29 Sept 2023
A babymoon UK staycation is your last opportunity to get away before your little one arrives. It’s likely to be the final chance you’ll get for some rest, relaxation, and special family time as you prepare to welcome your new baby into the world.
Whether you’re dreaming of indulging yourself with spa treatments, chilling by the pool, or taking gentle walks, a babymoon staycation can provide an uplifting boost for both mind and body. One of the biggest benefits of a babymoon staycation is that you won’t have to travel far either, as luxury spa hotels provide all the first-class amenities you need in one location.
Find out why a relaxing babymoon staycation to a tranquil spa retreat could be the perfect preparation for you during your pregnancy.
Any pre-birth holiday that doesn’t involve foreign travel could be called a babymoon staycation. It may be the last opportunity you’ll get to spend quality time with your partner before you welcome your bundle of joy into the world. Even if it isn’t your first pregnancy, a babymoon staycation allows you to create more special memories with your loved ones before your new family member arrives.
There was a rapid rise in the popularity of staycations and babymoon staycations in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic when long-distance travel and international trips were not permitted. A babymoon staycation in the UK offers almost endless possibilities, whether you’re seeking an adventure or just craving some precious time to relax and bond in a luxurious setting where all your needs are catered for.
So, if you’re trying to squeeze in one more getaway during pregnancy, there’s no need to head off on an uncomfortable long-haul flight. Instead, booking a babymoon in a luxury spa hotel offers an ideal alternative, reduces travel time, and is guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for whatever lies ahead. What’s more, you can even pack the car with everything you need as you won’t be limited by luggage space like you are on a foreign flight.
Luxury spa hotels with their lavish rooms, vast treatment and pampering services, first-class leisure amenities, fine dining experiences, and beautifully manicured gardens, are perfect destinations for a babymoon staycation. There, you’ll find everything you need on-site, whether you’re looking to spend your entire stay relaxing, or taking on more energetic activities such as swimming, tennis, or hiking.
If you’re healthy and your pregnancy is progressing normally, exercise is perfectly safe and can even be beneficial when you go into labour. You’ll never be short of exercise options at a luxury spa hotel. Whether it’s a dip in the pool, a gentle tai chi class, or a stroll around the landscaped gardens, exercise can play a key role in any babymoon staycation.
In all probability, you won’t want to overdo it on your babymoon trip, especially if your pregnancy is nearing full term and all you want is to feel relaxed, comfortable, and pampered. Again, spa hotels are the perfect place to kick back, unwind, and spoil yourself with treatments and massages that will revitalise your body and mind.
The second trimester is a common time to book a babymoon staycation. By then, most pregnant people find that early-pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness and fatigue, have subsided, and their energy levels have returned. Not only will they feel more energised, but they can also take maximum advantage of their break and explore the full range of amenities and services that are available.
If you take a babymoon staycation in the third trimester, you may need to reduce your activities and utilise the location’s quiet spaces, beautiful gardens, relaxing terraces, and spa treatments. Taking a babymoon in the third trimester also runs the risk of your baby arriving early, possibly changing your birthing plans and preferences.
Another key consideration when planning a babymoon is that most airlines and cruise ships do not allow pregnant people to travel beyond the 36-week mark, and some even have an earlier cut-off point. This is another good reason why a babymoon staycation in the UK is a more practical option as it means you won’t need to worry about travel arrangements, and you’ll be closer to home should the unexpected happen.
Finally, if you’re hoping to babymoon towards the very end of your pregnancy, it’s probably wise to carry a copy of your medical records and any emergency contact details in case you need to visit the hospital or even go into labour.
Spa treatments are a great way for any pregnant person to relax, unwind, and focus on themselves. From facials to massages, there are plenty of ways to safely indulge in a little bit of ‘me time’.
There may be occasions when a relaxing bath at home or a simple face pack at night is all you have time for. However, if you’re lucky enough to go away on a babymoon at a luxury spa hotel, you’ll find no end of options for beneficial treatments for you and the baby you’re growing.
It’s important to note that whilst most treatments are safe for pregnant people, some spas advise against treatments in the first 12-week trimester or if you’re beyond 32 weeks pregnant. Similarly, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and whirlpools should be avoided because they can cause overheating and lead to pregnancy complications.
Luckily, when you’re pregnant you can still enjoy the majority of spa treatments you had in pre-pregnancy days. Some luxury hotel spas even offer specific pregnancy treatments for expectant parents-to-be.
A full body massage is effective at easing the aches and pains associated with pregnancy and will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. A massage helps increase the body’s happiness hormones which make us feel good, whilst also reducing stress levels, which can only benefit you and your baby. Other soothing pregnancy treatments may include a peaceful pregnancy ritual, salt scrub, foot ritual, or hand and arm massage.
Pregnancy-related aches and pains can be soothed away with a pregnancy massage, leaving you feeling rested and relaxed.
If you have booked a pregnancy massage you should talk to your therapist about the oils that may be used as some, such as blue cohosh, can be harmful to your unborn baby. If in doubt, it’s probably best to leave them out.
Your therapist should also find you a comfortable position for your massage. Lying flat on your back is not recommended during the third trimester because it can restrict blood flow, so sitting up or lying on your side are safer options.
Pregnancy can play havoc with hormones. While some pregnant people glow, others may find their skin becomes dry or oily. Either way, a pregnancy facial can be a relaxing treat and will help you feel rejuvenated and leave your skin looking fresh and enriched.
As is the case with pregnancy massages, check what facial products will be used with your therapist as some contain a form of vitamin A known as retinoids which many doctors advise against using. Also, if your skin has become sensitive during pregnancy, you could ask your therapist to use gentler products or perform a patch test before your treatment to gauge for any adverse reaction.
Overall, facials are a great way for pregnant people to keep their skin healthy, glowing, and looking youthful while you make the most of the relaxing and tranquil setting of the spa’s facilities.
The beauty of staying at a luxury spa destination is the choice of activities and treatments for pregnant people.
Sometimes, pregnant people like nothing more than a dip in the swimming pool because they enjoy the feeling of weightlessness and the support it gives their bump. Others may prefer a light yoga session to help with flexibility, loosen the joints, and enhance their spiritual wellbeing.
Alternatively, you can find spa hotels set on 400 acres of beautiful countryside, providing a perfect opportunity to maintain exercise habits with a gentle stroll around the landscaped gardens and stunning woodland walks.
As you can see, there is no shortage of options when you take a babymoon staycation at a luxury spa hotel.
While some spas advise against treatments during the first 12-week trimester and beyond 32 weeks, there are other factors pregnant people should be aware of.
It is best to avoid hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms, at any stage during pregnancy because they can cause the body to overheat which could be dangerous for you and your baby.
Similarly, if you plan on making regular visits to the swimming pool, make sure the water temperature is no higher than 35c or lower if you’re exercising. If you’re unsure, you should check with the staff before entering the pool.
Even though it is best to remain cautious during pregnancy, you’ll never be short of things to do during a babymoon at a luxury spa hotel. From award-winning dining to a gentle round of golf, every need is catered for.
Nestled in 400 acres of glorious Surrey countryside, Foxhills is an idyllic setting for a babymoon. From extensive spa and wellness facilities to luxurious rooms and fine dining, we have everything you’ll need for a perfect pregnancy getaway. Book your stay now.
