Take a Babymoon in Western Washington

Many couples plan a Babymoon before baby arrives, a last chance for a peaceful getaway, and there's no better place than western Washington

Credit: Semiahmoo Hotel

The Semiahmoo Resort, just across the bay from White Rock, offers a peaceful Babymoon getaway

Before your new arrival changes your world – and your sleep patterns – get a little pre-emptive pampering with a Babymoon trip to western Washington

Getting ready to welcome a baby into the world creates a flurry of emotions for expectant parents. Great joy is often paired with anxiety over how this new addition will forever alter one’s life. And so, before the sleepless nights, countless diaper changes and new-parent haze descends, why not book a deliciously indulgent weekend away for some pre-emptive pampering with your spouse. 

Given lengthy travel can be difficult to endure in the later months of pregnancy, a quick road trip to western Washington is the perfect solution for a pre-parenthood last hurrah.  Fine dining, soothing spa treatments and baby boutiques are some of the treasures you’ll find at these three Babymoon destinations.

Semiahmoo, Blaine

A mere one-hour drive from Vancouver, across the bay from White Rock in Blaine, Washington, is the four-diamond rated Semiahmoo Resort. This peaceful seaside haven offers a quintessential West Coast experience complete with real wood-burning fireplaces in cozy guest suites, panoramic ocean views and a sandy peninsula for early morning beachcombing. 

Known for its two award-winning golf courses, the ‘Moo’ also features a 3,100-square-foot full-service spa and fitness centre, and two restaurants that serve up delicious fare in monstrous proportions. 

Mummies-to-be might start their day with an early-morning yoga class followed by a nurturing pregnancy massage alongside their partner in the privacy of the spa’s couples treatment room.

A drive to Along Comes A Baby in Bellingham for cute couture and nursery essentials such as Baby Soy layered onesies and Dandy Organic toys, or to Wild Blueberries in historic Fairhaven to purchase hand-picked classic and must-have toys makes for a fun baby-inspired afternoon. With wine off-limits, splurge on homemade confectionaries at the mom-and-pop Sweet Art candy store, where candyman and co-owner Jerry create a sweet wonderland filled with hand-dipped chocolates, truffles and toffees among other sinful treats. 

Throughout March and April, Semiahmoo Resort is offering a Spring Spa Package special starting from $339, which includes a $200 spa credit, overnight accommodation and a $25 breakfast voucher.

South Lake Union, Seattle



The luxuriously modern rooms at the Pan Pacific Seattle are chic and comfortable (credit: Pan Pacific Hotel)

A 10-minute stroll northwest of downtown Seattle’s shopping district will take you to the South Lake Union district. The Pan Pacific Seattle, in the heart of this burgeoning neighbourhood, offers an upscale metropolitan Babymoon with all the style and luxury city slickers desire.  

Minimalistic and elegant in design, the Pan’s guest rooms and stunning new one-bedroom suites feature European-sized soaker tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Seattle’s famous Space Needle. And, the hotel is offering a Calm Package, which includes deluxe accommodations, 90-minute massage, breakfast for two and late checkout starting from $499 until december 2012.

A number of award-winning amenities are also available within the 2200 complex, where the hotel is located, including the ZAGAT Restaurant Guide’s Top Seafood Restaurant in Seattle, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar.

Although mummies-to-be will have to pass on the Hawaiian Poke, the chef’s amazing selection of rolls with fully cooked seafood and beautifully prepared mains ensure that all diners leave fully satiated. 

For couples luxury therapeutic treatments, the Vida Spa at 2200 (Seattle Magazine’s Best New Spa) is pure magic. The Mother-to-Be Massage will assist with the removal of toxins and relieve headaches, tension, swelling and stress, while papas-to-be might opt for the Ayurvedic Massage, which uses hot oil to mobilize joints and induce relaxation.  

Of course a trip to Seattle isn’t complete without some retail therapy. Shop for natural and organic lotions, soaps and clothing for your new bundle of joy at 2200’s Whole Foods Market Westlake, or pick up unique, quality crafted toys at Eurostyle Your Life. Perhaps the coolest feature of this quirky store is the onsite workshop where handcrafted wooden toys are produced.

Lake Washington, Kirkland


The view of Lake Washington from the Woodmark hotel in Kirkland is spectacular (credit: Woodmark Hotel)

The Woodmark, on the picturesque shores of Lake Washington, is a relaxing, boutique hotel with award-winning restaurant and nationally recognized spa. 

Upon arrival, each guest is welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine (or mineral water for those who can’t indulge) and a friendly wag of the tail from Woody, the hotel’s resident Labradoodle. Midnight pregnancy cravings are easily satisfied with Raid the Pantry – a complimentary late night smorgasbord of sandwiches, soups, desserts and juices for Woodmark guests. 

The Carillon Point gardens and pathways surrounding the hotel connect with Kirkland’s waterfront promenade, providing a leisurely lakefront walk to the specialty shops and galleries downtown. Stop by Sweet Cakes for an afternoon sugar buzz compliments of owner Susanne Park’s delicious selection of bite-sized cupcakes including Strawberry Cream, Salted Caramel, and Snicker Doodle.

Shop at Kate Quinn Organics and feel great about dressing your baby in style. Made from 100% organic cotton, the Kate Quinn house brand and Plum Bunny and Violet and Moss lines embody eco-chic comfort for your peace of mind.

The Woodmark’s Stay and Save package, starting at $230 per night, includes a $75 resort credit that can be used at the property’s Bin on the Lake restaurant for a farm-to-table style dining experience, or on a relaxing specialty treatment at the Northwest Face Spa.

Mhairri Woodhall is a travel writer at Arrivals Travel.