Travel

Our excitement commenced the moment we spotted the seaplane adorned with a painted sea turtle, arguably the most aesthetic transport in the Maldives. Six Senses Laamu’s private seaplane glided through clear blue skies, carrying us towards paradise and offering glimpses of tiny islands and endless turquoise along the way. We arrived to impossibly blue water, beaming smiles and a villa straight out of a beach aficionado’s dream.

Our Two-Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool was everything we could have wanted for a family stay: spacious bedrooms, beautiful indoor-outdoor living, our own private pool and the ocean just steps away. There was even an upper treetop deck overlooking the island. Mornings often began by jumping straight into the water, while bicycles became our preferred mode of transport, cycling barefoot along sandy jungle paths to breakfast and around the island. Our GEM, Six Senses’ version of a private butler, was incredible throughout, somehow always appearing exactly when we needed something and making every aspect of our stay feel completely effortless.

The kids particularly loved cycling to ICE, the resort’s ice cream and chocolate studio, where unlimited scoops are complimentary for all guests throughout the day. With dozens of homemade flavours to work our way through, including plenty of unusual combinations alongside the classics, a bike ride for “just one scoop” quickly became part of our daily routine.

Food was a huge part of our stay. Breakfast overlooking the ocean became a leisurely morning ritual, complete with fresh juices, health elixirs, Maldivian dishes, charcuterie, à la carte favourites and a pancake station where the team created manta rays and turtles for the kids. We loved poolside pizzas at Sip Sip and long lunches at Chill Bar, while evenings became more elevated. Leaf, perched above the organic garden and reached via a suspended bridge, was beautifully romantic, while Teppanyaki combined sunset views, incredible steak, lobster and sake with a brilliantly entertaining chef who even brought River into the performance.

Then there was the beautiful jungle spa, where treatment nests seem to disappear amongst the tropical greenery. It offered exactly the kind of peaceful escape you want in the Maldives, and a wonderfully indulgent contrast to our otherwise very active days of cycling, swimming and exploring.

But it was what lay beneath the water that really captured us.

Laamu’s lagoon is filled with marine life, with extensive protected seagrass meadows providing an important habitat for green sea turtles. Ever and River could snorkel directly from our villa, and we saw turtles so frequently that spotting one swimming below us somehow became part of everyday island life. Another favourite ritual was lunch at the overwater Chill Bar followed by masks and fins on and straight into the house reef from the deck.

At the heart of the resort’s conservation work is SHELL, the Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu, home to interactive exhibition spaces, research facilities and the work of the Maldives Underwater Initiative. For River, our resident marine-life obsessive, this was heaven, but Ever became equally captivated.

They spent an afternoon taking part in Junior Marine Biology and it became one of the defining memories of our trip. River learned how researchers can identify individual turtles using the unique pattern of facial scutes, almost like a turtle fingerprint. It wasn’t simply something he learned and forgot either. Since then, he has been photographing the faces and shells of turtles we encounter and sending the images to the Olive Ridley Project to help with identification. Both kids returned from their afternoon bursting with things to tell us and are already determined that we need to come back so they can complete the full course next time.

That sense of discovery continues on land. At Earth Lab we learned more about sustainability and made our own body scrubs, while feeding the resort’s chickens reminded us of doing the same thing at Six Senses Samui. The fresh eggs even make their way to breakfast, another small connection between the island and what appears on your plate.

Six Senses Laamu was luxurious in all the ways you expect the Maldives to be, but what we loved most was how seamlessly that luxury existed alongside the natural beauty of the island. Nothing felt overly manicured or removed from its surroundings, yet every detail was quietly taken care of. The incredible team were a huge part of that, always ready with kind words, a smile or a helping hand, and somehow remembering the little things that made us feel completely at home. Ever and River became so comfortable that before long they were cycling around the island by themselves, navigating their way between ICE, the restaurants, SHELL and our villa, building their own relationships with the familiar faces they met along the way. For us, those moments became just as memorable as swimming alongside turtles, learning about conservation or watching another Maldivian sunset. Six Senses Laamu manages to feel both effortlessly luxurious and wonderfully natural, creating the kind of place where, very quickly, you stop feeling like guests and simply settle into island life.

Some resorts give you a beautiful holiday. Laamu gave us memories, curiosity and a reason to come back.

am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Set in the far north of the Maldives,  JA Manafaru feels like landing in a secluded paradise. The lush little island is surrounded by endless shades of turquoise, boasts decadent luxury villas, amazing dining, and a warmth that makes every guest feel at home.  There’s no better place to escape into tranquility with beautiful beaches, a vibrant reef and activities suitable for the whole family.

Our overwater villa was everything we love about a Maldives stay. Spacious and private, with our own infinity pool, a large deck and steps leading directly into the ocean, it was difficult to drag ourselves away. We spent mornings swimming and snorkelling straight from the villa, with a floating breakfast in our pool adding a little extra indulgence to island life.

There was also so much for the kids to do. Between watersports, tennis and the games room, our days were easily filled, but some of their favourite moments were the simplest. They loved painting their own mini acrylic canvases and visiting the island’s petting zoo, where the incredibly friendly bunnies were impossible to resist.

I loved the quieter side of JA Manafaru too. Hidden amongst the tropical greenery, Calm Spa Sanctuary feels completely removed from the rest of the world. Beyond indulgent treatments, there are some really interesting wellness experiences, including alchemy classes and sound healing, which made our time there feel even more special.

Food was another highlight. We loved relaxed lunches at Andiamo, especially their pizzas and panini, beautiful breakfasts and themed evenings at Kakuni, and alfresco dinners beside the ocean at Ocean Grill, accompanied by an excellent wine list.

More than anything, it was the warmth of the team that stayed with us. Everyone we met was genuinely welcoming and thoughtful, creating the kind of relaxed, personal atmosphere that makes a family holiday feel effortless. Remote, beautiful and filled with memorable little experiences, JA Manafaru was a very special stop on our Maldives journey.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

The Standard Maldives one of our favourite island resorts mixing fun, luxury, and tranquility all on a picturesque white sand island.  We throughly enjoyed our second visit, feeling like a welcome home to paradise and a resort that’s just as welcoming and memorable as ever.

Our Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Private Pool was perfect for the four of us. We had so much space, two separate bedrooms and a large outdoor area with our own pool, but my favourite part was simply being able to walk straight from the villa onto the sand. Mornings could begin with a swim in the ocean, while afternoons were often spent dipping between the beach and our pool.

There was plenty to keep Ever and River entertained. We cycled around the island, played tennis and pool, kayaked across the lagoon and spent time around the huge main swimming pool. Some of our favourite memories, however, happened out at sea. We joined both the nurse shark and turtle snorkelling excursions and seeing so many of these beautiful creatures in the wild was incredible. Evenings were fun too, with everything from traditional Maldivian dancing and a spectacular fire show to a surprisingly competitive family bingo night at the bar.

The overwater spa was my escape when I wanted something a little more indulgent. Alongside the treatments, there is a sauna, hammam and cold plunge, all in the most peaceful setting above the water.

Food was another highlight, with enough variety that we never felt bored during our stay. We loved discovering Maldivian flavours at Guduguda, sunset dinners and Mediterranean dishes at Onda, the constantly changing international spreads at Kula and easy lunches and drinks beside the pool at Joos Cafe. The all-inclusive package made everything feel wonderfully carefree, covering meals across the restaurants as well as drinks throughout the day. Ever and River quickly discovered the mocktails and milkshakes, while I was very happy to discover Champagne was included too. Even our minibar was part of the package.

What really stayed with us, though, was the warmth of the team. Our host seemed to reply to every message almost instantly and was always ready to arrange whatever we needed. That same friendliness followed us around the island, creating the kind of relaxed, personalised experience that makes a family holiday feel effortless.

The Standard Maldives manages to combine beautiful beaches and overwater indulgence with plenty of personality and fun. For us, it was a stay filled with ocean adventures, long pool days, wonderful food and those easy family moments that become some of the best memories of a trip.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

There are some places you visit and love, and others that somehow become part of your family’s story. Gili Lankanfushi has always been the latter for us. This was our fourth time returning to the island and, from the moment our boat pulled up to the familiar jetty, it genuinely felt like coming home to our little piece of paradise.

We know the sandy pathways, the beaches we love, the restaurants we look forward to returning to and that wonderful feeling of kicking off our shoes when we arrive and barely thinking about putting them back on again until it is time to leave. Gili’s “No News, No Shoes” philosophy is something we slip back into very easily. Within hours, we are barefoot, cycling around the island and completely back in the rhythm of Gili life.

We stayed in one of the unique Crusoe Villas for the ultimate castaway experience. The beautiful standalone overwater villas are located in the stunning turquoise lagoon offering privacy, tranquility, and luxury in one of the Maldives’ most sought after accommodation options.  Your Ms Friday or a boat is only a call away, ensuring you have peaceful surroundings but quick access to service and five star facilities. We had so much space to spread out, with our overwater deck becoming one of our favourite places to spend time together. Some mornings we stayed right there for breakfast, while on other days we headed to the beachfront restaurant beneath the palms. We did the same with lunch, alternating between lazy meals on our deck and heading out to the Overwater Bar depending on our mood.

Days at Gili never need much planning. We cycled everywhere, swam from the beach, explored the reef and spent time at the gorgeous overwater spa. Ever and River also had tennis lessons with the resident tennis pro, and we could see how much they both improved even during our stay.

But it is often the smaller experiences that become the memories we talk about afterwards. We loved our chocolate tasting, while one afternoon our Ms Friday took Ever and River for their very own buggy driving lesson, eventually presenting them with Gili driving licences. They were, understandably, extremely proud.

Perhaps my favourite memory from this trip, though, happened back at our villa. The team set up a proper bed on our rooftop terrace so Ever and River could sleep outside beneath the stars. Watching them settle into bed with the Maldivian night sky above and the ocean surrounding them was one of those wonderfully simple moments that felt completely magical. It is something I know they will remember long after the holiday itself.

Food has always been another part of Gili we love. Breakfast remains one of the best resort breakfasts we have experienced, with everything from fresh sashimi and Maldivian dishes to pastries, health elixirs and made-to-order Nutella crêpes. Our evenings took us from Japanese food at By the Sea to the atmospheric Asian Street Market and a brilliant Brazilian Churrascaria Night over the water. Each experience felt completely different, yet still unmistakably Gili.

I love that our children have grown up a little between each stay, this place imprinted into the years of their childhood. We know where we are going when we jump on our bikes. We have favourite places to swim, favourite tables and little routines that immediately return as soon as we arrive.

There are many beautiful resorts in the Maldives, but for us Gili Lankanfushi has become something more personal. It is barefoot luxury without ever feeling overly polished or formal, a place where the days feel wonderfully unhurried and where some of our favourite family memories have been made.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

There is always that little rush of excitement when you first spot your Maldivian island in the distance, surrounded by endless shades of turquoise. At Grand Park Kodhipparu, we arrived to the smiling faces of the team waving us hello before being whisked straight to our Overwater Pool Villa. Stepping out onto our deck, with the house reef just below and nothing but blue stretching out ahead of us, the temptation was impossible to resist. Within minutes of checking in, we had changed into our swimsuits and jumped straight into the ocean.

Our villa sat directly alongside the house reef, with a private pool, spacious deck and steps leading into the lagoon. The reef drop off was incredibly close, making it so easy to snorkel whenever we wanted. The kids loved discovering the colourful marine life beneath the surface and were especially excited when we spotted dolphins swimming right past our villa.

The ocean became a huge part of our days. River, our budding marine biology lover, was completely captivated by the marine life talk and guided snorkel with the resident marine biologist. Exploring the reef while learning about the different species and ecosystem was easily one of his favourite experiences. The kids also loved taking the pedalo across the lagoon, while our sunset cruise gave us the most beautiful views of the island as the sky turned pink and gold.

There were plenty of indulgent moments too. A floating breakfast served in our private pool was such a fun way to start the day, surrounded by nothing but ocean views. We also escaped to the beautiful overwater spa for some of the best massages of our trip. Suspended above the lagoon, it was an incredibly peaceful place to switch off for an afternoon.

Food was another highlight. We quickly fell into a routine of leisurely lunches at Breeze, alternating between alfresco tables and idyllic cabanas with tacos, salads, pizzas, fresh juices and cocktails. Edge was perfect for breakfast and relaxed dinners, with constantly changing buffets, fantastic curries, fresh seafood and live cooking stations. Firedoor offered a more elevated dining experience, set entirely overwater with glass floor panels and nets suspended above the lagoon. Beautiful seafood, grilled meats and an excellent wine list made it perfect for a special evening.

What I loved most about Grand Park Kodhipparu was how naturally everything flowed. Our days were filled with snorkelling, long lunches, pristine beaches, spa treatments and spectacular sunsets, but there was never any need to rush. For us, the combination of a beautiful villa, incredible marine life and experiences the kids genuinely loved made it a very special family stay.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

A family ski holiday in Niseko has become one of our favourite ways to experience winter in Japan, and Hinode Hills places you right in the heart of Niseko Village. Surrounded by Hokkaido’s beautiful snowy landscape and sitting directly beside the slopes, it’s a brilliant base for days spent skiing together, cosy evenings indoors and those incredible Mount Yotei views that never seem to get old.

We stayed in a Two Bedroom Suite, which gave us exactly the kind of space we love when travelling as a family. Both bedrooms have their own bathrooms, while the separate living and dining area creates a cosy place to come together after skiing. The kitchen is fully equipped, making longer stays particularly comfortable, and having our own washing machine and dryer was invaluable with endless layers of ski clothes. Best of all were the floor-to-ceiling windows looking towards Mount Yotei, making the snowy landscape part of the experience even when we were tucked up inside.

The ski-in ski-out setting is one of Hinode Hills’ biggest draws. We could step out and spend the day exploring the slopes of Niseko Village, while the ski valet takes care of equipment between ski sessions.

Back at the hotel, we loved warming up in the Japanese onsen after long days outdoors. It quickly became one of our favourite parts of the daily routine.

Food is equally memorable. Zento is a lovely choice for dinner, with dishes centred around seasonal Hokkaido produce, but our favourite family experience was having shabu shabu served privately in our suite. Sitting around a steaming hot pot together while surrounded by the snowy Niseko landscape felt wonderfully cosy.

Spacious, beautifully designed and perfectly positioned for the slopes, Hinode Hills is a wonderful choice for a family ski stay in Niseko.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

There are some hotels we visit once and remember fondly, and others that become part of our family traditions. Hilton Niseko Village is firmly in the latter. We have returned year after year for our winter snow holidays, and every time we arrive, it feels wonderfully familiar.

Set at the base of Niseko Annupuri, one of the biggest reasons we love staying here is the ski-in, ski-out location. Niseko’s powder snow really is as good as everyone says, and having the slopes right outside makes family ski days incredibly easy. We love the hotel’s ski valet service, easy parking, and seamless service ensuring we always have a fuss free stay.

The guestrooms are cosy and comfortable, and we can’t get enough of  the Mt Yotei views. Waking up, pulling back the curtains and seeing that iconic snow-covered peak in the distance never seems to get old. Another highlight is the tranquil onsen, access to the restaurants and shops of Niseko-Yo and the kids love sledding and playing on the snow covered grounds. A free shuttle is available daily allowing you to explore beyond Niseko Village.

Food is delicious from relaxed lunches at Ezo Pub featuring views of the captivating slopes or breakfasts and dinners at Melt’s generous buffet, perfect after a full day in the snow.

After coming back year after year, Hilton Niseko Village has become one of those places that instantly feels like part of our family winter. And every time we leave, we already know we will want to come back.

Powder Paradise Ski Package

For the upcoming ski season, Hilton Niseko Village’s Powder Paradise Ski Package makes a family snow holiday even easier to organise. The package combines accommodation with breakfast and skiing, with the current offer available for stays until 14 March 2027 and bookable until 13 March 2027.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ctsnvhi-hilton-niseko-village/offers/

Our recent London stay took us to Hyatt Regency London Olympia, a contemporary new hotel in West London and part of the transformation of the historic Olympia district. With the neighbourhood evolving into a destination for dining, entertainment and culture, it feels like an exciting time to discover this part of the city.

Travelling as a family of four, we stayed in connecting rooms, which gave us exactly the balance we look for when travelling with older children. There was plenty of space to spread out, while still feeling connected as a family, and the rooms themselves felt fresh and modern with calming interiors, comfortable beds and all the little details needed for an easy London stay.

One of the highlights was the service. From arrival onwards, the team were incredibly warm and welcoming, making the hotel feel relaxed despite its polished, contemporary setting.

Mornings started with breakfast at Idalia, the hotel’s restaurant, where we could linger over a generous breakfast before heading out for the day. We also returned for dinner, trying everything from Korean fried chicken and steak tartare to lobster linguine, lemon sole and a seriously indulgent Wagyu burger.

The location worked particularly well for us. Holland Park and Kensington are within easy reach, with Notting Hill, Kensington High Street and Westfield also nearby for shopping and exploring.

For families looking for a modern West London base with spacious connecting accommodation, great service and easy access to some of our favourite London neighbourhoods, Hyatt Regency London Olympia is a lovely new addition to the city.

London has no shortage of beautiful five-star hotels, but The Hari manages to feel a little more intimate. Tucked away on a quiet street in Belgravia, it has the polish of a luxury hotel while retaining the warmth and personality of a stylish private residence.

With just 85 bedrooms, including 14 suites, the hotel feels wonderfully boutique. Interiors mix rich velvets, bespoke furnishings, contemporary art and striking marble bathrooms, creating spaces that are luxurious and geared towards comfort.

For our family stay, we had a suite with a connecting room and absolutely loved the set-up. Having two separate sleeping spaces and bathrooms gave us so much room to spread out, while the connecting door meant we could still feel completely together as a family. It offered that rare combination of space and privacy that becomes increasingly important when travelling with older children.

Dinner at Il Pampero was another highlight. The hotel’s Italian restaurant has a glamorous yet relaxed atmosphere, and we loved settling in for a long dinner without having to leave the property. Our meal included everything from crispy courgettes and grilled prawns to beautifully creamy cacio e pepe prepared tableside in a Pecorino wheel, followed by tiramisu finished at the table.

The Belgravia location is another huge draw. Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are all within easy reach, while the surrounding streets are made for wandering, shopping and stopping at cafés.

Most memorable, however, was the service. Warm, personal and genuinely welcoming, The Hari felt like a little sanctuary in one of our favourite corners of London.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

There are few places that feel quite as quintessentially London as Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Hidden down a quiet street between Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, this historic property feels wonderfully tucked away despite being right in the middle of some of the city’s most iconic sights.

Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the hotel occupies a Grade II-listed building with more than 1,000 years of history woven into its story. Once connected to Scottish royalty and later home to the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, its past is subtly referenced throughout the interiors. Curated British artwork, bespoke furnishings and unexpected details give the hotel plenty of personality without ever feeling overly themed.

Accommodation ranges from elegant king and twin rooms to family rooms, characterful suites and an expansive two-bedroom suite. For something particularly special, there is also a private two-bedroom Georgian townhouse adjoining the hotel, spread across five floors and offering a more residential London experience.

We also loved being able to stay in for dinner at The Parlour. This elegant all-day dining lounge has a relaxed atmosphere that works beautifully after a busy day exploring London. The menu focuses on refined modern British flavours, accompanied by crafted drinks and the warm, attentive service we experienced throughout our stay. It feels sophisticated enough for a special dinner while still being comfortable and welcoming for families.

Location is perhaps the hotel’s greatest luxury. Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Big Ben, Westminster and the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square can all easily be explored on foot, while Covent Garden is close enough for an afternoon of shopping and wandering.

For us, Great Scotland Yard captures so much of what we love about staying in London: history, character, exceptional service and the freedom to step outside and immediately start exploring.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.