British ‘Babymoon’ destinations beckon expectant Gulf parents
With the recent announcement of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting their first child, a buzz of excitement and anticipation around the Royal baby’s arrival has taken over the UK.
Expectant parents from the Gulf can also celebrate their own bundle of joy by delving into potential British ‘Babymoon’ destinations, such as London and Wales, and enjoy one last child-free holiday before the family of two becomes three.
“As rewarding as raising a family can be, it is also another full-time job to take on,” said Carol Maddison, UAE Manager, VisitBritain. “Expectant parents will appreciate a final holiday for two to unwind, reconnect, take in Britain’s fresh countryside air and pamper their selves before embarking on a new chapter in their lives.”
Day spas and a myriad of cultural and natural sites provide a relaxing atmosphere in Wales to soothe away the day-to-day stress – on both mother-to-be and father-to-be – that can come with preparing for a baby. Couples can also undergo some ‘retail therapy’ while visiting London at stores and shops that are popular with many British parents-to-be, just like the Duke and Duchess and other celebrities then treat their selves to scrumptious British cuisine.
Located just around the corner from where the Duchess of Cambridge spent her last night as a single lady, new families are welcomed at London’s Rubens Hotel at the Palace, which has crafted packages that cater to expectant couples, offering a grand and luxurious escape with in room spa treatments and massages that can be followed by refreshing outdoor walks at the nearby St. James’ Park.
World-class shopping for new mums, dads and baby can be found on Kings Road and renowned Regent Street, which is home to the world’s largest Burberry store. Popular stores include Blossom Mother & Child, which brings high fashion to the maternity wardrobe, and Pretty Pregnant, a favourite among fashion editors and celebrity stylists. While on King’s Road, mother-to-be can stop in for a rest and a cup of afternoon tea at the Beaufort House Brasserie.
A truly indulgent experience will await expectant mothers at the Elemis Day Spa, which offers massages adapted to each stage of pregnancy, connecting mother and baby through the power of touch. The “Elemis Spa Nurturing Massage for Mother-to-Be” utilises specialized positioning on the unique Elemis beanbag that is used to ensure the ultimate in safety, comfort and relaxation - helping to relieve tension in the back and alleviating swelling in the hands and feet, while easing the mind and uplifting the spirit.
While visiting Wales, parents-to-be can escape to the Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, which is nestled in over 200 acres of its own parkland to the south of Llandudno with spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle. Believed to have 13th century origins, Bodysgallen Hall provides all that is best in country house hospitality.
The award winning Spa at Bodysgallen offers a full range of treatments for both fathers- and mothers-to-be.
More than 700 years of history can be appreciated during an exploratory stroll through nearby medieval town Conwy’s cobbled streets. One of the best preserved houses in the UK is the Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House while one of the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain is Conwy Castle, built for Edward I.
Nature loving couples can walk through the breath-taking Bodnant Gardens, world-famous for its botanical collections. With expansive lawns and intimate corners, grand ponds and impressive terraces, a steep wooded valley and stream, there are continually changing glorious displays of colour.
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