Having just won the Retail Entrepreneur of the Year award, our Founder & CEO, Eshita headed to her Babymoon in Lake Como, Italy. If you're familiar with our founding story, Eshita came up with the idea for By Rotation on her honeymoon in 2019.
7 years later, she revisited the romantic and idyllic Lake Como to reconnect and recharge before growing her family.
Scroll to read about her stay at Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, Lake Como and ideas for what to rent.
Why did you choose Lake Como for your Babymoon?
We had visited 11 years ago as a young couple, it felt like the right spot to revisit before we grow our family. It was also a convenient travel destination given my pregnant state.
Where did you stay, and what made it feel Babymoon-worthy?
We stayed at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como’s grandest five-star hotel, for 3 nights in the JFK Suite — the same suite where President Kennedy once stayed. Adorned with marble columns, soaring ceilings, and stunning lake views, it felt incredibly romantic and indulgent. The separate living area with silk-covered armchairs added an extra touch of style and spacious comfort.
How did you spend your time?
We spent our days sunbathing by the newly refurbished pool and beach club, enjoying a pregnancy massage at the hotel spa, and eating very well at the hotel’s’ two restaurants La Goletta and Mistral. A private boat tour to Villa Melzi Gardens was a must and wandering through Bellagio for a slow afternoon of gelato and discovering local artisans.
How did you plan your Babymoon rentals?
I turned to Pinterest for Lake Como inspiration and immediately loved the timelessness of the destination for our Babymoon. The moodboard was set and so began the visualisation and romanticisation. I started saving all the potential rental items and created a spreadsheet to match my itinerary – so as to pack as efficiently as possible (I take a lot of pride in using everything I bring with me on a trip).
What’s your one non-negotiable tip for doing a Babymoon properly?
Book and rent outfits that make you feel good about yourself. It’s an overwhelming time, and this trip will be one you’ll remember. Make it about yourself, the staff at Villa Serbelloni certainly did!
Any pieces that became heroes of the holiday?
1. A low-waisted skirt from a Danielle Guizio white co-ord I rented - I reused it multiple times
2. A white With Nothing Underneath linen boyfriend shirt
3. Chanel white bag which I rented 3 years ago also, very easy to wear with all outfits, day and night
What did travelling while pregnant teach you about slowing down?
Trips can just be for eating, drinking and soaking in the culture by observing. I don’t need to climb hills and mountains and jump off rocks to feel like I’m part of Italian living!
What were the standout spots you couldn’t stop sending to the group chat?
Our room, the poolside and the very Instagrammable Moorish kiosk in Villa Melzi which had a queue for photo-taking!
Your bump style on this trip was immaculate. How did you approach dressing for Lake Como?
As we aren’t fully into summer yet and I’ve not wanted to zero into any particular colour for my pregnancy, I opted for neutrals and understated pieces that would complement my bump elegantly. I guess you can call it the old money aesthetic! I decided to go up by 1-2 sizes, which actually opened up so many rental options on the By Rotation app that are otherwise not for me.
Any unexpectedly perfect Babymoon moments — the kind you know you’ll think about once the baby’s here?
The kindness of all the staff at Villa Serbelloni, they really made me feel special and looked after my well-being. They were so happy and excited for me, it made me feel less conscious, being the clumsy pregnant woman I am now!
Head to the By Rotation app now to rent your maternity-friendly dresses for less.
