In a previous post, I wrote about 8 Tips for Planning a Babymoon. Now that I have you convinced that a babymoon is necessary for both your marriage and your future family, I’m listing five babymoon destinations I highly recommend.

But remember, very pregnancy is different. Thus, every babymoon will be unique based on the needs of the mother-to-be. Some of the ideas on this list may get your stomach turning. Other ideas may have you booking a hotel room. Find the babymoon that works best for your situation.

Caribbean

While the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora are plucked right out of your dreams, the long flight when your pregnant isn’t. However, you can enjoy that same tropical experience in the Caribbean without the overnight flight. A Caribbean Island is the perfect babymoon destination if all you want to do is lounge around poolside. Chose an island and resort that’s easily reachable with a direct flight in case you have to make a quick escape home for a medical emergency.

Suggested stay: Parrot Cay is located on a private island in Turks and Caicos. The resort offers pre-natal yoga and Pilates (included in the room rate) plus plenty of mommy-to-be options on their spa menu.

Florida

Many babymooners aren’t comfortable leaving the United States and its medical systems but still want a babymoon that’s filled with beachside relaxation. Florida is the perfect option with plenty of resorts that emulate the tropical relaxation found in the islands.

Suggested stay: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on Amelia Island offers a babymoon package that includes a spa credit toward a pre-natal massage, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine and chocolate covered strawberries. Plus, you get to keep the plush bathroom robes to continue the relaxation once you’re home.

Spa Resort

Sometimes, a week at the beach isn’t feasible due to time off from work concerns—you’ll be taking a lot once the baby arrives. Yet, the couple still wants an escape to connect one last time before their two becomes a three. There are plenty of spa resorts throughout the country that are great weekend retreats. Many offer babymoon packages.

Suggested stay: Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Phoenix offers one of the most fun packages for babymooners. The “bundle of joy” includes an in-room movie, couples massage, pre-natal massage, in room “make your own” ice cream sundaes, sparkling cider, chocolate-covered strawberries and access to a 24-hour “Cravings Chef” service—the daddy-to-be will wish he had this one at home.

Mountains

Some women can’t handle the heat during their pregnancy and need an escape to cooler climates. A mountain retreat is a great option even if you aren’t the outdoorsy type. Many resort towns offer both adventurous activities and a quaint city center filled with shopping and dining options.

Suggested stay: Salish Lodge & Spa in the Cascades allures babymooners with a package that includes a pregnancy pillow, rose pedals on the bed, sparkling cider, pre-natal massage for mom and a restaurant credit so dad can grab a beer and a burger while mom is being pampered.

Hometown

Due to medical, financial or time off from work concerns, some couples aren’t able to travel for a babymoon. That doesn’t mean that they’re any less deserving of a romantic getaway. A great option is to plan a hometown babymoon. My wife and I booked a hotel in Uptown Charlotte (a 20-minute drive from our house), scheduled massages, museum hopped and enjoyed a romantic dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

Suggested stay: Don’t stay at home. Book a hotel room so the two of you are away from any baby planning temptations if you can, splurge for a hotel that is sure to pamper you.

Written By:

BRYAN RICHARDS

Bryan M. Richards is a beer, food, and travel writer based in Charlotte. His work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Beer Advocate, and just about anything with the word Charlotte in it. In a previous life, he was a corporate road warrior staying in two to three different hotels a week and often forgetting his room number.