Our recent babymoon at The Palmwood was undoubtedly one of the top three highlights of 2020. I can also confidently say that this Ryokan-style retreat sits atop our list of favorite places to stay in the entire world. It provided the perfect setting for Daniel and I to slow way down and reconnect with one another.
When it comes to where we sleep while traveling, we value authenticity, design, and privacy. The Palmwood knocked all three out of the park and we feel very fortunate that such an oasis exists here on island. The idyllic property boasts impressive valley views and equally as incredible hosts.
Here is our brief list of tips to make the most out of your babymoon (or anniversary trip and the likes) on Kaua’i.
1.Select your location based on your priorities. Choose West if you prefer the mountains–hiking on diverse terrains, sweeping views of the Waimea Canyon and the Napali, isolation from civilization. Choose South if you’re chasing the sun and looking to spend most of your time on the sand and in the sea. Choose Central/East if you want resort life and access to more amenities. Or choose North as we did to experience the essence of why Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island.
In fact, one of Daniel’s favorite things about the Palmwood was that he couldn’t see the ocean from anywhere on property. This meant that from morning to night we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of this Moloa’a valley–from the singing birds and rustling bamboo, to the howling winds and percussion of rainfall. I’d begin my mornings with a sunrise flow on the pool deck and we’d end our evenings with a dip in our private hot tub under the stars.
2.Plan to not plan, aside from dinner reservations (which we highly recommend). Try to see where each day takes you and if you don’t move much further than the hammock outside your bedroom, or the pool deck, then so be it. Daniel brought his ukulele and I brought a book but our priorities mainly consisted of spending as much time in bed as possible, lounging by the pool, and catching every sunset.
3.Eat well. Every morning we enjoyed fresh juice, hot tea, and a delicious breakfast at The Palmwood. Otherwise, we stuck to our favorite North Eateries listed below:
Snacks and Pick-Me-Ups: Hanalei Bread Company & Holey Grail Donuts
Lunch: Da Fazenda & Fresh Bite
Dinner: Bar Acuda & Palate Wine Bar
4.Focus on each other. Three (almost four) keiki later, we know how sacred it is to have solo time together. Try as hard as you can to turn off your work brains and your parent brains. There are no to-do or honey-do lists here. This is your time together, make every second count.
5.Document this special time by booking a Babymoon (or Lovers’) Session with Mallory Francks Photography. This is Mallory’s jam–she’s a professional at working with your comfort level to capture the passion between you and your partner. For our fourth and final pregnancy it was important to me have maternity photos of Daniel and I together. After all, it was our love that created this new life growing inside of me.
Pregnant or not, if you’re lucky enough to enjoy Kaua’i together, then it’s absolutely worth it to preserve these magical memories via photographs to admire forever and ever. We recommend scheduling this at least a day or two into your escape in order to catch yourselves in a more “settled into the zen of paradise” state.
Many thanks to our hosts Eddi and Steven for not only sharing their space with us, but welcoming us in as ‘Ohana. And mahalo nui to Mallory Francks Photography for capturing our love so well.