best places for a luxurious babymoon this year

What makes for a great babymoon destination? Especially if you want to make it a luxury babymoon trip? Our correspondent Jillian Tangen shares her list of the best places for a luxurious babymoon this year.

Any experienced mom will tell you that getting in as much relaxation and rest before the birth of a new baby is essential. In recent years, “babymoons” have taken that idea to a whole new level – offering expectant couples a chance to spend some quiet time together before their world is turned upside down. If I can be completely honest as a mother of three: before you know it, a vacation will involve an army’s worth of planning and packing.  So trust me, you deserve this. Go while the going is good.

what makes for the perfect babymoon destination?

Choosing the ideal babymoon spot is a little trickier than just booking a luxury beach resort, quiet town or spa retreat. You may have had a glamorous trip for your marriage proposal, but this is more complicated. There are a few other things you should consider:

1. When to travel:

Ideally you want to travel during your second trimester, after morning sickness has passed.  Don’t wait too long though because most doctors don’t recommend travelling far into your third trimester.

2. How far to travel:

This one is really up to you, but speaking from personal experience I suggest keeping it short but sweet.  During my last pregnancy I flew overseas seven hours and I must admit it was not easy even though I had my doctor’s approval.  No matter how short or far you are flying, be sure to keep your legs moving and drink plenty of water.  Oh, and definitely be sure to discuss your travel plans with your doctor to ensure you have the go ahead.

3. Cuisine:

We all know the laundry list of “don’ts” when it comes to a pregnancy diet, so make sure the resort and/or surrounding restaurants provide delicious pregnancy-friendly food for you to enjoy.  You are eating for two after all.

4. Zika: 

While the Zika virus reached its peak in 2016, the virus is still out there and continues to pose risks to pregnant women.  So if there is a place you are interested in visiting, be sure to consult the CDC website for the latest information on the outbreak.  For the purposes of this list, the CDC site was consulted as of the publishing date to ensure our recommendations are pregnancy friendly.

best places for a luxurious babymoon

So, onto the good stuff – where should you and your loved one go for a blissful babymoon?  We found eight destinations both near and far (but not too far) to ensure you get some well deserved rest and romance before the big day arrives. Many of these are beach destinations, perhaps not surprisingly.

1. Bermuda

Pristine pink sand beaches and pastel colored homes meet sparkly blue water in Bermuda. While the 21-mile island has a decidedly British feel, it is nonetheless a miniature subtropical paradise with a plethora of things to see and do including golf, tennis, high-end shopping, museums and aquariums. There are also more sedentary activities, like historic tours, or just lounging by the pool – making it a great pick for couples looking for a babymoon that can be active or more leisurely, depending on your mood.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is The Loren, a truly special boutique hotel and one of our personal favorites. It offers a Babymoon package that features a private yoga session with Todd Crews, as well as a 50-minute spa treatment designed to ease tension and relieve joint and muscle pressure.

2. Big Sur, California

Long a retreat of artists and writers, Big Sur is a place of ancient forests and rugged shoreline, making it a lovely area to retreat to for calm and relaxation. Up and down Highway 1, you will find a plethora of galleries to explore showcasing regional and international painters and craftspeople. For a full dose of relaxation though, head to the Esalen Institute, where you can soak in hot springs, relax with a massage or take one or more of almost 600 courses offered there, including Brazilian dance, yoga and mindfulness.

For accommodations there is the luxurious (and adults only) Post Ranch Inn, where each room overlooks the Pacific Ocean.  The hotel’s restaurant, Sierra Mar, will even pack you a lunch to take down Highway 1 in a Lexus convertible that guests can borrow for free.

3. Maui, Hawaii

If you live on the West Coast, head to Hawaii’s second largest island, Maui. There, you can enjoy endless lounging beside the pool, or go for a swim under the waterfalls in the Seven Sacred Pools. Afterward, you can stop by Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice.  Because, hey, you’re allowed to crave this famous island treat at least once a day. Word of caution here though: a friend tells me that they offer 50 different flavors – which makes choosing just one next to impossible.

After enjoying your sweet treat, take a stroll on the beach or the Kapalua Coastal Trail of the Honokahua Preservation Site before retreating to bed at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

4. Paradise Island, Bahamas

Just to the north of the Bahamian capital of Nassau is the aptly named Paradise Island – offering blue skies, 300 days of sunshine and average temps in the high 70’s. In addition to the obvious beach opportunities, try a walking tour of the city to see some of the oldest architecture in the Bahamas. Or stop by the kitschy Pirates of Nassau Museum to learn about the island’s long and fascinating relationship with pirates.

A couple of years ago the Four Seasons took over the historic Ocean Club resort on Paradise Island.  In addition to top notch service and rooms, it maintains the lavish Versailles-inspired lawns and gardens throughout the property that made it famous, as well as Jean-Georges’ restaurant, Dune.

5. Palm Beach, Florida

Fine dining, irresistible beaches and championship golf courses make Palm Beach a long time favorite Florida getaway.  It’s also a great place to treat yourself to a little shopping on the esteemed Worth Avenue.  Here, you’ll find charming boutiques like CJ Laing, as well as the likes of Chanel, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.  If you can’t treat yourself now, then when can you?

After your shopping adventure, indulge in a spa treatment at the 20,000 square foot spa at The Breakers, the toniest hotel in town.  If you’re able, snag a room at the hotel’s ultra exclusive hotel within the hotel called The Flagler Club – 25 rooms and suites perched atop the main building at The Breakers.

6. Martinique

Often overlooked in the Caribbean is Martinique, a small island that’s brimming with French and Caribbean cultures.  Here you will find croissants and chic boutiques mixed with Créole specialities and gorgeous beach retreats with divine spas. Thanks to the recent addition of direct flights from New York, Montreal, Miami and even Fort Lauderdale, it’s now much easier to get there, too.

The French Coco Hotel on the Caravelle Peninsula is a great spot to unwind. Nestled in a nature preserve, the hotel has a barefoot luxury vibe and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Sedona

It’s easy to see what draws so many expecting couples to Sedona. From the red rock buttes to the almost always blue sky to the fact that no matter what time of year you go, you’ll enjoy a mild climate. And it’s that mild climate that expecting mothers will love. So whether you are running hot or cold during your pregnancy, you will most definitely find some comfort here.

L’Auberge de Sedona is one of the best when it comes to welcoming expecting parents thanks to its special babymoon package. On arrival, parents will receive a complimentary baby journal to write in throughout their stay and beyond. Moms-to-be also receive a maternity spa treatment, special breakfasts and snacks upon arrival. And we all know there can never be enough snacks when you are eating for two.

8. Montauk

Nature rules the last 12 miles of Long Island’s South Fork, otherwise known as Montauk.  Take a light hike on any number of the area’s trails including Paumanok Path overlooking the bluffs.  Be sure to also try to catch one of the epic sunrises at Montauk Point Lighthouse if you can.  I know it’s early, but trust me when I say that it will be good practice for what is to come.

No matter what time of year you go, Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa is a great place to stay, since it’s one of the few year round resorts. Take a dip in America’s only indoor ocean water pool before you enjoy a mommy-to-be massage and mani/pedi at the elegant beachside spa.

need even more ideas?

Another option is to take a luxury cruise. Just be sure that the itinerary checks all of the boxes we mention above. A trip to Alaska, Bermuda, or along the Atlantic Coastline are all options that would make for a relaxing and scenic journey.

before you go

Once you’ve chosen your babymoon destination and made all of your arrangements, don’t forget to pack a great book or two. And definitely utilize the latest in travel tech to make your trip as easy as possible.

Navigating the world of pregnancy do’s, don’ts and baby planning can be difficult, so hopefully this list (along with the babymoon that follows it) will help you find some respite from it all, while giving you and your partner a chance to spend time together as a family of two before you become three.

Good luck, and have a wonderful time!

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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier. Formerly, she was a Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in NYC and is married with three young children. She loves cross country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.

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