Top minimoon destinations and couples' retreats near Sydney

Wondering what a minimoon is? Romantic getaways, known as minimoons or micro-honeymoons, are becoming popular with engaged couples and newlyweds. So, ABIA explain what a minimoon is and why you might want to take one. Plus, we reveal our expert list of some of the best mini-honeymoon destinations near Sydney — from the city to the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, the South Coast, the Southern Highlands and up to Lord Howe Island and Byron Bay in northern New South Wales.

Bannisters By The Sea | Mollymook, NSW | Image Destination NSW

With venues to book, flowers, photographers and entertainers to choose, cakes and catering to sample, guests to invite and a celebrant and wedding dress to select, organising a wedding can get hectic. So, it’s hardly surprising many engaged couples are choosing to take a break from the preparations to recharge and reconnect before their celebration, or to relax and reflect immediately following the big day. ABIA’s wedding expert and travel writer Tanya Bywater takes a look at this emerging wedding trend and reveals some of the best minimoon destinations for a couple’s retreat near Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, Byron Bay, Lord Howe Island and elsewhere in New South Wales.

Crown Sydney | Sydney, NSW

What is a minimoon?

Romantic couples’ getaways, known as minimoons or mini-honeymoons, are short breaks intended to provide engaged or newly-married couples a chance to recover from the excitement and potential overwhelm of wedding preparation and planning, either before or after the big day.

Minimoons typically last from two to five days, take place within a short distance of the couple’s home or wedding destination — to minimise travel time and simplify arrangements — and involve high-end luxury stays or unique locations that optimise the escape experience and mark the significance of the occasion.

28 Degrees | Byron Bay, NSW

Minimoon v Honeymoon? What's the difference?

Wondering what the difference is between a minimoon and a honeymoon? Essentially, a minimoon is a micro-honeymoon, so timespan is the main distinction. Usually, minimoons also involve less travel time and a laid-back schedule, to allow for downtime preceding, or following, the emotion and intensity of the wedding itself.

There’s no need to choose one over the other though, many couples take a minimoon before their ‘proper’ honeymoon, motivated by a range of considerations.

Bells at Killcare | Central Coast, NSW

Why take a minimoon?

From fitting in with busy lifestyles to working with tight budgets, there are many practical reasons why minimoons make sense. Here’s why a minimoon might be right for you.

• Weddings often require time off work, so if you can’t take any more leave a minimoon can provide an indulgent alternative, or prelude, to a longer honeymoon.
• Honeymoons can be expensive, so can weddings, and if you need time to save for that exotic honeymoon destination, a minimoon can offer an excellent interim solution.
• If you’ve got a beach honeymoon, a skiing honeymoon or a romantic European summer honeymoon on your wish-list, seasonal considerations might come into play and a minimoon can offer an idyllic interlude while you wait.
• After the inevitable excitement of a wedding day there’s every chance you’ll enjoy your dream honeymoon more if you wait for it a little longer, and a minimoon taken immediately after can be an ideal way to mark the milestone and ease into married life before returning to reality.

Capella Lodge | Lord Howe Island, NSW

Our pick of the best minimoon destinations near Sydney

Bannisters By The Sea

Mollymook, New South Wales

From its dramatic clifftop location, overlooking the glistening Pacific Ocean, Bannisters By The Sea in Mollymook welcomes minimooners with a combined offering of tranquillity, opulence and fine dining, just a few hours drive south of Sydney.

The calming murmur of breaking waves permeates each of the boutique hotel’s 34 rooms and suits, delivering the perfect soundtrack for a pre- or post-wedding winddown. Each space proffers a king-size bed and private balcony or deck, with Spa Retreats furnished with a choice of indoor or outdoor spas, and spacious Collette Dinnigan Penthouses reflecting the refined taste and signature style that the Australian designer is renowned for.

Just outside, duos can dine on the ocean-inspired delights of the iconic Rick Stein restaurant, located onsite, wash away their cares in the sparkling infinity pool or de-stress with a couples’ massage, or self-care treatment of choice, at the property’s Spa By The Sea therapy centre.

Images courtesy Bannisters By The Sea 

Crown Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales

With its Opera House, Harbour Bridge and fleets of silently-gliding ferries, there’s no denying the romance of Sydney Harbour. And from its prime position on the water’s edge, Crown Sydney promises minimooners a stay that captures the harbourside magic.

Crown Towers’ assortment of individually-adorned rooms and luxury suites each echo the harbour's palette of blues and neutrals and showcase the world-renowned vistas with walls of windows. Meanwhile, Frette-linen-clad king-size beds, plush upholstered furnishings, state-of-the-art tech, walk-in-robes and marble ensuites — with rain showers, dual vanities and freestanding baths — cater to comfort.

There’s 24-hour room service available for couples reluctant to leave, but with more water views visible from the harbourside infinity pool and well-fitted fitness centre, plus open-air tennis courts, a sigh-worthy Crown Spa menu and onsite dining and drink options — more within walking distance at Barangaroo entertainment precinct — most will be tempted to explore a little further.

Images courtesy Crown Resorts

 Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Couples seeking a sojourn just outside Sydney, need only head toward the haze of the majestic Blue Mountains. Here, twinkling lights on the horizon are the only reminder of the bustle an hour's drive away, and the adults-only sanctuary that is Spicers Sangoma Retreat offers a contrast of almost-instant serenity.

Deep deluxe baths, warm textured interiors and supreme comfort set the scene in each of the varied suites here, but it’s the more secluded Bush, Escarpment, Chief and Canopy — think five-star treehouse complete with chandelier — Suites that tend to captivate minimooners.

Set within their distinct bushland cocoons, each of these accommodations combine optimal privacy and unparalleled luxury with considered convenience. All-inclusive packages cater for meals and most beverages, an onsite day spa and solar-heated infinity pool provide for those who venture beyond their rooms, and a menu of tailored experiences offer options ranging from private yoga and meditation to local guided tours and the services of a Bath Butler for an extra dash of romance.

Images courtesy Spicers Retreats

Capella Lodge

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Couples looking for a reprieve from the pressures of wedding planning, will find almost instant relief on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Here, surrounded by a coral-fringed lagoon, pristine beaches, verdant rainforests and lush pastures meld with rare plants, sea birds and the exotic marine-life of the world’s southern-most reef, to form a natural oasis.

Nestled amidst it all, looking out over the Pacific Ocean and up to spectacular volcanic peaks, Capella Lodge offers minimooners a choice of nine individually-curated luxury suites, combining the likes of comfy king-beds, open fireplaces, high-ceilings, private plunge pools or hot tubs and outdoor decks with soul-soothing vistas.

“Refreshingly off the radar,” reads Capella Lodge’s narrative. And, indeed, it is a place where a slower pace reigns, where cars are swapped for bikes, e-buggies and hand-in-hand strolls, and where mobile phones are set aside in favour of aquatic adventures and island escapades. Packages combine locally-inspired breakfasts, evening canapés and dinners in the Lodge’s onsite restaurant, and the Capella Spa menu almost guarantees to whisk all cares away.

Images courtesy Capella Lodge

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales

Ascend The Grand Staircase inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney and it’s easy to imagine the countless love letters that originated here. The former General Post Office building, in Sydney’s Martin Place, is steeped in romance, from its ornate Italian Renaissance-inspired façade to the intricate interior mouldings which span from floor to ceiling.

Within the hotel’s rooms and suites though, these nods to the heritage-listed building’s history are balanced with 21st Century convenience in the form of elegant modern furnishings, deep-soaking baths, smart TVs, complimentary wi-fi and Balmain bathroom amenities.

Tower view rooms or suites — like the Heritage Long Suite housed within the former postmaster’s office — are the pick for minimooners seeking to retreat. While those looking for eats and entertainment can indulge in modern Australian and Southeast Asian fare at The Place, partake of cocktails and elegant afternoon tea at The Bar, work it all off at the onsite fitness centre, or take advantage of the hotel’s iconic Sydney CBD address to explore further.

Images courtesy The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

28 Degrees

Byron Bay, New South Wales

The allures of Byron Bay are many, and for newlyweds, or nearly-weds, wanting to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty, vibrant café scene and signature laid-back vibe, 28 Degrees distinguishes itself as a secluded adults-only sanctuary within the hip heart of the eclectic coastal township.

The boutique guesthouse’s 12 luxury rooms and villas — intimate cocoons of organic Italian linens, whitewashed timber panelling and rattan accessories — blend with cosy communal spaces and tropical landscaping to provide a quiet escape, while a collection of add-on packages allow for options like small-batch French Champagne, in-room massages and gourmet cheese platters.

Minimooners make for the rooms with iconic lighthouse views or those with private plunge pools to optimise, what the property describes as, the ‘slow luxury’ experience.

Images courtesy 28 Degrees

Bells at Killcare

Central Coast, New South Wales

For duos whose idea of utopia falls somewhere between the raw, isolated beauty of the Aussie bush and the high-end elegance of The Hamptons, Bells at Killcare — just up the coast from Sydney — makes an ideal minimoon milieu.

Here, a relaxed blue and white palette of designer Ralph Lauren furnishings, nautical stripes, linen-covered sofas and rattan outdoor seating invites couples to slip off their shoes and breathe deeply amid a lush native bush backdrop, complete with outdoor saltwater mineral swimming pool, nearby beach access, a day spa and onsite dining options that include a bakery and larder and The Wildflower Bar & Dining, which sources much of its produce from the property’s kitchen garden.

Couples’ accommodation options — all boasting outdoor verandahs, gas fireplaces and air-conditioning — range from king-size suites to garden villas, with freestanding copper baths, and one-bedroom cottages with their own kitchen facilities. Plus, the recent addition of two-bedroom lodges — featuring minimalist interiors inspired by their seclude bushland setting, private heated plunge pools and access to a rooftop sunset deck — cater to couples seeking even more space and solitude.

All images courtesy Bells at Killcare

Showcasing more than 600,000 reviews, provided by recently-married wedding couples, ABIA is one of Australia's most-trusted wedding planning platforms. Newly-engaged couples get a headstart on their planning with the ABIA Directory, which allows them to research a range of services and wedding vendors located across Australia, including ceremony and reception venues, celebrants, photographers, caterers, decorators, florists, planners and coordinators, transport providers, hair stylists, make-up artists, videographers, cake designers,  live music and even dance teachers and photo booth hire. Couples also discover the latest wedding inspiration and ideas within the ABIA webite, which presents informative articles on wedding-related topics, like finding the perfect wedding dress and sustainable wedding suggestions, together with gift ideas, destination wedding venues, multi-day wedding planning and links to the best honeymoon destinations in Australia. There's also an online wedding registry, that enables guests to contribute to a holiday or experience in place of a traditional wedding gift. It's essentially a must-have resource for anyone planning a wedding in Australia.