Neither of us ever went on a babymoon or even looked at all the gorgeous, luxury babymoon destinations out there. It seemed silly at the time. It seemed indulgent. And yo, we were too busy on message boards asking about lamaze breathing to actually plan one. But if we had to do it all over again? We’d be all, sign me up! We’re going on a babymoon!
And now, knowing what we know now about travel deals, we probably wouldn’t be looking at hotels, but at the world’s beset rental properties which offer outrageous amenities at really terrific prices. So we’re so excited to be partnering with HomeAway again, since they’ve just announced that Luxury Rentals from HomeAway is now the world’s largest high-end vacation rental website. We’re talking 4500 absolutely amazing properties all over the world. You not only get way more for your money than you would with a hotel, but, if you’re in a maternity bathing suit, you know, it’s kind of nice having a private pool.
Just saying.
So if you’re in a spare-no-expense kind of a mindset right now, first make sure it’s okay for you to fly–we have plenty of stateside ideas if not–then consider these phenomenal destinations which make for a perfect pre-baby getaway. Sigh.
1. Malibu Beach
A sundeck, a glassed-in stone patio, a private beach entrance, koi ponds…Trust us, you will not be privy to most of these amenities again until your baby-proofing days are long gone. There are so many great SoCal locations that would be fun, but there’s just something about Malibu.
2. Paris
So the beach isn’t for everyone. If you love city vacations and want to seriously go for it with your babymoon, we’re all about the romance of Paris. Check out this unbelievable luxury George V apartment just off the Champs-Elysees and prepare to drool. Definitely not a place we’d take the kids–holy cow, the antiques! The beds! The claw foot tub! The private driver and concierge! Eh, so what if you’re not drinking champagne…you’ve got chocolate crepes only moments away. Not to mention all the world-class boutiques, should you want a little something to make you feel gorgeous.
3. Santiago, Chile
If you want to get intrepid and head out of the country, South America is such a fabulous, underrated destination for travel from the US; book an overnight flight and you wake up in your city of choice with virtually no jet lag–Santiago is just an hour ahead of EST. This seen-on-HGTV “Curved House” is magnificent, between the Pacific ocean views, the heated infinity pool, and your own meditation tower, plus the option for services like massages and yoga classes. Now that says Pregnant Lady Paradise to us.
4. Vancouver Island
For more of a chill-out vacation, this secluded, luxury oceanfront home looks spectacular and Canadian travel is so hassle-free. This particular house is filled with art and music which we love. There are shops and restaurants nearby if you want them–but you may not. Previous guests report seeing sea otters, whales and sea lions right from the deck. But our favorite review mentions–with exclamation points for emphasis–that they didn’t even turn the TV on once. Romantic? Check.
5. Aruba
There’s a reason Aruba calls itself One Happy Island – it’s safe, clean, friendly, with beautifully clean, clear water. Plus the weather is pretty much always perfect–we didn’t want to be too hot either, when we were pregnant. This private villa is right on Arashi Beach, one of the nicest on the whole island, and far from the touristy strip of big beach hotels. Imagine a day lolling on a raft in the clear water, then heading back just a few steps to watch a phenomenal sunset right from your patio. Heaven.
6. Santorini, Greece
It may be a while until your kiddo is old enough for you to leave him for a romantic vacation to the Greek islands, so this is a perfect time to squeeze one in. This secluded villa has unbelievable views including Santorini’s notorious sunsets–make sure you bring an extra charged battery for that smartphone camera. Plus you get your own villa manager to make sure all your needs are tended to. While the house sleeps more than a couple people, we wouldn’t mind having that patio all to ourselves. Then wake up early, book a private catamaran excursion, and vow to come back again one day.
7. London
If Notting Hill is your idea of romantic, then an actual Notting Hill stay might be perfect for you. We love the idea of staying right in this charming London neighborhood in a very affordable jewel box one-bedroom flat, with all those fabulous shops and markets and sights right outside your door. (Just imagine all the cute European baby clothes you can find!) Plus, London has really good transportation which is important, because depending how far along you are in your pregnancy, you might not feel like walking all day, every day.
8. The Hamptons
While it’s obviously spectacular in the summer (oh that pool!) you can still rub elbows with the rich and famous in East Hampton any time of year. Or maybe just spend all your time in that glorious master bath and never rub elbows with anyone at all–except your sweetheart. It’s a perfect relaxing New York-area destination to consider, especially if you live within driving distance and you’re past the stage where you’re comfortable flying.
9. Hawaii
You west coasters have one of most beautiful places on earth just a short-ish plane ride away. If you didn’t hit Hawaii on your honeymoon, then a baby moon is a perfect second chance. Especially in this gorgeous mansion right on the beaches of Maui. Along with a private heated infinity pool (hello, heaven), and a media room should you manage to drag yourselves indoors at night, you can walk right out your door and snorkel, or sit and eat your breakfast as the whales swim by. The only problem: You might never want to leave.
10. Bahamas
Fear not, east coasters, you have your own tropical island paradise just a short flight from you too, with all the Bahamian islands. There’s always the big islands like Nassau and Paradise Island, but Eleuthera is a less-traveled, more private choice. There’s some nice sightseeing, a historic harbor, a safe community, and of course an amazing pink sand beach that never gets very crowded. This beach villa with a private pool is reeling us in with those 180-degree ocean views that we bet we could look at forever. If only we didn’t have to get home at some point to have that baby.
Thanks to our sponsor Luxury Rentals from HomeAway, with 4500 rigorously evaluated properties across the globe that offer one-of-a-kind vacation experiences all starting at under $500 per night. When we compare that with luxury hotel prices, well, we are grateful.
Also, join us and some amazing travel bloggers TODAY, Thursday from 3-4PM ET for a #HomeAwayLux Twitter chat to help you figure out how you can afford the luxury vacation of your dreams–babymoon or not. Plus a sweet gift card giveaway. Find the details here.
