Getting ready to welcome a baby into the world creates a flurry of emotions for expectant parents. Great joy is often paired with some form of anxiety over how this new phase will forever alter ones life. And so, before the sleepless nights, countless diaper changes and new-parent haze descends, why not book a deliciously indulgent weekend getaway of pure pampering with your spouse. Given that lengthy travel times can be difficult to endure in 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. Renowned 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 couple’s treatment room. A drive to Along Came A Baby in Bellingham for cute couture and nursery essentials such as Baby Soy layered onesies and Dandy Organic toys, or 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. Check out Semiahmoo Resort’s Friday Night BBQ & Beach Party – an evening of fabulous food, music and fun for the whole family (every Friday through Labour Day).
South Lake Union, Seattle
A 10-minute stroll Northwest of downtown Seattle’s shopping district you’ll find 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 size soaker tubs, floor to ceiling windows and views of Seattle’s famous Space Needle. Within the 2200 complex, where the hotel is located, are a number of award-winning amenities 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 ensures that all diners leave fully satiated. For couple’s 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 proud papas 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. Throughout December 2012 the Pan Pacific is offering a Calm Package, which includes deluxe accommodations, 90-minute massage, breakfast for two and late checkout starting from $499.
Lake Washington, Kirkland
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 size 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.
