What exactly is a Babymoon? You can assure your Father-in-law that it’s neither a rare astronomical phenomenon, nor an excuse for his son to apply for paternity leave and head off on a golf trip the day after Baby arrives! A Babymoon is, in short, the very last holiday you and your loved one will enjoy before Baby makes his or her grand entrance, turning your once-orderly lives completely upside-down (and here we make no apologies for stating the truth).
A Babymoon can mean many things to different people. It may be a very personal celebration – after all, you are about to experience nature’s greatest miracle, and perhaps a long-awaited one. It might be a time for quiet reflection on what the future holds in store for your new family. Maybe it’s a opportunity to do some pre-baby planning – or the last chance to splash some cash on guilt-free indulgence, in the knowledge that the next couple of decades will be dominated by moving house (several times), childcare, ponies and school fees. Or – and why not? – simply a week or two of blissful relaxation together. Whatever your reason for taking a Babymoon, it should surely be one of the most special times in your life, so here are our top tips for making the most of every single moment:
Top Tips
1. The best time for expectant mums to travel is between 18 and 24 weeks, so have your diary at the ready, and our consultants will tell you where to go for the ideal climate, avoiding extreme heat and humidity.
2. The flight is a great excuse to put your feet up so try to put some budget aside to fly in comfort and be sure to ask about our best upgrade deals. If you are travelling long haul it will make all the difference in the world.
3. Keep your travel simple. Now is not the time for a round-the-world odyssey. We recommend a direct flight without any lengthy stopovers or onward connections, and short transfers. Mauritius is ideal for this.
4. Minimum jet lag is always a great consideration especially if pregnancy is playing havoc with your sleep. Malaria-free South Africa and the Middle East are good bets.
5. All-inclusive resorts give you the chance to eat little and often, and indulge all those crazy food obsessions that you know will hit the moment you leave home – if they haven’t already.
6. Don’t be persuaded to enter the local sailing regatta, learn to dive or climb the nearest mountain summit. Although you may feel fantastic when you book, remember that this is a holiday for indulging your soul, not your spirit of adventure.
7. Of course you love children but trust us – an adult-only resort offers Babymooners their very best chance for peace and tranquillity. After all, this might be the last time you have it for a couple of decades.
8. Relish the chance to be waited on hand and foot, for the boot will soon be on the other one! A number of our resorts come with private butlers and housekeepers to cater to your every whim.
9. A lot of pampering is a must for any mum-to-be. Check out the resorts’ spa menus for pre-natal treatments before you book.
10. When it comes to choosing a Babymoon resort, small is beautiful. Our favourite hideaways have just a handful of cottages or suites, where the personal service and attention to detail counts far more than the number of restaurants and activities on offer and the furthest walk you have to do is from your private pool deck to the beach/spa or restaurant.