Where to Go For Your Perfect Babymoon
A Babymoon celebrates that special, fleeting time in a couple’s life before a new (and very demanding) addition is welcomed into the family. Savoring a bit of time together in a place with stunning scenery, scrumptious cuisine, and relaxing activities is an ideal antidote to pregnancy’s sleepless nights, swollen ankles, and world of worries. It’s also a great escape from that ever-growing to-do-before-baby list!
The secret to Babymoon success is choosing the right destination for the two of you. In addition to representing your travel style and interests, the location should offer low-stress, pampering pursuits, should have unique, babymoon-friendly accommodations, and should be easy to get to—by staying close to home, your airfare will be less so you can indulge on your room and any adventures you enjoy during your stay . . . and a Babymoon is certainly a time to splurge.
It’s also critical to pick a destination that’s known to be free of the Zika virus. According to the CDC, Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. While the most common symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain) aren’t life-threatening, the virus can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus and can lead to severe fetal brain defects. What is zika-free today may not be tomorrow, you can view a current list of infected areas here.
As important as where you go is when you go and how long you stay. Most doctors recommend pregnant women travel up to the third trimester, and the average Babymoon lasts anywhere from three to five nights, though extending your stay to enjoy even more R&R together is never a bad idea.
Here are TravelbyDarcy.com’s Top 8 Babymoon Destinations in North America:
- Bermuda
A mere 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina, the 21-square-mile island of Bermuda is a semi-tropical paradise with famous pink-sand beaches—just right whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Despite its small size, you’ll find a plethora of boutique hotels and luxe resorts on the island (like Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, an adults-only, beachfront retreat), along with plenty of activities to experience in and around the surf. In addition, unlike some Caribbean islands, its food and drink options are safe to enjoy without concern.
- Hawaii
A tropical destination in the Pacific, Hawaii is comprised of eight major islands, and each one offers its own personality and experiences along with a unique selection of accommodations, from boutique hotels and full-service resorts to self-catering condos. (Together, we’ll narrow down the options and match you with your ideal Hawaiian escape!) Whichever island or islands you choose, expect to relax and recharge with all sorts of natural pursuits, from snorkeling above a school of rainbow-colored fish to hiking lush tropical rain forests to stargazing with your feet nestled in the still-warm sand.
- Aspen
This may not be a typical Babymoon destination, and that’s kind of the point—here, you’ll find all manner of lodgings and unique ways to play and be pampered, all year long. Whether it’s summer and you’re knee-deep in wildflowers or it’s winter and you’re cozying up by a crackling fire, Aspen will seduce you both with its crisp and clean air, Rocky Mountain views, and naturally romantic attitude.
- Quebec
The second-most populous province in Canada, Quebec is the only one with a mostly French-speaking population, giving it a distinctly European feel. Whether you’re visiting Quebec City (also known as Little Paris) or taking in the sights and scents of the lavender fields outside Montreal, this close-to-home destination feels worlds away, especially when you’re relaxing somewhere truly special, like The Fairmont Châteaux Frontenac in Old Quebec City or Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa in the Eastern Townships.
- Victoria Island
Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Victoria Island makes a great day trip—though, with its romantic and quaint feel, it’s more than worthy of being your singular destination. The eighth largest island in the world, it offers many must-try experiences, from a sensuous tour of its botanical gardens to an unforgettable high tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel; and, if you don’t suffer from seasickness, hop on a boat to enjoy some of the best whale-watching in the world, with frequent sightings of orca, gray, humpback, and minke whales, typically between April and November.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
Located on the Pacific coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this dream of a destination boasts a year-round mild climate along with beautiful beaches, an artistic vibe, and a quaint downtown ideal for strolling and window-shopping. Carmel is also home to exceptional spas (think pre-natal massage!), golf courses, and world-class restaurants; in addition, nearby sights like Monterey and Big Sur offer fantastic day-trip options.
- Austin
As the capital of Texas and the Live Music Capital of the World—and with the motto “Keep Austin Weird”—you know this is a destination meant for couples who want to live it up before the baby arrives. Here, you’ll enjoy incredible art and culture, an inventive food scene (including a can’t-miss food truck tour!), scores of live music venues, and a rather surprising amount of nature, from the city’s plethora of parks to the lovely Lake Austin.
- Santa Barbara
Nicknamed the American Riviera, Santa Barbara dazzles with its Mediterranean climate and gorgeous location: it’s tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and has the longest section of south-facing coastline of any city in the United States. Here, with its amazing spa resorts, world-class restaurants, and exquisite shopping, it’s all about indulging in the good life. For the ultimate coastal California experience, consider combining stays in Santa Barbara and Carmel—you’ll never get over the beauty of a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
The two of you are over the moon about the upcoming arrival of your baby—now let me match you with a Babymoon you’ll go gaga over! Contact me directly so I can personally see to your perfect babymoon retreat.
