While the word itself…”babymoon” seemed to turn my husband’s stomach – he had absolutely no problem with the concept of actually taking a fabulous trip before our little munchkin arrives. Personally – I don’t care what you call it. I will take a romantic get-away with my husband any chance I get! So off to the Maldives we went to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Baby Hutch.
After rave reviews from my sweet friend and newlywed, Brandace Wilson, (who just returned from her honeymoon) we knew we must take advantage of the direct flight from Beijing to Malé while we still had the chance. And while it was difficult to choose a resort (because they are all quite amazing) – in the end we went with the W Resort & Spa on Fesdu Island…just 1 of the 1,200 that make up this beautiful island nation situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
On the W Jetty waiting for our seaplane take-off. The W has its own lounge full of cool drinks and tasty treats while you wait for “fins up”.
The sign of a good trip…the seaplane had my monogram.
The vast majority of our time in the Maldives was spent in our own little ocean oasis. When your “hut” has everything you need including direct ocean access, a plunge pool, a well stocked snack station and minibar, and the best in-room service…why leave? So – we basically didn’t. Except for breakfast. This preggers couldn’t resist the delicious spread of the buffet and the “fruit man” who created custom fruit plate masterpieces to suit one’s individual tastes.
Outdoor space on our Ocean Oasis. The W also offers beautiful beach bungalows – but I think the over-the-water option (with glass bottom floors inside) is the more interesting and fun of the two.
Brett’s backflip into the ocean off the deck. Reminding me that I was truly not cut out to be a “boy-mom”!
In-Water Dining! Even if it is a bit warm outside…the W makes sure that your feet are cool by allowing you to give them a dip while enjoying your morning meal.
One of many “bump” pictures…
One perk of traveling to a Muslim country while pregnant…the “mocktail” list is almost as long as the “cocktail” list!
The bird and the bump!
We decided to do a little photo shoot after breakfast one morning (mainly because I had finally washed my hair for real in a legitimate shower…as opposed to an ocean one!)
One night we decided to take advantage of the W’s In-Room BBQ Service. They provide all the “fixings” and you can choose between American or Asian style. Clearly, with the current lack of American BBQ in our lives …we opted for the potato salad and grilled corn-on-the-cob option. All that was left for us to do (after they delivered the spread and set-up the grill for us) was to actually throw the meat (ribs, burgers, and wings) on the grill and eat it!
My Grill Master!
Great food. Great view. Extra great company.
The proximity to China and the lack of visa issues for mainland Chinese makes the Maldives a great destination for Chinese honeymooners. Here were some of our favorites…
This couple wore matching outfits everyday. Not your typical “trousseau” to say the least!
Although we only caught a quick glimpse of their husbands, these ladies went all out for a not-so-impromptu photo shoot around the tiny island wearing formal gowns. We see this constantly in the Mainland!
On our last day at the resort, before heading back to Malé for a quick tour of the world’s smallest capital city and then back to Beijing, we decided to allow ourselves the ultimate cliché in destination drinking…Pina Coladas! (A virgin one for me of course!) But who could resist this packaging??
Puckering up for his Pineapple! His was much better than mine…I did have a tiny sip!
Until next time beautiful blue water and soft silky sand!
A parting message in honor of our little beach-bun-in-the-oven!
A Blonde in Beijing 