Meghan & Harry’s Royal Babymoon Inspiration: Why London is the Perfect Pre-baby Holiday Destination

As everyone awaits news of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new baby, the world is closely following how they spend the precious days before the birth. After a recent relaxing mini-break, the royal couple have successfully made ‘babymoons’ a new tradition; we explore what makes London the ultimate pre-baby getaway.

Non-alcoholic bars

Dealing exclusively in ultra-healthy food and alcohol-free drinks, Redemption Bar offers an alternative to London’s predominantly boozy social scene. Found in Shoreditch, Covent Garden and Notting Hill, highlights from the cocktail menu include the wonderfully tropical pious pina colada and the moreish Seedlip apple mojito.

Designed with eccentric British flare, Mark’s Bar lies hidden under HIX Soho, offering a selection of luxury alcohol-free cocktails, including a Shirley temple, Espresso Martino and their fresh Lime Rickey.

London’s original speakeasy, Nightjar offer three amazing ‘mocktails’, including a fantastic Seedgroni Sbagliato. Based in Shoreditch, this romantically lit bar promises ‘a slice of old school glamour’, with live jazz and an elegant menu of sharing plates and tapas.

Pregnant Yoga

Offering pregnant yoga for all levels, Triyoga helps ease pain, boost circulation and prepare the mind and body of the mother-to-be. Available in 5 studios across London, classes encourage a nurturing environment. A 1-class drop-in costs £17 but 5, 10 and 20 class passes are also available.

With a focus on mindfulness, gentle flexibility and strengthening the bond between mother and baby, Frame’s ‘Mumhood Pre-Natal Yoga’ offer low-impact pregnancy yoga classes in 6 locations across London, available as pay-as-you-go for £15 a class.

Spa treatments for pregnant ladies

The Connaught Hotel offers two ‘body nurturing’ treatments designed for pregnant clients, the nurture which last 90 minutes and uplift that lasts 45 minutes. Tailored to help with pregnancy-specific issues such as foot, back and leg pain, these treatments offer a relaxing boost. The Connaught also offers facials, manicures, pedicures and hair removal for when DIY becomes impossible. The Uplift treatment costs £120 and the longer Nurture treatment costs £190.

For a treatment that focuses on a full body exfoliation, using polish and a clay mask to benefit stretch marks, the Refine and Comfort Wrap from the Mandarin Oriental in London is the height of prenatal luxury. It also includes a facial and scalp massage and costs £195.

The Berkeley Mother-to-be-Treat package is a full day of ultimate spa bliss. Performed by a specially trained pregnancy masseur, the 55-minute massage is followed by a facial, manicure, pedicure and finished with a 2-course lunch and healthy fruit smoothie. Open to all expectant mothers in their second and third trimester, this experience costs £335.

Bump-Friendly Activities

Everyman cinemas offer a luxury experience, with large, inviting sofas and table service for drinks. There are various sites across London but the Kings Cross and Canary Wharf cinemas boast the highest comfort levels. Ticket prices vary depending on the location, with a premier adult ticket for Kings Cross priced at £17.80 and £18.25 at Canary Wharf.

The View from the Shard at London Bridge offers a viewing deck with some of the best views in London, available with minimal stair climbing. Home to London’s highest bar, it serves a range of alcohol-free cocktails, as well as ice cream and pastries. A standard ticket on the day is £32.

London Thames River Lunch Cruise offers a pregnancy-friendly way to explore London, see the sights of the capital and enjoy a 3-course lunch, from £39 pp. This leisurely 90-minute Thames cruise serve a 3-course meal whilst passing landmarks such as, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern.

The best night’s sleep in London

With strong royal connections since the Victorian era, the Royal Suite at Claridge’s has a bed fit for a Queen. Known for being one of the grandest and most spacious rooms in London, mums-to-be will get a full night of precious sleep, feeling like royalty.

Home to one of the most famous beds in London, the luxurious and richly decorated Portobello Hotel’s Room 16 has an 8-foot circular bed and roll-top bath, ideal for relaxing and stretching out achy legs.

For a silent night of guaranteed uninterrupted slumber and a sleep-inducing aromatherapy kit, Crowne Plaza offer a ‘Sleep Advantage’ programme where between 9pm and 10am any disturbance is out of the question. Rooms are available from £150 a night, with 30 hotels within 5 miles of London’s centre.