Once you become a parent, your life is forever changed. And much like honeymoons start couples down their road of wedded bliss, babymoons are a sort of last hurrah for couples before their little bundle of joy arrives. For many expecting parents, the best babymoon ideas are the ones that offer a combination of rest, relaxation, pampering, and maybe one final walk on the wild side.
Babymoon Ideas for Expecting Couples
You might have to wait a while for another romantic getaway with just the two of you, so if there’s someplace you’ve been dreaming of visiting, your babymoon vacation is the perfect time to make it happen. The memories you make on your babymoon may help get you through those bleary-eyed early morning feedings you’ll soon be experiencing. With that in mind, here are some favorite babymoon ideas to consider before your little one arrives.
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Charleston, South Carolina
Maybe it’s the cobblestone streets and lush gardens. Maybe it’s the Southern hospitality and year-round sunny weather. Whatever the reason, Charleston is an undeniably romantic destination for couples.
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Babymoon ideas in Charleston include picnics along the waterfront, browsing the shops on King Street, and enjoying more than your fair share of that famous Charleston cuisine. (Moms-to-be can feast guilt-free, because after all, you’re eating for two.) Other ideas include sunset sailings on the Schooner Pride, bike rides, and taking in history at the city’s museums and mansion tours.
Where to Stay on a Babymoon in Charleston
The Restoration Hotel has a babymoon package that includes a two-night stay, in-room couples massages with prenatal offering, chocolate truffles upon arrival, a Good Night Charleston keepsake book for your baby, a Restoration-branded baby bib, and complimentary continental breakfast.
Another Charleston hotel, The Spectator, has a Baby on the Way package with perks for soon-to-be-parents that includes an in-room maternity pillow, rose petal turndown service, chocolate-covered strawberries, a handmade gift basked full of local goods and gift cards, treats for any pregnancy cravings (think candy or pickles), and the Goodnight Charleston book. And how’s this for a babymoon idea? Your personal butler can draw you a candlelit lavender-soak bath and deliver handcrafted mocktails as well.
Just outside Charleston, the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms is a great babymoon destination if you’re both into golf, tennis, and spa time.
San Diego, California
There are plenty of babymoon ideas to keep you busy in San Diego, including beach time, kayaking, browsing art galleries, exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, playing golf, or visiting Balboa Park with its gardens and the world-class San Diego Zoo.
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You can’t come to this navy town without seeing the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum. And biking and walking tours of the city are also fun things to do together as long as mom-to-be is wearing maternity pants that allow for comfortable movement.
Where to Stay for Your San Diego Babymoon
The Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, a hacienda-style resort located just outside of San Diego, offers a Spa Serenity package that includes a $120 spa credit per stay, a welcome spa gift from Spa Estancia, complimentary daily self parking ($35 per day value), and a late checkout.
The Pantai Inn in La Jolla has a popular Romance package that includes pleasures like a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen roses, and enhanced turndown service.
Another babymoon idea is to treat yourself to one of San Diego’s finest luxury hotels, The US Grant, in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale’s downtown area, Old Town Scottsdale, is beloved for its shopping, dining, art, and culture. For a relaxing babymoon, go on a self-guided art tour by foot or car, or take in one of the many art museums. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve makes up a third of Scottsdale’s landmass and offers nearly 225 miles of hiking and biking trails for all levels. Or, get a different perspective with a hot air balloon ride.
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When the pregnancy cravings start, you can rely on the tableside guac at The Mission or comfort food at Citizen Public House. And Farm and Craft features healthy, sustainable food in a community-stye atmosphere.
Babymoon Hotels in Scottsdale
One of the qualities that makes Scottsdale a great destination for babymoons is its spa and wellness scene. The Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia, with its romantic Spanish ambiance, periodically offers a babymoon package that includes truffles upon arrival and Martinelli’s sparkling cider, a signature pedicure for the mom-to-be, and 15 percent off a 50-minute spa service for both babymoon guests.
More babymoon ideas: The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa has three golf courses, a 900-foot lazy river, a spa, and an adult pool. And at CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa, daily wellness classes are included in your stay, and you can also get a maternity massage and an array of treatments at the 22,000-square-foot spa.
Key Largo, Florida
If you’re not up for the beehive of activity that Key West is for your babymoon, make your way to Key Largo instead. There you can enjoy a relaxing ride on the African Queen Canal Cruise—it’s the restored boat from the movie of the same name. A trip on a glass-bottom boat will give you an up-close view of the amazing reefs, or you can get close even closer to the water via paddle board, kayak, or snorkeling.
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When dining, two Key Largo babymoon ideas you must experience are Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, a kitschy restaurant decorated with license plates donated by guests; and Sundowners, where it’s all about the fab sunsets paired with some of the best seafood in the Florida Keys.
Babymoon Ideas in Key Largo
At the all-inclusive Bungalows Key Largo, each of the villas has its own bougainvillea veranda, an outdoor garden shower, two Huffy beach cruisers perfect for exploring the property while enjoying fresh air and ocean views, and oversized soaking tub (any woman who’s been pregnant knows this is paradise).
The resort’s honeymoon and babymoon package includes the choice of a waterfront or garden view bungalow, a bottle of sparkling cider for mom-to-be, a bucket of beer for dad-to-be, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petals, and cheese board upon arrival. Also included: a $200 spa credit and an in-room bath butler treatment (which means a butler comes to your room to set up your al fresco soaking tub, either a mineral relief bathing experience or an aromatherapy escape option).
Also worth considering for your babymoon is a stay at Playa Largo Resort and Spa. When you’ve had your fill of spa and pool time—of which there is plenty—you can take advantage of nearby attractions like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Everglades National Park.
Sedona, Arizona
For a spiritual lift before your little one arrives, head to Sedona, one of the most Zen babymoon destinations in the country. Here you can hike, practice yoga, take a stargazing tour, enjoy an eclectic array of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, and—above all—get your mind, body, and spirit ready for parenthood.
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Where to Stay on a Sedona Babymoon Vacation
Unmatched for luxury, L’Auberge de Sedona periodically offers a babymoon package that includes a two-night stay, $40 breakfast credit, $200 dinner credit for Cress on Oak Creek, $150 spa credit to be used towards a maternity spa treatment, welcome snack upon arrival, and a baby journal.
Mii amo, which loosely translates to one’s path or journey, is an all-inclusive Native American-inspired destination resort in Sedona. Everything is designed to renew and rejuvenate, be it spa services or guided meditations.
For one of the best Red Rock views in Sedona, head to Sky Ranch Lodge—the hotel’s shuttle will take you anywhere within five miles as free perk with your stay.
Anguilla
Locals say once you visit Anguilla, you’re certain to come back. They’ll tell you as you leave, “See you later.” The island is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and when it comes to unique babymoon ideas, imagine kayaking, paddle boarding, golfing, or playing tennis by the sea. Partners looking for more adventure can go parasailing and horseback riding.
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Perfect for a babymoon, you won’t want to miss the Anguilla National Trust’s 100-meter Little Bay Snorkel and Dive Trail, where you’ll spot a variety of sea life, including parrotfish, octopus, eel, and grouper while snorkeling. Fishing and sailing excursions are also great babymoon ideas on the island.
Babymoon Hotel Ideas on Anguilla
Zemi Beach House is the place to go for beachfront babymoon bliss. For an extended getaway, the boutique hotel sometimes offers a Blissful Mooning package that gives you 25 percent off for 12 nights or more, a complimentary welcome toast, amenity basket with organic skin products, sunscreen, beach bag, and robe. You also get a beachfront candlelit dinner at sunset, a one-hour private Rhum Room tasting (with the option of mocktails for expectant mothers), curated guides to experience all that Anguilla has to offer, and a beachfront couples massage to top off your respite.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Need some time off before baby makes three? Take a short floatplane ride from Seattle or an hour-long ferry from the mainland of Washington State to the San Juan Islands, where you’ll find gentle hikes, sea kayaking, farm-to-table foods, and plentiful pampering spas—all perfect ideas for a relaxing babymoon. The scenery alone will soothe your spirit.
Babymoon Ideas: Where to Stay on the San Juan Islands
Spend a memorable romantic weekend at the Tucker House Inn or Harrison House Suites, where you can look forward to freshly baked homemade cookies, a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage, and truffles to welcome you, along with a $50 voucher to tide-to-table Coho Restaurant for a candlelit dinner for two. Then there’s the gourmet breakfast in bed every morning and a couples massage at a local spa with a special prenatal massage for the mom-to-be. The inn will even satisfy prenatal cravings with ice cream made just for the expecting mom.
Monterey County, California
California’s Central Coast is known for areas like Big Sur, Pebble Beach, and Monterey Bay. But don’t overlook its amazing beaches and lesser-known towns like Marina and Salinas. Carmel Beach is well known for its dog-friendliness and is a short walk from the European-inspired town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The underrated Del Monte Beach is another great stop on your pre-baby California getaway.
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For a memorable babymoon, take a surrey ride along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, where you can make stops along the bay for a breather or to grab a snack (Lovers Point Park and Beach is a cute area with lots of shops/eateries/benches). You can also enjoy whale watching in the bay. And before you need to worry about where to put a car seat, rent a classic car from Monterey Touring Vehicles and drive the coast.
Where to Stay on a California Babymoon Getaway
Carmel Valley Ranch, with its onsite organic farm and tons of activities spread across more than 500 acres, periodically offers a Getaway for Two … Before Baby Makes Three package that includes a two-night stay, couples’ massage at the on-site spa, dinner for two at the on-site Valley Kitchen, and a Creamery animals onesie/stuffed animal for baby.
Bernardus Lodge and Spa offers a Vineyard Romance package that could work well for babymooning couples. The special offer includes a two-night stay, 100-minute couples spa treatment (which can be scheduled outdoors), in-room dream bath for two (with chocolate and red wine, though of course moms-to-be can forego the latter), and a $150 credit for the award-winning on-site restaurant, Lucia.
In Monterey, Spindrift Inn is located on the historic Cannery Row and overlooks Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. And for great babymoon activity ideas, you’re just minutes away from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, boutiques, and restaurants.
New York City, New York
Whether it’s hitting the hotspots in Greenwich Village or the sophisticated restaurants downtown or in midtown, a New York vacation is ripe for babymoon fun. Chill in Central Park, go museum hopping or visit art galleries, shop for the baby, or just enjoy spending time in the city that never sleeps before you become parents who never sleep. Whatever your idea of a great babymoon is, there’s always something fun to do on a New York City getaway.
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Where to stay on a New York Babymoon
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown’s tempting spa offering is called The Journey, a pre- and post-natal experience that includes a pregnancy foot and leg treatment, a Blue Diamond facial, and an organic red flower manicure and pedicure. You can also opt for the Hatch Mama Prenatal Experience, a 60- or 90-minute treatment designed to nurture mama and baby with a combination of plant-based beauty products and specialized massage techniques targeted to pregnancy’s most typical symptoms. These packages are offered at different times throughout the year; other spa specials are offered year-round.
If you want spend part of your babymoon just outside New York City, consider Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the country. The mountain views and holistic wellness sessions—including yoga, meditation, and indoor swimming—will be just what you both need for ultimate relaxation.
Babymoon Ideas: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Babymoon Vacation?
A babymoon is a getaway for an expectant couple to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their child while spending some quality time together to refresh and prepare for the new addition to the family.
When’s the Best Time to Go on a Babymoon?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the best time to travel is your second trimester (14 to 28 weeks). During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get around easily. After 28 weeks, it may be harder to move around or sit for a long time.
Is it Safe to Fly for a Babymoon?
Many doctors say it’s okay to fly up to 36 weeks. However, always speak with your own doctor before flying while pregnant, and check with your airline about any policies and restrictions they have regarding pregnancy.
What Should I Pack for a Babymoon?
Comfort is key when traveling, especially during pregnancy. Bring loose-fitting comfortable clothes (such as maternity pants and maternity dresses) and good walking shoes.
What Do You Do on a Babymoon?
You two can do as much or as little as you like on a babymoon, but generally speaking the best babymoon ideas involve quality time, spa treatments, and pampering yourselves before the big changes to your lives and relationship. Your favorite activities should be on the to-do list, whether that’s golf, long walks on the beach, eating all your favorite foods, or sleeping in late.
