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Tucson, AZ – July 22, 2025 – Amidst an overcast Arizona sky, a 26-weeks pregnant woman found herself aiming an arrow at a sticky note reading “strength” and “self confidence” during a “Way of the Archer” activity at Miraval Arizona, a wellness resort. This experience was part of a hybrid couples-retreat babymoon, an evolving tradition for expectant parents.
A Unique Babymoon in the Desert
The term “babymoon” was first coined by anthropologist Sheila Kitzinger in 1994. While initially referring to the post-birth bonding period, it has evolved into a pre-arrival celebration for parents-to-be. For one couple, this meant trading a typical beach escape for a desert retreat focused on wellness and connection.
Miraval Arizona, which opened in Tucson in 1995, is known as a “gateway drug” to wellness travel. Its clientele has included notable figures like Oprah Winfrey. The resort offers 146 casita-style accommodations, with nightly rates starting at $1,299, which includes meals and most activities.
The resort’s activities cater to physical, mental, and even metaphysical well-being. The couple’s personalized itinerary included a mix of shared experiences and individual pursuits.
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The three-night stay began with a tour and dinner at the resort’s Cactus Flower restaurant, followed by massages at the Life in Balance Spa.
Day two featured an archery class where the couple honed their skills. Afterward, the pregnant partner experienced Prenatal Aqua Zen, a private session in an empty pool that fostered a profound connection with her unborn daughter.
Did you know? Wellness travel, while aiming for calm, can sometimes lead to unintentionally humorous moments, as seen in popular shows like “The White Lotus” and “Nine Perfect Strangers.”
A humorous mix-up occurred when the participant mistakenly joined a “Yoga for Grief” session instead of a targeted glute workout. The shared laughter over this faux pas highlighted the couple’s connection.
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The final day included an early morning birdwatching excursion, a popular “Wings of the Southwest” session. This was followed by an equine therapy session where the couple learned about communication and personal boundaries through interacting with horses.
One participant discovered a tendency towards people-pleasing when hesitant to clean a horse’s hoof, learning to assert her boundary without negative consequence.
The couple also observed communication dynamics when a horse didn’t respond to a request, learning the importance of trying again rather than offering comfort.
The retreat concluded with reading, a close encounter with a baby Western diamondback rattlesnake, and relaxing facials at the spa.
Final Reflections on the Babymoon
Returning home, the participant felt a mix of relief and a slight sadness at ending travel for her pregnancy. With her third trimester approaching, the focus shifted to nesting.
The physical demands of pregnancy were becoming apparent, with backaches and swollen feet signaling a need to slow down. Despite the fatigue, the experience provided valuable bonding time.
The archery and equine therapy sessions were particularly impactful. Miraval’s phone-free policy in many areas encouraged greater presence, allowing the couple to connect more deeply.
Unplugged, they shared hopes and anxieties about parenthood, finding comfort in both conversation and shared silence, preparing for the joyous noise of a new baby.
