roof terrace, which has city views and pockets of private seating (it’s so romantic at night, lit by lanterns, you’ll want to propose all over again).

Riad Star

Shout out for the dressing up box stuffed with flapper dresses and feather boas, which guests can raid (surprisingly tempting after a cocktail or two).

When you want to venture out, hit Cafe Clock for delicious Moroccan tapas for less than £10 (or a camel burger if you dare) and lively rooftop scene.

Sightseeing in Marrakech? Stroll the souks and soak up the atmosphere in Jemaa el-Fna square. 

Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Hotel Arts, Barcelona 

Sand, sea, shopping and sightseeing; Spain’s most stylish city is ideal for romantic short breaks.

Check in to Hotel Arts Barcelona (from £333pn) set in a soaring tower by the beach and with THE best views of the city. Mini-moon highlights are everywhere, from the infinity pool overlooking Barca’s iconic giant gold fish sculpture and award-winning cocktail bar, to the two Michelin-starred restaurant serving dazzling dishes like tuna, truffle and sea urchin.

Hotel Arts, Barcelona

And don't miss 43 The Spa, where you can indulge in luxurious treatments like a diamond dust body scrub together.

All the rooms are incredible, but honeymooners wanting the best should book a suite in The Club – 33 floors up, it’s a hotel within a hotel, with separate check-in, lounge (free food and drink, yay) and the hotel’s penthouse suites.

George Clooney's stayed in Penthouse A, which has two-storey glass windows, spiral staircase, even a slick little kitchen. 

Hotel Arts, Barcelona

La Reserve, France

Set on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, La Reserve (from £90pn) is as chic as you’d expect a South of France honeymoon escape to be.

With an infinity pool carved into a lush green hillside, replica Henry Moore sculptures and a sun-soaked terrace for Caesar salad and white wine lunches beneath umbrellas, it’s very easy on the eye.

La Reserve, France

If you want to restore your skin after all the sun and sea air, there are a couple of rooms where you can indulge in Institut Esthederm treatments (Paris beauty brand, amazing results).

Rooms are subtly seaside, the best for newlyweds is 58, which has a gorgeous private terrace, or book one of the new nautical-style apartments, which have a bedroom, kitchen and dining room, for total privacy.

La Reserve, France

A five-minute coastal walk delivers you to the ever-cool town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a surfing hangout with a crescent of golden sand, ice-cream coloured buildings and great shops.

Don’t miss dining at Ilura, La Reserve’s knock-out restaurant, where dishes such as sarrasin végétal with Bastelica carrots and orange (pictured) are served in that uniquely French way; like a work of art. 

La Reserve, France

Cas Gasi, Ibiza

If you think all Ibiza has to offer is great nightlife, think again. This Balearic Island is also home to pretty hillside villages, lush forests, white sand beaches and some of Europe’s most romantic getaways.

Top of the list is Cas Gasi (from £284pn), an enchanting 12-bedroom escape on a hillside dotted with almond and fig trees.

Cas Gasi, Ibiza

Luxurious rooms (think terracotta-tiled floors, wood beams, super high thread count white linen) spread across the main house, converted stables and barns, a library and romantic Mediterranean meals served wherever you desire, combine to make it feel like you’re staying at a friend’s beautiful home rather than a hotel (albeit friends who have Kate Moss and Jade Jagger over regularly).

Cas Gasi, Ibiza

There are electric bikes to borrow for fun trips to stunning Salinas beach, Santa Gertrudis and Ibiza Town, but with sunrise yoga, pool, small spa and breakfast made with eggs from the hotel’s free-range hens and fresh juice from the garden’s fruit-laden trees, it’s hard to drag yourselves away.

Cas Gasi, Ibiza

For more laid-back vibes, see our guide to Santa Eulària on the east of the island.

Punta Tragara, Capri 

Italy’s iconic island makes a glamorous setting for a mini-moon and the best place to stay? Punta Tragara (from £569pn), a five-star pink hideaway perched on a cliff high above the Faraglioni rock formations.

S-F/Shutterstock

Designed by legendary architect Le Corbusier as a villa in the 1920s, today it’s a stylish hotel with two pools and Le Monzú restaurant, where there’s a chance to try delicious local cuisine such as pasta and potatoes with blue lobster or sliced red tuna with citrus fruit.

Punta Tragara, Capri

Rooms and suites are divine; Art Suite is particularly coveted by ‘mooners, with its standalone white bath by a window with ocean views and expansive private terrace.

Although it feels like you’ve escaped the tourist crowds, the hotel’s just a stroll from Capri’s historic Piazzetta and boutique shopping haven Via Camerelle or a short (private) boat trip from the famous Blue Grotto.

Punta Tragara, Capri

Recover from excursions with an Aperol on the terrace. Bliss. 

Lead image: La Reserve