The whole purpose of a babymoon is to soak up time with your spouse before your baby makes its grand entrance into the world. But by the time the third trimester rolls around, many women feel the onset of fatigue, and most doctors restrict travel altogether. So, in the midst of those final days of baby preparation—crib assembly, doctor appointments, baby-proofing—my husband and I decided to steal away for a weekend in our own city. Just a ten-minute cab ride from home, New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel offered the ultimate babymoon staycation where we could feel pampered and focus on each other.
Courtesy of The Plaza
Known for its grandeur, history and luxury, the Plaza was the perfect place to hole up and relax. In fact, you don’t even need to leave the premises to fill your weekend with bliss. We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon tea at the Palm Court—fantastic for people-watching—and shared a decadent spread of sweet and savory bites. I loved having the option to participate in afternoon tea since cocktails at the bar were off the table.
Courtesy of Bridgette Langdon
Also within the building? The famous Guerlain Spa offers massages and spa treatments, including special prenatal massage options for expecting mothers like me. Meanwhile, the Plaza Food Hall serves up fabulous dishes from dozens of vendors, including Lauderee, Epicerie Boulud, Tartinery, Takumi Taco and more. We opted for lobster rolls and chowder from Luke’s Lobster for dinner and doughnuts from Doughnuttery for breakfast.
But the Plaza is also situated in the heart of New York City, with incredible attractions just steps away. The Paris Theater across the street is an intimate, indie theater showing current favorite flicks. The Museum of Modern Art recently underwent a renovation to reconfigure and expand its galleries, with a greater focus on works by women, Latinos, Asians, African-Americans and other often-overlooked artists. And, of course, Central Park begs you to take a walk—or in my case a waddle—through its winding paths.
When my husband and I so easily headed back home after our weekend at the Plaza—without waiting in airport security lines, dealing with flight delays or driving for hours—we were officially sold on the idea of a staycation. Our stay at the Plaza allowed us to explore an iconic neighborhood we don’t frequent that often, making it truly feel like a vacation, but without any of the hassle that travel often entrails. That’s all this mom-to-be could ask for, just weeks before meeting our little one.
By Bridgette Langdon