Babymoon does exist!

so, the first time I heard the word baby-moon, it seemed liked complete bull..t.  How much can you milk it? It doesn't exist!
But... after a while of being pregnant (though feeling great) i realized: ups..this is probably my last opportunity to get away. Next time I will be traveling, will happen at least in a year from now.. and this is a lot!!

OK the decision was made, baby-moon does exist!

Since tracking and heavy cultural trips were totally not on my mind at this point , and I did hear about few heroins that went backpacking on their 6 month pregnancy to all kinds of  weird destinations, I thought resting by the pool in a sunny location will be just perfect and most of all responsible to the baby!
Next question was: what is the shortest flight from NYC to any destination with beach and blue waters?

now, here I always get to this point: New York sucks! the only closest place are the well ridden Caribbeans, whereas it takes at least 5 hours to get to some of them! The closer islands are full of white trash, tired old hotels and teens on their extensive and wild spring breaks. Hmm..Is it a pregnant women talking in me?
Conclusion: Caribbean it is.  (Miami fell out of the pool right away. Been there too many time, done that, bored by it- sorry fellows Miamians :))
Bermuda.Bahamas. Puerto Rico - Are all withing 4 hour flight from NYC.
Bermuda was sort of intriguing, because of it being part of UK. Red phone booths, pink sand. 2 hour flight. Bahamas-remembering Atlantis, made me reluctant. hmm. Puerto Rico-been to San Juan and thats it. Cute but not amazing. Culebra island sounded great, but it is another trip from San Juan, which is out of question.
Hotels:
Bermuda - tired tired tired, old old old...and Booked! Mandarin Oriental! 800$ a night:( hmm... doesn't work.
San Juan- tired tired tired, hotels with pool but no beach? with beach but all booked! or looks horrible! or too expensive!! or by the airport! Going further from San Juan to Rio grande- St. Regis-New! Amazing! great sale offer! Ticket- Free! (thanks to the credit that I had with United Airlines! Done Deal!

And.. here we are at St Regis, Puerto Rico. What can I say? Beautiful hotel, spacious room, terrific grounds. Quiet. Relaxing. Caribbean service=slow. Perfect baby-moon place.
 

During our stay I happened to see and meet at least another six pregnant ladies having a
b a b y m o o n. Good to know I'm not alone.
So what can you to do there when pregnant? Plenty. Hotel owns extensive natural grounds including a bird sanctuary ,where you can take a tour with hotel biologist that will show and explain everything about the bird world. Are you playing golf? You probably should start or at least take a lesson. Another option is taking a boat ride on the river and exploring resorts water grounds as well.

beautiful hotel grounds

Remede Spa-is a must! it is a paradise! use the  spa grounds after or before treatment. Snacks lounge, open showers, plunge pools and hot tubs are all available along with beautifully designed landscape. You will not want to leave!
Besides the two restaurants on the grounds: Fern by Jean Georges and Molasses are well worth trying.
 Situated on a beautiful Bahia beach, which extends long beyond hotel grounds, taking a long walk was a very relaxing afternoon activity. This particular afternoon the weather was a little moody, but it didn't stop us:)

The caftan I'm wearing is sewn by me-so proud!

Also don't forget about old St Regis tradition: Sabering a bottle of champagne every day at 6pm.
This is a perfect opportunity to taste glass or two of bubbly complimentary from St Regis(unless you are pregnant).

Hotel is offering multiple tours around the island, which can be very interesting, but it is just worth to rent a car and go for a tour of your own!
The only drawback is that you are pretty much far away from anywhere. If you don't rent a car you will take a cab for about 80$ each way..Pricey!

One evening we went to old San Juan for a stroll and dinner.  Don't miss  a charming book museum and Marmalade restaurant ran by Peter Schintler, a rising star in a culinary world. Honestly and seriously the best restaurant on the island.
317 Calle Fortaleza  San Juan,
00901, Puerto Rico

(787) 724-3969

Or take 2.5 hour food tour with Flavors of San Juan, you will not be disappointed. Oh and of course, get down to the Paseo de la Princessa, there you will find tons of local street food, artist selling their hand made work (still regret that i didn't buy a ceramic piece from there, uff..) and pretty vistas by the  fountain in the end.

On a stroll in Old San Juan.  The dress is made by me as well.