Destress with a pre-wedding getaway

Posted by Melissa Cullen on 4 October 2024

A man and woman embracing on a bridge surrounded by trees Credit: Roberto Nickson Since the pandemic couples booking a pre-wedding wedding break, or "earlymoon" as they are now called, usually two or three months before the ceremony, has seen a surge in popularity. Bearing in mind how time-consuming and frantically busy the lead-up to a wedding is, it isn’t really surprising that the idea of having a well-earned break is very appealing.

Grabbing the opportunity to get away gives couples the chance to remove themselves from the pressures and stress of organising their wedding and enjoy a bit of downtime together before the big day. Whether it is a few days or two weeks, having an earlymoon has been cited as “a great way to step back, to reconnect and to recharge the batteries.”

The Honeymoon Fixer, an independent travel agency specialising in destination weddings and honeymoons, has noticed a substantial rise in couples wanting to book an earlymoon this year. Sarah Doe from the travel agency, believes this growing trend is not just a passing fad and thinks it is fast becoming the norm for couples to take both an earlymoon and a honeymoon. We asked Sarah to share three destinations and hotels that her customers have chosen for their pre-wedding break.

A beach with a mountain in the background

Credit: Simon Hurry

St Lucia

St Lucia is an island well known and loved for it's pristine white sands, turquoise sea and warm Caribbean sun. Where better to rest, relax and rejuvenate?

StolenTime is a fabulous adults-only, all-inclusive beach wellness resort where it is impossible not to relax! After a day on the beach, in the spa or by the pool, couples can enjoy time at the Champagne Bar before or after dining at one of the hotel's many interesting places to eat.

Credit: José Roberto Rubí Cascante

Costa Rica

For those really wanting to hide away from the stress of wedding planning, what could be better than spending time in the canopies of the rainforest in Costa Rica?

The Pacuare Lodge is an eco-hotel with only 20 rooms, which caters for all tastes. Set against a lush natural backdrop, this beautiful location invites you to indulge in adventure, romance and wellness. Whether you want days out on the zip lines, hiking to the waterfalls, rafting and canyoning or would rather spend your time in the spa and by your private pool amongst the trees, this lovely hotel has it all on offer.

A city by the water Portugal

Much closer to home Portugal, with its vineyards, beaches and charming cities, is the ideal destination if you only have time for a few days away before your wedding.

The Yeatman is a luxury wine and spa hotel with beautiful views overlooking Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage City and the Duoro River. There is no need to venture far from the hotel as it is set within seven acres of garden and surrounded by port wine lodges, has indoor and outdoor infinity swimming pools and a superb restaurant.

Enlisting the help of a travel agent, particularly a specialist, when it comes to booking a holiday like an earlymoon is invaluable. They always have plenty of ideas, up-to-date information on where best to go and will also be able to get you a good deal. But, more importantly, you can rely on them to arrange the holiday from start to finish without it interfering and adding to the stress of organising the wedding.

To find out more, visit www.thehoneymoonfixer.com or email sarah@thehoneymoonfixer.com