To Babymoon or not Babymoon, that is the question.
And if you DO decide on a babymoon, where should you go?!
With babymoons becoming just as popular as Honeymoon’s in the last few years, I’m getting more and more requests from couples, who are looking for Babymoon ideas, so I thought I’d put together a few of my favourite destinations for you.
Babymoons do tend to have a unique set of criteria for most couples…..
- SHORT FLIGHT TIMES – Personally I can’t imagine taking on a long haul flight when you’re into your second trimester, so sticking to destinations that are within say a 3-6hr flight would probably be my limit, and this seems to be about the norm for most couples as well.
- PLENTY OF R & R POTENTIAL – Whether it’s a low key beach destination, where you can soak up the rays and enjoy a Mocktail pool side, or a Cozy Cabin where you can snuggle up to your lover, in front of a fire and read a good book (that is NOT pregnancy related), R&R potential is a MUST!
- FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD – With most couples heading off on their ‘Babymoon’s in their second trimester, if you’ve been pregnant or are pregnant now, you’ll know that it’s all about the food. Finding a destination that is not only going to offer an epic variety of good quality, delicious food is a MUST. But it’s not just about a destination that has good food. It’s about a destination that has ‘safe’ food, and that is low risk in terms of illness….. This is NOT the time to be getting Bali belly.
- SOMETHING FOR HIM & SOMETHING FOR HER – While a Babymoon is the perfect time for a couple to connect and spend some quality time together (before their world is turned upside down), it’s also the perfect time for the Mumma to be to enjoy some serious pampering…… So, personally a day spa is a MUST! But, we know that hubby deserves to do something that he enjoys as well, so finding a destination that ticks a box for him is a must as well.
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is the perfect spot to restore and rejuvenate your energy, and be nurtured by nature amidst the beauty and life of the rainforest and beaches. Offering the perfect combination of sunshine, surf/beach, great food and some great resorts to kick back poolside, Byron Bay ticks all of the boxes.
Stay: Byron @ Byron Resort
Indulge in their Babymoon package that includes: Three nights accommodation in a Superior Suite, Full breakfast for two daily in The Restaurant, Welcome babymoon gift hamper, A 1 hour Pregnancy Massage or 1 hour Deluxe Foot Therapy, One complimentary in house movie, Complimentary daily yoga, Complimentary Wifi, and a 60 minute Combination Massage for your partner!
Freycinet National Park, Hobart & Cradle Mountain Tasmania
Tasmania as a whole offers the perfect low key Babymoon destination, with a range of both cozy cabins and coastal hideaways to escape to, which is perfect for any time of the year.
From Hobart with it’s divine foody scene and attractions like the MONA, to the rugged yet pristine Freycinet National Park, which is home to dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays and white sandy beaches…. Or on to the stunning Cradle Mountain National Park, park of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area and home to ancient pine forests, glacial lakes and icy streams, grab a car and road trip to some of the key highlights, or choose one destination and immerse yourselves there for a few days of R&R, either way, there is something for everyone.
Stay: Saffire Freycinet Resort
This property is a stunning example of Tasmania luxury. It’s a hiker’s haven, restful retreat, and foodie’s fantasy all rolled into one jaw-dropping hotel…. Plus, they have a stunning day spa where they draw upon Tasmania’s natural elements with bespoke luxury products to renew your energy and transform the way you look and feel. In fact, they promise to return you to the world utterly renewed (which is perfect for a Mumma to be!).
They also offer a signature pregnancy massage, that nurtures the expectant mother and baby during this beautiful time of life, relieving tension in the body, easing the mind, and relieving the unique stresses experienced during pregnancy.
Hamilton Island, QLD
Located amongst the rich natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is possibly one of Australia’s most idyllic Babymoon destinations, with pristine white beaches, an array of marine life and all the resort features a soon-to-be parents could ask for, and the perfect location to do as much or as little as you wish.
Stay: Qualia
Qualia is your Adults Only hideaway on Hamilton Island, which means you’ll truly have the opportunity to connect with your partner and be at one with the stunning surrounds of Hamilton Island from your private villa.
They offer signature ‘Babymoon’ spa treatments, that are tailored to suit the stage of pregnancy you are in, they will customise half a day of nourishing, luxurious treatment options to ease and support you on your way to motherhood…. and they also offer a range of tailor-made excursions (like flights over Heart Reef, Private picnic beach drop offs and Sunset Cruises) Qualia truly would offer you the most magical Babymoon experience.
With Hamilton Island also catering to a range of budgets, there is absolutely something for everyone. From the Yacht Club Villas to their private Holiday Homes, Hamilton Island is perfect if this bundle of joy isn’t your first, and you’re thinking of getting away with your other little ones in toe.
Queenstown, New Zealand
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Queenstown in beautiful New Zealand, and with it being only a 3hr flight from Sydney, it’s a fabulous destination choice for your Babymoon…. especially if the great outdoors is more your pregnancy style.
Home of snow-dusted mountains and majestic lakes, Queenstown is a foody and nature lovers paradise so there won’t be a shortage of things to do or amazing food to indulge in.
You may be up for a gentle hike or a leisurely bike ride around stunning Lake Wakatipu (if your belly isn’t too big yet!), or perhaps exploring the gastronomic experiences around Queenstown, or Arrow Town is more your cup of tea…. either way, in Summer or Winter you can find the perfect combination of activities to enjoy whilst preparing for parenthood.
Stay: QT Queenstown
Incomparable views over the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and breathtaking peaks of the Southern Alps set the scene at QT Queenstown… and with it’s more modern, chic vibe this hotel is a great choice for a young couples Babymoon base.
Adventurous foodies and pursuers of fine flavours will be enticed by the rousing hustle and bustle of their interactive marketplace – ‘Bazaar’…..and ‘Reds’ will be the perfect spot for a (non-alcoholic) sundowner, as you watch the sun set over the lake and discuss baby names.
City Staycation – Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or Brisbane
Let’s face it…. not all of us are keen to fly whilst pregnant, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it close to home and enjoying a Staycation in your own city.
I mean, it really is the perfect excuse to check in to a fab hotel, and explore your city like a tourist. Think about all of those great local restaurants that you save for a ‘special occasion’ or those experiences that you can’t seem to justify when you actually live here…. the options are endless!
In Sydney for instance, you could check into the Park Hyatt, where you’ll have uninterrupted views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, before setting off on a SeaPlane journey to Jonah’s Restaurant at Whale Beach, where you can enjoy a quintessential Sydney dining experience.
In Melbourne you could look at a stay at uber modern United Places, a home hotel of understated exclusivity. Offering a contemporary design with effortless comfort and authentic craftmanship, this is definitely a BK (before kids) kind of hotel. Your butler will be on hand to personalise your stay and ensure your experience is unique to you and you alone.
Once you’ve settled in you have all of Melbourne at your finger tips, with world class dining, and Great Ocean Road day trips, or mineral-rich hot springs all easily within a day’s drive of Melbourne.
In Brisbane I’d have to suggest a check in at the fabulous Calile Hotel, an urban sanctuary in the heart of Brisbane. I would suggest other ‘Babymoon’ activities to enjoy in Brisbane, but in all honesty, you’ll check in here and won’t want to leave, with the Calile offering space to restore, replenish and reinvigorate.
With their contemporary design, which draws on natural elements and celebrates Queensland’s environment, they offer a spa experience which is shaped by the elements – reclaimed timbers, stone, the gentle fall of water – and a poolside vibe that rivals anything you’ll find in Palm Springs.
You’ll also have access to a range of luxury amenities including a fitness centre and a ground level retail precinct that includes debut Brisbane stores by Baasike, Dion Lee & More!
Over in Perth, COMO The Treasury invites expectant couples to indulge with their crafted Babymoon experience in the elegant setting of our Perth hotel. Take time to enjoy the last few months and weeks before your child’s arrival and let them take care of your city break as you relax with a massage for two and lunch at Post.
Their Babymoon package includes, Two nights in a Heritage Room, COMO Shambhala Signature Massage for two, COMO Shambhala lunch for two at Post, Pedicure at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape for the mother, AU$50 Voucher redeemable at Petition restaurant and a Congratulatory gift from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape. Talk about BLISS!
You can then venture out of the city to picturesque Fremantle, where you can stroll the shops (and pick one a few last minute onesies for bub!) and dine at one of the many local eateries in the area
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Whether you decide to Babymoon or not, taking some time out as a couple to connect, rest and ponder the wonderful new chapter that you’re about to embark on is something to consider, so I hope that some of these ideas give you the inspo you need.
Don’t forget that I work with all of these resorts and hotels (and more) and would be delighted to assist in bringing your Babymoon vision to life.
Kate xxx
(Cover Image via Double Entente Films, via Pinterest)
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