Why the “Multi-moon” Is the next Biggest Honeymoon Trend

Why settle for one honeymoon when you can have two—or more? Recently, savvy newlyweds have been rethinking tradition and embracing the “multi-moon.” As someone who plans honeymoons for a living, I’ve found that instead of rushing off to a long-haul trip on the tails of a wedding, many of today’s couples are opting for a brief but luxe escape, followed by their dream honeymoon a few months later.

This spaced-out approach gives couples time to recharge after their big day and something to look forward to. It also can lessen stress mentally, emotionally, and financially. Weddings are expensive, after all, and delaying the big honeymoon trip can help ease the blow by spreading out the cost.

Here’s what you need to do if you’re planning a multi-moon.

How to Do It

If you’re thinking about planning a multi-moon, consider the timing of your wedding. For summer weddings, the wait is worth it for better weather in key destinations. Dreaming of Bali’s lush green landscapes? Push the trip to December and you’ll catch Ubud at its most vibrant time, just as North America slips into winter. On the flip side, couples tying the knot in fall or winter might want to honeymoon when it’s warmer. French Polynesia, for example, is warm year-round but sees its driest, sunniest weather between May and October. In fact, I personally honeymooned there during the dry season and was rewarded with crystal-clear skies and perfect 80-degree days—exactly the kind of magic you’d want on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

After saying your “I do’s,” start married life with a short escape, or “mini-moon.” These trips are typically two to five days, and take place close to home to minimize travel time and maximize ease. The focus? Unwinding. A few good options include a beach destination in the Caribbean that includes pool villas, spa treatments, and slow mornings, or even a weekend getaway that does not require a flight. Later, go all in with the main event: A honeymoon that’s immersive and unforgettable. Whether it’s tracking wildlife on safari in South Africa, floating in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, or exploring ancient temples deep in the jungles of Bali, the second trip is where the big memories are made.

Where to Go

Your mini-moon should be intimate, indulgent, and stress-free—luxe places that feel remote but are easy to get to. Some of my favorites include:

• Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur for cliffside romance, Pacific views, and total privacy.
• COMO Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos for barefoot, beachfront luxury.
• Airelles Château de Versailles in France. Here, you will sleep like royalty inside the gates of Versailles, with exclusive palace access and Alain Ducasse–curated dining.

When it’s time for the big honeymoon, go bold. This is where luxury, experience, and wow-factor meet. I recommend heading to one of the following places:

• Singita Boulders Lodge in South Africa for safari splendor with five-star comfort.
• The Brando in French Polynesia for a private island with eco-luxe at its finest.
• Capella Ubud in Bali offers a jungle hideaway that’s rooted in design.

Where to Eat

When on the mini-moon, keep things easy. In-room breakfasts, charming local spots, and a splurge dinner or two are all you need. Ultimately, the goal is relaxation and intimate quality time with your now-spouse.

But for the main honeymoon, food becomes part of the journey. This is your chance to indulge in once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences that aren’t just meals, but rather, they’re memories in the making. Here, a few restaurants I recommend, all located in common honeymoon destinations.

• Villa Mahana is an ultra-intimate, candlelit restaurant tucked into the hills of Bora Bora, offering just a few tables and a legendary tasting menu.
• Wolfgat is a tiny, off-the-beaten-path gem in South Africa where every dish is foraged and hyper-local. It also has ocean views and only seats 20 people per night.
• Locavore is Bali’s most celebrated fine dining spot, where jungle-to-table tasting menus spotlight native ingredients and inventive technique.
• In the Maldives, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant, where every course comes with panoramic reef views.

When to Go

One of the biggest perks of the multi-moon is the flexibility. You’re no longer locked into leaving right after the wedding, and that freedom lets you time the big trip perfectly.

Dreaming of Ubud, Bali? December brings warm days, lush landscapes, and vibrant local festivals. Planning for French Polynesia? Aim for the dry season between May and October. That flexibility also lets you target the shoulder season, which is the sweet spot just before or after peak season. Shoulder seasons often offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and more meaningful, intimate experiences. Travel right before the rush, and you’ll find fresh staff, newly opened venues, and a calm, welcoming energy.

Make sure to also watch the weather and check for local holidays and festivals. Hurricane season, monsoons, and extreme heat can all impact your trip, and while some holidays add an exciting dose of flavor, others may shut down key attractions or restaurants.

With the big honeymoon happening months later, you’re free to plan around your dream destination, not your wedding date. That’s the beauty of the multi-moon: no rush, no stress, just well-timed travel that delivers exactly what you want, when you want it.

Jim Augerinos is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in honeymoon trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Augerinos by contacting him at [email protected].