What is a Babymoon… you ask? A Babymoon is sort of like childbirth’s version of a Honeymoon… only a Honeymoon comes after the wedding, where as a Babymoon comes before the baby.
It’s an opportunity for husband and wide (and kids, if you’ve already started!) to reflect on your current position together, celebrate the impending arrival of your new family member, and of course get a few last moment of rest and relaxation before the next exciting chapter begins!
General criteria for a Babymoon are fairly straightforward:
- Short flight/travel time to accommodate for pregnancy
- Very low risk of food sickness, illness or any type of injury
- Rest, relaxation and pampering from Mum-to-be… obviously!
As active and involved members of the maternity community, Soon Maternity are constantly hearing tales of wonderful Babymoons from families all around Australia – and we would like to share this information with a list of:
Top 5 Locations for a Babymoon, accessible from Melbourne, Sydney or Perth:
Park Hyatt – The Rocks Sydney
Figure 1 - Photo from Park Hyatt Sydney website
The Park Hyatt Sydney is beautifully located on Circular Key’s The Rocks, offering Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. They are well aware of their Babymoon popularity, and have on offer a special ‘Great Expectations Package’, catering specifically for expecting Mothers. This involves a relaxing Maternal Massage, and special touches like a children’s bathrobe with fluffy toy to take home.
The indulgent Spa and Dining options offer the perfect retreat in the heart of Sydney… you could almost forget the unlimited shopping, attractions and activities right on your doorstep.
Hydro Majestic Hotel – Blue Mountains
Figure 2 - Photo from Hydro Majestics Instagram
The Hydro Majestic Hotel is a beautiful art-deco inspired accommodation situated in the heart of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, just 1 hour 45 minute drive from Sydney’s CBD.
The Hydro Majestic building itself is a luxuriously ornate throwback to the grandeur of yesteryear, offering unbelieveably stunning panoramic views over the Metalong Valley. The perfect place for your family to sit back and reflect on how far you've come...and refesh in perperation for what's still to come. Scattered throughout the picturesque surroundings you can indulge in a number of Escarpment Day Spa stress-relief santuaries and havens of rest and relaxtion... it might be your last taste of that for a while!
Mansion Hotel – Werribee
Figure 3 - Photo from publicdomainpictures.net
Dating back to the 1870’s the Mansion Hotel is a Babymooners dream… a lavishly restored historic mansion, beautifully manicured gardens, a classy and refined restaurant, and huge range of exclusive spa and beauty treatments and therapies (including a pregnancy massage table catered for baby-bumps, so Mum can feel the rare bliss of safely and comfortable laying on her belly)!
Only around a half-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the Mansion Hotel & Spa is perfectly qualified for Babymooning, voted ‘Most Romantic Hotel in Australia’ by Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, and in Tripadvisor’s ‘Top 25 Hotels in Australia’.
Lake House – Daylesford
Figure 4 - Photo from Lake House Instagram
What better way to prepare for the natural phenomena of childbirth, than immersing yourself in the beauties of nature at the tranquil Lake House retreat…
The Lake House offers rooms and suites connected by enchanting walking tracks to the local fauna and flora of both Lake Daylesford and the Wombat State Forest beyond. Best of all, located within the grounds is the state-of-the-art Salus Spa – offering a huge range of relaxing treatments to reinvigorate your mind, body and soul… the perfectly contrasting preparation for the impending arrival of your new family member. Daylesford’s Lake House is most famous for natural health-inspiring mineral springs, which can be seen bubbling from the Lake House’s doorstep.
Basildene Manor - Margaret River
Figure 5 - Photo from Basildene Manor website
I know what you’re thinking… a Babymoon in one of the countries most notorious wine regions… but trust us, there’s a lot more to see and do in the Margaret River than wineries!
The Grand Basildene Manor is a large charming complex that cuts no corners on comfort, featuring a restaurant, cellar, lounge, fireside reading room, conservatory, pool, sun deck, tennis court and lakeside pergola. However, location is still the star attracting here… If you can draw yourself out of the comfortable grasp of the accommodation, the picturesque Margaret River surroundings are loaded with indulgent, non-strenuous attractions (perfect for expecting Mums!), including the famous artesian chocolate, cheese, and art and craft delights.
Notes: It’s only really safe for pregnant Mums to travel until about 27-28 weeks, unless cleared by your doctor. Contact your desired destination in advance, and bear in mind that Babymoon Packages can be designed upon request, but often require you to be in your second trimester.
