Skip to content
  • Destination
    • North America
      • Canada
        • Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
        • Whistler, British Columbia
      • U.S.A.
        • Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel
        • Cape Cod, MA
        • Cape May, NJ
        • Jackson Hole, WY
        • Kauai, HI
        • Lake George, NY
        • Lake Placid, NY
        • Orlando, FL
        • Santa Barbara, CA
        • Sedona & Scottsdale, AZ
        • Twin Farms, VT
        • Watch Hill, RI
        • Woodstock, VT
      • Mexico
        • Riviera Maya
    • Europe
      • Florence & Tuscany
      • Munich
      • Puglia
      • Rome
      • Sicily: Syracuse & Taormina
    • Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Middle East
      • Turkey: Istanbul & Cappadocia
  • Hotels
  • Guides
  • Services
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
FacebookPinterestInstagramEmail
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
Compass Roam
  • Destination
    • North America
      • Canada
        • Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
        • Whistler, British Columbia
      • U.S.A.
        • Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel
        • Cape Cod, MA
        • Cape May, NJ
        • Jackson Hole, WY
        • Kauai, HI
        • Lake George, NY
        • Lake Placid, NY
        • Orlando, FL
        • Santa Barbara, CA
        • Sedona & Scottsdale, AZ
        • Twin Farms, VT
        • Watch Hill, RI
        • Woodstock, VT
      • Mexico
        • Riviera Maya
    • Europe
      • Florence & Tuscany
      • Munich
      • Puglia
      • Rome
      • Sicily: Syracuse & Taormina
    • Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Middle East
      • Turkey: Istanbul & Cappadocia
  • Hotels
  • Guides
  • Services
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Posts Tagged ‘carmel-by-the-sea’

The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide to Highway 1: Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel

Big Sur Pebble Beach

So you want to take your family on a road-trip down the Pacific Coast Highway?  This ultimate family vacation guide along Highway 1 will help you plan for it — focusing specifically on the areas of Pebble Beach, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.     Why should you zero in on this stretch of the PCH?  Even…

Read More

Hi, I'm Jillian

Welcome to
Compass Roam!

Exclusive

Downloadable

Itineraries

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Submit

Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

GET ON THE LIST!
You will receive an email with sample itineraries for each destination featured on Compass Roam.  I'll also send occasional updates!

Latest
Destinations

Munich, Germany

Twin Farms, VT

Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

Follow Me

SAVE THIS IF YOU NEED A FAMILY VACATION IDEA FOR L SAVE THIS IF YOU NEED A FAMILY VACATION IDEA FOR LITTLE KIDS If you love luxury travel but have no idea where to take your kids—you just found your person. I’m Jillian, and it’s my job to scout out the best 5-star hotels for families. If you’re thinking, “Are the 5 star spots worth the splurge for little kids?” I’m a “Yes” all day long. Here’s why Traveling with kids isn’t always easy — but hotels that focus on stellar service and unforgettable amenities, can really make all the difference. Your trip will actually feel like a vacation if you know where to go. And that’s where I can weigh in. As a luxury travel advisor, I help parents find resorts that are actually worth the splurge, and if you book with me I can also ✨ Find you the lowest rate ✨ Daily breakfast for two
✨ $100 hotel credit
✨ Room upgrades when available 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫” 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 The hotel featured here? @fscostarica — one of my all-time favorites.
The service is fantastic, there is so much to do for all ages (both on and off property), the rooms are stunning, and the food is fresh, healthy and delicious. Bonus - it’s also really easy to visit from the States. 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 @𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 + 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. FAMILY VACATION | LUXURY FAMILY TRAVEL | BEST FAMILY RESORTS | COSTA RICA HOTELS | FOUR SEASONS PENINSULA PAPAGAYO
I was speechless when I saw this villa in Costa Ri I was speechless when I saw this villa in Costa Rica. 😎 As a mom of three little kids, I’m always looking for luxury hotels that ✅Work for multiple kids, across different ages ✅Have room options that offer space for everyone ✅Can accommodate multigenerational family dynamics The luxury villas in Costa Rica @fscostarica hit all of the above criteria and more! 
✨ Private pool overlooking Prieta Bay - we started every morning with a Pajama swim! ✨ Bunk beds - my kids squealed when they saw this and immediately started building forts ✨ Dedicated butler service - mom’s favorite part. IYKYK. Karim felt like family by the end of our trip and was always around to lend a helping hand. ✨ Baby amenities already stocked - diapers, wipes — all the bulky stuff I didn’t want to travel with ✨ Outdoor showers with ocean views ✨ Full kitchen, living area + media room for family downtime
✨ Access to all Four Seasons hotel amenities — two stunning beaches, family pools, kids club, 5 restaurants and more— all down the road. 
 This is the kind of setup that turns a family trip into an actual vacation. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 My clients receive exclusive perks like daily breakfast, resort credits, and priority upgrades. VILLA IN COSTA RICA | LUXURY FAMILY TRAVEL | BEST FAMILY RESORTS | FOUR SEASONS PENINSULA PAPAGAYO
Parents say this all the time to me — “We’ll Parents say this all the time to me — “We’ll wait until the kids are older to ‘do’ Costa Rica.” Ahhh! Here’s why I think that mindset misses what makes this destination so special. Costa Rica is rare bc you could visit 10 times and have 10 completely different trips. And in particular, @fscostarica is one of the best family resorts Costa Rica has to offer. This isn’t just another hotel with a nice beach and pool — though theirs are some of the best I’ve seen.. What makes this place stand out is how it grows with your family. Here’s what that looks like by age group: ☀️ AGES 0–2
Admittedly the baby is just along for the ride — but parents get a true vacation thanks to Four Seasons’ service. aOne afternoon my 4-month-old was fussy on the beach. A staff member started entertaining the baby so I could help the “big kids” That kind of intuitive care makes all the difference when traveling with infants. ☀️ AGES 2–4
The age of mini adventures! Shallow beaches, sand castles, kayaking, monkey-spotting tours, and even renting a boat to explore caves. ☀️ AGES 4–10
Time for bigger thrills: ziplining, ropes courses, surf lessons, rainforest excursions, river baths, horseback riding, sloth spotting, and authentic Costa Rican lunches. For downtime, the kids club is perfect. ☀️ AGES 10+
Older kids dive into mountain biking, advanced surf breaks, e-foil, jet skis, scuba, and volcano hikes off-property. PARENTS!
While kids are at the club or on an excursion, you can enjoy “day dates” — the spa, yoga with ocean views, coffee classes, or the adults-only pool. It’s rare to find a destination that truly works for every age and stage. But @fscostarica is one of the best family resorts in Costa Rica because it gives every generation something to love. My kids are already begging to go back! PLANNING A FAMILY TRIP TO COSTA RICA? When you book through me, you’ll get VIP perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, upgrades, and a team that takes amazing care of my clients. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲” 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝! BEST FAMILY RESORTS COSTA RICA | LUXURY FAMILY RESORTS | FAMILY TRAVEL
I’m always asked for easy family trip ideas – I’m always asked for easy family trip ideas – especially ones that are little kid friendly.   One of my top recommendations is always Costa Rica, and in particular the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo hotel.  Traveling to this country and this resort is much easier than most families realize.   𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 Here’s what our travel day to @fscostarica from NYC looked like with 3 little ones in tow.  Spoiler alert - we were on the beach by lunchtime 6:00am-depart for airport and check in (We did carry on for this trip and have @clear so it was an easy security line morning).  7:30- Wheels up 10:30- Good morning Costa Rica (It’s a 4.5 hour flight from NYC, but adjusted for time difference, you land mid morning!)  10:45am- Clear customs and get luggage (Liberia airport is very small and easy to navigate. Plus, there is a Four Seasons representative there to help with bags and bring you to the hotel car service).   11:15- Hop in shuttle. Quick 45 min ride   12pm-  Arrive @fscostarica - enjoy a welcome drink at check in.  Tour your room.  We stayed in a gorgeous 3 bedroom Prieta Villa. 12:30pm/1pm - Head to the pool or beach, order lunch and relax.  Costa Rica is the definition of an easy family trip idea — direct flights, a small airport that’s quick to navigate, and you can be poolside with a welcome drink by early afternoon. If you’re looking for an easy family trip idea that still feels adventurous and luxurious, this is it. Pro tip: If you need a hand, I can make your reservation for you and VIP it with perks like free breakfast, hotel spend credits and upgrades.  Just send me a DM! 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 @𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 EASY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS WITH KIDS | EASY TRAVEL | TRAVEL DAY WITH KIDS| FAMILY TRAVEL| FSCOSTARICA
We just returned from our second visit to @fscosta We just returned from our second visit to @fscostarica and it delivered (again) in every way. If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I recommend this property often. It’s one of those rare hotels where you immediately know you made the right choice. For me, it’s a perfect 10. Here’s why Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo ranks among the best family resorts in the world: 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 🌟 IMPECCABLE SERVICE
It may not sound glamorous, but when you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, grandparents, and all the gear—service is everything. The team @fscostarica knows how to anticipate a mom’s needs: our villa butler grabbed the diaper bag before I even realized I’d forgotten it (thank you Karim), beach attendants kept the baby happy when he got fussy, and pool staff somehow timed lunch to appear at just the right moment. 🌟2 BEACHES THAT SIMPLY DON’T COMPARE
Virador + Blanca Beach are in my top 5 worldwide. Calm waves for kids, beautiful blue water, and dramatic jungle cliffs that feel like another world—yet it’s only a 4.5-hour flight from NYC. 🌟 ROOMS PART OF THE DESTINATION 
Every room here is a win—whether it’s a jungle-tucked entry suite, a canopy villa with plunge pool, or a multi-bedroom villa for a group getaway. 🌟 ENDLESS EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES 
You could visit ten times and still have a new trip each time. With a baby? Relax at the beach and pool. With toddlers? Enjoy calm surf, wildlife, and the kids club. With older kids? Head out ziplining, surfing, or rafting. Multigen groups can golf or hike; couples can sneak away to the spa or a coffee class. The list doesn’t end. Every person in your group can experience their dream trip, their way. 🌟 EASY TO REACH
Leave NYC in the morning and you’ll be on the beach by lunch. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “𝟏𝟎” 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 + 𝐕𝐈𝐏 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐬. 
Best Family Resorts | Luxury Family Resorts | Costa Rica Family Resorts
Follow on Instagram
©2025 CompassRoam
  • Privacy Policy
Scroll To Top

Get on the List!

Start gathering your future travel ideas now! Sign up to receive exclusive travel itineraries and tips.

Name
email address
Jillian in sunglasses

No thanks, I’m not interested!