Wanted: caretaker for one. See: vacation, spa.

Every once in a while as parents we need a reminder to take care of ourselves. We spend our lives day in, and day out catering to our family’s needs in one way or another, not recognizing or taking a moment out of the day to devote to ourselves.

Planning vacations with family is a little deceiving in that way. At first, when we hear the word vacation, we jump, knowing that we’ll be able to spend quality time with family and maybe even get a moment to ourselves. What I have found as a mother of two very young children (and with another baby on the way), is that vacation is only such when the kids are happy and taken care of.

On a recent business trip to Los Angeles, I found myself alone in the gorgeous Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel) for three nights (the property boasts a swimming pool modeled after Sofia Loren’s Italian Villa. Need I say more?). While I didn’t have my own children with me, I did notice that there were many children floating about the property. This to me meant that even for a five-star hotel right off of Rodeo Drive, the accommodations at the hotel not only welcomed kids, but also treated them as the five-star guests that they are.

And the Beverly Wilshire even took pains to make sure my children weren’t forgotten. In my room I found two beautiful little backpacks and a set of bibs for our unborn baby waiting for me. They must’ve known that traveling alone isn’t really my favorite thing to do, as I always miss my children terribly. The staff made sure that I had some fun little gifts to bring back to my kids when I returned home.

Traveling alone isn’t always so bad, though. Mothers — especially pregnant mothers —need to take time out of their busy schedules to pamper themselves a bit. I firmly believe that a happy, relaxed mother is a more patient mother. The Beverly Wilshire has a truly fantastic spa on its property, one that not only offers maternity massages and amazing facials, but also a package for children (this past summer) called “Alice in BW Land,” where children could receive a variety of treatments, complete with special treat of cupcakes and tea afterwards.

I was astounded by the serenity and luxury at the spa at the Beverly Wilshire. I left after having an amazing facial and maternity massage feeling like a brand new human being… Not an easy feat when you’re six months pregnant. I loved my facial so much, that I brought home the moisturizer used, and now apply every single day. The effects are lasting, and it makes me feel like I’m pampering myself even for just a moment every morning — which, in my book, is very necessary.

Jessica blogs at Mommasgonecity.com.