In the 21st century, babymoons, along with push presents and sometimes a new car, have been the perks of pregnancy. That last stretch of luxury while you’re a dual income household with no dependents and a bit of disposable cash. However, just because it’s a luxury, doesn’t mean it’s frivolous. Your lives are set to change in about the biggest way they possibly could outside of finding out you’re actually royalty à la The Princess Diaries. Taking a break with your partner before this happens is good for you and your relationship, as well as your body. Obviously. Here’s why and how to take a babymoon that does exactly what it needs to: leave you feeling satisfied, rested and excited for what's to come.

What is a babymoon?

First things first, what is a babymoon? A babymoon is a vacation for you and your partner to spend some quality time together before the arrival of your baby. It's a little similar to a honeymoon, because it's a celebratory holiday marking the impending life change you're both about to experience.

When to have a babymoon?

You can have your babymoon whenever it's most convenient for you, but ideally you want to go away while you're feeling your best. For most women, this is usually during the second trimester when morning sickness has usually past. However, there are no hard and fast rules about this and you can take it even during your third trimester. The only thing to be conscious of is not leaving it too late in case your bub comes early.

COVID vacays

No, it’s not as easy to take a holiday as it once was, but the world isn’t going to snap back anytime soon, and you still need a break, so it’s about finding safe ways to do it. With state and territory borders opening and closing like elevator doors, it’s smart to use your babymoon to explore your home state. A beach house on your favourite part of the coast, or a cabin inland that you’ve always wanted, but never had the opportunity to visit, the time is now! You could also staycation in your city's fanciest hotel and make good use of the facilities —- i.e. don’t leave. Australia’s states and territories are large. There is always more to explore. If you want to go interstate, do it, just plan to make your bookings very close to the date, or make bookings that are transferable or can be cancelled. Many hotels, Airbnbs, Stayz and other accommodation facilitators have changed their policies to align with COVID and extenuating circumstances. As have travel insurers. So you can either have everything booked with safety nets, or make your plans last minute, based on what the world looks like. Either way, lock in the leave.

Babymoon Ideas: Rest, relaxation and reflection

What makes a babymoon different from any other holiday? Either a lot or not much at all. If hiking is your thing, and you want to have one last hike before you’re doing it with an Ergobaby (and the doctor has given you the OK), then do it. You want to feel like you’ve done everything you wanted to, before you have that baby. Babies are super adaptable, it’s true, but their needs will come first, so take the time to keep your own schedule. Nap when you want, book a massage, read a book cover to cover without interruptions, have long lazy lunches at fancy adults-only restaurants or lay on the beach and enjoy how relatively sand-free you stay (just wait). Relaxing activities also have the benefit of clearing your mind, calming anxieties and giving you time to think, and reflect. If you’re so inclined, take a journal and note down all that you’re feeling in anticipation of becoming a parent. What you hope to be like, what you hope they’ll be like, what you hope your relationship will be like. Then take another nap. You need the extra rest.

Connect

As many a relationship therapist will tell you, the best time to have the big conversations is when you’re both feeling happy, relaxing and loved. AKA, somewhere that neither of you have to clean, answer work emails or have only spoken to each other in terse texts e.g. “get milk”, “I’ll be late”. So while you’re doing your relaxation thing, tackle some of the big baby questions as they arise: baby name, birth plan (or more accurately, rough outline for what you’d like to happen during your labour), nursery set up, baby shower plan and what pram to get. Most importantly, have fun together and enjoy your last time away just the two of you.

Babymoon destinations

Now for the dreamy part about where to go. We asked Georgia Hopkins from the travel inspiration and adventure guide platform It's Beautiful Here for her top babymoon destinations in Australia. Read her picks below and check out her adventure guides on her site now.

1. Whale Song Shack, Tasmania
   'I am not sure I have found another more beautiful and romantic destination in my life! Whale Song Shack, perched on the edge of the Tasman Sea in the tiny little town of Falmouth on Tasmania’s East Coast, is the most incredibly dreamy place to really slow down and soak up the calm, surrounding natural beauty'.
   
   
2. Mount Mulligan Lodge, Queensland
   There is something very special about the rhythm of the Outback. Mount Mulligan Lodge provides a luxury accommodation experience - 3 hours west of Cairns - from which you can enjoy the magic of this captivating landscape (with no more than 17 guests max at the lodge at any one time, so service is incredibly intimate and refined).
   
   
3. Naiko Retreat, South Australia
   For a totally peaceful and private getaway, I love Naiko Retreat for its remote location on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Sitting pretty on Rarkang, a 2000 acre operating sheep farm, you will have access to your own private beach and spectacular panoramic views over the hilltops and ocean from this all-glass luxe eco-retreat.

Image cred: It's Beautiful Here