It was 3 a.m. when I woke the kids, wrapped them in blankets, and drove up Haleakalā in the dark. When the sun finally broke over the clouds, their faces lit up, and I knew we’d made the right call bringing them.
Luxury, our way
When most people hear “luxury travel,” they picture an adults-only resort and a quiet dinner for two. I love those trips too. But some of our very best memories have come from traveling as a family, imperfect moments and all.
Our normal life is busy. My daughter dances competitively and my son plays football, baseball, and tennis year-round, so most of our nights and weekends are practices and games. Vacation is the one time we all slow down. We linger over breakfast, wander without a plan, and actually get to be together.
“But they won’t even remember it”
I hear this all the time, and honestly, they might not. I don’t remember every trip from when I was little either. But I remember how those early experiences felt, and I think that’s what stays with you.
Travel makes kids curious and confident. It teaches them to appreciate people who live differently than they do, and it shows them the world is so much bigger than their school and their schedule. Even when the details fade, the feeling stays.
“They may not remember the name of the volcano, but I’ll never forget their faces.”
Sunrise over Haleakalā
We set our alarms for 3 a.m., bundled up, borrowed blankets from the resort, and drove the dark, winding road to the summit. It was freezing and so quiet you wanted to whisper.
The kids were half asleep under their blankets when the first streak of gold hit the sky. Then they both went completely silent. Pure wonder.
That’s the moment I think about every time someone asks me if it’s worth bringing the kids. Every early alarm, every long flight, every detail. Worth it.
Why the right resort makes all the difference
A lot of people assume luxury resorts aren’t made for families. The best ones go out of their way to prove otherwise.
At Four Seasons Maui, my kids walked in to find their names spelled out in colorful bath letters and tiny robes and flip-flops waiting just for them. They were so proud. It felt like the whole trip had been planned around them.
Meanwhile, the grown-ups get great food, beautiful rooms, and service that takes the work out of the trip. You can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace knowing the kids are having just as good a time as you are.
What it actually feels like
Ocean views and breakfast on the balcony because no one’s in a hurry. The kids splashing in the pool while you finally sit down. Dinner where everyone is relaxed and actually present.
That’s what luxury family travel means to me. Not just where you stay, but how it feels to be there together.
ready to start dreaming?
Whether it’s your first big trip together or the next chapter in your story, I’d love to help you plan it.
With love for the art of travel,
Kristina