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| Photo by Freeimages.com/Carlo Ceruti |
Telegraph Travel, The Daily Telegraph, January 28, 2015
Pregnant women seeking winter sun, but put off from travelling to the Caribbean and Latin America over Zika virus fears, should consider these warm beach alternatives.
With the FCO warning pregnant women against travel to parts of South and Central America, including the Caribbean, affected by the mosquito-borne Zika Virus, couples may wish to look elsewhere for a safe, sunny babymoon destination.
Currently, cases of the virus have been reported in at least 23 countries – nearly all of them in tropical South America, extending into Central America and the Caribbean. Read the latest medical advice for travellers to the region.
Interactive: Where local transmission of Zika virus has been found - map Where can I go for a babymoon?
Here, we pick seven alternative winter sun destinations that would suit pregnant women in the next few months. Be sure to read this travel health advice for babymooners - and don't forget to enjoy your time together.
1. Maldives
The Indian Ocean’s most celebrated cluster of islands has left its rainy season (May-November) and the sun in its full glory.
Luxury specialist Scott Dunn (020 3553 7422; scottdunn.com ) offers holidays at the five-star Soneva Fushi resort – a collection of villas in the remote Baa Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane hop from the capital Malé. Here, you can snorkel above the house reef, and gaze at the heavens from the hotel’s observatory. A seven-night stay in February (high season) costs from £5,290 per person, including flights, transfers and breakfast.
• Maldives from the sky: spectacular drone footage
2. Marrakesh
Enjoy a bit of culture along with the sun in Marrakesh - a great alternative for couples who get itchy feet on a beach or for those who don’t wish to travel too far from Britain.
With temperatures in the low 20s in the next few months, you’ll have plenty of time to relax. We recommend staying at Villa des Orangers, which has two pools, lovely gardens, and romantic rooftop dining. Rooms from £310 per night. Or stay at one of Marrakesh's top 10 most romantic hotels.
3. Cape Town
Possibly Africa’s most picturesque city, Cape Town is at its best during the Southern Hemisphere summer – but, cooled by Atlantic winds, rarely overheats. Also, for women already suffering from interrupted sleep thanks to pregnancy, at least it's in the same time zone.
Base yourself at the luxurious Ellerman House, which offers low-key glamour and spectacular sea views from Bantry Bay. Rooms from £301.
4. Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands is a dependable sunspot, whether you opt for the Spanish ambience of its north-easterly capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife or the amusements of the beach resorts on its south and west coasts. It's also a great destination for all-inclusive hotels, for those on a strict budget. See a pick of our favourite all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife.
5. Seychelles
This chain of Indian Ocean islands feels like a lost world - all lush tropical foliage and glamorous remoteness. It is renowned as a honeymoon haven – but will do just as well for babymoons. North Island hotel is the definition of laid-back luxury and the lucky guests in its 11 island villas have included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prices are from £2,000 per night. If that price tag puts you off, here are other Indian Ocean hotels worth considering.
This article was written by Telegraph Travel from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
