In the beginning of April, my husband, Jimmy, and myself took an opportunity to take a baby moon. This pregnancy has been so different than my first. When I was pregnant with Noah, we were hustling hard to save money, pay down student loans, and we allowed this goal to overwhelm us. During this second pregnancy, I was determined to invest more in self care, my health, and time with my husband before baby boy #2 makes his arrival.
We chose a little baby moon getaway weekend at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. After a crazy pandemic year with my husband losing his job, moving across the country for a new job, launching my online business, and getting pregnant with baby #2…we were in much need of a little time to ourselves to reset.
Just getting in the car and driving a couple hours north from our hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan to Traverse City aka “wine country” of Michigan was restorative! Yes, Michigan DOES have wine country and NO I did not drink any wine!
Being pregnant, safety was of course a concern for us. From the moment we walked in to Grand Traverse Resort we could tell they were taking pandemic precautions seriously. The hotel was clean, there were touch-free temperature check points, and masks were enforced.
While we didn’t drink wine, we did partake in soaking up the beautiful views of Grand Traverse Bay. This was our first time away from our two year old and I forgot what it was like to soak in a quiet morning, drink a cup of coffee, and find peace in nature.
Later in the morning, we headed down the tower to the Spa Grand Traverse which is listed among the Top 100 spas of America. I had an amazing prenatal massage (yes, they have the prenatal pillow that allows you to lay on your back) and my husband experienced his first facial. We were offered organic loose leaf tea, robes, slippers, and were able to relax in the lounge area before and after our spa sessions. I highly recommend their mom to be package!
We finished our Saturday with a 3-course meal at the Aerie Restaurant & Lounge on the 16th floor of the resort which boasts 360-degree views of Northern Michigan. From our seats you could see the Grand Traverse Bay and the resort’s Golf course.
Hubs Does this dress hide my pregnancy exhaustion? Aerie Restaurant. These windows though!
Their top floor restaurant, Aerie, is a four-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner. I can see why after we both enjoyed our meals. I was impressed with their gluten free options and ease of modifications for my dietary preferences. Tables were spaced out and socially distanced which led for a more intimate and romantic dining experience…something we hadn’t experienced in over two years!
Roasted Beets Chicken Karrage Salmon
For our starters we ordered Chicken Karrage and Roasted Beets. This preggo mama loved the ginger and garlic combo of the Chicken! For my main dish I ordered Salmon and was able to substitute in a mashed potato to keep the meal gluten free.
Amenities
They also offer 3 golf courses, shopping within the resort, and the only axe-throwing lanes in Northern Michigan if that’s your thing! We definitely plan on returning in the future either alone or when our boys are a little older and can enjoy the fun and games!
The Rooms at Grand Traverse Resort
The 900-acre property has almost 500 rooms with several different types of rooms. I think the tower rooms have the best view of the bay. We stayed on the 15th floor of the tower and the view was stunning! It’s hard for the pictures to do it justice.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Property and Location
The 900-acre Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is situated in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower
Peninsula along the shores of Lake Michigan’s East Grand Traverse Bay. Just six miles northeast of
Traverse City, Michigan, the Resort is a ten-minute drive from Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport
(TVC).
Traveling Around
The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is less than a 15 minute drive to downtown Traverse City. We ate lunch at the Little Feet and splurged on huge servings of ice cream at Milk & Honey. In the afternoon, we drove to Old Mission Point Park which was about 25 minutes from the resort. At this point you can see both arms of the Grand Traverse Bay. We walked the sandy shores and even took some time to stretch and exercise together!
I know this past year has been hard on all of us as moms. Depending where you are living, it can be very hard to take a weekend getaway due to restrictions. If you live in the Michigan area and are anticipating a new baby, a new life event, or simply need to recharge with your husband or partner, consider the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa for your next getaway!
From your girl on the internet that cares about your motherhood journey,
xo, Dr. Betsey
Recent Comments