Zika virus fear: safe babymoon winter sun destinations

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. 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.

Riad al Moussika is a jewel-box mansion that combines the best Moroccan craftsmanship with Art Deco style

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.

2. 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.

The UK winter is the perfect time to visit Cape Town

Base yourself at the luxurious Ellerman House, which offers low-key glamour and spectacular sea views from Bantry Bay. Rooms from £301.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Update: An earlier version of this article included the Maldives as a safe destination for pregnant women. At the time of publication, there had been no confirmed cases of the Zika virus contracted in the Maldives. Since publication, officials from the World Health Organisation have been conducting tests to determine whether a retrospectively reported case from a Finnish man last year could be linked to Zika. As a precaution, we have therefore removed the Maldives from the list of safe places for a Babymoon, although the FCO is still not advising against travel to the area.