For some, the best way to treat life’s landmarks is with a special trip. Whether it was a senior vacation (high school or college), a honeymoon or an anniversary getaway, odds are, you have fond memories to look back on outside of Southlake. Now, a new trend is making it possible to spoil yourself during yet another life milestone: babymoons! If you are adding on to your family, use this opportunity to have one last calm moment before your child’s arrival. It’s safe to say that in a few short months, your life will forever change. First pregnancy or fifth, expecting mommas always have a good reason for a quick sabbatical. So take a deep breath, relax and prepare to be pampered at any of these three locations. Oh, and leave the other kids at Grandma’s.
Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California
We weren’t kidding when we said babymoons are indeed a trend. They are becoming so common that resorts, such as Rancho Valencia, have special packages designed specifically for expecting mothers and their significant others. Tucked away on 45 acres of beautiful gardens and olive groves in Rancho Santa Fe, California, the resort offers the “Great Expectations Babymoon” package. Couples arrive at a luxurious, rose petal-covered bed and cupcakes for two.
After you get settled in, treat yourselves to a massage at Rancho Valencia’s couple’s spa suite. The spa has a special prenatal massage just for mom! The package also includes discounted room rates on any type of room, a special welcome and fresh orange juice every morning. If you’re in the mood to soak up some vitamin D, stretch out by the glistening pool or try your hand at tennis! If you’re looking to explore outside of the resort, Solana Beach is less than 20 minutes away and Black Mountain Open Space Park is about 30 minutes out. In other words, whether you’re craving a good hike or want to put your toes in the sand, Rancho Valencia is perfectly located for you to do both! RanchoValencia.com
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, New York
Something about this inn’s name just sounds magically peaceful. Once you arrive at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, you’ll find that the name is only a fraction as peaceful as the locale. The estate sits on 75 acres in the lush Hudson River Valley. It may not have the show-stopping pools and golf courses of the other resorts on the list, but it offers one key amenity that the others cannot: Food fresh from its own farm. Eggs, honey and fresh produce are all on the menu at Henry’s at the Farm restaurant. The inn’s full-service spa features a solar-powered dry sauna, pool, steam room and juice bar, so moms-to-be can treat themselves. ButtermilkFallsInn.com
The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona
Google “babymoon destination” and you’ll inevitably see Scottsdale, Arizona, near the top of the list. We’re not sure how they’ve managed to corner that market, but the good news is it’s not too far from home. This is a great one to consider if you’re in your third trimester and you aren’t looking to board a long flight. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is more than equipped to have you feeling like royalty. Complete with a 900-foot lazy river, cabanas and islands, the pool scene is enough to keep you coming back. But, if putting on a swimsuit doesn’t sound like your thing at the moment, look no further than the resort’s spa: Agave, The Arizona Spa. Agave houses 20 treatment rooms, a movement studio, a juice bar and men’s and ladies’ locker rooms – each with a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. And of course, if you enjoy a round of golf, you’re in good hands at The Westin Kierland. KierlandResort.com