This Tropical Resort Is the Ultimate Babymoon Destination for Total Mental, Physical, and Emotional Rejuvenation

Becoming a parent is one of the wildest things a person can experience. Whether you’re expecting your first, second, third, or whatever number kid, those weeks leading up to your child arriving through pregnancy or adoption is an absolute roller coaster roller. I didn’t really understand the babymoon phenomenon until I was expecting my first. But then I realized that there is truly no time in life more deserving of a relaxing and luxurious trip. So when I learned I was expecting again, I immediately started researching the ideal spot for a getaway for me and my spouse to unwind before the inevitable chaos began. I wanted somewhere tropical, lush, familiar, and exciting. After listing my criteria, the perfect babymoon destination that emerged was Hawaii—specifically, the Island of Maui.

Why Maui? 

Why is Maui so perfect for parents-to-be? A U.S.-based medical system and many flights home to the mainland provide peace of mind in case any unforeseen issues arise. Familiar brands and stores like Whole Foods and Costco on the island were available for all my random (yet insistent) cravings and needs. And the tropical environment is just the warm cherry on top. Maui also has an incredible diversity of geography and activities to explore, making it easy to plan your perfect trip no matter what your energy level may be during your pregnancy.  

Everything you need for the perfect babymoon is right here. 

To get even more granular, the babymoon of my dreams took place at Hotel Wailea, a dreamy and intimate adults-only 5-star resort in the exclusive community of Wailea on Maui. The hotel only has 72 suites across 15 acres, ensuring privacy and quiet—exactly what parents-to-be need. My husband and I stayed in one of the celebration suites, which features a top-floor ocean view, breakfast served on your private lanai every morning, and designer artwork that makes you feel like you’re shacking up at a private guest house, not a hotel. As if the accommodations weren’t luxurious enough, we were welcomed with a bottle of chilled, non-alcoholic Champagne to help us get in the vacation spirit. 

There are tons of amenities across the resort, catering to both pregnant and non-pregnant travelers. One of my favorite spots to visit in the morning was the open-air gym, which looks out over the pool and property and is fully stocked with everything from Peloton bikes to the hand weights and mats I needed for my prenatal pilates workouts. Every detail has been thought through for ultimate comfort, from the incredible mocktail selection in all the bars to the premium bedding that made getting that much-needed rest a breeze.

What does the rest of the day look like on babymoon at Hotel Wailea? Most days, we spent a few hours relaxing at the resort with a dip in the pool followed by some quality time with a book and a smoothie or snack, either on a shaded lounge chair or in a private poolside cabana, then some time at the beach. The resort is a short, 5-minute drive up above the gorgeous Wailea beaches, with free luxury shuttles running to pick you up and drop you off. We found this was the ideal balance of being far away enough from the fray of the cluster of Wailea to make you feel like you’re having a really private experience but close enough to never be an inconvenience. 

After we freshened up for dinner, we’d spend an incredible sunset hour at the open-air Birdcage Bar, where we sipped zero-proof craft cocktails like the Osprey, which has macadamia nut, lime, coconut water, Brazilian cherry, and mint. For any non-pregnant companions, my husband attests that the alcoholic libations were quite tasty as well. The combination of the drinks, 180-degree sunset views, and chirping birds all around made for a soothing atmosphere. 

Dinner at the hotel’s island-to-table restaurant is memorable in terms of both quality and ambiance, but you can also take advantage of the hotel’s shuttle service to visit any of the other Wailea hotels and restaurants. We did both and felt like our trip had plenty of variety, avoiding that cooped-up feeling that sometimes comes with resort stays. 

And don’t forget the experiences.

Sprinkled into our trip were a few experiences that differentiated this trip from any other. I will admit that I was skeptical of the Discovery Dialogues, which are essentially themed couples therapy sessions. “And Baby Makes Three” focuses on skills to balance a happy marriage amid an incoming baby, while “Positive Mental Attitude” is geared toward helping couples at any stage in their relationship manage conflict better and have more positive interactions overall. I know what you’re thinking (because I thought it too): Couples therapy on a vacation? No thanks. That said, this was one of the most impactful parts of our trip. The combination of being ultra-relaxed and away from everyday stressors combined with the idyllic environment and the talented therapist made for a meaningful and truly effective 90 minutes. While we weren’t able to hold on to the sense of serenity we felt at Hotel Wailea much past our return home, the lessons we took from the Discovery Dialogues continue to serve us months later. 

If digging deep emotionally isn’t your vacation jam, no problem—there are plenty of other wellness experiences to suit every style. Other notable offerings are an in-room cacao ceremony or massage, outrigger canoe trips complete with sea turtle or whale viewing, depending on the time of year, or a floating sound bath. 

Between the lush, peaceful physical environment, emotionally supportive wellness sessions, and top-notch service, we left Hotel Wailea feeling relaxed, refreshed, and more connected than ever – which is everything you could want before adding another member of the family to the mix.