Of course pregnancy is a gift unto itself, but it can also be stressful mentally and physically. There won’t be much time to recharge after the baby arrives, so that’s why we have babymoons, or vacations before the little one’s birthday. Check out these local options for pampering through massage and food or an all-out escape from city life – all within driving distance of your OBGYN.
Photo: W Hotel
For those who, well, need to stay nearby
No need to go far to get pampered. Head to the W Hotel for a trendy spot a stone’s throw from the White House. In fact, sneak a peek at it from the POV Rooftop lounge before or after heading down to Bliss Spa for a 75-minute Great Expectations Massage. It takes aim at swelling and stimulates circulation. Bonus: Come back for a post-natal Rookie Mom Rubdown Massage and Toning Treatment, which targets the tummy area.
W Hotel
515 15th St., NW
202-661-2400
Online: wwashingtondc.com
Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady
For those who are bringing their entire family
So, the crew wants to tag along? You’re in luck! A new “D.C. Explorers package” ($299, through Sept. 30) gives locals the opportunity to wander the city, completing challenges like finding a specific name on the Vietnam War Memorial. Included in the package are overnight accommodations, Free metro passes and complimentary overnight parking. How it works: After checking into your room, you download the City Hunt app and login to the hotel’s specific scavenger hunt. You’ll be given clues that will lead you through nooks and crannies, and to statues and monuments. You’ll snap pics and take videos along the way to document the fun. Best part? Expecting mamas can join in on the fun or stay behind for a dip in the pool, a facial at the spa, or an uninterrupted meal for one (er, two) at Fyve, the hotels base restaurant.
1250 South Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
703-415-5000
Online: ritzcarlton.com
Photo: Inn at Little Washington
For those seeking to cure cravings
Try the Inn at Little Washington. Well known for its food, gorge on “enduring classics” such as pan-roasted Maine lobster with fennel pollen on tomato butter with garlic custard, and grilled carrots and young coconut with toasted cashews on parade. Who doesn’t love a parade, really? When the food coma hits, head to one of the inn’s 24 bedrooms and suites or to one of several nearby homes available for rent. Bonus: Kitchen tours are included with a stay.
Middle and Main Sts. (Washington, Va)
540-675-3800
Online: theinnatlittlewashington.com
Photo: Holladay House
For those who need a pre-bundle of joy
The circa 1830 Holladay House offers a babymoon package (starting at $189 plus the room rate) that includes an in-room pregnancy massage (add a second in-room massage for Dad for $90), a fruit and preggo-friendly cheese tray, a bottle of sparkling non-alcoholic cider or grape juice, gourmet chocolate, and a gift certificate for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Bonus: Visit the home of President James Madison, situated three miles west of the inn.
Holladay House
155 W. Main St. (Orange, Va)
540-672-4893
Online: holladayhousebandb.com/babymoon.html
Photo: Savage River Lodge
For the naturalist
Savage River Lodge sits amid 700 acres of Maryland state forest lands. Stay in the lodge, a cabin or a yurt – a 30-foot diameter round structure with a private deck. The Babymoon Package ($350 plus lodging rate) includes one night in a yurt, a snack basket, Republic of Tea Get Maternal Tea, a mug and a teddy bear keepsake. Available Sunday through Thursday only, you can add on a prenatal massage for $100 or a one-hour maternity photo shoot for $275. Bonus: The bridge crossing the river’s headwaters is a recycled military bridge that was slated to go to Bosnia.
Savage River Lodge
1600 Mount Aetna Rd. (Frostburg, Md)
301-689-3200
Online: savageriverlodge.com
Photo: Inn at Perry Cabin
For those craving a laidback (zero-gravity) pool
When you visit the Inn at Perry Cabin you’ll be surrounded by luxury and relaxation. There are lush gardens, a gorgeous pool, and the waters of the Miles River to keep you visually enthralled. When you’re not sunning your bump by the pool you can enjoy a variety of resort activities, an afternoon getting your relax on at the spa where they offer services for moms-to-be, or time shopping in the surrounding towns where you can also get a little history lesson on Talbot County, Maryland.
Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
308 Watkins Lane (St. Michaels, Md)
410-745-2200
Online: belmond.com
Have you been on an amazing local babymoon? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
—Stephanie Kanowitz
