Mums Know Best: eight romantic babymoons for parents-to-be

Let’s face it, you’re exhausted after months of pregnancy and in need of some major TLC, but that doesn’t stop you from wanting to enjoy some quality time with your partner before your new family member arrives. Good news is you don’t have to go through all the hassle of getting on a plane very preggers to escape. You can enjoy a relaxing break right here in the UK. Carden Park Hotel is located on a gorgeous country estate in Cheshire. Its dreamy location means you are blanketed by surroundings that will calm your soul. Breathe in that fresh countryside air and enjoy the peace and quiet. To really take it all in, wander around the extensive grounds and vineyards of the hotel.

The onsite spa will be your personal pamper sanctuary during your stay. With plenty of experiences and treatments on offer, here you will truly unwind- just try not to fall asleep until you get back to your cosy bed. With four on-site establishments to go for a bite to eat and a drink (virgin cocktail anyone?), there is plenty of choice, and some fabulous dessert options, to suppress those cravings. If you fancy an excursion, head to nearby Chester to explore the cathedral and grab an afternoon tea at the quirky Alice in Wonderland themed Mad Hatters Tearoom. If you need to go shopping before the baby arrives on the scene, make sure to visit Chester Oaks Designer Outlet during your stay.

– Rebecca Rayner, Rayner en route

If you want to escape it all (and why wouldn’t you when you’re trying to grow a whole new person?!), but you don’t fancy flying, head to The Fish Hotel in the beautiful Cotswolds in England. This bolthole feels like a million miles away from home. I stayed here during my first pregnancy and fell in love with the décor.

I had planned to explore the area, but as soon I heaved my generous 28-week bump onto the bed I found myself giving in to the need to relax. Thankfully the views of rolling fields and gorgeous countryside are plentiful, so even if you only manage to lie on the bed you can soak up the location.

The charming village of Broadway is just two miles away so it’s just super easy to get to. They do say that light exercise is good for mum and baby, so if you’re feeling up for it pop those walking boots on and enjoy the unspoiled views. In the village, you’ll find postcard-pretty buildings, cute shops selling treats such as ice creams and homemade chocolates, as well as lovely gift shops. It’s really not too big, so it’s perfect for a pregnancy waddle!

Back at the hotel, I’d recommend the afternoon tea to tide you over until dinner. Think fluffy scones and homemade cakes. The hearty breakfast is also a winner. I know you’re not really supposed to eat for two, but this is the place where you really should.

– Char, Taylor Hearts Travel

Céad míle fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes)! Hospitable Galway on the western coast of Ireland is just the place for a babymoon before welcoming a new bundle of joy. Known for kind people, lively atmosphere, and beautiful sights, Galway offers a variety of activities for expecting parents looking for adventure.

The traditional façade isn’t the only charming feature about the highly-rated Park House Hotel, located just steps from the historical heart of Galway. Follow the cobblestone road along brightly painted shops bursting with Celtic treasures, art, and cuisine (to satisfy those mom-to-be cravings). Enjoy street performances by local entertainers as you shop or scuttle to the Hop-On bus tour for a stress-free look around Galway. During your stay, take advantage of the excellent customer service at the Park House Hotel to organize a day trip to the bucket list-worthy Cliffs of Moher, a landmark that encompasses the natural beauty of Ireland.

Expecting parents must be treated like royalty, which calls for a drive up from Galway to the Ashford Castle. This pristine estate boasts stately architecture, lavish décor, river cruises, and much more. Join in the traditional afternoon tea with intricately set tables, a diverse assortment of teas, and mouthwatering nibbles. Afterwards, stroll through the flourishing gardens to the Falconry to interact with birds of prey. (If you can handle predatory birds, parenting will be a breeze!)

Wind down in the Ashford Castle’s tranquil spa. Choose from a menu of treatments, which include prenatal services to help mamas feel as if they aren’t carrying around a pot of gold in their belly. Until your lucky charm arrives, slán agus beannacht leat (goodbye and blessings with you)!

The trick to finding the best babymoon is getting the perfect balance. The chances are you’ll be around five or six months pregnant, so with that second trimester burst of energy, it’s a perfect time to enjoy a bit of adventure before the baby arrives, while still seizing the chance to chill out.

And although there’s no reason you can’t fly long-haul, chances are you won’t fancy the idea of a 12-hour flight any more – plus any destinations with malaria are out while you’re pregnant.

My tip is to consider the islands off the coast of Africa – the volcanic islands of the Azores tempted me (although you can’t take whale-watching boat tours), for guaranteed sun go for Cape Verde. A mix of African and Portuguese influences, the island of Sal has plenty of beaches and colourful towns to discover, as well as a salt lake to float in, lemon sharks to spot, a mirage to spy and a lava pool filled by the ocean. Plus it’s just a six-hour flight.

As the island is only small, it doesn’t take long to explore, which also leaves you plenty of time to relax guilt-free – try the luxurious all-inclusive Melia Dunas hotel, with seven pools to lounge around including an adults-only section, plus more loungers on the beach and fantastic food.

Best of all, the unofficial motto of the islands is ‘no stress’ – where better to unwind and make the most of time together?

I went to the Myconian Utopia in Mykonos for my Babymoon and would highly recommend it. The hotel had such a serene and atmospheric vibe to it and we immediately felt relaxed when we arrived. We were picked up from the airport in a complimentary vehicle which was offered to us by the hotel and the staff couldn’t do enough for us. The location was great as it felt private and secluded from the town which we wanted and we loved how you could see the spectacular views of the sea from every angle of the hotel. We were very impressed that the hotel offered a bus every hour to take us into the town so we didn’t have to worry about getting a taxi on the island.

The breakfast was lovely and the view from where we ate was amazing as you looked out to the infinity pool and the sea. I had the most relaxing pregnancy massage in the spa and the staff were extremely accommodating. We were given access to the private beach at the hotel but mainly stayed by the pool as we loved the vibe there. My husband and I had the most special Babymoon at the Myconian Utopia and we will definitely be returning with our baby!

As we entered the Windjammer Landing Resort, on the north-west coast of St Lucia, my husband and I grinned at each other with excitement. Beautiful colonial-style buildings clung to the hillsides of Labrolette Bay, overlooking white sand beaches and the cobalt-blue Caribbean Sea. Big Sis was 22-months old, and I was five-months pregnant with Lil Sis; this babymoon was our last chance to get away for a long time.

We arrived to the wide smiles of the receptionist, who made us feel welcome and relaxed after our long flight. The open plan villa had its own private patio and outdoor dining area, complete with hot tub. The views were truly breathtaking – an endless expanse of blue skies, palm trees and sea. And with restaurants, a spa, several swimming pools, our own private beachfront and plenty of onsite activities, we had everything we needed within the resort.

But it was the staff that made our visit truly unforgettable: ‘St Lucians love children,’ we were told, and they genuinely do. My bump and I were treated like precious cargo, and Big Sis was constantly fussed over. When she got tetchy during one evening meal, our waitress took her for a walk so we could finish our food in peace. When the onsite store didn’t have the right sized nappies, the shop assistant picked up a packet on her way into work. These thoughtful touches really made our holiday, and we’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

With three children and the advantage of three babymoons under our belt, one in particular stands above the rest. Right around baby number three, we realized we were looking for a place we could ultimately just relax — kid-free. We wanted to be able to sink our toes into white sandy beaches, cool off in a tropical ocean, have a variety of kid-free activities available, and have decadent restaurants on site. The Cove at Atlantis hit all the marks.

The rooms at The Cove are some of the most luxurious we’ve ever stayed in and the beds out of this world comfy. Aside from mommy-to-be friendly rooms, The Cove at Atlantis has so many wonderful amenities. At each turn, you can soak in the aqua blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, you can spend your day seaside enjoying the private beach (cabana rental a must!) or cool off in one of the many pools on site. Even if you don’t have kids yet, or have kids with you, you can still enjoy being a child at heart by checking out the on-site waterpark or lazy river.

When lounging beachside with delicious fruity drinks (virgin, of course) doesn’t have you relaxed enough, grab your spouse for a visit to the luxurious Mandara resort. There are multiple treatments and massages available to help you both sink into that pre-baby stage of bliss.

We loved the fact that there were so many restaurant options available. From quick and easy grab and go options to 5-star steak and seafood restaurants, there was a little something for every kind of craving. Our personal favourite was the Seafire Steakhouse. The Barrel Cut Filet was out of this world and the Lobster Mac & Cheese was to die for.

If exhaustion from all of that relaxation hasn’t completely done you in, it’s also kind of fun to enjoy a little nightlife in the onsite casino. The number of available activities is endless, and really you can make a babymoon at The Cove as adventurous or as relaxing as you want to it be. Either way, you can’t help but enjoy your time together and get excited about the little one joining you on your two-some!

Everyone knows that there’s a lot to do to prepare for the arrival of a baby. But it’s important to find time to take care of yourself. A getaway to the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is guaranteed to give you the breather that you need before life gets hectic. Pack yourself and your baby bump with a couple of swimsuits and some comfy pyjamas and get ready to be pampered in these beautiful, old-Florida-style accommodations that have been around since 1928.

Take a day to soak in the sunshine at the stunning, white-sand beaches, (and maybe find a shark’s tooth or two) or pamper yourself with luxury and lunch at the award-winning spa, a haven of rest and relaxation. This is the region’s largest spa and it offers a blissful mix of the latest oh-so-divine treatments and therapies.

For more active recreation, hit the links at the lush, green fairways of the golf course or play a game of tennis at the ‘Official Tennis Club of the ATP Tour’ on the premises.

If shopping is more your style, the resort has a plethora of boutiques and shops, and you’ll find many more in the quaint surrounding area of Ponte Vedra Beach.

When it’s time for a scrumptious dinner, the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club has several restaurants with offerings to please every palate, from casual “go in your mama shorts” to upscale “dress up your bump.” No matter how you decide to spend your days here, you’re certain to go home with renewed energy and readiness for your blessed event.