Motherly Collective

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.

We tapped the travel agents at Fora, who specialize in babymoon planning, for their top picks. Below you’ll find their recommendations organized by vibe, plus a few practical tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly. (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

Beach & tropical babymoon ideas

For couples who want sun, sand, and someone else making the meals, a beach or tropical resort is hard to beat. The key for pregnant travelers: look for destinations with good obstetric care nearby, manageable flight times, and resorts that are genuinely set up for prenatal pampering.

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 island is also home to a number of plush hotels, offering romantic activities for expectant couples, including boating and spa treatments. (Consider 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 $700/night, has reigned supreme (no pun intended) for decades thanks to its stellar service and countless activities.

2. 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 $1,149/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 $594/night. 

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico hits a sweet spot: direct flights from most major U.S. cities, beautiful beaches, and a food and culture scene worth savoring before you’re navigating a restaurant with a stroller. Old San Juan is easy to walk at a slow pace, and resort options range from all-inclusive to boutique.

4. Key West, Florida

If you want tropical without a passport or a long flight, Key West delivers. Low-key island energy, great seafood, and a walkable downtown make it a solid pick in the second trimester when you want a real trip but don’t want to push it too far.

5. Sandals Resorts (Antigua or Jamaica)

All-inclusive resorts remove a lot of the mental load that comes with travel planning—and that’s especially valuable when you’re pregnant. Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica both offer prenatal spa treatments, unlimited food and drinks (mocktails included), and the kind of total handoff that tired second-trimester travelers appreciate.

Spa & wellness babymoon ideas

If prenatal massage, mineral pools, and gourmet meals sound like your version of paradise, lean into a spa-focused babymoon. These destinations are built around slowing down.

6. Napa Valley or Sonoma, California

Wine country without the wine still has plenty to offer: world-class food, spa treatments, and countryside so beautiful it almost does the healing for you. Many Napa and Sonoma properties offer dedicated prenatal programming. The pace is slow by design.

Bonus: you can do a non-alcoholic tasting experience at many vineyards, which is more fun than it sounds.

7. 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.

Fora recommends: Stay at Enchantment Resort, from around $700/night, with its Southwestern-chic suites and evening activities like live music and make-your-own-s’mores.

8. Eden Vale Inn, Placerville, California

A smaller-scale, highly-rated option for couples who want a quiet romantic spa escape without a massive resort experience. Placerville sits in El Dorado wine country—a lower-key alternative to Napa with the same general vibe.

Mountain & cozy babymoon ideas

Not every babymoon needs a beach. For couples who find peace in forests, fresh air, and a fireplace, a mountain or countryside escape can be just as restorative.

9. Big Sur, California

Ocean views meeting redwood forests—Big Sur is genuinely stunning and genuinely remote, which is sort of the point. Treebones Resort offers eco-luxe yurts and dramatic views that make staying in feel like the entire experience.

10. Upstate New York

For East Coast couples who don’t want to get on a plane, upstate New York offers a rustic-luxe escape that punches well above its proximity. Troutbeck in Amenia is a 250-acre estate-turned-hotel with great food, quiet grounds, and the kind of atmosphere that genuinely slows you down.

11. 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 $815/night, a five-star resort overlooking the French Riviera.

Charming city & Southern babymoon ideas

City babymoons work especially well if you want to eat your way through a destination, do some low-key walking, and have easy access to good medical care. The South, in particular, offers a specific warmth and hospitality that can feel genuinely restorative.

12. 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. 

13. 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 $330/night, with its exquisite design and sophisticated spa and wellness offerings, including open-air yoga. 

Staycation & mini-moon ideas

Not every babymoon has to involve a long flight or a week away. A “mini-moon” — a short trip close to home — can be just as meaningful and a lot easier to pull off, especially if you’re in the third trimester or working with a tighter budget.

14. 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.

15. Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia

World-class museums, walkable neighborhoods, incredible food scenes, and no need to get on a plane. Both cities are also well-equipped medically, which is worth factoring in. A long weekend in either city — staying somewhere nice and giving yourself full permission to slow down — can feel like a real trip.

The best types of babymoon locations

Not sure which style of babymoon is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of what each type offers:

  • All-inclusive beach resort: Best for total relaxation with minimal planning.
  • Wine country or spa retreat: Great food, spa access, and a beautiful setting at a slower pace.
  • Mountain or countryside escape: Ideal if you want nature, fresh air, and privacy.
  • Charming city babymoon: Good for second-trimester travelers who want culture and great restaurants.
  • Mini-moon or staycation: Practical and meaningful—especially in the third trimester.
  • International (Europe): Worth it if you love European travel and the timing works out.

Best babymoon tips

Wherever you land, a little advance planning goes a long way.

  • The second trimester (weeks 14–27) is generally the sweet spot for travel. Morning sickness has often passed, energy levels are higher, and you’re not yet in the discomfort of late pregnancy.
  • Always check with your OB or midwife before booking, especially for international travel or longer flights.
  • Look for hotels that offer prenatal spa treatments—and call ahead to confirm, since some spas restrict treatments after a certain point in pregnancy.
  • Choose destinations with reliable medical care nearby, not just beautiful landscapes.
  • Book an aisle seat. You’ll thank yourself.
  • Plan for more rest than you think you’ll need. Comfortable pacing makes the whole trip better.
  • Travel insurance is worth it—especially if your pregnancy has any complications. Look for policies that cover pregnancy-related cancellations.
  • Pack compression socks for flights, your own pregnancy pillow if you’re particular about sleep, and any supplements or medications your provider has recommended.
  • Consider booking through a travel agent who specializes in babymoons (like Fora)—they often get perks like food and beverage credits and room upgrades at no extra cost to you.

A version of this article was originally published on June 23rd, 2022. It has been updated.

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