More and more of my friends are planning their “Babymoons.” In case you’re not someone who goes to at least four baby showers a month, a Babymoon is a trip that a couple takes as a sort of “last hurrah” as a family of two.
It’s a “calm before the storm,” when life changes for the better, but also changes for good.
With luxury resorts, spas specializing in the art of pampering, a walkable downtown, and food to suit every single pregnancy craving, what better spot than Aspen for your Babymoon?
First Things First, Where to Stay?
As a local, I’ve had the chance to experience most of the hotels around town. When it comes to a Babymoon, with romance and relaxation being key, there’s no better spot than The Little Nell. From the moment you step foot inside Aspen’s iconic (and only Five-Star, Five-Diamond) hotel, there’s a feeling of serenity. The Nell’s staff is there to assist with every need, whim, or request. If you happen to be traveling with your “fur baby,” they’ll even set up a cozy dog bed, and cater to your pet’s meals.
Head to the Spa
Second, in terms of importance is booking a day or afternoon at the spa. If you’re staying at The Little Nell, the spa treatments are to die for and also tailor to expectant mothers with a popular pre-natal massage. Choose to book your treatment en-suite or in one of three treatment rooms at the Health Center.
Just a few blocks away, The St. Regis Aspen’s Remède Spa offers a full spa experience. Although the mama-to-be might not be able to indulge in the complimentary champagne, she’ll certainly enjoy the array of fresh juices, herbal teas, chocolates and healthy snacks offered to guests upon entering the zen-like space.
Remède has two prenatal-specific treatments. The first is the tried and true prenatal massage. My friend went for one recently and said that the soothing lavender scents, a special pillow so that she could lay face down safely, and gentle techniques used by her therapist were key to alleviating tension and cramps that have been an unwelcome part of her pregnancy. She had such a great experience, in fact, that she is going back with her husband for a couple’s massage. Now that is the perfect way for you both to decompress together!
Time to Dine
Once you have your spa and hotel plans booked, you’re cleared to eat your way through Aspen! In terms of lunch, it’s nearly impossible to beat a lazy afternoon spent dining on Ajax Tavern’s sun-soaked patio.
Do yourself a favor and order the truffle fries (pictured above) before you even take a look at the menu. You can thank me later. Ajax Tavern is part of The Little Nell and is renowned for its fresh local ingredients and mainstays like the Ajax Double Cheese Burger.
In terms of dinner reservations, make sure you hit up L’Hostaria for its homemade pasta and decadent desserts. My favorite entree there is the Taglionlili all’Astice (fresh spaghetti, Maine lobster, tomatoes and basil), and in terms of dessert, I can never say no to the Torta di Gelato al Pistacchio (pistachio gelato cake).
I also love Cache Cache and Element 47 for a romantic dinner for two (or technically three)!
Get Out There
During the day, get outside and enjoy the serene mountain weather through a hike. That said, we’re at just about 8,000 feet in elevation, so choose a hike that fits your current energy level.
If you’re from Colorado, a regular hiker, or in great physical shape, try out the Hunter Creek Loop or Smuggler Mountain.
If something mellow is more your speed, the Rio Grande trail is beautiful, and you can make the walk as long or I short as you’d like. The Rio Grande offers 42 miles of continuous trail, so I recommend making a plan with the drivers from the Little Nell to pick you up at a specific time and place.
Or Stay in Town
The Aspen Saturday Market is also a perfect way to spend a portion of your day. It features Colorado grown produce, locally made crafts, live music, and an open-air food court with options to please any palate.
If the father-to-be wants to earn some serious brownie points, Taylor & Tessier’s booth at the market is not to be missed.
Image courtesy of Taylor and Tessier
The one of a kind jewelry is handcrafted at their studio in Aspen and has been picked up by major fashion heavyweights including Saks Fifth Avenue.
When the point of the weekend is to kick back, relax, and celebrate impending parenthood, something sparkly that fits – no matter how much baby weight has been put – on will be icing on the cake!
Book your babymoon at The Little Nell and let the pampering begin. Contact 970.920.4600.
