For most people, having a baby is a joyous occasion. But it can also be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. In fact, it’s one of the biggest transitions one can experience in life. Don’t expect everything to go back to what it used to be once the baby is born. Yes, babies are adorable, but they can also flip your world upside down. With diaper duties, late-night feedings, and crying that can’t always be soothed, life with a newborn can be hectic and exhausting.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could de-stress, enjoying a bit of calm before your baby arrives? Forget about nursery decorating and onesie shopping for a second. Instead, think about a dreamy beach getaway or a romantic city adventure. A relaxing babymoon is just what the doctor ordered.
A babymoon at Sandals Resorts offers expecting couples the perfect escape to relax and celebrate before the arrival of their little one. Sandals’ all-inclusive babymoon package is designed to pamper parents-to-be with luxurious touches like in-room sparkling cider, breakfast in bed, and soothing prenatal massages. You can indulge in a private candlelight dinner, enjoy a maternity photoshoot, and even customize your experience with spa treatments like the Mother-2-Be Massage and Glow Facial. Available at stunning Caribbean destinations, the Sandals babymoon ensures you create unforgettable memories during this special time.
What is a Babymoon?
A babymoon is a relaxing and romantic vacation enjoyed before the birth of a new baby. The main goal is for parents-to-be to enjoy one last escapade before the responsibilities of parenthood take over.
If you’re wondering whether a babymoon is something that should happen only once, like a honeymoon, there are no set rules. It’s especially popular before the arrival of a first child, but no one says you can only have one babymoon in a lifetime. On the contrary, you can do it with each pregnancy, whether it is your first or your fourth. You can even take a solo babymoon without your partner, it’s all up to you.
The legnth of a babymoon can be anything from a weekend getaway to a week-long or longer escape. Enjoy the adventure abroad or as a quiet staycation closer to home. And while you are free to splurge, a babymoon doesn’t have to be expensive.
Why a Babymoon Is Great For Expecting Parents
Once your bundle of joy arrives, it will be hard to plan a trip. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself caught up in parental duties with little time for anything else. Plus, the expenses of a newborn can significantly tighten almost anyone’s budget. A babymoon may not be as essential as bottles and swaddles, but its benefits are plenty, even life-changing. It’s not only a vacation but also a form of self-care, especially for mothers as it can even help promote a healthier pregnancy.
During a babymoon, clear your mind, pamper yourself, and indulge in luxurious comforts that can’t be accessed at home for the perfect way to relax and recharge. Plus, you can relish quality time with your significant other, taking advantage of it to reconnect and perhaps reignite the romance.
The Top 9 Babymoon Destinations
Jamaica
From pristine beaches to stunningly clear turquoise water and spectacular weather, Jamaica is a bucket list destination for couples seeking fun in the sun. You can lounge on the sand all day or explore natural wonders, such as the Dunn’s River Falls and the Martha Brae River.
After soaking up the sun and frolicking in the Caribbean or touring the local highlights, you might indulge in a special pregnancy massage to improve your blood circulation and ease any back pain. Dads-to-be can enjoy a wellness treatment right beside you in a private cabana. Your evenings can be spent sampling some of Jamaica’s culinary best.
Resorts like Sandals Royal Caribbean host overwater villas with private pools and balconies providing the ultimate in relaxation for your babymoon. The property’s spa facilities, white sand beaches, and luxe accommodations make Sandals our top pick for your babymoon getaway.
St. Lucia
Relaxation and romance against a backdrop of emerald green mountains, sapphire blue waters, and dazzling golden beaches await expecting couples in St. Lucia. Despite its incredible natural beauty, St. Lucia has managed to remain one of the less-visited destinations in the Caribbean, ensuring plenty of tranquility.
You can enjoy a quiet retreat and exclusive pampering without a noisy crowd of beachgoers. For the ultimate in luxury, check out Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, a 32-hectare paradise of tropical gardens, adults-only suites, and mesmerizing ocean views.
The Maldives
Your babymoon is the perfect time to visit a genuinely magical destination. In the Maldives, magic comes to life. This picture-perfect archipelago nation is home to shimmering beaches, swaying palm trees, private islands, and ultra-luxe floating villas. It is a haven for expecting mothers, with hotel packages that focus on health and wellness, including massages, yoga sessions, and organic meals.
But it isn’t all luxury and comfort. You can inject a tad of adventure into your babymoon too. Go snorkeling with sharks, stargaze from the Kihavah’s Sky observatory, feed stingrays, or embark on a sunset cruise.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta boasts a mountain-meets-ocean setting providing much more than just a beach getaway. You can immerse yourself in the impressive art scene, vibrant Mexican culture, phenomenal cuisine, and countless spa options. Shop for local handicrafts, book a guided tour of Old Vallarta, take a whale-watching cruise, sail to hidden beaches, and watch a spectacular show at an open-air theater in Las Caletas.
To make your babymoon extra special, reserve a spot at the Cuale Cultural Center so you can spend a day with your partner creating art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, playing a new instrument, or learning a traditional dance.
Venice, Italy
The city of love is ideal for couples whose idea of relaxation is a private dinner on the rooftop of a palazzo, a gondola ride at sunset, or a stroll across the Rialto Bridge. In Venice, the food is exquisite, the architecture mesmerizing, and the overall vibe incredibly romantic.
Catch a Vivaldi concert in Scuola Grande di San Rocco and marvel at the Tintoretto paintings during intermission. Exploring the iconic sights at Piazza San Marco is a must and you’ll want to take time to watch the world go by at an outdoor cafe, perhaps with a creamy gelato.
Québec City, Canada
If you call North America home and have been dreaming of experiencing European charms but don’t relish a draining cross-Atlantic flight, Québec City is ideal. In this stunning UNESCO-listed city, you’ll think you’ve traveled to Europe with the cobbled streets in the walled historic area. It’s an amazing place for foodies too with everything from cozy cafés serving savory crepes to fine dining eateries offering culinary excellence with fresh seafood and flavorful meat pies on the menu. Must-dos include the famous Chocolaterie de l’Ile d’Orléans renowned for its Belgian chocolates and Chez Marie for its fresh-baked bread with maple butter.
There’s no shortage of hop-on-hop-off tours to take you to the highlights so you won’t have to worry about sore feet either. They can bring you to Palace Royale, the Plains of Abraham, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, even the slightly out-of-town Montmorency Waterfall.
Hawaii
Whether you’re staying in vibrant Maui or laidback Kauai, nothing beats the serenity of a golden coast with palm-tree fringed beaches. No matter which island you choose, Hawaii can be the perfect place to soak up the finer things in life. Enjoy a relaxed coastal hike, a carefree scenic drive, enroll in an outdoor yoga session, take a ukulele class, relish a romantic dinner on a yacht, or dig into a luau feast.
If you want to get fancy, it’s worth the splurge for a helicopter ride delivering a bird’s-eye view. After a balmy afternoon of sightseeing, cool down with a chilled glass of pog, a mixture of passion fruit, orange juice, and guava. A traditional lomilomi massage is an ideal way to relieve the aches, discomfort, and tightness expecting mothers often experience.
The Lake District, England
If you prefer sweaters over teeny bikinis and cuddling by the fire over lounging under palm trees, head to the Lake District. This is a postcard-worthy region, but that’s not the only reason why the District is a top babymoon destination in the UK. There are the world-class spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, historic sites, and of course, the famous lakes.
Despite its wealth of attractions, there’s no need to cram numerous activities into a day. This is a fabulous place for an afternoon nap, taking things slow and easy. Plus, the impressive accommodation options are many, from romantic hotels to lakeside villas, manor houses, and cottages in the woods.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Not all exotic destinations include tropical beaches. Take, for instance, the medieval city of Marrakesh. This Moroccan hub boasts majestic mosques, glittering palaces, enticing gardens, 5-star restaurants, and world-class spas. Immerse yourself in the local culture and stay in a luxurious riad, a traditional house centered around a courtyard.
At night, witness the Djemaa El Fna come to life with its various colorful stalls, snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, and storytellers. This is a great place for shopping to, including clothing, pottery, jewelry, and spices sold at one of the many souks.
Top Activities To Do On Your Babymoon & Babymoon Ideas
Spa Treatments
Your pre-baby holiday is all about relaxation, and you can’t do a babymoon without a pampering spa treatment. We don’t have to tell you that pregnancy can cause an assortment of aches, and sheer exhaustion. There are few things better for a tired mother-to-be better than a trip to the spa. Many resorts and hotels offer packages that include a prenatal massage that aims to relieve backaches, reduce swelling, and soothe migraines. An organic facial and a foot massage can help you feel more rejuvenated too. Of course, moms-to-be are advised to stay away from steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis, hot tubs, and heated body wraps.
Enjoy the Food Scene
Whether you’re exploring a local restaurant, enjoying a gourmet picnic, or ordering room service, indulging in gastronomic delights is one of the perks of a babymoon. It’s not only an opportunity to savor the culinary offerings of your destination but also a great way to satisfy your pregnancy cravings. While it’s crucial to eat healthy, treating yourself now and again won’t hurt. After all, you’re on vacation and eating for two.
Take Photos
A babymoon is a wonderful time to create new memories, and photos will serve as tangible souvenirs of the time spent with your partner before the birth of your baby. Snap as many photos as you can to preserve those special moments. Better yet, ditch the selfie stick and book a photoshoot with a professional photographer. It may be a little pricey, but there’s no price tag when it comes to beautiful memories preserved in photos.
Walk Around
Walking around can be both good exercise and an excursion. If you’re in a historic city, the scenic countryside, or a gorgeous beach, there’s no better way to sightsee than to wander on foot. Besides, strolling along with your partner hand-in-hand may be simple, but it’s also one of the more romantic things you can do on your babymoon. Put on your comfy shoes, grab your water bottle and get ready to explore.
Sleep In
You don’t have to fill your itinerary with bucket list activities. You’re on a babymoon, and it’s perfectly okay to chill and do little to nothing at all. It can be therapeutic to stay in your hotel room, order breakfast in bed, read a book, or binge on your favorite show. Throw away the alarm clock and stay in bed long all day if you want to. It’s a luxury you probably won’t be able to enjoy for a while, once the baby is born.
FAQ for Expectant Parents and Pregnant Travelers
What month do you go on a babymoon?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends timing your babymoon in the second trimester, about 14 to 28 weeks into your pregnancy. Morning sickness is typically worse during the first trimester but usually subsides during the second trimester. You don’t want to spend your entire holiday feeling nauseous and queasy. And that growing baby bump is unlikely to prevent you from enjoying most activities. During the final trimester, you might feel too tired and uncomfortable to travel. Additionally, there’s the risk of trip restrictions and/or an early delivery during the final weeks of your pregnancy.
How long is a babymoon?
There are no hard and fast rules on how long a babymoon should last. Most couples spend around two to five nights away from home. But if you prefer a week-long escapade, go for it. If you don’t have enough time, settle for an overnight babymoon or even a day trip to a luxurious spa.
Why is it called babymoon?
British writer and childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger coined the term babymoon. It originally referred to the period parents spend time with their newborn to develop bonding. Over the years, “babymoon” came to mean a vacation taken by expecting parents before the baby is born. Its popularity skyrocketed when celebrities such as Kanye and Kim, Kate and William, Beyonce and Jay-Z went on their pre-baby jaunts. In the United States, more than two million parents-to-be take babymoons every year.
What should you do on a babymoon?
You can do almost anything you want, as long as it’s not harmful to you or your baby, of course. Most babymoons are laid-back and relaxed, full of luxurious and soothing experiences for parents-to-be. Expect couples’ massages, breakfasts in bed, lots of sleeping in, and general lazing around. But you can also be active, and even a little adventurous. Enjoy sunset strolls on the beach, shop for souvenirs, catch a show, sample local delicacies, or maybe visit a museum. Whatever you do, remember it’s all about pampering yourself and enjoying every moment with your significant other before your adorable bundle arrives.
