travel area: babymoon

Jumat, 26 Juni 2015

Best Babymoons | Amy West on The Chat

If you are an expecting couple, or know someone expecting you may have heard of a Babymoon. What exactly is a "Babymoon"? It's the last big hurrah before baby comes. It's a chance for the expecting couple to escape and spend some dedicated time focused on each other. Bringing a baby into this world is a gift. One that changes life as you know it. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate and prepare than to escape the every day norm and find each other anew amidst eye opening experiences. Recently I revealed my Top 10 picks for 10Best.com and visited The Chat talk show to discuss the top 5. Catch the highlights here.

1. Coconut Bay, St. Lucia

All inclusive resort.

Adult only wing available or family wing available.

The resort is full of excitement, or head off site for one of their amazing excursions around St. Lucia.

2. Scrub Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

Marina and Spa

World Class food

Vacation Rental Style accommodations including full kitchens

Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding

Sailing school, and boat charters available

3. Sea Ranch Lodge, Sonoma California

Located on the Pacific Coast not too far from wine country

Remote and tranquil

Miles of hiking available

Relaxing Massage

Whale Watching

Great food

The Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach

4. The Shores Resort and Spa, Daytona Beach

The only AAA four diamond rated resort in Central Florida

Newly remodeled, a shining jewel in Daytona Beach

Signature S'mores on the beach

Plenty to do around including shopping, museums, and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

5. Salamander Resort, Middleburg Virginia

30 min from DC

In the heart of Virginia Horse and Wine Country

Great shopping in the area

Amazing Spa

Highly praised fare

To learn more about the Top 10 read my full story here

read my full story here

Take away: Whether near or far, look for destinations that create a unique experience and have a strong sense of place. Many great destinations feature packages just for Babymooners so make sure to check out their packages section. You may score credits for the spa and restaurants at the same rate you would book anyway.

Tip: If you plan on getting prenatal massage check ahead and make sure they have therapists certified in prenatal massage and request what their policy is. Many spas will not work on women until they have reached their second trimester.

Have you been on a Babymoon? If so share your experience in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Amy West on The Chat discussing baby moons.

Watch me discuss Best Babymoons on The Chat

Kamis, 11 Juni 2015

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Mini Family Babymoon

Imagine a secret escape. A private getaway that feels like home, without all the demands. A place that sets you at ease, and where time seems to slow down for just a little while. Feel the ocean breeze whip it's way through your undone hair, and sip on a refreshing drink as the sun warms your face. Recently my family and I took a mini babymoon to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. It may have been just one night, but the memories we made will last forever. Read on to discover what made this destination so special.

Effortless Coastal Luxury

Details at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Looking up- details on the ceiling

From the moment we checked in it was clear that the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort had mastered the art of making luxury look effortless. A wall of windows gave us an instant view of the coast and the epic poolscape. Taking a deep breath in I could even pick up on their signature scent lingering in the air, inviting my senses to relax and enter vacation mode.

It wouldn't be a West vacation without some fashionable hats

Admit it, we all feel this way inside on vacation!

Recently undergoing an $85 million dollar re-imagination, it's obvious that great care was taken in considering every detail.

Can't get to the water fast enough!

Epic Poolscape

If you are a parent you know that when it comes to vacation, what most kids really care about is hitting up the pool. Our 5 year old daughter is no exception and she had been anxious to practice all her new swim techniques she'd recently learned. Believe me when I say, this pool, is truly impressive. Boasting the largest multi-tiered poolscape I've had the pleasure of experiencing, it also shares ocean front access. At night we enjoyed sitting on our deck overlooking the ocean and watching guests swim in the pool all lit up like an aquarium. There was something extremely mesmerizing about those anonymous silhouettes.

Amy West and daughter poolside at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

At #26 weeks pregnant, this preggo enjoyed escaping the heat at the fabulous pool!

Poolside at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Timeless Family Memories

Father and daughter at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Free like a bird

Even though we experienced a whirlwind visit there was something timeless about the hours spent. Time seemed to creep by as we enjoyed each moment to the fullest, remembering to cherish every little detail. A time to meditate on the joys of family, growing up, and bonding together. Reflections even more valuable as we prepare to expand our family and enter a new chapter of our lives. The beach was pristine and very private, limiting distractions and allowing us to focus on what really mattered. Having fun with each other!

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Amy West and daughter playing in the surf

It's warm mom, I swear.

If you are looking for activities to get involved in they have plenty. Whether it's golf, tennis, kayaking, segway tours or some much needed time at the spa you'll find what you seek.

All grins

Not enough sugar in the world

little girl running away from camera on the beach

Running towards the future

We will always treasure these moments. What better investment could you make, than in each other?

Oh the places she'll go

The Omni sure knows how to go the extra mile. The kiddo was beside herself with the cool turn down service we received. Cookies and milk, lemonade, and treasure!

Treasure on the Coast

Oceanside Dining

For fresh, inspired fare with epic views of the coastline and pools we visited Omni's Oceanside Restaurant. We enjoyed well executed fine dining al fresco in a flip flop friendly atmosphere after an afternoon poolside. The menu included Caribbean and Floridian style dishes crafted with finesse and creativity.

Food at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Crispy Calamari and Shrimp

Creamy Pea Soup

Tender Filet

Flawless Salmon

Decadent Pineapple Upside Down Cake

In short, our time at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort left us dreaming of returning again soon. Let the terrific staff help craft the ideal getaway for you and your loved ones at this remarkable destination.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com