You’ve seen it around – the proud mum-to-be, kicking back poolside or in a plush suite, bump on display. She’s caught onto one of the best prenatal trends of our time; the babymoon.
A relaxing holiday taken safely before bub’s arrival; babymoons seemingly became de rigueur for expectant parents overnight. It’s a chance to lavish a bit of attention on themselves before their world transforms, and who can argue with that?
If you’re expecting a life-changing arrival in the next little while, here’s five things ways to treat yourself on a babymoon.
Spend some time with your significant other
If you’re expecting your first child, a babymoon is a golden opportunity to celebrate your last gasp as a duo. A features writer for body+soul, Jaymie Hooper has seen wellness trends come and go. The babymoon is one that came to stay, and Jaymie can see why. “People are realising that spending time with your partner is a great way to prepare you both for birth and beyond,” she says. “Your life is never going to be about you again, so taking a week or long weekend to retreat into your own little love bubble seems to be just what every soon-to-be-sleep-deprived parent needs.”
Babymoon inspiration: Table for 2 at The Darling Sydney and Gold Coast offers everything you need for a loved-up weekend, without leaving your room. With chef-curated menus from The Star’s top restaurants delivered to the door, your love bubble will be sealed tight.
Soak up the serenity
Who’s denying it? Children have a knack for causing chaos (of the best kind). It’s easy to think you’ll find time for peace and quiet ahead of your due date, but everyday routines and planning for the new arrival often get in the way. A babymoon is an excuse to flip the ‘Do not disturb’ sign on life. Now that she’s expecting her first, Jaymie is dreaming of her own babymoon: “a weekend of slow walks, relaxing in nature, bubble baths and anticipating our bub with my husband.” Whatever serenity looks like to you, a babymoon is the time to find it.
Babymoon inspiration: Speaking of bubble baths, the tub of your dreams awaits at The Darling Sydney. The circular spa baths in the Adored Suites afford million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour, and are big enough for two…
Make it a ‘bestiemoon’
There’s nothing that says you can’t make your babymoon a social affair. It’s a chance to connect with your mates before they have to share you. It could be a weekend, a night or even an afternoon – the point is celebrating the other significant relationships in your life. If you already have a baby on board, it’s also a chance to show them they’ll remain the centre of your world after their sibling arrives; so don’t forget their invitation.
Babymoon inspiration: Spend a day with the ladies in your life at Treasury Hotel Brisbane. High tea is served every Saturday at The Lab – with a menu finessed by chef Steven Jones after his time working in London’s finest establishments – and children are welcome.
Go for a good time, not a long time
The one thing you don’t want to do on a babymoon? Stress about it. The point is to recharge, so the easier you make planning for yourself, the better. A babymoon doesn’t have to be more complicated than a getaway in your home state or even a city staycay. It may even be more fun that way. “I noticed that a lot of couples were choosing to take more local breaks as opposed to interstate or overseas,” Jaymie says. “I think it takes the pressure off.”
Babymoon inspiration: Found in Broadbeach, The Star Grand has the feel of a tropical resort in the heart of the Gold Coast. Score yourself a daybed beside the pool, and you’ll have found babymoon paradise.
Treat yourself
Parenthood happens to people in many different ways. Whether you’re carrying a baby to term or getting ready to welcome a pint-size arrival in another way, becoming a caregiver is a selfless act. So why not take a beat to be a little selfish? Pampering is an essential part of any babymoon and can be both a team or solo sport. Take your other half; take your mum; take your mate; or go it alone. Just make sure to lavish attention on yourself. Your body (and your baby-to-be eventually) will thank you for it.
Babymoon inspiration: The Darling Spa is widely considered one of the best spas in Sydney. Start with a caviar facial, fit in a pedicure and finish it off with the Li’Tya Marma Kodopregnancy massage, and you’ll float out of there a different being
