A Pregnant Pause – the Ultimate Overseas Babymoons

The criteria for a babymoon is simple: one flight (no waiting around for connections), minimal travel from the airport (bumps hate bumpy rides), low risk of food-related illness, the promise of extreme relaxation and, of course, time spent with your significant other before your lives change forever. And ever. For some, that looks like white-sand beaches, spa treatments and sunshine. For others, it could be curling up by a fireplace and enjoying some solitude. Of the utmost importance is peace and quiet and the opportunity to sleep in – because heaven only knows you won’t be enjoying that luxury for a while! Allow us to inspire you, then check our babymoon travel tips at the bottom.

Malolo Island, Fiji

Just four hours or so from Australia’s east coast, the Fijian mainland is a treasure trove of beautiful resorts. For a real taste of island luxury, though, head to one of the many nearby islands. Malolo Island, part of the Mamanuca group of islands, is easy to reach by boat from the mainland – just 16 nautical miles from Badi International Airport. Surrounded by reefs and turquoise sea, it is idyllic.

Where to stay: The luxurious Likuliku Lagoon Resort, located in a pristine marine reserve, is for adults only, meaning there won’t be any temperamental toddlers or 10-year-olds hurling themselves into the pool while you’re swimming some gentle laps. Choose one of the 18 bures with private plunge pool, or one of the 10 overwater bures with private courtyard, daybed retreat and outdoor showers. It will be just the two (well, three) of you, the lapping water and all the Tatadra Spa treatments you can handle, including pregnancy massages and couples treatments.

Queenstown, New Zealand

On the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu and with the stunning alpine backdrop of the Southern Alps, there are few more lovely spots to contemplate life than Queenstown. The South Island town is known for skiing and adventure activities, but there’s plenty of relaxation to be had at its many luxurious lodges – and it’s only about three hours away from Australia’s east coast.

Where to stay: With its alpine setting and lakeside position, Matakauri Lodge is a tranquil place for a pregnant pause. Try the Relais & Chateaux Spa & Relaxation Package for a weekend of pampering – massages, pre-dinner canapés, gourmet dinner and full breakfast, plus complimentary minibar for when snacking strikes. The Owner’s Cottage, a separate residence on the property, offers open fireplaces, bathtubs-with-views and a spa on the balcony.

Rotorua, New Zealand

To ease aching backs, swollen ankles and furrowed brow, a bathe in the warm, soothing waters of Rotorua’s thermal baths is a godsend. Pregnant women are advised to avoid very hot water, but that leaves plenty of options among the sulphur-laden springs of Rotorua, a magical, somewhat malodorous (you get used to it) part of the North Island.

Where to stay: This established manor house in a verdant forest setting used to be a private home. Now, Treetops Lodge & Estate, surrounded by rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails, provides a unique getaway for expectant couples. There are helicopter adventures and trout-fishing to be had, but for something less strenuous, Treetops offers gorgeous waterfall-side private five-course dinners, facials and massages at the spa and stunning suites with fireplaces, palatial bathrooms and beds designed for late sleep-ins.

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a Pacific paradise made up of more than 80 islands, is easily reached within four hours or less from the east coast of Australia. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, low-key tourism and authentic cultural experiences. Often called the “land of smiles”, the islands that make up Vanuatu are all fresh coconuts, swaying palm trees and white sand – bliss.

Where to stay: The idyllic Havannah Vanuatu is a great spot for babymooners expecting their first child. It’s a place designed for couples: villas built for two, a quiet private beach and secluded spots for contemplative dinners. A special package designed for the expectant couple includes a handmade basket filled with organic, locally made body products for mothers and babies, daily canapés and freshly squeezed juice and a 45-minute head and shoulder massage for the mum-to-be.

Bali, Indonesia

Eat, Pray, Love introduced the world to what Australians have known for decades: Bali is a little slice of heaven on earth. The island, known for lush jungle, picturesque rice paddies and lively nightlife, remains popular – in fact, Qantas has just resumed regular year-round flights to the island due to demand. For babymooners, skip the clubs of Kuta and head to the calming shores of Ubud.

Where to stay: Near boho Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate is a true retreat. Lush jungle is the setting for this breezy, luxurious resort where the focus is on wellness, with a healthy (but hearty) menu of locally sourced produce, yoga classes and beauty treatments. And make no mistake, it’s all about the spa here: with nine treatment rooms and on-site experts in everything from reflexology to acupuncture, there’s a treatment for the every ache and pain any woman with child becomes intimately familiar with.

SEE ALSO: The Insider's Guide to Ubud

Hawaii, United States

A sweet banjo drifts on the breeze as you sip from a coconut and the scent of the frangipani tucked behind your ear reaches your nose… yes, this is Hawaii. Honolulu, about 10 hours from Australia’s east coast, is on the island of Oahu and offers the quintessential Hawaiian escape. There’s excellent shopping, great food, museums for the culturally-minded and luxurious resorts for those in need of creature comforts.

Where to stay: The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa is in the middle of action, between world-famous Waikiki Beach and the centre of town. The Na Hol’ola Spa has a prenatal package designed to relax the muscles and minds of pregnant women including a 40-minute massage and a 40-minute body treatment to address the skin concerns of pregnant women, such as stretch marks and dry skin.

Babymoon travel tips

Overseas travel is best undertaken in the second trimester (14 to 28 weeks)
Consult your doctor before taking any overseas flights and ensure you won’t need a doctor’s certificate to fly
Check that your hotel is close to a reputable hospital in case of complications
Choose somewhere relatively close – a 24-hour flight to Paris with a six-hour stopover will take all the romance out of it
If you’re planning a tropical getaway, stay hydrated to help prevent fluid retention