Babymoon. Much like a honeymoon for newlyweds, a babymoon gives expectant parents the chance to relax and spend much-needed quality time before the arrival of their bundle of joy. Babymoons have experienced a surge in recent years – everyone from celebrities to expectant parents across the globe – are taking pre-baby vacations. More than 2 million U.S. based expectant couples take a pre-baby trip each year. Babymoons are not just for first-time expectant parents but also for experienced parents. Experienced parents, who understand first-hand the demands of a newborn baby and having other children, can greatly benefit from time away to rejuvenate and reconnect as a couple before welcoming their latest addition to the family.
Trips can be from an overnight stay to a week-long getaway. It’s important to be able to have a Babymoon in a location where parents-to-be can partake in activities that they enjoy (and is safe for moms-to-be). Travel can be safe for most healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy, up to about 35 weeks. However, some modes of transportation and activities come with restrictions for pregnant women, i.e., many spas will not give prenatal massages in the first trimester, cruise ships do not allow passengers in their third trimester, airlines may not allow women more than 35 weeks pregnant to fly, etc. Medical experts advise staying within 300 miles of home during the last trimester in case of sudden changes that require medical attention. All travel plans should be discussed with doctors prior to booking.
With the upcoming arrival of #BabyJ, we recently had the wonderful opportunity to experience a Babymoon in Florida’s beautiful and scenic Space Coast. “The most popular destination for U.S. babymoons is Florida,” says Babymoonguide’s Lisa Petrocelli. She cites Florida’s many beaches, warm weather and relatively short distance. There is also comfort in staying in the U.S. in case urgent medical care is needed.
The Florida Space Coast actually consists of 72 miles of beaches, the longest stretch in the state. More than just theme parks, the Space Coast is located only 35 miles east of Orlando and is Orlando’s closest beach. Spas, fine-dining, adventuresome attractions, beautiful beaches and more can all be found at Florida Space Coast. We visited the Melbourne Beach and Cocoa Beach areas and highly recommend the following properties for a uniquely serene, picturesque and fun Babymoon:
Sea Glass Inn Bed & Breakfast Nestled in the beachside town of Melbourne Beach, the charming Sea Glass Inn is a private oceanic atmosphere between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. (Triple A recently awarded the Sea Glass Inn B&B four diamonds. In Brevard County, only two establishments have a four-diamond ranking). The B&B offers island-styled luxurious rooms from treehouse cabana rooms to a spacious suite. We stayed at the ample Sunset Suite, a top floor suite that is a perfect romantic retreat for all couples featuring a King sized bed, private river view balcony, spacious sitting area with sofa and an in-room spa tub. The breakfasts were uniquely delicious and all-day sweet treats, unlimited coffee bar and evening happy hours are provided daily.
One of the reasons that Bed & Breakfasts are a popular choice among Babymooners and couples looking to getaway is because they often provide a personalized environment based upon a couples’ preferences. Often couples on a vacation want to really experience and participate in the local culture and community. When staying at B&Bs, guests encounter informative owners and staff, who are well immersed in the community, and can offer true insider tips and recommendations (which guests might not receive from large corporate hotel chains). B&B owners and staff are knowledgeable and can provide many local resources to suit a guest’s desires. Richard, co-owner of the Sea Glass Inn, was wonderfully accommodating to us and gave great recommendations on local dining and attractions (like Petrillo’s Italian Restaurant, a tasty New York styled Italian pizzeria and restaurant that is frequented by singer Tony Bennett). B&Bs can be the first step in a truly customized vacation for two.
Lovely breakfast and morning at the @SeaGlassInn_FL #FLAspacecoast #BabyMoon #BabyMoonMOM @flaspacecoast A photo posted by Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (@mamiofmultiples) on
Cocoa Beach Spa A favorite way to unwind among couples and Babymooners is to have a relaxing massage and spa services. Among couples massages, aromatherapy, pedicures & manicures, mothers-to-be can enjoy prenatal massages. The Cocoa Beach Spa is a beautiful vintage beach house atmosphere, full service Day Spa and Salon. Their services include a variety of therapeutic massages, exotic body scrubs, hydrating and detoxifying body wraps, personalized skin care and custom facials.
I had a prenatal massage featuring the Sophie Prone Pillow. The Sophie allows pregnant moms to lie on their stomach and relieve lower back pain by taking pressure off the lower back ligaments caused by the growing uterus during pregnancy. The Sophie is the only clinically accepted pregnancy cushion that allows pregnant moms to lie safely in the prone position (stomach). The Sophie is an excellent alternative for the mom that is tired of lying on her side. I had prenatal massages in previous pregnancies but this is the first time I had a prenatal massage using the Sophie. I found it to be quite comfortable and it provided easy access to massage my sensitive lower back. While I was enjoying my prenatal massage, my husband had his hands and feet pampered with a manly pedicure and manicure. The Cocoa Beach Spa staff are licensed, professionally trained, certified and are experts in creating an enjoyable refreshing experience.
This mama-to-be had a soothing prenatal massage experience at the @cocoabeachspa. #BabyMoon #BabyMoonMOM #FLAspacecoast @flaspacecoast A photo posted by Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (@mamiofmultiples) on
Djon’s Steak and Lobster House Consistently rated one of Brevard’s Best restaurants, Djon’s Steak and Lobster house is a 5-star dining experience that boasts private dining, wine cellar, lovely décor and one of a kind piano bar. The menu consists of prime choice steaks, lamb chops, veal chops, and fresh seafood accompanied with an extensive wine and cocktail list.
The food was absolutely delicious and perfect combination of steak and seafood. It’s a great choice for a “fancy night out” for expectant parents and couples.
Scrumptious filet mignon and surf n’ turf at @DjonsRestaurant @flaspacecoast #FLAspacecoast #BabyMoon #BabyMoonMOM A photo posted by Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (@mamiofmultiples) on
Downtown Melbourne Farmer’s Market Farmer’s Markets are great way to indulge in local (and farm raised) quality perishables, collectables, wearables and so much more. The DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE FARMER’S MARKET is open on Saturdays and Sundays with over 75 vendors weekly. Variety of fresh foods, huge selection of produce, soy candles, handmade jewelry, woodworking, artwork, photography, organic dog treats, refinished furniture, cheeses, cookies, breads and more.
We were able to purchase specialty oils, homemade jams and jellies, raw honey and fresh from the farm vegetables and fruits. The local vendors had great displays, products and were very welcoming to all attendees.
Farmers Market booths @flaspacecoast #FLAspacecoast #BabyMoon #BabyMoonMOM A video posted by Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (@mamiofmultiples) on
Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral One of Central Florida’s newest attraction, the visually stunning Exploration Tower, has seven floors of exhibits and interactive play dedicated to the history of Port Canaveral and Space Coast. Visitors will have access to indoor and outdoor observation decks, nearly 5,550 feet of exhibit space, an auditorium, a café, a gift shop and much more. The 7th floor observation deck gives a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Port Canaveral.
The 7th floor observation deck of @explorationtower @Explorationtwr @flaspacecoast #FLAspacecoast #BabyMoonMOM #BabyMoon A video posted by Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (@mamiofmultiples) on
Each floor exhibits something different about the Space Coast like air and space, leisure and recreation (fishing, surfing, etc.), the fragile eco-environment, historical facts, and more. It’s a unique attraction that has something for everyone – from couples to families.
Interactively learning about FL history with unique displays is great. Definitely a “to-do” attraction. @explorationtower @explorationtwr @flaspacecoast #FLAspacecoast #BabyMoon #BabyMoonMOM A photo posted by Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (@mamiofmultiples) on
No trip to the Florida Space Coast would be complete without a visit to its gorgeous pristine and sandy coastline like Melbourne Beach.
If you are planning a visit to the Melbourne and Cocoa Beach areas, we HIGHLY recommend the following facilities for a wonderful trip:
http://seaglassinn.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seaglassinnFL
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SeaGlassInn_FL
http://cocoabeachspa.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CocoaBeachSpaFla
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cocoabeachspa
http://www.djons.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/djonssteakandlobster
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DjonsRestaurant
http://www.explorationtower.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/explorationtower
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Explorationtwr
With a pending newborn’s arrival, Babymoons are for relaxing and spending time together as a couple. As experienced parents who are expecting, a Babymoon was a true opportunity to getaway from all other responsibilities, reconnect, and spend quality time together as we embark on a new parenting journey. Each couple should participate in activities and enjoy amenities that are of interest to both. Remember to take the opportunity that a Babymoon provides to bond and solidify your union as a couple before the upcoming joy of parenthood.
Happy Babymoon!
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