Top babymoon destinations for Long Island couples
Parents-to-be can relax on the beah at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa in Aruba. Credit: Manchebo
There’s nothing quite like the birth of a child. Your life is forever changed. Before the momentous occasion, many expecting parents take a babymoon. You might want a romantic getaway, soft adventure, someplace wild where you can let your hair down or a pampering vacation.
From short drives to quick flights, here are destinations for soon-to-be parents to relax and recharge or experience a little adventure:
SHORT DRIVES
Pennsylvania: A relaxing escape
Embark on a journey of relaxation and wellness at The Lodge at Woodloch, located just a 2 ½-hour drive away from Long Island. Credit: Andrea Killam
This trip is all about ease. The Lodge at Woodloch is just a2 ½-hour drive from Long Island, and an intimate (59 rooms), all-inclusive wellness retreat on 500 plus acres in the Poconos. Included in your stay are three gourmet meals, 50-plus class experiences, (watercolor, cooking demonstrations, vibrational sound therapy, tai chi) outdoorsy fun like guided nature walks, and because relaxation is a priority, there is a 40,000-square-foot spa. Anticipate snow rooms, hydromassage waterfalls, and of special interest, there is a prenatal spa menu with prenatal massage and Abhyanga hot oil massage performed by specially trained therapists. Woodloch has an 18-hole championship golf course for those who want to tee off.
The babymoon add-on is $150 and includes a welcome basket with a baby gift and book, unscented coconut oil for mom and baby, Mamo Mio Lucky Legs lotion and housemade treats for late-night cravings. Room rates start at $619 per person, per night.
Explore Hawley. See who’s performing at the outdoor amphitheater, Harmony in the Woods or at the Ritz Company Playhouse. Couples can take a scenic boat tour on Lake Wallenpaupack.
MORE INFO The Lodge at Woodloch, 109 River Birch Lane, Hawley, 570-685-8000; thelodgeatwoodloch.com
Connecticut: A nature escape
Escape to a haven of European-style charm without crossing the Atlantic at Winvian. A look at the Beaver Lodge bedroom. Credit: Winvian
If you’re not up for a trans-Atlantic trip right now that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy European hospitality. Find it at Winvian, where the woods and lakes set the stage for serenity. It’s only a 2 ½-hour drive from Long Island.
The babymoon package is two nights in a cottage of your choice, amenities like sparkling cider, fresh-baked cookies, romantic candlelit three-course dinner at the resort’s restaurant and a $100 spa credit. The babymoon package rates start at $1,330 per night with a two-night minimum.
Winvian is a AAA Five Diamond property, with all cottages decked out with oversized jetted soaking tubs, rainfall steam showers, at least one fireplace and screened porches. The suite of activities includes stained glass workshops, cooking and art classes, fly-fishing and hiking. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hot-air balloon ride that leaves from the resort’s meadows or bicycle the countryside on complimentary mountain bikes.
MORE INFO Winvian, 155 Alain White Rd., Morris; 860-567-9600, winvian.com
SHORT FLIGHTS
Florida: A beachy escape
The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach is a charming boutique resort nestled along Miami's prestigious Millionaire's Row. Credit: Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort
Maybe you’re in the mood for the walk on the wild side that Miami can be. In a little over three hours, you can fly direct from Long Island MacArthur Airport to Miami on Southwest Airlines. You can do it in style at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach, a boutique resort along Miami’s Millionaire’s Row with direct access to the beach and the 9-mile Miami Beach Beachwalk.
The Beach Bliss babymoon package includes a mom-embroidered beach bag so cute you’ll want to show it off, that’s packed with healthy snacks, sunscreen and reusable water bottle. Make yourself at home in your junior oceanfront suite with its comfy pregnancy pillow, in-room relaxation kit with body butter, face mask, and essential oil roll-on. For mom-to-be there’s a complimentary mocktail and for the dad-to-be a complimentary cocktail. Each day a poolside cabana is yours to enjoy. Take home a “Miami Beach” design newborn onesie. The package is $779 per night and requires a two-night minimum stay.
Beyond the resort, Miami offers all the partying, art galleries, museums, shopping and excitement you might want for a last hoorah before the baby arrives.
MORE INFO Hilton Cabana Miami Beach, 6261 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-864-6261, hilton.com
Mexico: A luxury escape
There’s something to be said for the simplicity of an all-inclusive. Take a four-hour direct flight from Kennedy Airport to Cancun on Delta or Aeromexico. Make it easy on yourselves at the adults-only, all-inclusive Unico 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya that sits along Riviera Maya’s coastline. Leave the heavy lifting to someone else. A local host takes cares of logistics like arranging transportation and dining reservations. Fun on-site is varied, be it chocolate tasting, artisan-led hat making or shaman rituals. Beyond the resort, tour Mayan archaeological sites, snorkel reef, swim in cenotes or sail the Caribbean coast.
The babymoon package includes flowers in your room, a gift for the little one, Maax, a stuffed monkey, chocolate truffles upon arrival, a 30-minute professional photography session (you take home 15 digital photos) and moms-to-be choose from among treatments like an 80-minute prenatal massage, 80-minute antioxidant facial or a signature manicure or pedicure with polish. The babymoon package is a flat fee of $599 and rooms start at $515 a night.
No worries about satisfying food cravings with six eating venues, including Italian fine dining, French bistro, Yucatecan creative cuisine from celebrity Chef Gerardo Vazquez Lugo.
MORE INFO Unico 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, Q.R MX, México 307 KM 260, 77710 Akumal, Kantenah, 855-945-8477, unicohotelcollection.com
Aruba: A tropical escape
A view of the waterfront of Oranjestad capital of Aruba in the Caribbean Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Wirestock
You know you’re in for a good time in Aruba, nicknamed, “One Happy Island.” You can take direct flights from Kennedy of a little over four hours on JetBlue and Delta. This is the spot for the couple looking for surf and sun. If you’re up for it, there are food tours as well as historic downtown walking tours. The museums and art galleries will satisfy the culturally curious. You will find traditional Dutch, African, Spanish and beyond.
As for where to stay, consider Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa on the shores of Eagle Beach in the capital city of Oranjestad. The boutique hotel’s babymoon package includes a prenatal massage for the mom-to-be and a massage for her partner, private sound healing meditation, mini beach maternity photo shoot and alcohol-free sparkling wine upon arrival. The package is $575 and room rates start at $350 in the low season, and $650 in high season. A minimum of four nights booking is required. The wellness resort offers complimentary beachfront yoga and Pilates classes, a freshwater pool and is home to Spa de Sol. With the mom-to-be eating for two, cuisine counts. Here you’ll feast on Caribbean, Japanese and plant-based faire. There’s a culinary all-inclusive program.
MORE INFO Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, J.E. Irausquin Blvd., No. 55 Aruba, Oranjestad, 888-673-8036, manchebo.com
