With calm, turquoise waters, luxurious spa resorts, and that unmistakable Bajan charm, Barbados is one of the dreamiest destinations for mums to be looking to relax and indulge before their baby arrives.
The island, located far out to the east of the Caribbean Sea, is famous for offering a laid-back lifestyle. There’s no better place to sip drinks by the pool, go for strolls along the beach and soak up the sunshine. Factor in the island’s plethora of hotels (that range from affordable to splash-out) and what you have is a recipe for the perfect pre-baby holiday.
Don’t just take our word for it. With Rihanna and A$AP Rocky reportedly planning to move to Barbados for the birth of their third child together, it’s clear the star knows a thing or two about how to enjoy the island whilst expecting a new arrival.
Drawing inspiration from the Bajan queen herself, here’s how to babymoon in paradise.
Where to stay
Barbados isn’t short on luxury stays. These hotels are known to roll out the red carpet for expectant parents, who can spend an afternoon getting pampered at a spa or simply relaxing poolside.
Sandals Royal Barbados
If you want the full VIP experience, this adults-only escape on the South Coast serves up babymoon packages, which start from £660 with breakfast in bed, couples massages, and a candlelit dinner on the beach, as well as meal planning for the mum to be with the resort’s culinary concierge team.
Expectant mothers will also be given a personal maternity pillow to catch those all-important Zs, and a pregnancy photo shoot (sandals.co.uk/royal-barbados).
Sweetfield Manor Boutique Hotel
This historic 10 room, boutique hotel is nestled in tropical surroundings and perched on a hill overlooking the historic Garrison in Bridgetown. This UNESCO Heritage site has buildings with Victorian features and boasts a relaxing spa (the perfect oasis for expectant parents to snuggle and unwind). Sweetfield also offers a prenatal ease massage (book it here).
Cobblers Cove
Wellness meets luxury on the west coast, known as Barbados’ platinum coast. Cobblers Cove is a beachside hotel offering oceanfront serenity, where guests can enjoy the beautiful spa and healthy cuisine (cobblerscove.com).
The Sandpiper
For those looking for somewhere slightly more worthy of splashing out, The Sandpiper might be it. The sister property to the equally gorgeous Coral Reef Club, the west coast hotel is just a five minute walk from buzzing Holetown, with its top beach bars and dining spots. But there’s plenty to enjoy closer to home: there’s a white sand beach, and its renowned Sandpiper Restaurant blends local ingredients with Caribbean flair (sandpiperbarbados.com).
How to unwind
What’s a babymoon without a memory to frame? Schedule a pregnancy photoshoot with Gina Francesca, one of Barbados’s top photographers. Gina has a magic touch for capturing intimate, sun-kissed moments between couples, and she’s a pro at making women feel confident, beautiful and powerful. Make sure to book your session early, though: her diary fills up fast during peak season.
Another Bajan experience not to be missed is an invigorating foot massage courtesy of Bongo Man. He works for the famous Sandy Lane Hotel and is famed for soothing tired soles with fresh aloe. His hands have pampered and cared for many famous feet including those of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Simon Cowell and Kate Moss (he’s even been flown across to the UK for his services), so you’ll be in good hands, as it were.
Finding romance and reconnection
Babymoons are also about bonding and enjoying the last few months you have left as a couple. If you’re looking for romance, it doesn’t really get much better than Barbados: picture endless white-sand beaches and romantic sunsets.
One of the best things to do on the island is enjoy some time by the sea. Payne’s Bay beach, a West Coast favourite of Rihanna’s, is perfect for expectant mums thanks to its calm waters. Sandy Lane and Carlisle Bay also offer peaceful, picture-perfect settings for laid-back beach days, while the small, secluded beach of Batts Rock is home to La Cabanne, a beachfront restaurant where you can watch the sun go down.
Beyond the beach, expectant parents can enjoy a nice walk through one of the island’s lush fairytale gardens. Hunte’s Gardens offers a magical, tucked-away oasis filled with exotic blooms, while Andromeda Botanic Gardens is bursting with tropical flora.
In the mood for something a bit more active? The capital, Bridgetown, is bustling with vibrant markets. There’s also Oistins Fish Fry, which takes place every Friday and is well worth making the trip for. Take a taxi or bus down to see tourists and locals mingling among hundreds of stalls on the beach. Some sell trinkets, some sell freshly-caught fish from the ocean; grab a couple of plates and enjoy the music, of which there’s always plenty.
For an unforgettable meal try The Cliff: the iconic cliffside restaurant that offers gorgeous views straight over the sea (thecliffbarbados.com). Further up the coast, The Fish Pot is also well worth the trip: it’s located right by the beach, with doors flung wide open for views of the ocean (fishpotbarbados.com). It’s breezy, relaxed and has deckchairs by the sea should you want to relax after lunch (as does The Sea Shed, another west coast location that’s worth checking out; seashedbarbados.com).
Bump-friendly travel tips for Barbados
Barbados is an 11-hour flight away, which makes travelling there during pregnancy a bit of a marathon. That said, it’s possible to get a direct flight there from the UK, and if you’re planning on going, try to travel during your second trimester for maximum comfort and flexibility. Once there, the island’s laid-back living makes it easy to factor in lots of naps and downtime.
In terms of packing, don’t forget sun protection, as pregnancy skin is extra sensitive; as far as luggage is concerned, pack light, breathable clothes and your comfiest sandals. It gets hot out there.
On Kenwood Travel, packages to Barbados from March 2026, start from £5,979 including flights with Virgin Atlantic and a 7-night stay at Sandals Royal Barbados for two adults on an all-inclusive board
