Best babymoon destinations for a relaxing pre-baby holiday

Kate Middleton went to the island of Mustique, Kim Kardashian went to Paris, and Kate Hudson went to dreamy Tuscany. All the celebrities are doing it - but what exactly is a babymoon?

A babymoon is a chance to set aside the stresses of everyday life and pregnancy, and to focus on intimate time together before a new chapter in your life. It is usually taken in the second trimester (when it’s still considered safe to fly), and is the last chance to relax and spend quality time with your partner before sleepless nights and buggy-friendly holidays take over.

You might not be able to enjoy your usual go-to cocktail or go cliff jumping or deep-sea diving. Still, it’s the opportunity to make fantastic memories and enjoy a bucket list destination you have always dreamed of visiting.

Inspired by discussions on our holidays forum, we've rounded up babymoon destinations from around the world, from enchanting European city breaks to the all-year-round warm beaches of the canaries, to the crystal-clear seas of the Maldives. Plus we’ve included several recommendations for adults-only resorts because there’s no better time to relax and get away from it all.

Whatever your budget or babymoon style, there’s something here that’s perfect for you and your growing family, where you can unwind, relax, spend quality time and daydream of endless cuddles with your new little one.

Keep reading and get ready to book an unforgettable getaway with our guide to the best babymoon destinations across the world.

Best babymoon destinations at a glance

• Best overall destination: Italy

• Best budget destination: York, UK 

• Best luxury destination: Maldives 

• Best destination for spring: Crete, Greece

• Best destination in the UK: The Cotswolds, UK

1. Best overall babymoon destination: Italy

 Italy | Find a hotel in Italy 

You’re pregnant so there’s no better time to ditch the diet and head to Italy to indulge in mouth-watering pizza and gelato to your heart’s content! You can immerse yourself in spectacular cities, ancient ruins, wonderful museums, soaring mountains, world-class beaches, and beautiful natural scenery all packed in one destination. With endless places to explore and amore by the bucket load, here are our top three babymoon areas to consider for your Italian adventure.

The Amalfi Coast found in the Campania region of Italy is well known for its coastal cliffs, picturesque multicoloured towns, turquoise sea, and stunning sunsets.

Rome is the capital of Italy and is known as the eternal city. Rome is easily explored on foot and brims with ancient history. You can visit many of its famous attractions such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel. There really is no place like Rome!

Florence is in the heart of the stunning Tuscany region and is romantic, enchanting, and utterly irresistible. Florence is ideal if you are into history, art, and architecture. Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world so there are endless places to explore.

Italy has something that will appeal to everyone and is stunning in all seasons. It is a naturally romantic country that adds an extra something special to a babymoon making it our best overall top destination.

2. Best budget babymoon destination: York, UK

York, UK | Find a hotel in York 

Planning a getaway together on a budget? York is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. When you need to be conscious of budget, going on a full-blown luxury trip may be out of the question. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set aside time to spend together alone. A budget-friendly weekend break or one-night getaway is just what you need. And if you're looking for a place to visit that's not too far from home, York is the ideal destination.

It is a very compact city which means it is perfect for exploring on foot. York is a fascinating city. You can spend an afternoon at the National Railway Museum, exploring the marvels of technology, or visit the Castle Museum for a glimpse at the past. York Minster is a breathtaking gothic cathedral that displays centuries of religious art and architecture or hop onto a romantic river cruise and sail into the sunset.

No matter what time of year you visit there are plenty of things to do. In the winter, York has some of the best Christmas Markets and light displays in the UK.

3. Best luxury destination: Maldives

Maldives | Find a hotel in the Maldives

If you are looking for the ultimate treat and indulgence in sun-soaked paradise, a babymoon in the Maldives ticks all the boxes, filled with overwater bungalows, five-star service, and endless sunshine, this destination is for you.

The islands are private and safe, and the resorts offer a variety of pampering services for expectant mothers. Indulge yourself in a massage or other wellness treatments before your baby arrives; this is the type of pampering you need before your new arrival.

4. Best all-inclusive destination: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, UAE | Find a hotel in Dubai

While Dubai  has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous and full of glitz and glamour, it’s also one of the most romantic places in the world and a paradise for couples who are looking for a touch of luxury. With dramatic backdrops, the perfect blend of sunshine, spectacular sunsets, and world-class hotels, Dubai ticks all the boxes.

Relax on the endless sandy beaches, take a private sailboat, or ride a hot air balloon, there’s no shortage of romantic things to do for couples. Renowned for some of the world’s best restaurants and luxury hotels which are home to a wealth of spas, most offer great prenatal massages and mother and daddy-to-be pampering sessions.

It’s also a shopper’s heaven with several malls where you can shop till you drop. Don’t forget to stock up on cute baby outfits at the baby boutiques. Dubai is a perfect destination for an action-packed babymoon.

5. Best babymoon destination for spring: Crete, Greece

Crete, Greece | Find a hotel in Crete

Looking for a Mediterranean paradise? Head to Crete to spend your days soaking up the sun, exploring white-washed towns, eating fresh seafood, and roaming through cobblestone streets.

Crete is an incredibly diverse island which boasts luscious mountains and is rich in ancient history and culture. As the largest of the Greek islands, it is considered to have some of the most picturesque beaches in Greece. Crete has an incredible culinary scene you can indulge yourself within and a wide range of hotels suitable for all budgets.

6. Best babymoon destination in winter: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal | Find a hotel in Lisbon

Lisbon is a charming, intimate city with fantastic food, quirky trams, and an impressive red bridge spanning the tidal River Tejo. Spend the days wandering around the colourful picturesque streets which offer unexpected views taking in all the city has to offer. After all those steps you can indulge in those famous Portuguese custard tarts and not feel guilty!

If you fancy getting outside of Lisbon to explore, you are only a scenic 35-minute train ride from Cascais for a day at the beach.

Topped with pleasant year-round weather and friendly locals you cannot go wrong with a babymoon to Lisbon.

7. Best babymoon spa break in the UK: Cornwall, UK

Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall, UK  | Find a hotel in Cornwall

There’s one UK destination that is recommended by Mumsnetters time and time again for babymoon destinations in the country, and it’s Cornwall. Specifically, the Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall. Perched on the cliffs in Cornwall, this adult-only eco-sanctuary is worth considering for an awesome babymoon getaway.

You can absorb the amazing views of the bay, with its crashing waves, whilst relaxing in the tranquil surroundings. Mawgan Porth’s beautiful golden sands are easily accessible from the hotel. They offer indoor and outdoor spa treatments, some using the cliff top hot tub. Afterwards you can relax in a hanging pod and then head to the scenic restaurant to sample seasonal Cornish delights.

Be sure to check out the exclusive babymoon package asThe Scarlet is the ultimate relaxation destination for a babymoon in the UK.

8. Best budget babymoon destination in Europe: Canary Islands, Spain

Canary Islands, Spain | Find a hotel in the Canary Islands

For a budget friendly getaway in Europe look no further than the Canary Islands which boasts a year-round perfect climate. Whether it’s the sand dunes of Gran Canarias, the dramatic landscapes of Tenerife or the artistic heritage of Lanzarote, each of these islands each have their own distinct vibe.

The main reason people visit the Canary Islands is because they want to relax. Letting everything go and just feel the sun on their skin and dip their toes in the sea.

All easily accessible from the UK, with excellent value accommodation and low prices on eating out. The Canary Islands are a fantastic choice for a budget friendly babymoon at any time of year.

9. Best babymoon destination in the UK: Cotswolds, UK

Cotswolds, UK | Find a hotel in the Cotswolds

Quintessentially British, utterly charming, warm, and welcoming sums up the Cotswolds. Stretching across the beautiful counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, The Cotswolds is rural England at its most idyllic.

Each village has its own character and there is so much to see and do. The Cotswolds has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie paradise.

It’s a haven for keen walkers and there’s no better way to discover the real Cotswolds than on foot. After a tiring walk be sure to stop off at a friendly pub with a roaring open fire.

Glorious in all seasons, if you’re looking for a laid back and relaxed babymoon then the Cotswolds is the ideal destination for you.

10. Most romantic babymoon destination: Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece | Find a hotel in Santorini

Santorini is one of the most beautiful of all the Greek islands.and one of the most magical places you’ve ever seen. Imagine infinity pools, luxury whitewashed villas, and 5 stars service.

Santorini offers a wide range of delicious dining experiences, from cute tavernas serving traditional Greek mezes to upscale restaurants featuring fresh seafood.

The sunset is the highlight of Santorini. It's truly magical and you'll want to experience it for yourself. This is the ideal destination for couples seeking the ultimate romantic babymoon.

Where is best for a babymoon?

This is a very personal decision, but it's important to consider certain factors before coming up with your final choice. Whether you prefer international travel or staying close to home while pregnant, here are some tips that can help you make the right choice.

Be mindful of the heat

When you are pregnant, your body temperature rises slightly, and you may feel more uncomfortable in the heat than before. Researching the weather in your chosen destinations is essential.

Don't overdo it

You're growing a tiny person, so don't feel obligated to keep up your pre-pregnancy pace or take part in your usual holiday activities. Now is the best time to put your feet up and relax.

Think about what you'll eat at your destination

Food can make or break a trip, and when you're pregnant it's especially important to have meals and snacks that appeal. To avoid feeling envious of your partner eating sushi or steak, it might help decide where not to go!

What month of pregnancy should you take your babymoon?

The second trimester between 14 and 28 weeks into your pregnancy may be the best time for a getaway, when hopefully your body has some of its energy back. Also, after the nausea has passed, and before you need a bathroom every five minutes!

If you wait until your third trimester, you can still have a fantastic trip, but you may need to cut back on activities and take things easy. There's also the risk that your baby may come earlier than expected.

Our advice would be to always check with your doctor or midwife before booking any travel to make sure it’s safe for you to do so.

When can you not fly while pregnant?

You may find it helpful to talk to your midwife or GP about your travel plans before you book your flight, and also check the airline’s policy for pregnant travellers

You should be able to find the airline’s policy on their website. Most airlines don’t need you to tell them you are pregnant until 28 weeks. After that most airlines will want you to carry a letter from your GP or midwife called a ‘Fit to Fly’ letter. Many airlines only allow travel up to 36 weeks while pregnant, and up to 32 weeks for multiples.

Where is safe for a babymoon?

Popular babymoon destinations include destinations that are not too hot and that do not have mosquito borne viruses, like Zika and Malaria.

Always bring a copy of your prenatal medical records and emergency contact information with you, and also be sure to pack your prenatal vitamins and any medications you take.

We always recommend checking the healthcare facilities that are available at your destination in case you need any emergency care, too.

How we chose our recommendations

Our recommendations are based on feedback from real parents, Mumsnet forums, customer testimonials, and review sites. Being parents ourselves helps us to understand what to look for when booking a babymoon. We always offer unbiased, independent advice you can trust.

After we’ve collated our hotel picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of likes of TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for babymoon destinations.

Here we’ll also check what travellers are saying on these sites, taking into consideration both the positive and negative points of their trip to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.