Pregnant and thinking about planning a babymoon? It seems like taking a relaxing getaway among the manic rush to get ready for baby might seem anything but relaxing. But we promise, it would be worth your while and you won’t regret it. 

Our founder Sonya Khouri shares some of her top tips from personal experience after a babymoon getaway, and what she wishes she had planned for and would do different looking back. 

So when did you go on your babymoon and how did you plan it? 

To be honest, we never really “planned” a babymoon. It was more a last minute spontaneous short holiday when I was just at the beginning of my second trimester. On reflection, I wish we had definitely planned it more properly as we could’ve used that opportunity for so many moments that I look back on now thinking “why didn’t we do that?”. 

Where did you go and what did you do? 

We actually had always wanted to go away to Bora Bora. It had been on our bucket list for ever! However when we looked at the short week we had to escape and the amount of travel required it didn’t seem like a reality. We actually managed to head to the Maldives instead which was a great comparative spot. Surprisingly it was a much easier trip with a stopover via Singapore, and it was nowhere near as expensive as what we had imagined in our minds after finding a great sale online. 

Most of our days were spent on a little island snorkelling and enjoying relaxing. YES that’s right. I snorkelled almost every day and it was amazing. I never actually thought I’d be able to do that while pregnant! 

What is something you wish you had planned for? 

I actually have two of my biggest lessons from this trip that I would advise anyone planning a babymoon to seriously consider: 

1. A special outfit to plan a maternity shoot. I was in an amazing location and I wish I had taken advantage of taking some beautiful photos as a maternity shoot or investigating hiring a local photographer. I literally only ended up with a few “happy snaps” in not so glamorous shorts and singlets. Haha. 
2. Pack some snacks!! Obviously as a mum I am not a PRO at this. But it’s something I never thought of while pregnant. I will never forget waking up one evening at around 1am with huge hunger and cravings and thinking to myself where the hell am I going to satisfy this on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere! I was so frustrated and emotional! I cannot stress enough, unless you’re willing to fork out for room service, make sure you take the time to pack yourself your favourite goodies to get you through. 

What would be one of your suggestions for a couple looking locally within Australia to babymoon? 

We actually recently celebrated our 4 year anniversary at Jonahs Whale Beach (right next to Palm beach). It’s just a short drive out of Sydney and so beautiful and peaceful yet also still close enough that you’re not too far from home. I would highly recommend this spot for a babymoon. The local beaches also have ocean pools that are an easy walk, so you can take a dip in the water if it’s warm. 

Do you have a suggestion overseas for a couple looking to travel for their babymoon? 

Well, I would certainly recommend our trip to the Maldives. Contrary to popular belief, we were actually surprised at the costs relative to what we thought it would be. It’s also only a short boat ride from the mainland which means no extensive travel or going in a helicopter anywhere too remote (I would not be able to stomach that while pregnant!). We did a stopover via Singapore to do some shopping and break up the trip. It was a great short break with both relaxation and sight seeing. 

For those looking for a more direct route, you can’t beat Hawaii. It’s 9hrs and gives a great mix of sight seeing and relaxation without being too remote. The Royal Hawaiian is a MUST if you know you’re having a girl. It’s a pink palace (literally) that will have your belly dancing, and has breathtaking views and backdrop set in Waikiki beach. 

Any last tips for anyone considering a babymoon? 

Ours wasn’t really planned as a “babymoon”, but on reflection I highly recommend if you have the opportunity to take a getaway do it! I will never forget being on the airplane and I was complaining about pregnancy symptoms, and the lady next to me was having a chuckle saying enjoy it now, because it only gets harder once they’re out. You never really understand this as much as when you're in the thick of it with a two year old!