Planning a honeymoon can sometimes take as much time (and budget) as your actual wedding. Have you ever considered taking a Mini-moon before your REAL honeymoon? A mini-moon is a quick 1-3 day getaway right after your wedding for a chance to recuperate before heading back to reality. This is especially helpful if you’re planning on waiting to take a longer vacation later on.

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 

There are lots of reasons to take a quick getaway right after your wedding and save your Mega-moon for later:

1. You need some time to save up.
2. It’s not the right season (weather-wise) for where you’d like to honeymoon OR you find an amazing deal for the off-peak time of year.
3. You can’t get all of your holidays/time off work in one shot – often you’ll need a few days off BEFORE your wedding.
4. You don’t want to sleep through your honeymoon while recuperating from your big day. (You’d be surprised how many couples we know that have slept through the first couple days of their week long trip.)

Ok – so what are the options?

Regardless of where you live, there are bound to be hotels and other locations near by that will offer a quick getaway for you and your new partner to relax, recuperate and recharge. Many often have special couples packages including a few extras.

Maybe you stay in your own city, but book a night or two in a great hotel (check for last minute hotel deals!) or perhaps there are resorts or spas just outside your city. Rent (or borrow) a cottage for the weekend or find a sleepy B&B nearby where you can sleep in and stroll the day away.

We took our own Mini-moon a few weeks ago at Ste. Anne’s Spa near Grafton, Ontario.

Ste. Anne’s Spa is located about 90 minutes east of Toronto, Canada. Originally we thought it would be the perfect location for a girls trip or bachelorette party (FYI – it totally is!) but after visiting, we saw huge potential for a couples weekend or Mini-Moon (as we like to call it). The staff is attentive but know just how to maintain your privacy across the massive property.

The Beautiful Grounds at Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 

Your meals are completely taken care of, and perfectly portioned/designed to energize and heal run down bodies. Rooms are cozy, romantic and very private. In fact, you need not wear anything but a robe across the property!

The Fabulous Food at Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 

Dining Alfresco at Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 

We asked the staff at Ste. Anne’s about the best way to create a romantic and relaxing Mini-moon at their property.

Here are all the secrets and top tips to creating the perfect getaway:

Q. All your rooms are decorated differently. Which rooms would you suggest for honeymoon couples?

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Maud Watt Room, Frances Anne Hopkins Room & Arthur Room 

Most all of the rooms would be suitable, but a few of our romantic favorites are (left to right in image above):

• MAUD WATT
• FRANCES ANNE HOPKINS
• ARTHUR ROOM (Dorset Manor Location)

Q. Your spa menu is extensive, what treatment would you suggest for relaxation and rejuvenation after a stressful period leading up to a wedding?

A body wrap is great for deep relaxation. We offer many, so couples can choose which ever one suits their particular needs.

Here are a few examples:

• Contouring Mud Stone Wrap
• Eucalyptus Body Wrap Milk
• Milk and Sesame Stone Wrap
• Moor Mud Hydro Wrap

Q. Is Ste. Anne’s just a spa or are there other things to do on the property?

There are many activities ranging from total relaxation to strenuous physical activity! For those who are a little more active, consider participating in any of our wellness classes including yoga, stability ball class, meditation and more or simply do a workout in our gym.

There are also fantastic walking trails around the property. If you prefer a destination rather than a wander to take in the beautiful scenery, take the 10-15 minute walk down to the Maison Sante just 1 km north of the main inn. It houses an indoor pool equipped with hydrotherapy jets and a dry sauna.

Relaxing Outdoor Fresh Water Pool at Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 

Couples can also choose to bring their own tennis rackets to play a game or two on the courts, enjoy the amazing spring water pool, or take part in caring for the 10 domestic horses kept on the property.

Chill Out Inside at Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, Ontario 

Q. Men are often leery of spa treatments. Are there any treatments designed specifically for men? Or those most enjoyed by men?

• BACK CLEANSING STONE TREATMENT: Deep cleansing, exfoliating skin treatment for the back. Hot basalt stones massage custom-blended herbal formulas onto your back. Additional heated massage stones are used to provide a light, relaxing back massage. (1hr. ~ $120)
• MEN’S EXPRESS FACIAL: A relaxing introduction to Aveda skin care and facial massage, customized for men with a soothing aftershave finish. (3/4 hr ~ $85)
• DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE with a Registered Massage Therapist: For people that are experiencing chronic pain or just like a deeper massage. Trigger points are manipulated to release tension, restoring muscle integrity and overall body balance. (1/2 hr. ~ $65 1 hr. ~ $120 1-1/2hr. ~ $180)

Q. What’s the best way to book a short escape?

If you have a particular room in mind, it’s best to call ahead and check availability. If you’re more flexible on dates, room preference etc, check out the last minute spa deals. Our packages are all inclusive of: 4-course dinner, breakfast, 3-course lunch & afternoon tea, 1 group wellness class (Wellness Classes are only available at Ste. Anne’s Spa) and complete use of the facilities.