The 7 best babymoons, according to travel experts

There are tons of reasons to take a babymoon: it’s a chance to recharge, unplug and savor your time before baby arrives. Plus, it can be a good opportunity to reconnect with your partner.

Whatever your reason, a babymoon—when planned safely and thoughtfully—can be a great idea for many moms-to-be. We tapped the travel agents at Fora for their babymoon recommendations, which include Zika-free beaches, direct flights to Europe (yes please) and ideal babymoon destinations for expectant couples that are COVID-conscious. From a relaxing weekend in the South of France to a spa getaway in Sedona, read on for the seven best babymoons, according to the experts at Fora (bonus: booking with Fora, you’ll often receive special perks like food and beverage credits and upgrades).

Related: 10 Tips to Save on Your Babymoon

From the desert to the beach, here are 7 great babymoon destinations

1. Bermuda

Merely a dot on the map of the Atlantic, this tropical island is a beloved babymoon destination thanks to its incredibly convenient location. It’s just a two-hour nonstop flight from most East Coast cities (including NYC). Travelers are beckoned by its pink-sand beaches and candy-colored towns lined with palm trees. The Zika-free island is also home to a number of plush hotels, offering romantic activities for expectant couples, including boating and spa treatments. (Favorites include Exhale Spa’s soothing prenatal massage and the ‘mother-to-be massage’ at Natura Spa, where treatments are performed in a serene cave accompanied by the sounds of nature).

Fora recommends: Fondly known as the “Pink Palace,” the Hamilton Princess, starting at $419/night, has reigned supreme (no pun intended) for decades thanks to its stellar service and countless activities.

2. South of France

For mothers-to-be looking to indulge in a little luxury across the pond, the South of France is a great bet. Between the lavender fields of Provence, the sun-soaked beaches of Antibes and the glamorous resorts of St. Tropez, the Cote D’Azur is nothing short of magical. Spend a few days lounging poolside and savoring spa treatments, or opt for a more active holiday by exploring the historic villages on foot or—better yet!—by convertible. Another reason we love Le Sud for a babymoon? The region is relatively accessible: many US-based airlines offer direct flights to the regional hub of Nice, and several trains connect the region with Paris. 

Fora recommends: For a proper château moment, stay at Chevre d’Or, starting at $238/night, a five-star resort overlooking the French Riviera.

3. Sedona, Arizona 

Arizona’s dazzling desert tops the babymoon list for its top-notch wellness offerings, red-rock scenery and artistic culture. When not exploring the breathtaking canyons on low-impact hiking trails or scenic drives, mothers-to-be can get their relaxation on at the numerous high-end resorts. Many of these are wellness-focused, offering standout prenatal treatments along with meditation, yoga and spiritual therapies. Babymooners can also count on Sedona for its year-round warm-weather. This means most time can be spent outside, including sunning poolside and dining alfresco, which is a plus for COVID-conscious couples. 

Fora recommends: Stay at Enchantment Resort, starting at $463/night, with its Southwestern-chic suites and evening activities like live music and make-y0ur-own-s’mores.

4. Hawaii

Hawaii offers a far-flung, paradisiacal escape, with the convenience and peace-of-mind that comes with a domestic getaway. This archipelago is a great babymoon idea thanks to its pristine beaches and splendid hotels, many of which are adults-only, providing an ultra-romantic getaway. Another plus: expectant mothers can explore the region’s scenery without having to lift a finger: active volcanoes, epic national parks and other natural wonders can easily be accessed by renting a car (versus a strenuous hike or multi-step transport). 

Fora recommends: On the Big Island, we love Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, starting at $999/night, which is named after the area’s dormant volcano, and offers colorful suites overlooking a postcard-perfect beach. Pro tip: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is the sister property to Mauna Kea and offers plentiful amenities with rates starting at $580/night. 

5. Santa Barbara, California 

With its wide-open-spaces and endless natural beauty, there’s nothing quite like California. The state offers a few great destinations for a babymoon, starting with the coastal enclave of Santa Barbara (nature, spa, shopping, the works…) This beloved destination makes for a lovely weekend of low-impact hiking, beach picnics, great restaurants and easy-breezy days. Santa Barbara is also accessible from LA (a smooth flight or drive from many U.S. cities), making this babymoon an extra relaxing one, from start to finish.  

One of our favorite places to stay in California is Rosewood Miramar Beach, starting at $1,696 /night (a splurge, but worth it). This Santa Barbara mainstay offers divine cuisine, including an outpost of Malibu Farm, and some of the most glorious views in the area. For a more budget-friendly (but equally special) getaway in SB, the Montecito Inn is just down the road, starting at $275/night. 

6. Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina’s coastal darling is one of the best places to babymoon thanks to its standout food scene, mild weather (outside of summertime, that is) and unmistakable southern charm. Charleston’s historic downtown, with its cobblestone streets, pastel mansions and horse-drawn carriages, is a great place to explore on foot. Or, drive out to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island for a relaxing beach getaway along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Atlantic. In Charleston, there are a number of quaint inns and luxe, Old-World resorts that promise a lovely few days (think: relaxing afternoons on the porch with sweet tea). 

Fora recommends: We especially love the Dewberry, starting at $299/night, with its exquisite design and sophisticated spa and wellness offerings, including open-air yoga. 

7. Newport, Rhode Island

Looking for a taste of the finer things before your little one arrives? Newport offers a heavy dose of New England charm, and, if you’re on the East Coast, it’s right off I95 – meaning you can skip the ferry (required to reach comparable destinations like Nantucket or Block Island). Between admiring the Gilded-Age mansions on the famed Cliff Walk, to shopping for colorful onesies on Bowen’s Wharf (when in Rome), there’s tons to do here. 

Fora recommends: As far as where to rest your head, it doesn’t get better than a stay at Castle Hill Inn, starting at $455/night, a 19th-century mansion-turned-luxury retreat with a gorgeous lawn overlooking Narragansett Bay.