Pregnancy is a wild rollercoaster ride. A woman’s body is growing and changing along with the ebb and flow of overwhelming emotions and concerns. A couple can’t help but wonder: How will our lives be altered? What will this mean for our relationship? How do we still devote time to each other?
Savvy marketers have identified a solution for all this pre-birth stress. What could be more natural to follow the “honeymoon” than the “babymoon?” Now, entire vacations geared around the comforts and needs of pregnant couples are being offered by many hotels. Babymoons are designed to pamper and coddle the pregnant mom, while throwing in a few perks for the dad-to-be, too.
BabyMoon Luxury Pre-birth Getaways is a company based around just this concept. “Our main activity is to represent luxury hotels and resorts that offer babymoon packages,” says Ilonka Molijn co-founder of BabyMoon. The goal of the company is to provide babymooners a special getaway that will be memorable. According to “World Travel Market’s Global Trend Report 2006,” a recent UK study reported, “Most babymooners are highly educated, have good/great income and are willing to grasp this moment and spend special time together. They are, therefore, the ideal clientele for luxury hotels/resorts that seek to offer something extra to attract new customers.”
“The Last Hurrah” at the St. Regis
In California, many luxury resorts have begun to offer a babymoon package. The St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach in Dana Point (stregismonarchbeach.com) offers a romantic and appropriately-named vacation, “The Last Hurrah” package.”
Upon checking in, a babymoon couple receives a collection of special DVDs chosen for the occasion with such favorites as: “She’s Having a Baby,” “Nine Months” and “BabyMoon.” One of the highlights for the mom-to-be is the late-night cravings menu, which features comfort foods such as fried chicken and French fries, macaroni and cheese, warm chocolate cake and ice-cream sundaes.
Another relaxing element of the package is a couple’s massage in the comfort of their spa suite. A warm fire lights the room and candles surround the two massage tables. There's a pregnancy massage for the future mom and a deep-tissue massage for the soon-to-be dad.
Kristi Turek, director of public relations, says that since the St. Regis started offering this package about a year ago it has increased in popularity.
“This package gives couples the idea that traveling before their baby arrives can be a wonderful getaway,” says Turek. “Couples don’t have to remain with The Last Hurrah package; they can tailor their own spa service according to their needs. Having a babymoon package gets a couple thinking about spending time together,” says Turek.
My husband and I took advantage of the custom option when visiting the St. Regis. The moment my husband discovered that the Monarch Beach Golf Links 18-hole championship course had numerous available tee-times, he gladly substituted his massage for a round of golf. Even though we parted ways for an afternoon, it allowed me to have a relaxing trip to the gorgeous spa for a massage and a facial while my husband swung out his stresses near the ocean’s crashing waves.
The Last Hurrah package is available starting at $735 per night, excluding tax and gratuity.
Barefoot & Pregnant
In Northern California, Barefoot & Pregnant in Sausalito (barefootandpregnant.com) offers the country’s first destination maternity spa. It’s located at the Casa Madona Hotel and Spa with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. Stacy Denney, CEO of Barefoot & Pregnant and author of Spa Mama and Fit Mama says, “What sets our spa apart is the staff of specially trained therapists and staff. All massage therapists have had special training in the physiological and psychological adaptations of pregnancy.”
I was eager to see how this spa would cater to the pregnant body, and I found the hidden spa nestled behind the hotel’s grand façade. My first treatment, a full-body massage, was an hour long. I was pleasantly surprised to find a body pillow lining the edge of the massage table. As I rested on my side and hugged the pillow, I immediately drifted off into a deep trance. My massage was followed with a facial, which was equally enchanting. Special signature products are used to ensure that the skin is getting what it needs most. This soothing experience is personalized for each pregnant mom’s skin. I can only describe it as – scrumptious.
Barefoot & Pregnant offers several getaway packages, including “And Baby Makes Three,” and “Expecting the Best.” Spa manager Cassandra Erpenbach, says, “We have more than 20 specialized spa services from which a pregnant woman may choose. We also offer unique treatments like the ‘Cast Away Belly Cast,' and there is even the ‘Daddy’s Turn’ treatment.” Often groups of girlfriends will travel and meet at Barefoot & Pregnant because of its close proximity to airports. It makes a great getaway for couples, families and friends.
A babymoon vacation is a relaxing solution to what can often prove to be a stressful time for couples. Husbands and wives deserve a little pampering and serenity before the work and joy of being parents soon becomes reality.
