Babymoon destination: Just relax in the Hudson River Valley
Soon you’ll be busy ’round the clock taking care of a tiny person’s every need, but until that time comes, why not set aside a few days for taking care of no one but yourself? Let your worries about becoming a new (or new again) mom dissipate—even if only for a long weekend—which should be easy in a luxurious hideaway that encourages visitors to slip away from the world and unwind. Whether you relish a prenatal rubdown or a slow stroll through the orchards, you and your partner will head home feeling refreshed and ready to meet parenthood head on.
Stay
Once you check in at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, you won’t want to leave— and truth be told there’s no reason to. The 70-acre estate is home to everything you’ll need for a tranquil escape, including a 10-room inn (plus eight private cottages), restaurant, spa and farm. (Tip: The 1764 main house has complimentary Wi-Fi, but not all cottages do. So, unless you really want to unplug, ask before you book.)
For expectant parents, the inn offers a special babymoon getaway package that consists of a two-night stay, a 60-minute prenatal massage for mom, a detoxifying wrap for her partner and a poolside lunch for two. (Babymoon package from $924)
Do
Indulge in the spa’s full list of eco-friendly treatments, from massages and wraps to scrubs and facials—all of which use only naturally crafted and plant-based products. Even the sauna, steam room and pool are heated with solar and geothermal energy.
Between all the pampering, you can soak in the slower pace of life and surrounding nature by meandering the grounds of the estate. A network of trails promises stunning stretches of the Hudson River, serene ponds and blooming gardens. (Make it your goal to find the property’s namesake waterfall while you’re out and about.) Guests are also welcome to explore the 40-acre Millstone Farm, just across from Swan Pond. So don’t be shy about wandering through the orchards, aviary house and apiary. Pop by the livestock barn to say hello to the family of miniature donkeys and a herd of rescued alpacas.
Eat
Days at the inn begin with a breakfast of country favorites, like farm fresh eggs and buttermilk pancakes topped with locally grown peaches. For a healthy way to kick off your morning, try the “power plate,” which boasts quinoa, avocado and fresh veggies—topped with an egg. In the afternoon, guests are served herbal teas and coffees, complete with homemade baked goods, like scones, babka and carrot cake.
For dinner, head to Henry’s at the Farm where you’ll sit down to a meal of deliciously prepared ingredients sourced from local farms and artisan food purveyors. The restaurant prides itself on partnering with those who practice organic farming and humane animal husbandry. But the majority of its fresh produce, honey and eggs are from Buttermilk’s own Millstone Farm.
By Chantel Newton
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