Rather than letting pregnancy hold them back from travelling, Hollywood celebrities are jetting off to exotic locations, from secluded islands, as in the case of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who chose to soak up the sun on the tiny Caribbean island of Mustique, to charming cultural hotspots like Rome, where Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge indulged in some pre-baby alone time.
Babymoons have become the latest in-vogue trend for couples to relax together before the challenge of parenthood sets in. The good news is that you don’t need to have the bank balance of the rich and famous to enjoy a babymoon, there are plenty of more affordable options and many resorts now offer ‘babymoon packages’ to take advantage of.
Whether you fancy parking yourself in front of a cosy log fire or kicking back along the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean, find your perfect babymoon from these six unique destinations:
Scottish lochs and glens for stunning scenery
For utter relaxation and to immerse yourself in some truly breath taking scenery nothing can beat escaping to the towering mountains, mirror-like lochs, peaceful glens and cascading streams of the Scottish highlands. An ideal base is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which holds the largest inland expanse of water in Britain. Picturesque Loch Lomond offers excellent sailing and back on land you can take in the amazing scenery through forest walks or coastal trails, and glimpse otters, water vole, deer and magnificent birds of prey. After all the fresh air make sure you have a warm and comfortable base to relax in. Forest Holiday’s idyllic forest cabins in Strathyre sit in dramatic countryside, along the pine-fringed banks of Loch Lubnaig and are watched over by the magnificent Ben Ledi, which stands nearly 3,000 feet tall.
Argyll Forest Park is another spectacular loch-side location where rugged countryside meets the shores of the majestic Loch Long. From here you can explore the local towns and villages such as Ardgartan, Arrochar and Inverary, which are lovely spots to explore the region’s food and heritage. Forest Holidays’ luxury cabins in Strathyre and Argyll include a cosy fireplace and hot tub, and offer a wide range of in cabin pampering experiences including a special mummy-to-be package with a 2 hour organic massage and facial with scalp massage.
Forest Holidays provide luxury log cabin breaks in Strathyre and Argyll from £36 per person per night.
Charming Tuscany for comfort food
Italy is perfect for those looking for a laid-back atmosphere and heavenly food. Enjoy a beautiful Tuscan house to yourself and wander through charming Italian towns and villages. Whilst you will have to pay attention to menus to avoid the usual unadvised foods during pregnancy, the Italian diet is wide and varied with many pizzas, pastas, fresh salads and pastries that you can enjoy.
The beautifully restored 18th Century Villa di Bagnolo is situated on a wine and olive oil estate and offers spectacular views across the Tuscan countryside. Being just nine miles from Florence means that, whilst you’re far enough from the hustle and bustle to be surrounded by peaceful olive groves and lush green lawns, you can easily pay a visit to this fascinating city to spend time soaking up the culture, entertainment and fine dining. Not that you’d ever need to leave the luxurious surrounds of your villa if you don’t want to, as this beautiful manor house has a large infinity edge pool to keep you entertained.
Tuscany Now offer Villa di Bagnolo from £3,719 per week and the villa comes with its own maid, waitress and cook, leaving you free to unwind in the lap of luxury.
Island hideaway for holiday romance
A rare find, this private, peaceful and supremely stylish stone-built cottage in Lefkada, Greece, is the perfect retreat for two. Built in traditional Ionian island style, the cottage offers perfect panoramic views across the sea to beckoning islands and outcrops. The chic interior, with black and white furnishings on pale cream floors, creates a calming atmosphere, and the almost entirely open-plan downstairs and double doors open on to the pool terrace and beautiful views. A spiral staircase leads to the large bedroom occupying the lower ground floor. Outdoors, there are loungers by the pool, an al fresco dining terrace and a built-in barbecue.
Reminiscent of Corfu thirty years ago, Lefkada is green and mountainous and the old villages that pepper the hillsides and valleys give the impression that the passage of time has barely left a mark on the landscape. Atokos Cottage is a 4km drive from the scenic harbour of Sivota, with its beach, fresh fish tavernas, shops and cafes.
Atokos Cottage is available from CV Travel for £1270 per week including car hire.
Dublin for a quick city getaway
What the small riverside city of Dublin lacks in size it makes up for in spirit. Resting on the beautiful east coast of Ireland, the city has a young, energetic population and no shortage of fine dining restaurants, cafes and boutiques. There are plenty of relaxing options for exploring the city, from pleasant walks to take in the grand Georgian architecture to visiting the many museums and art galleries. What’s more, the lively line-up of events and festivals has made Dublin a stage for talented musicians, artists, street performers, film makers, as well as international horse riders during the popular Dublin Horse Show.
The ideal spot for your last stylish city break before two becomes three; the city is reachable in less than two hours from most UK airports and a comfortable 80 minutes from London City Airport .
Stay in the sophisticated boutique hotel Dylan. A Victorian townhouse on the outside, once inside guests are greeted with ultra-cool interior, luxurious suites with beds they will never want to leave and the decadent Dylan Bar and glamorous bistro-style restaurant.
Book Dylan in advance for special offer room only rates of £131 per night (call: +353 1 660 3000).
Rhodes for a laid-back beach break
Boasting the best sunshine record of all the Greek islands, miles upon miles of picturesque sandy beaches and affordable restaurants for feasting on delicious Greek cuisine Rhodes is the perfect place for a care-free beach holiday. The island retains some of the safest and cleanest beaches in Europe making it a great choice for expecting couples who already have kids. For those that can tear themselves away from the beach there are plenty of options for some gentle sightseeing around the islands many historic sights and more active family members can take advantage of a wide range of land and water based activities.
The 5* Levante Beach Resort has everything you need to switch-off. Relax on the long golden beach or in the hotel’s spa, which offers a range of beauty treatments, a sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room. If you have kids, they will enjoy the dedicated children’s pool and extensive children’s activity timetable. Facilities include five swimming pools (including an adult only pool), two restaurants, a watersports centre, mountain bikes and tennis courts.
From £645 per person with Mark Warner, including flights, transfers, accommodation, sailing and windsurfing with tuition, fitness programme and childcare from 2 – 17 years.
Sicily for luxury living
Spectacular sunsets, golden sandy beaches and a volcanic landscape punctuated by the towering Mount Etna; Sicily is an island of extreme beauty and the perfect place to relax in style. Its comfortable climate of warm summers, glowing autumns, mild winters and vibrant springs make it an ideal babymoon destination.
If your wish is to splash out in style, Villa San Tommaso is a luxury villa fit for a princess. Outside you’ll be charmed by the villa’s private hanging gardens, which are amongst the most beautiful in Sicily, a panoramic Jacuzzi, decked solarium and stunning pool. At mealtimes you can choose from shady or sun-drenched terraces to enjoy delicious al fresco meals with uninterrupted views over the valley of the Anapo River. The inside of the villa is just as impressive as the garden, with a huge living area created from an old oil and wine press, plenty of comfortable sitting areas, stylish bedrooms and impeccable furnishings throughout.
Just a couple of miles away is Syracuse with its Greek archaeological site, one of the finest anywhere in the Med, and its historic island heart, Ortigia, which offers a marvellous choice of restaurants, bars and shops in beautiful piazzas and on the sea front. Also nearby are a series of long white sand beaches and the gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Baroque towns of Noto and Modica.
Villa San Tommaso is part of the luxurious Think Exquisite range and prices start at £3,690 for a week (based on 2 people in 1 bedroom, can sleep up to 6 in 3 bedrooms).
