Calling all future parents!
Anticipation is in the air and preparations are well underway for your beautiful baby’s arrival, but before your life transforms, why not carve out some quality time with a well-earned babymoon?
While most babymoons are about relaxation, there’s no reason you can’t sprinkle a little adventure at the same time.
Whether you crave relaxation or action, or a little of both, get ready to dive into the blissful beaches, snuggle up in snowy hideaways, and dance through the city lights with these babymoon destinations.
For island relaxation
Palm Cove
Relaxation and wellness come naturally to parents visiting Tropical North Queensland, with its lush rainforests, long stretches of beach and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep.
Palm Cove, located 30 minutes drive north of Cairns, is well known for being the beach enclave and spa capital of Queensland so what better place for a bit of pampering?
For an exclusive adults-only retreat, stay at The Reef House for a full-service hotel experience complete with inclusive spa packages and fine dining overlooking the Coral Sea.
By day, prop yourself under a beach umbrella and bask in the warm sunshine or indulge with a facial or pregnancy-friendly massage.
As the sun sets along the palm-fringe beaches, dine in style at the bevvy of beachfront restaurants exuding the perfect blend of elegance, tropical charm and delicious seasonal produce.
Feeling adventurous? Visit the 400,000 year old Daintree Rainforest or take a leisurely snorkel on the reef with a cruise.
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Fiji
Fiji beckons babymooners who want one last stamp in their passports before baby arrives and the easy convenience of being only a three-hour flight from Brisbane.
Before sleep and feeding schedules take over, set your clocks to ‘Fiji time’ because in this part of the world, life is too beautiful to worry about being on time.
A babymoon in Fiji is an enchanting escape where relaxation meets adventure. Imagine you and your partner exploring secluded islands, swimming in azure water, indulging in spa treatments, and immersing yourselves in the friendly Fijian culture.
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Maldives
Now let’s talk top end luxury!
The resorts of the Maldives are famous for their exclusivity and breathtaking natural beauty.
The archipelago of 1,192 coral islands located in the Indian Ocean offer an unparalleled tropical paradise of palm trees, crystal-clear waters, overwater bungalows and endless opportunities for romance.
Make the most of your last holiday without little kiddies in tow and book into luxurious adults-only resorts such as the indulgent Komandoo Maldives Private Island Resort or the romantic Anantara Veli Resort. If relaxation is the goal, you can fill your agenda with poolside mocktails delivered by butler service, wellness treatments at some of the world’s best spas and fine dining backdropped by golden sunset hues.
Here you can enjoy some of the clearest water in the world while snorkelling the coral reefs to explore the abundant marine life is an unforgettable experience.
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For snowy mountain retreats
Hobart, Tasmania
If your body temperature is on the rise due to the bun in your oven, a cool weather retreat may be just what you crave.
Tasmania’s waterside capital, Hobart, has it all from a sizzling foodie scene, to bustling street markets and world class immersive art.
The underground Museum of Old and New Art, aka MONA, is an eye-opening experience, expect a darker and eerier side to your usual art gallery visit. Take the ferry over and allow time to wander the grounds of the monumental building and enjoy the striking surrounding scenery.
If visiting over a weekend, the Salamanca market is Hobart’s Saturday ritual. Stroll the lines of marquees featuring everything from produce to pottery and fine arts to fashion.
When it’s time to put your feet up, there’s no shortage of epic eats to tantalise the tastebuds. Quaint cafes, cosy bars and luxe restaurants hero Tasmanian produce and the creative foodies behind it.
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Queenstown, New Zealand
Just across the ditch (or ‘dutch’ as our neighbours say) is New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, with towering alps and lakeside location.
While bungee jumping and white-water rafting may be off the cards this visit, there’s plenty of activities for mums-to-be.
Take a tour of Lake Wakatipu and admire the breathtaking alpine views aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steam boat from 1912.
For some mild activity, take a romantic easy stroll along the lakefront and Queenstown Gardens, making time for gelato, mocktails or dinner at the restaurants and cafes on the promenade.
As the sun sets, retreat to your cosy accommodation and enjoy a warm bubble bath or cuddle up by the fire with your loved one.
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Banff, Canada
If you’re travelling further afield this pregnancy, Banff in Canada is the perfect place to be ‘snowed under’ in luxury.
The mountain resort town is backdropped by the dramatic skyline of rugged snow-capped mountains, while in town, the main avenue bustles with chateau-style hotels, restaurants and boutiques.
For a truly memorable stay, book yourselves in a fairytale-worthy castle stay at the Fairmont Banff Spring with plenty of pamper options – what every mum deserves.
When it’s time to get out and about, there’s 9000 miles of pristine parkland to explore on walking trails, lake kayaking and gondola rides, keeping you active without overdoing it.
For foodie fans, the mountain-to-table movement in Banff has raised the profile of culinary experiences in the town. Expect elk, venison and bison as well as river-caught trout with European influences, and incredible settings to enjoy it all in.
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For city exploring
Sydney
If shopping, culture and immersing yourselves in the trendy inner-city lifestyle of bars and restaurants is one of your favourite pastimes, make the most of a fast-paced city babymoon.
There’s no shortage of ideas to live-it-large in Sydney, from catching a show at the epic Opera House, splashing some cash at high-end shopping strips or treating yourself to one of Sydney’s famous restaurants (all activities which may be a foreign concept once baby arrives).
If you’re looking for activities a little more penny savvy, Sydney is home to street markets, The Museum of Contemporary Art, animal spotting at Taronga Zoo and gorgeous beaches.
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Singapore
Small in size, but big in attractions, Singapore is a melting pot of food hubs, shopping strips and dazzling skyscrapers overlooking the city.
Towering 57 stories tall, the Marina Bay Sands landmark is a must-see for luxury shopping, a sky observation deck (including the world-famous infinity pool), world-class casino and upscale restaurants.
Back down on ground level, there’s Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park or many multicultural vibrant neighbourhoods to visit.
A trip to Singapore would not be complete without sampling some of Singapore’s best restaurants and hawker food stalls. Try Hainanese chicken rice, seafood laksa and for dad, an alcoholic Singapore Sling cocktail at Raffles Hotel is a historic sip.
Singapore is known as one of the cleanest and easiest cities in the world to get around, making logistics for pregnant mumma’s a breeze.
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New York City
If you’re after one last Sex and the City style city jaunt before you become the Miranda of the group, New York City is bound to take you to the next level.
From the museums and art galleries in the Upper East Side, the hipster scene of Brooklyn and the trendy, upscale restaurants and bars of East Village, no matter which block you stumble down, there’s a never-ending list of things to do and see to feel like a local.
And in a city of over eight million people, they’ve got plenty of options for families who are about to grow; explore luxurious day spas and shop at the world’s best baby stores.