Local honey 'nanomoons': the prelude to the great journey
The time has come to recover the traditional honeymoons that in their day our parents and grandparents did -and enjoyed so much-, although on this occasion we are motivated by different reasons than in the past. In the last year of the pandemic, international travel has given way to a closer, more local and safer type of getaway with which we have fallen in love with our country and the heritage, natural, cultural and gastronomic jewels that it has as its flag.
This premise has also been transferred to the bridal ground and more and more couples are deciding to bet on an enclave located within our borders as a prelude to the great trip that they will take some time later.
RISING NANOMOONS
“The honeymoon renews and adapts . Although, under normal conditions, 84% of these experiences by Spaniards are international , this 2021 couples will look for closer destinations due to the current uncertainty. On a temporary basis, honeymoons will adapt and become more local, although no less romantic and special for that ”, tells Traveler.es Virginia Canovas , director of communication for the Bodas.net portal.
“I think that in Spain we have always been very aware of the great wealth that our geography possesses, but it is true that Before the pandemic, we did not plan to enjoy a 'zero kilometer' honeymoon . With the arrival of the coronavirus, everything we had pre-established changed," he adds. Bárbara Cortés, specialist in tailor-made honeymoons and luxury travel.
And this translates to getaways that last an average of one week where the newlyweds they visit two or three destinations shortly after giving the 'yes, I want'. “Always fleeing, from the big cities and looking for an immersion in nature , surrounded by bucolic landscapes or a more than deserved disconnection on the beach”, Bárbara Cortés tells Traveler.es.
Alava Suites, in Lanzarote
The benefits of this option are more than evident: convenience of being close to home in the face of possible border closures, security of not being subject to last-minute changes by foreign countries and guarantee of being protected by our health against a possible contagion of covid-19.
And the cons? The great main inconvenience moves for economic reasons. Not all couples have enough money to make two honeymoons , so it is very important to take into account our priorities and the budget that is going to be invested in each trip. "Everything depends on the vacation days and the budget available, since there is a risk of exhausting both in the nano honeymoon and not being able to go on a more exotic, distant and special trip afterwards," says Bárbara Cortés.
THE ANTEROOM TO THE BIG JOURNEY
The rules of the game have changed and we with them. It's just what they thought Isa de la Barreda and Eduardo Lucini , a young couple living in Madrid (he, a lawyer; she, a consultant) who passed through the altar last July after months of nerves and great uncertainty. Their initial wedding date was scheduled for May 23, 2020, but the pandemic and the de-escalation in Spain prevented them from celebrating the link that day.
The nanomoon of Isa de la Barreda and Eduardo Lucini
“The truth is that we had never heard of the concept of nano honeymoon, not that we would have stopped to think about it. we had always imagined our honeymoon as the typical 'once in a lifetime' experience : somewhere exotic and paradisiacal. In the end, as we were forced to postpone the wedding, we had to adjust the plans a bit”, the couple told Traveler.es remembering those days.
As expected, by July the restrictions in Spain had improved, but the international situation remained complicated and many countries had their borders closed. His great trip was stopped and the deposits made but they had no choice but to plan it for later.
"Despite everything, we were clear that we wanted to go away for a few days together to rest, so we opted for a national destination that would give us the security of being able to return home if the epidemiological situation worsened again," they add. The chosen place? The Canary Islands.
They ran away for ten days Lanzarote and Fuerteventura , only with the flights and hotels booked…the rest decided to improvise! “We do not know if this return to the origins will last beyond the duration of the pandemic, what we are sure of is that our perspective of seeing things has changed and we have I really want to travel around Spain ”, say Isa and Eduardo.
After several attempts and PCRs in between, managed to escape to the Maldives in November . And they cannot have a more unforgettable memory of the trip. “We left for a week and I think it has been the greatest gift after our wedding within this year of complications”, they remember.
María Alava, founder of the wonderful Alava Suites She has not stopped hosting newlywed couples during 2020 in her unmistakable Costa Teguise accommodation in Lanzarote. She noticed it from the beginning: “ around 70% of my reservations were for honeymoons, it has really been a boom and will continue to grow . I have had boyfriends who even reserve tickets and accommodation for their honeymoon on the day of the wedding, it is all very last minute, ”she indicates.
“I think this situation has made us look inward. We have realized the importance of supporting the local and I think we have learned that it is not necessary to take a six-hour flight to live a memorable and unique experience. ”, adds María Álava.
If anyone in the room is getting married this year, he should know that the minimoon local can become the best option. “If someone asked us, without a doubt we would recommend it”, confess Isa and Eduardo.
The breakfasts of Alava Suites, in Lanzarote
MINIMOON IN SPAIN: THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR NANOMOON HONEY
And now that the decision has been made, do not hesitate to take a look at the following accommodations where nothing can go wrong, because as the honeymoon specialist Bárbara Cortés comments: “ what prevails is the search for special and inspiring places in which accommodation plays a very important role and, in fact, in many cases the choice of destiny revolves around him. Then we complete with experiences to share as a couple and thus achieve that romantic trip typical of a traditional honeymoon. aim!
1. Álava Suites, the best starting point to discover the island carved by water and fire (Calle Italia, 4 Costa Teguise-Lanzarote)
What's so special about it? In the words of María herself: “I have always thought of Alava as an experience and, therefore, work on every detail to generate an emotion . Alava is retirement and connection with the environment, and after a year of life I have learned that personalized treatment is the key”. Six rooms with different capacities, a swimming pool, garden, personalized experiences and a breakfast that takes you to heaven.
2. Experimental Menorca, disconnection in the least frequented of the Balearic Islands (Llucalari Military Battery, Camí de Llucalari, Menorca)
What's so special about it? We are facing one of the most ambitious projects on the island in terms of hospitality in recent years. An agritourism full of unique corners in a privileged location where nature and calm are the order of the day.
Menorca Experimental private room
3. Hotel A Quinta Da Auga Relais & Châteaux, the most hedonistic retreat (Paseo da Amaia, 23B, Santiago de Compostela)
What's so special about it? The sound of the stream in the background, one of the most comfortable hotel beds in all of Spain, the common rooms or the garden in which to rest, a spa where you can let the hours pass in the best company and a gastronomic proposal worthy of the most exquisite palate. You can not ask for more!
Rediscovering Santiago de Compostela
4. It is Racó d'Artá, a concept based on sustainability, design and good taste (Camí des Racó. Ctra. de Cala Mitjana Km1.5, Mallorca)
What's so special about it? "We offer an almost magical destination, where respect for oneself and what surrounds us is essential. Silence, calm and rest in our rooms and villas, as well as the health and well-being of our guests are our purposes", they say from the establishment itself.
Silence, calm and rest
5.Plaza 18 Vejer, a little bit from the south (Plaza de España, 18 Vejer de la Frontera-Cádiz)
What's so special about it? Considered the first luxury hotel in Vejer de la Frontera, it is designed by the British interior designer Nicky Dobree. A total of six rooms where privacy and intimacy are assured in this old mansion from the 19th century. which is pure delight for all our senses . All this in one of the most charming white villages in all of Cádiz.
Intimacy and rest in Vejer de la Frontera