The Babymoon | Luxury Travel During Pregnancy with Leeu Collection
Before the sleepless nights and the beautiful chaos of a new arrival, there’s a window of time that deserves to be marked with intention. The babymoon - a dedicated getaway for expecting parents to rest, reconnect, and savour the quiet before everything changes - is one of the most meaningful trips a couple will ever take.
Leeu Collection offers five exceptional properties across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Italy, each one well suited to the particular pace that luxury travel during pregnancy calls for.
Accommodation Designed for Rest
A babymoon begins and ends in the room, and across all Leeu Collection properties, the accommodation is designed to deliver genuine comfort without compromise.
In Franschhoek, the rooms at Leeu Estates are individually styled with bespoke furnishings, underfloor heating and marble-clad bathrooms, with vineyard views that make every morning feel like something worth savouring. Leeu House takes a more intimate approach, with boutique rooms featuring freestanding baths, generous showers and high-quality linen that invites you to slow down from the moment you arrive. Le Quartier Français offers rooms with private terraces and courtyard spaces, where art and considered design are woven into every corner, creating a setting that feels as creative as it does comfortable.
Linthwaite House in the Lake District offers lake-facing rooms that frame Windermere with a quiet, painterly beauty, the kind that feels restorative from the moment you settle in.
In Florence, the rooms at Collegio alla Querce sit within a reimagined Renaissance-era villa with sweeping views of the Duomo and the Tuscan hills, blending historic grandeur with contemporary comfort into a setting that feels deeply romantic and entirely otherworldly.
For the Mum-to-Be
Rest is the foundation of a good babymoon, and every Leeu Collection property offers experiences that support it gently and generously.
Spa treatments tailored to pregnancy are available across the properties, with therapists always informed of the guest's condition so that every treatment is adapted accordingly. At Leeu Estates, Leeu Spa provides treatments that are deeply restorative and naturally suited to pregnancy wellness. At Linthwaite House, personalised treatments with Penny Irvine or Iona Turiceanu can be arranged to suit the pace and comfort of each guest, while Pilates sessions with Luna Collection and yoga with One Exhale offer gentle, considered movement for those wanting to stay active in the most mindful way.
In Florence, Aelia, an Auberge Spa at Collegio alla Querce, draws on a longevity-focused wellness philosophy rooted in Tuscan traditions, offering treatments that can be tailored to the needs of expecting guests.
Gentle walks are one of the most recommended forms of activity during pregnancy, and all five properties offer beautiful options directly from the grounds. Morning walks through the exquisite gardens at Leeu Estates, lakeside strolls along the paths above Windermere, and slow evening walks through the Renaissance gardens and olive groves of Collegio alla Querce all offer the kind of quiet, grounding movement that a babymoon calls for.
Dining Made for a Babymoon
Pregnancy brings its own relationship with food, and Leeu Collection takes the dining experience seriously enough to accommodate every need with care and discretion.
All restaurants across the collection are well versed in accommodating dietary preferences and requirements, and expecting guests are encouraged to communicate their needs in advance so that every meal arrives exactly as it should. Cravings are welcomed rather than worked around. Whether that means requesting specific ingredients, avoiding certain foods entirely, or simply needing smaller and more frequent portions, the culinary teams across all five properties will adapt without fuss.
In Franschhoek, La Petite Colombe at Leeu Estates offers a world-class tasting menu that can be tailored to accommodate pregnancy dietary requirements, while Protégé and Épice at Le Quartier Français offer distinct seasonal menus that lend themselves beautifully to a long, unhurried babymoon dinner. At Linthwaite House, The Bar and Conservatory serves seasonal British menus throughout the day, with Afternoon Tea a particularly lovely ritual for an expecting mother and her partner. In Florence, La Gamella and the glass-enclosed Conservatorio at Collegio alla Querce offer Italian culinary heritage in a setting that makes every meal feel like an occasion.
Non-alcoholic options are thoughtfully available across all properties, ensuring that the mum-to-be never feels like an afterthought at the table.
A Note Before You Travel
Every pregnancy is different, and the best babymoon is the one planned in consultation with your healthcare provider. Leeu Collection recommends confirming your travel plans with your midwife or obstetrician before booking, particularly regarding flight durations and any destination-specific health considerations. Once you have the green light, the reservations teams across all five properties are ready to help tailor every detail of your stay to ensure it is as comfortable, considered, and memorable as this moment deserves.
Reach out to the Leeu Collection reservations teams to begin planning your babymoon across South Africa, the United Kingdom, or Italy.
FAQs
When is the best time to take a babymoon?
Most healthcare professionals recommend travelling during the second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is generally the most comfortable window for travel, as early pregnancy symptoms have typically eased and long-haul fatigue is more manageable. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any travel plans.
Which Leeu Collection property is best for a babymoon?
Each property offers something distinct for expecting parents. The cottages at Leeu Estates and the Le Quartier Cottage at Le Quartier Français offer exceptional privacy and space in Franschhoek. Linthwaite House provides serene lake views and bespoke wellness experiences in the Lake District. Collegio alla Querce in Florence offers a romantic, architecturally stunning European escape. The reservations team can advise on the best fit based on your trimester, preferences, and travel requirements.
Are spa treatments safe during pregnancy?
Leeu Collection properties offer spa treatments that can be adapted for expecting guests. Always inform the spa team of your pregnancy at the time of booking so that treatments, products, and techniques can be adjusted accordingly. Some treatments may not be recommended during certain stages of pregnancy, and the team will advise on the most suitable options.
Can Leeu Collection accommodate pregnancy dietary requirements?
Absolutely. All restaurants across the Leeu Collection properties accommodate dietary preferences and requirements with care. Expecting guests are encouraged to communicate their needs in advance, whether that involves avoiding specific ingredients, adapting portion sizes, or requesting particular preparations. The culinary teams will respond with discretion and genuine attentiveness.
