Babymoons

The best places to relax and unwind in the Caribbean

Something magical happens when Mother Nature puts on a bit of bling. Think of a grown-up, decked-out tree house. Step inside and you connect with nature while, at the same time, you get pampered by all manner of modern comforts and conveniences.

That’s the appeal of rustic chic retreats. No matter the destination, these are hotels and resorts that enhance the feeling of escape with authentic, all-natural charms. But don’t be fooled—“rustic” doesn’t necessarily mean no-frills or cheap. Rustic chic is a style. Often upscale, it’s anything but stuffy.

Join me as I take you on a tempting tour of eight of my favorite rustic chic retreats in the Caribbean. When headed to any one, pack your sunscreen and leave your cocktail attire at home.

Ladera Resort, St. Lucia

Composed of a collection of colorful structures spread out single-file along a ridgeline 1,000 feet above the Caribbean, Ladera Resort gives you a thrilling bird’s-eye-view of St. Lucia—you’ll look down onto treetops and look out onto the twin Piton peaks. At this adults-only resort, it’s all about your peaceful coexistence with nature. Spend your days strolling in the sand, relaxing in a mineral bath, and enjoying traditional island fare at Dasheene, then return each night to your suite with a private plunge pool—each is built without a west wall for inside-outside living as you’ll experience it nowhere else.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Antigua

Set on 40 acres along a curvaceous stretch of white sand beach that unfurls over nearly a mile, this refined yet unpretentious resort specializes in barefoot R&R. Just about everything here is at your fingertips, with a trio of open-air restaurants and lounges, water sports equipment and instruction, jogging trails, tennis courts, even nightly cocktail parties and live entertainment—and because it’s all-inclusive, you can leave your wallet in your suitcase. Best yet: many of the accommodations are tucked here and there along the beach, so you’re never more than a few sandy steps from the surf.

GoldenEye, Jamaica

This resort has a fantastic back-story with all the makings of a real page-turner: originally a private getaway where author Ian Fleming dreamed up James Bond, it was purchased in 1976 by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell; since then, it has become a 52-acre haven for those looking to get away from it all. Take your pick from a slew of luxe villas (including Fleming’s vacation home), chic cottages, and easy-breezy beach huts. During the day, succumb to a spa treatment, test your balance with stand-up paddle-boarding, and ride a mountain bike to nearby Firefly—then grab a cocktail at Bizot Bar before enjoying a sultry dinner at the open-air, treehouse-style restaurant, The Gazebo.

Turtle Inn, Belize

How do the rich and famous vacation? Like this. Famed director Francis Coppola acquired a beachside getaway a little more than 15 years ago and turned it into this seafront escape for those seeking to relax (feet in the sand) or rev things up (with scuba diving, fishing, biking, zip lining, and more). Individually thatched cottages, dotted around the property, offer the feeling of being tucked away in your own little slice of paradise. When you’re feeling social (and hungry!), head to one of the handful of restaurants—there’s even a Kid’s Gelato Bar to keep happy the young and the young-at-heart.

Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Bustling Playa del Carmen has a secret: you can get away from the masses, while staying close to the busy hotel zone, if you know where to go (hint: go to Mahekal Beach Resort). This chic yet carefree resort is perfectly situated with the Riviera Maya jungle on one side and the pristine Playa del Carmen beach on the other. After a recent three-year, $18 million renewal—resulting in a style that exemplifies boho gypsy with colorful Mexican flair—there’s much to see and do here, with new pools, restaurants, and bars as well as a dive center and spa; one favorite thing to do, however, might be to spend time in your palapa-style bungalow, with a striking ocean view, outdoor terrace, and private hammock, and not a TV in sight—splurge for a Beach House, and you’re just 10 steps from the water.

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Aruba

Recently celebrating the big 5-0, I’ve got to give it to this beachfront resort: it masterfully combines classic Caribbean charm with modern style and service. Plus, the location on Eagle Beach, celebrated for its quiet calm, is especially intoxicating. Here, it’s all about great food (with four restaurants), and personal wellness (with a spa, fitness studio, yoga and pilates classes, and a dedicated wellness team). Their newly renovated guest rooms—tucked into ocean-facing buildings rising no higher than the nearby coconut trees—blend astounding amenities with soothing island style, each with a private furnished balcony or patio, the perfect place to kick back with a morning coffee or evening cocktail.

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis

Ready to try “liming it”? Trust us, you are! This sweet expression captures the essence of relaxing, Caribbean style. And nowhere is it easier to do than at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, the Caribbean’s only historic plantation beachside inn, located on unspoiled Nevis (“the island time forgot”). Here, upscale and rustic join forces with privacy and personal service. And there’s more. The resort’s truly exceptional cuisine is balanced by numerous calorie-torching activities, from rainforest hiking to scuba diving, biking, even horseback riding along the beach—though I don’t blame you if you chose to do nothing more demanding than swing in a hammock. I may have saved the best for last: intimate yet spacious (and air-conditioned!) cottage-style rooms and suites are nestled around the property, each surrounded by a quarter-acre of land for the ultimate in privacy.

The Spa Retreat Hotel, Jamaica

The most taxing part of your stay? Climbing up to your private roof terrace to take in the famous Negril sunset. If it doesn’t sound very taxing, that’s the whole point. After all, this is a spa retreat—an adults-only hotel and wellness center that gracefully walks the line between modern amenities and relaxed island living. Cast on nearly two oceanfront acres, this hotel settles in beautifully between a white sandy beach and lofty grey cliffs. Here, your handcrafted stone cottage beckons you to stay and lounge, while a number of amenities (seawater pool, sandy beach deck, cliff-side organic dining, as well as adventures into nearby Negril) tempt you outside. Just make sure you book a spa treatment or two—or ten. After a long day in the sun, little is as satisfying as their Aloe & Cucumber Rejuvenating Body Wrap, a natural, custom-made experience that hydrates your skin while feeding your soul.

Finding it hard to choose your favorite? Let me match you with your just-right escape—it might even be a place not on this list! As a Travel Specialist, I’ve spent the last 20 years helping people plan and enjoy their dream vacation—and I know the best places to visit, every month of the year.

Contact me today (call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com) and let me know how I can help!

Zika Free Babymoons

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.

Babymoon Questionnaire

Yes, you do deserve a babymoon!

It’s time to plan your babymoon! I specialize in upscale, pre-baby vacations often referred to as babymoons! From luxury inns, lodges and spa resorts close to home to relaxing beach vacations and cruises. Please take a few moments to tell me about your goals for your babymoon. Once I have a general idea of what you’re looking to do, we’ll schedule a time to meet or chat to discuss the details!

Babymoon Questionnaire

Mommy-To-Be:*
First Last
Travel Partner*
First Last
Email*
Cell Phone:*
Due Date:*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
I'm Looking For:*
- All-Inclusive Resort
- Boutique Hotel experience
- Country Inn or Spa Retreat
- Cruise
- Custom Trip
Destination # 1*
Destination # 2
Travel Start Date*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Travel End Date*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
How far along will you be at the time of travel? Are there any dietary or health concerns?*
Is there something you already have in mind? (specific hotel, cruise or spa etc)*
Have you done any research online or already received a quote?*
What budget did you want to try and work with?*
What type of activities are you most looking forward to experiencing?*
What is your idea of romance, relaxation, etc.?*
What is your travel style? Rustic chic, modern luxury, sleek contemporary or...*
Do you like to be in the middle of the action with plenty of restaurant and nightlife choices or are you looking for something quieter and off the beaten path?*
Do you enjoy dining out and exploring on your own or do you prefer to join guided tours?*
Do you like to explore and experience the local flavor and culture of a destination or do you prefer to stay in the resort?*
Are there any special requests or requirements we should be aware of?*

Babymoons

Congratulations! Pregnancy is an exciting time as the two of you eagerly anticipate expanding your family. As you prepare for your bundle of joy, you may hear from friends and family that your life will never be the same again. And they’re right—once baby makes three, everything changes, especially for those first few months.

Before the two of you reach that desirable destination called “Parenthood,” we suggest you go on a babymoon together. Like a honeymoon, a babymoon is a romantic retreat you enjoy with your significant other (only, this time around, it’s best not to indulge in any champagne!). To ensure a trip that’s as smooth as, well, a baby’s bottom, you should enlist the help of an expert travel agent that can match you with the top babymoon destinations and accommodations that best reflect the two of you. To get you started, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a babymoon.

Know the Reasons Why

Nine months may seem like a long time, but it goes by quickly and you’ll never regret taking a week, or even a weekend, to reconnect with your significant other before you both change into new people (namely, mommy and daddy). Here’s a quick look at just a few reasons why you should take a babymoon:

Health & Relaxation: Pregnancy can be an anxious time, and a babymoon encourages both of you to slow down, relax, and focus on each other and the simple things that matter the most.
Bonding: As vacations go, babymoons tend to have a slow, enjoyable pace, centered on the two of you as a couple and those baby-safe things you most enjoy doing together, like taking a ride through scenic countryside. In other words, this is the perfect time for you to hold hands, gaze into each other’s eyes, and remember all the reasons why you’re a great couple—and why you’ll be great parents.
Take a Time Out: You’ve got a nursery to create, a car seat to buy (and install properly), and a seemingly endless list of important things to do before baby arrives. Now take a deep breath, and take a time out—preferably one that involves packing your luggage and really getting away together.
Do It For Mom and Dad: Pregnancy tends to be all about the mom-to-be—and for good reason—but the dad-to-be is going through many changes (and worries!) of his own and deserves some positive attention. A babymoon is a great way to remind both of you that you’re in this together.
Your Last Hurrah: We don’t mean to sound dramatic, but the truth is that, once baby arrives, your carefree days are over—you’ll be too busy changing diapers, mending boo-boos, driving carpools, and hosting sleepovers to have much alone time as a couple, and it certainly won’t be easy to carve out an afternoon together, let alone a week away. So take advantage of this “us time” while it’s so easy to come by!

Know When to Go

Generally, you can travel without worry any time up to your 7^th month. For most pregnant women, the second trimester represents those magical three months when energy is high, morning sickness has passed, and you don’t yet have to deal with surprises like swollen ankles. Whenever you choose to travel, though, it’s best to talk with your doctor first, especially if you’re planning on traveling out of the country.

Know Where to Go

The earlier you are in your pregnancy, the wider the travel net you can cast (although this isn’t an ideal time to plan your around-the-world adventure); the closer you are to your 7^th month, the closer to home you should stay. Here are a few tried-and-true babymoon ideas:

Weekend Getaway at a Spa Resort: Find one that specializes in maternity and couples treatments.
Cruise: Look for a cruise ship, line, and itinerary that focuses on the baby-safe adventures you both enjoy most, like gourmet dining.
Resort Vacation: Search out a couples-friendly resort that will keep the two of you as busy, or as low-key, as you desire.

Hoping for an easy babymoon delivery? It’s essential that you enlist the help of an expert travel agent that has experience planning family travel and babymoons so you get matched up with your right vacation type. I have three boys, and I took a babymoon with each one. I know how critical it is to get those few days of quiet to yourselves. It helps to center your mind and body before the joy and the chaos of kids.