Travel

5 places to babymoon in North America

Now that a beach vacation pre-baby is out of the question thanks to Zika, we went looking for gorgeous spots in this north that are more than the perfect substitute.
(Source: fogoislandinn.ca)

As the threat of Zika continues, it's easy to be a bit disappointed that your dream beach babymoon vacation needs to be put on hold. And while the World Health Organization and other health officials in the US, the Caribbean and Central America, work towards eradicating the mosquito-borne virus that causes major birth defects, the best way of prevention still remains steering clear of those areas if you're expecting or trying to conceive within the next two years.

The benefits of taking a babymoon, which usually makes the most sense in your second trimester when you're not as nauseous and you have a bit more energy, with your partner can be pretty great. Think: time to read and nap (so necessary!), go for a massage or other relaxing spa treatment, enjoy a romantic meal and also time to talk to your significant other about the impending birth of your first child. You may also be able to  talk about a few things non-baby related!

Instead of giving up the babymoon idea entirely, we found a few spots that might serve you well as a mini break before your little one arrives. Here are five places that you should consider for you and your partner pre-baby.

The place: Maison de Poivre, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
Getting there: This charming bed and breakfast is located about two and a half hours east of Toronto, making this a prime countryside road trip destination for anyone in the city.
What's to love: This French-inspired BNB can be found in a century old farmhouse, in the heart of PEC. It also plays house to an art gallery, a gourmet French food boutique, cooking workshops, and two very lovely hosts, Vincent and Christophe, who moved to the County in 2012. All these culinary treats might just inspire you and your partner to create a few meals that you can make for each other at home before baby arrives.
What's for dinner: Expect a delicious menu of true French cuisine, including croissants, homemade and imported French jams for breakfast, and a $50 prix fixe menu for a romantic, eat-in gourmet experience.

The place: Fogo Island Inn, Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland, Canada
Getting there: The closest drop off point via airplane is the Gander Airport, which has flights coming in from Halifax, Toronto, London, UK, and Newark, to name a few. From there, it's about a two and a half hour trip, which can be arranged through the Inn or by renting a car at the airport. Some suggest getting to Gander the night before, and heading out first thing, which might be best for a mom-to-be who's likely pretty tired without logging all those miles.
What's to love: The exquisite, modern design of Fogo Island Inn—think all-natural building materials in a luxe, Canadian-Scandi style—has attracted the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Canada's first couple, Justin and Sophie Trudeau, as well as almost every major fashion, travel and décor magazine. Each of the 29 rooms has floor to ceiling views of the ocean, and although expectant moms may want to stay away from the traditional sauna and hot tubs, the small cinema, library, nearby Fogo Island museum, seal, seabird and iceberg watching, biking etc., more than makes up for it.
What's For dinner: The award-winning culinary team forages for food from local fisheries and farms, meaning the top-notch menu is decided on what's available during each of the seven season (yes, Fogo Island has seven seasons!).

The place: The Lodge at Glendorn, Bradford, PA, USA
Getting there: Glendorn is about a three and a half hour drive from Toronto and Pittsburgh, and about three hours from Cleveland. The resort is also only 90 minutes from Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (shuttle service is available to and from).
What's to love: A luxury resort surrounded by nature—1,500 acres of dense forest, to be exact—Glendorn has been in operation since 1929. This pet-friendly lodge includes year-round activities (think tennis, biking, hiking, swimming, kayaking, fly fishing, snowshoeing, curling and even snowmobiling), and consists of 16 uniquely designed rooms and cabins. There's also a spa, (your partner can go for an executive men's facial while you enjoy a relaxing pregnancy massage) if that's more your second trimester speed.
What's for dinner: The award-winning menu consists of French-tinge cuisine, made with local ingredients (from the resort's own garden in the summer months), and dishes like braised duck pasta, Glendorn chili with jalapeno corn bread, white tomato soup with crab and basil and short ribs with cauliflower and confit garlic.

The place: Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Getting There: Located in the Old Port of historic Quebec City, planes, trains and automobiles are all modes of getting to this gem of a boutique hotel.
What's to love: Auberge Saint-Antoine utilizes that perfect mix of traditional and modern, with preserved artifacts from both the French and English regimes that came through Quebec centuries ago alongside updated pieces of contemporary furniture and finishes. The hotel also offers an archaeological tour of the grounds, where you can learn about the hotel and surrounding historical area of Quebec City. The spa and gym also feature products from Nobel-prize winning French beauty line G.M. Collins, meaning no matter what stage of pregnancy you are at, you'll be able to indulge and relax.
What's for dinner: With stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, Panache Restaurant, a four-diamond restaurant, boasts a modern French menu consisting of everything from Quebec turnips and goat cheese, poached fois gras and veal tenderloin.

The place: Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler, BC, Canada
Getting there: A 90-minute drive north of Vancouver (there's a train in the summer that drops you right at the resort), Nita Lake Lodge is located just 4kms away from Whistler village.
What's to love: There's a year-round plunge pool and hot tub (mostly for your partner, who wants to be pregnant and plunge into freezing cold water?), as well as a yoga studio, fitness classes, skiing, seasonal bike rentals and, perhaps most importantly, a relaxation package (includes a one night stay and two 60 minute Swedish massages), and a fireside lounge area, perfect for curling up and reading your favourite magazine or book.
What's for dinner: With three lakeside restaurants, you really have options. All take cues from local ingredients for some spectacular seasonal dishes, like pan-seared fresh local salmon with sweet and sour collard greens, carrot and pear soup with cashew crumble and dark chocolate cheesecake with fresh B.C. berries.