luxuryfamilytravel

Two Jamaican Icons: Half Moon & Round Hill – Which Resort Fits Your Family?

October 22, 2025

When it comes to luxury family travel in Jamaica, two names consistently rise to the top: Half Moon and Round Hill. Both are legendary properties with decades of history, devoted followings, and that effortless Caribbean elegance that makes you forget about email the second you arrive. I recently had the privilege of experiencing both as a travel advisor, and I’m excited to share what makes each of these resorts so special for families.

Getting There

Half Moon sits in Montego Bay, just a quick 10-minute drive from the airport—which is clutch when you’re traveling with kids who’ve already asked “are we there yet?” seventeen times on the plane. The 400-acre estate hugs a pristine crescent-shaped beach (hence the name), and the property feels like its own self-contained village.

Round Hill is about 30 minutes west of Montego Bay in Hopewell, more secluded and perched on a hillside overlooking a stunning private cove. The drive gives you time to decompress and really feel like you’re escaping. Both locations offer that classic Jamaican beauty, but the vibe shifts based on how quickly you want to transition from airport to beach mode.

Accommodations for Every Family Style

Both resorts offer a range of options from traditional rooms to sprawling private villas, so let’s break down what you’re actually getting at each level.

Entry-Level Rooms & Suites

Half Moon’s Garden View and Oceanfront Rooms are traditional hotel-style accommodations—comfortable, well-appointed, and perfect for couples or families with one small child. They’re your classic resort room experience with all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury property.

Round Hill’s Pineapple House rooms are also the entry point, but with a key difference: they’re right on the beach. These oceanfront accommodations put you steps from the sand with elegant, classic Caribbean styling. The location alone makes them feel more special than a standard hotel room, and they work beautifully for smaller families who want that beachfront access without the villa price tag.

Stepping Up: Suites

If you need more breathing room, Half Moon’s one-bedroom suites give you a separate living area and significantly more square footage. Some overlook the ocean, others nestle into the gardens—it’s really about whether you want to fall asleep to the sound of waves or prefer a quieter retreat.

Round Hill’s Premium Oceanfront Suites offer more space and those jaw-dropping ocean views that make you want to camp out on your balcony. They strike that sweet spot between a standard room and a full villa commitment.

The Villa Experience

This is where both properties really shine, but in different ways.

Half Moon’s villas range from two to seven bedrooms and are scattered throughout the property. Many come with private pools, full kitchens, and dedicated staff. They maintain that connection to the resort—you can easily access all the amenities, restaurants, and activities—while still having your own private sanctuary. It’s perfect for families who want the best of both worlds, or for multi-generational groups and families traveling together who want to split costs.

Round Hill’s 27 hillside villas are something else entirely. Each one is privately owned and uniquely decorated (Ralph Lauren designed his own, if that gives you an idea of the caliber). They range from one to six bedrooms, all with private pools and personal staff who cook, clean, and basically ensure you never lift a finger. These villas offer total privacy and that home-away-from-home feeling, though you’re a short walk or golf cart ride from the beach. The individual character of each villa means no two stays are quite the same.

Family-Friendly Features and Activities

The approach to families differs beautifully between these two properties, and both work depending on what your crew needs.

Half Moon leans fully into the family-friendly experience with their Anancy Children’s Village—a supervised kids’ club complete with activities, a small pool, and programs designed to keep children happily entertained while parents sneak off for spa treatments or quiet beach time. There are bikes all over the property for you to grab and ride, an equestrian center offering horseback riding on the beach, and an extensive menu of water sports. Teens have plenty to keep them engaged too: beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, and enough happening that phones might actually stay in the room. The 400-acre property includes an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, world-class spa, multiple pools and tennis courts.. You genuinely never need to leave if you don’t want to.

Round Hill takes a quieter, more organic approach to family time. They have a small kids club. What you get is space and flexibility—those private villa pools are perfect for families who want to move through their days on their own schedule. The beach is calm and swimmable, ideal for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or just floating around. Round Hill offers tennis, pickleball, water sports, and a spa, plus they can arrange excursions like catamaran trips or visits to nearby attractions like Dunn’s River Falls. The intimate 110-acre property encourages you to slow down and be present with each other.

Both properties also offer cultural experiences that help families connect with Jamaica beyond the resort bubble. Half Moon has Jamaican cooking classes and reggae nights built into the property experience, while Round Hill can arrange more personalized cultural excursions based on your family’s interests.

Dining Options

This is another area where each resort’s personality really shows.

Half Moon gives you variety. The Sugar Mill Restaurant delivers fine dining in a restored 18th-century sugar mill (the setting alone is worth it), while Seagrape Terrace offers casual beachfront meals. There’s also an Italian restaurant, a jerk shack right by the beach, and in-villa dining for those nights when getting kids to a restaurant feels impossible. The range means picky eaters and adventurous foodies can both find their happy place, and you’re not eating the same thing every night.

Round Hill focuses on one exceptional restaurant—the Grill—which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced Caribbean cuisine. The menu changes regularly and the quality is consistently good. While some families might worry about limited options, it rarely feels repetitive. Plus, villa guests have the incredible perk of working with their personal staff to plan custom menus. Your villa chef cooks meals right in your kitchen based on what your family actually wants to eat, which completely changes the vacation dynamic—no negotiations with kids about restaurant behavior, no rushing through meals. Even if you’re staying in a Pineapple House room, the Grill’s quality means you’re not missing out on anything. Added bonus: 4:00pm afternoon tea with sandwiches and sweet treats!

The Vibe Check

Here’s what it really comes down to: both Half Moon and Round Hill deliver authentic Jamaican luxury, but the energy is different.

Half Moon feels like a destination unto itself—vibrant, active, with something for everyone at any given moment. It’s that resort where you can have a packed day or a lazy one, where kids can choose to have structured activities if you want them, and where you’re never wondering what to do next. The variety in accommodations, dining, and activities means it adapts beautifully to different family dynamics and trip styles.

Round Hill is about simplicity and presence. It’s intimate, refined, and designed for families who want to exhale and exist together without a packed agenda. The individually designed villas and personalized service create an experience that feels less like a resort stay and more like borrowing a friend’s incredibly beautiful Jamaican home—if that friend also happened to employ a private chef and housekeeper.

Planning Your Stay

I loved my time at both properties for different reasons, and I’m confident recommending either depending on what your family needs right now. Want to talk through which one fits your crew? Let’s hop on a call or email me. There’s nothing I love more than matching families with the perfect property.

A Hotel That Actually Welcome Toddlers (Even Without You!)

August 15, 2025

Finding a luxury hotel that will watch your 2-year-old while you enjoy a peaceful dinner seems impossible. Until now.

If you’ve ever tried booking a family vacation with children under 4, you’ve probably encountered the same frustrating reality: most “family-friendly” hotels draw a hard line at age 4 for their kids’ clubs. The unspoken message? Your toddler is welcome, but only if you’re watching them 24/7.

For parents dreaming of just a few hours of adult time during their vacation – whether it’s a romantic dinner, spa treatment, or simply lounging by the pool with a book – this policy feels like a cruel joke. But what if I told you there are actually hotels that will care for children as young as 6 months old?

The Game-Changer: Martinhal Family Resorts

When it comes to luxury family travel that truly accommodates babies and toddlers, one name consistently rises to the top: Martinhal. This Portuguese resort group has earned recognition as the No. 1 sophisticated family hotel brand in Europe, and for good reason – they’ve completely reimagined what family hospitality can look like.

Multiple Locations Across Portugal:

Martinhal Sagres – Nestled within a protected natural park in the Western Algarve, overlooking pristine Martinhal Beach
Martinhal Chiado – A rare cosmopolitan hotel in central Lisbon that combines full resort facilities with a prime city location
Martinhal Quinta – Set in the beautiful Algarve countryside
Martinhal Oriente – Modern riverside location in Lisbon

What Makes Martinhal Different

Age-Inclusive Kids’ Clubs: Here’s the story – Martinhal accepts children from 6 months to 17 years in their supervised kids’ clubs across all four properties! This isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s a genuine commitment backed by professional crèche services and specialized staff training.

The Kids’ Club Experience

What does it actually look like to drop off your 8-month-old at a luxury hotel? At Martinhal, it means:

Professional childcare staff trained specifically in early childhood development
Age-appropriate facilities designed for everything from tummy time to toddler exploration
Flexible scheduling with options for half-days, full days, or evening care
The Pyjama Club – evening childcare service that runs until 10 PM for those romantic dinners
Personalized baby concierge– Caters to families with infants and toddlers to provide personalized assistance, from baby gear rental to expert advice on childcare and family-friendly activities.

The pricing reflects the specialized service: around 27€ per session for children ages 6 months to 23 months, and 25€ for ages 4-13 during high season. It’s not cheap, but for parents who’ve been searching for this service, it’s priceless.

Accommodations Designed for Real Families

Martinhal’s innovation doesn’t stop at childcare. Their accommodations are purpose-built for families who understand that sharing a standard hotel room with two children is nobody’s idea of a vacation.

Room Options That Actually Work

Deluxe Family Rooms: Much larger than typical hotel accommodations, these rooms feature light wood and white furnishings that create a modern, airy feel. All rooms include sliding glass doors that open to balconies or terraces – crucial when you need outdoor space for energetic toddlers.

Connecting Rooms: Perfect for families with teens who need their own space, or parents who want to put young children to bed while still having adult space.

Bunk Bed Suites: Deluxe superior rooms come with built-in bunk beds that kids love and parents appreciate for the space-saving design.

Self-Catering Villas: Two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, living spaces, and daily maid service offer the best of both worlds – the independence of self-catering with luxury hotel amenities.

Design That Makes Sense

Everything about Martinhal’s design philosophy prioritizes family functionality without sacrificing style. There are giant trampolines for kids positioned directly adjacent to café-bars where parents can relax while maintaining sight lines. Restaurant dining areas include attached, Martinhal-staffed play areas. It’s thoughtful design that recognizes parents want to enjoy themselves too.

Other Options Worth Considering

While Martinhal leads the pack, a few other hotel brands offer limited options for very young children:

Club Med Resorts: Their Petit Club Med program accepts children ages 2-3 at select locations worldwide. Note that policies vary significantly by property.

Beaches Resorts (Caribbean): Some Beaches properties offer supervised childcare for toddlers through their specialized baby clubs and trained nanny services.

Select Four Seasons Properties: A handful of Four Seasons hotels offer supervised childcare for children under 4, though policies vary dramatically by location.

The Reality Check

Here’s what every parent needs to know: policies change, and what’s true at one property may not apply to another within the same brand. Always contact hotels directly to confirm their current age requirements and availability or you can work with me and I can ensure the many details, like this one.

Why This Matters

Finding quality childcare while traveling isn’t about being an absent parent – it’s about recognizing that rested, happy parents make for better family vacations. When parents have the opportunity to recharge, whether through a peaceful meal, spa treatment, or simply a few hours of adult conversation, everyone benefits.

Martinhal understands this philosophy and has built their entire brand around it. They’ve proven that luxury family travel doesn’t have to mean choosing between your children’s happiness and your own relaxation.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re ready to experience what luxury family travel can look like when a hotel truly welcomes your whole family, here’s what you need to know- and I can help with all of it:

Book early: These properties are popular, and spaces in kids’ clubs can fill up
Communicate your needs: Contact the resort directly about your children’s ages and any special requirements
Pack appropriately: Even with professional childcare, you’ll want familiar comfort items for your little ones
Set realistic expectations: While the childcare is excellent, very young children may need time to adjust

The Bottom Line

After years of family travel where “kid-friendly” meant little more than a shallow kids’ pool and chicken nuggets on the menu, discovering hotels that genuinely cater to families with very young children feels revolutionary. Martinhal has set a new standard for what luxury family hospitality can look like, and parents worldwide are taking notice and better yet you can travel to Portugal to experience it.

Your next family vacation doesn’t have to mean 24/7 child supervision. With the right resort choice, it can mean the kind of rejuvenating family time that leaves everyone happy, rested, and already planning the next trip.

Passport to Answers: How Do You Make Sure the Trip Has Something for Both Adults and Kids?

May 9, 2025

Part of my “Passport to Answers” series – answering the real questions you have about working with a travel advisor.

Welcome to another edition of “Passport to Answers,” my ongoing series where I tackle the questions you’re actually wondering about when considering whether to work with a travel advisor. If you’re following along on Instagram, you know I love diving deep into these topics because they matter to real families planning real trips.
Haven’t caught up on the series yet? Follow along on Instagram for weekly insights into family travel planning!

Today’s question is one that every parent has wrestled with when planning a family vacation. Can we really go on a vacation and the adults have as much fun as the children?!

Let’s be honest: planning a trip that keeps both adults and kids happy can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with no picture on the box. One minute you’re dreaming of sipping wine on a terrace, the next you’re wondering if the hotel even has chicken nuggets.

Here’s how I make sure everyone in your family gets something out of the trip — not just the kids, not just the grown-ups, but everyone!

I Ask the Right Questions Up Front

We’ll chat about what actually matters to your family. What makes your kids light up? What helps you unwind? Maybe you want beach time, but not every day. Maybe your kids love animals but hate long car rides. I ask the questions that help me plan something that feels like your trip — not just a copy-paste family package.

Balance is Everything

I mix the fun stuff for the kids with the good stuff for the adults. Think: a day of snorkeling and beach play, followed by a parents-only dinner while the kids are at a pizza-making class. Or a museum morning that ends with gelato in the piazza. No one feels like they’re sacrificing — everyone gets a win.

I Design With Real Life in Mind

I plan around naps, energy levels, and snack needs — because no one enjoys a trip where the kids are melting down by lunchtime and the parents are running on fumes. That means not overloading your days, choosing hotels with space to breathe, and building in time to actually relax.

Kid-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Kid-Centric

Yes, I find cool stuff for the kids — animal encounters, treasure hunts, beach clubs — but I also make sure adults are loving it too. Maybe it’s a vineyard with a petting zoo. A cooking class where everyone makes pasta. A guided walk where the kids are engaged and you’re not bored to tears. That’s the sweet spot.

And Yes, You Get Grown-Up Time Too

If you want a little adults-only time (and let’s be real, most parents do), I’ve got you. I work with hotels that have trusted childcare, kids’ clubs, or even just a private sitter — so you can sneak away for dinner or a spa treatment and know the kids are having fun too.

I design trips that feel good in the moment — not just great on paper. The kind where you’re not just managing your kids’ fun, but actually enjoying yourself, together.

Because the best family trips are the ones where everyone comes home with happy memories — not just the kids.

Let’s Chat

Let me take care of the details so you can focus on the excitement of your next family getaway! Ready to make some unforgettable memories? Get in touch, so we can start planning a trip that everyone in your family will actually enjoy — yes, even you!

☀️ From Backyard to Passport Stamps: Our Favorite Family Summer Getaways 🌎

May 3, 2025

Summer doesn’t need to be packed with theme parks or hours of screen time. Whether you’re looking for a quick trip close to home or something that requires passports and a little more planning, these destinations work especially well for families. Each spot on this list offers a practical mix of kid-friendly activities, has family-friendly, comfortable accommodations, and experiences that appeal to both children and adults. From kayaking off Catalina Island to walking the medieval streets of Prague, here are 12 summer trips that deliver—without overcomplicating your time off.

If you’re wondering which of these spots fits your family’s style—or which accommodations are actually comfortable for families—I’m happy to talk through it with you. Every family travels differently, and I can help narrow down the options based on what matters most to you: location, kids’ programming, space to spread out, or something unique you haven’t considered yet. Reach out anytime and let’s start planning something unforgettable.

1. Yellowstone National Park

For families looking to unplug and explore nature on a big scale, Yellowstone delivers. Ride horses through alpine meadows, try beginner-friendly fly fishing, and watch geysers erupt right on schedule. Evenings are best spent around the fire, whether you’re glamping or in a cozy cabin.

Why Go:
Yellowstone offers a mix of iconic scenery, hands-on outdoor experiences, and a real sense of space. Kids love spotting wildlife—bison, elk, and maybe even a bear from a safe distance—while adults enjoy the slower pace and wide-open skies.

Tip: Combine Yellowstone with nearby Montana and Grand Teton National Park. It’s a practical way to visit two stunning areas on one trip—without doubling your travel time.

2. Montana Mountains

Montana’s Big Sky region is ideal for families who like to stay active. You’ll find hiking trails, fly fishing spots, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking—all within reach of comfortable lodges or resorts. In the evenings, relax with a campfire or stargazing.

Why Go:
There’s plenty of space to explore and plenty of ways to do it, whether your kids are in strollers or strapping on helmets. It’s a summer destination that keeps everyone moving, but with enough downtime built in.

3. San Diego

This is one of those cities that checks a lot of boxes. Mornings at the zoo, afternoons on the beach, and casual dinners by the water are all part of a typical day. You can stay central for walkability or near the beach for more space and views.

Why Go:
The weather is consistently great, there are easy-to-reach attractions, and kids of all ages can find something to love—whether that’s Legoland, surf lessons, or tidepool exploring.

4. Catalina Island

A short ferry ride from the Southern California coast, Catalina has that “off-the-grid” feeling without requiring air travel. Families can kayak, snorkel, or take a ride in a semi-submarine. The car-free streets and slower pace make it easy to relax.

Why Go:
It’s a practical getaway with just enough adventure. You’re close to home, but it feels like a completely different place. Perfect for a long weekend.

Tip: Stay overnight to enjoy the island in the quieter early mornings and evenings. I can help you choose where to stay and how to get there.

5. Prague

From hilltop castles to puppet shows, Prague is full of things that capture kids’ attention. The city is walkable and affordable, and it’s easy to combine sightseeing with down time in parks or on river cruises.

Why Go:
Prague feels magical to kids and manageable for parents. The compact layout, low costs, and variety of attractions make it a great first European city—or a more relaxed alternative to the usual hotspots.

Tip: Pair it with Vienna or Budapest for a broader Central Europe experience. I can help plan the best route and transportation.

6. Costa Rica

Wake up to howler monkeys, zipline through the treetops, or explore tidepools at sunset. Costa Rica’s west coast blends adventure and relaxation, all in a destination that’s easy to navigate and full of friendly locals.

Why Go:
This is one of the best places to introduce kids to eco-travel. You don’t need to go far between experiences, and it’s a rare mix of low-key and high-impact fun.

Tip: Add time in Monteverde for a cloud forest experience—hanging bridges, butterfly gardens, and cooler temps. I can help create a route that balances beach and forest.

7. Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve region makes family travel feel simple. Resorts are designed with kids in mind, there are plenty of safe beaches, and the local food is approachable for even picky eaters.

Why Go:
It’s a relaxed, family-friendly destination with good infrastructure, great weather, and fewer crowds than other parts of Southern Europe.

Tip: Extend your trip beyond the Algarve. Whether you want vineyards, castles, or small towns, I can help map out where to go next—and how to get there comfortably.

8. Scotland

Countryside estates, archery lessons, castle visits, and wide-open landscapes—Scotland offers the kind of immersive, hands-on travel that keeps kids engaged. Rain or shine, there’s plenty to do.

Why Go:
Scotland works well for families with mixed interests: some outdoor adventure, some history, and enough comfort to make it a true vacation. It’s also a solid pick for multigenerational travel.

9. London

London’s blend of history, culture, and kid-friendly attractions makes it a strong option for families. You can visit the Tower of London in the morning and spend the afternoon in a playground or museum designed for children.

Why Go:
You’ll find everything from theater to science museums to afternoon tea—all within reach of reliable public transportation. It’s easy to customize based on your family’s energy levels and interests.

10. Copenhagen

With bike paths, clean parks, and interactive museums, Copenhagen is a great city for curious kids and relaxed parents. Tivoli Gardens and boat rides along the canal make it feel like a vacation—even while you’re learning something new.

Why Go:
It’s safe, organized, and easy to explore without a car. Kids are welcomed just about everywhere, and the mix of indoor and outdoor activities works in all weather.

Tip: Bike rentals with child seats or trailers let you see the city the way locals do. I can help organize those and suggest routes.

11. Roatán, Honduras

This lesser-known Caribbean island offers calm beaches, coral reefs, and a mellow vibe. It’s great for snorkeling, meeting sloths at animal sanctuaries, or just enjoying the beach without heavy crowds.

Why Go:
If you want a warm-weather escape that’s less commercial but still full of activities, Roatán is a solid pick. It’s accessible, especially from some U.S. cities, and still feels like a hidden gem.

12. Québec City, Canada

Walk cobblestone streets, hear French spoken around you, and visit cliffside forts or historic markets—all without crossing the Atlantic. Québec City is charming, compact, and full of seasonal events.

Why Go:
It’s ideal for families who want European-style travel without the long flight or jet lag. Bonus: great food, especially if your kids like crêpes or maple treats.

Tip: Add a couple days for nearby adventures like Montmorency Falls or Île d’Orléans. I can help arrange car rentals or drivers.

🌍 These destinations blend comfort and experience, so your family can make meaningful memories—without sacrificing relaxation or luxury. Whether you’re looking for beach time, city culture, or national park adventures, there’s something here for every kind of crew. Wherever you go, the real magic of summer travel is the time spent together ✨ I’m always excited to hear about families’ travel dreams—whether you’re just starting to think about it or ready to plan something unforgettable. No pressure at all—just a friendly chat to explore how I can help bring your ideal trip to life. Feel free to reach out anytime, and let’s start imagining the adventure together. You can email me here, send me a message on Instagram, or visit my website.