Karyn Pavich

The magic of this voyage is in the direction. Cherry blossom season moves south to north across Japan, and this itinerary chases it—you set out from Hong Kong, brush past subtropical Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands, and arrive in Tokyo precisely as the city bursts into full bloom. Instead of gambling on one fixed date in one fixed city, you sail into spring itself, following the blossom front the whole way up. For clients who want Japan at its most poetic—this is the best way I know to experience the season.

I moved my family from New York to the Croatian coast, and I've spent the years since learning the Adriatic the way the people who live here do—by the season, by the day's catch, by which hill town has truffles that week. Before this trip, Istria was new for me, and I did not expect to fall for it so completely: Venetian stone, Roman mosaics, and some of the finest food and wine in the Mediterranean, all folded into charming old towns on the sea that you can walk end to end. So when Valamar opened Pical—the largest resort investment in the country's history—on a beach in Poreč, I knew I had to be among the first to check it out. It's the rare place where I'd send a honeymoon couple, a multigenerational family, and a solo traveler looking for history, culture, and Michelin-level gastronomy, and trust that each of them will have the trip of a lifetime.

Aman has spent over 35 years perfecting the art of the sanctuary on land—remote, intimate, design-forward properties that feel like the best-kept secrets in travel. With Amangati, that same philosophy is finally coming to sea, and I believe it will set a new benchmark for what luxury yachting can be. At just 47 suites across nine decks, this is one of the most intimate large-vessel experiences ever conceived, and the level of detail—from the two-story spa serenity garden to the dual helipads—signals that Aman hasn’t compromised a thing in the translation. The yacht doesn’t sail until spring 2027, but voyages are being planned and reserved now, and, for the destinations Amangati will explore, early planning is everything.

Four Seasons I isn’t just a yacht—it’s an entirely new category of travel, and the dining alone sets it apart from anything else at sea. Most luxury cruises bundle food into a flat rate; aboard Four Seasons I, dining is à la carte across 11 distinct restaurants and bars staffed by Michelin-trained chefs, which means the experience rewards those who know how to navigate it. As a specialist in luxury yacht travel, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to—what’s included, what to budget, and which meals are worth every penny. Booking through me means you’ll have one trusted point of contact from your pre-voyage hotel through disembarkation day, with an onboard food and beverage credit and perks built in.

Being onboard Evrima gave me a firsthand understanding of how luxury yachting differs fundamentally from traditional cruising. This experience is about space, service, and intention—from how the ship flows to how guests interact with both the crew and the destinations. What stood out most was how customizable the journey can be when the right choices are made upfront. This is a sailing designed for travelers who value refinement, privacy, and ease—and who want their time onboard to feel as considered as a stay at a top resort.

Istanbul is one of those cities that truly captivates travelers of all ages. The only city straddling two continents—Europe and Asia, it offers an extraordinary mix of history, culture, cuisine, and sensory experiences—all surprisingly easy to enjoy, even on a short stopover. We visited Istanbul during an extended layover between flights from Croatia to NYC. It’s one of the few destinations our kids were already asking to return to before we even left. This itinerary is designed to help families transform a long layover into a meaningful, immersive introduction to Turkey.

Zagreb during Advent is one of Europe’s most charming and family-friendly winter destinations. I just visited for the first time with my own children and love how walkable, festive, and genuinely joyful the city feels in December. From ice skating under twinkling lights to cozy treats like fritule (fried dough balls) and kuhano vino (mulled wine), Zagreb delivers a magical holiday experience without the crowds or stress of larger Christmas markets. It’s an ideal long weekend for families looking to slow down and savor the season.

Where couture meets creativity, Milan offers a dazzling mix of style, art, and history—the perfect playground for families with curious tweens. This itinerary pairs iconic fashion moments and inspiring cultural tours with plenty of time to savor gelato, architecture, and la dolce vita.

Afternoon tea in London is one of those timeless traditions that feels equally magical for adults and children alike. From whimsical themes to chocolate fountains, these experiences turn tea time into a true family adventure. As a mom who loves the ritual of tea, The Langham has always been my gold standard—but London has so many creative twists on this tradition that even the youngest travelers will find something to love.

Croatia is now our home—a place where our family has spent countless summers swimming off rocky coves, chasing sunsets, and discovering Roman ruins hidden between olive trees. This itinerary captures the very best of the Dalmatian Coast for families: culture without the crowds, beaches with character, and experiences that connect you to the country’s heart. From sea kayaking beneath Dubrovnik’s ancient walls to cooking with locals on Hvar, every day offers something new—and unforgettable.

Croatia boasts over 1,000 miles of breathtaking coastline along the Adriatic Sea, accompanied by more than 1,000 islands for exploration. The country is steeped in history visible on every corner, from ancient royal towns to Roman ruins and Gothic and Renaissance architecture. With ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, an array of landscapes invites activities like hiking, swimming and wildlife spotting. The local Mediterranean cuisine, influenced by central Europe, features bounties from the sea and land, paired with homemade olive oil and wine. This unique blend offers travelers a destination brimming with natural beauty, history, beaches and culturally enriching experiences.

Santorini is often thought of as a honeymoon destination, but Domes Novos offers a fresh take—one that is surprisingly family-friendly without losing the island’s signature luxury and romance. With spacious villas, private pools, and breathtaking Aegean views, it’s the kind of place where parents can relax while kids are thrilled by the plunge pools and room to roam. For me, it was the perfect blend: the Santorini dream setting, but with the comfort and ease that makes traveling as a family enjoyable.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Zadún represents peak Los Cabos luxury with its seamless indoor-outdoor living concept. As one of only five Reserve properties worldwide, it creates an atmosphere that feels both expansive and intimate, where privacy meets personalized service. I was captivated by how the property celebrates Mexican culture while delivering uncompromising luxury in a stunning coastal setting.

Susurros del Corazón ("Whispers of the Heart") offers an authentic luxury Mexican experience in stunning Punta de Mita. The property seamlessly blends elevated hospitality with authentic local touches, making it an excellent recommendation for clients seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion.

The Cape Thompson Hotel captivated me with its perfect balance of luxury and authentic Cabo charm. Every room frames the iconic El Arco and the endless blue horizon. I was truly impressed by how the property elevates the guest experience through thoughtful design, exceptional culinary offerings and those magical moments like spotting whales from the infinity pool or watching surfers tackle Monuments Beach below. What truly sets The Cape apart, though, is how the staff understands the art of hospitality. They anticipate needs and you are met with things you didn't even know you needed, until you had it.

This December 2024 trip to Matachica was an immersion into the art of effortless island living. Here luxury meets the laid-back charm of Ambergris Caye. From the seamless arrival to the stunning Seafront Casita, every detail was curated for relaxation. Fresh, locally sourced cuisine, unforgettable snorkeling adventures and the soothing rhythm of the Caribbean just steps away.

I recently spent a weekend here with my kids for an online school meet-up, and we had an absolute blast. The mix of culture, art and fun activities made it an unforgettable experience for all of us. From exploring the vibrant street art at Wynwood Walls to the hands-on exhibits at the Frost Museum, there was never a dull moment. The city’s unique energy, combined with its incredible dining options and waterfront vibes, made it the perfect getaway for both bonding and adventure.

In January 2025, I had the pleasure of conducting a site inspection while staying at the wonderfully family-friendly Club Med Cancun. The resort seamlessly blends vibrant nods to Mexican culture with exceptional service, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From sunrise to well after sunset, the endless array of activities ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I would gladly return and highly recommend this resort to my clients and friends seeking a fun-filled, family-oriented getaway.

In December of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to stay at the Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Belizean jungle. From exploring breathtaking waterfalls and untouched wilderness to unwinding in a luxurious and cozy two-bedroom villa, every moment was unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to returning — this time with my entire family!

First things first: three days in Puerto Rico is better than no days in Puerto Rico, but it’s definitely not enough to really experience all that this rich and diverse archipelago has to offer! The “Isla de Encanto,” or “Isle of Enchantment,” may be small at 100 x 35 miles, but it’s packed with enough attractions and adventures to keep you busy for more than one vacation.

We get it: You’ve only got three days in Puerto Rico. We’re here for you! You’ll still have many things left unchecked on your PR bucket list: exploring the Taíno cultural sites in Ponce, water taxiing to the mangrove keys off the coast of La Parguera, swimming/kayaking in three of the world's five biobays, snorkeling with sea turtles and sunbathing on the breathtaking beaches of Vieques with the wild, but really "wild" horses, to name a few of those things... but without further ado, here’s how you should spend your 72 hours in Puerto Rico!

Ocean City, Maryland is the epitome of a classic East Coast beach destination. With its iconic Boardwalk and an impressive 10-mile stretch of golden sand, it's the ideal place to bask in the sun and frolic in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the beach, Ocean City offers a plethora of attractions and activities for all ages. From thrilling amusement and water parks to exciting mini-golf courses and go-kart tracks, the entertainment options are endless. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in bike riding, kayaking, or paddleboarding, taking advantage of the city's natural beauty and waterways. When it comes to dining, Ocean City boasts a diverse culinary scene, with an array of restaurants offering delectable seafood and other mouthwatering cuisine. The city also prioritizes safety, ensuring a secure environment for families to relax and enjoy their vacation. Furthermore, the calendar of events in Ocean City is brimming with festivals, concerts, and other exciting happenings, ensuring that there's always something new and enjoyable to experience. All these elements combine to make Ocean City a superb destination for families seeking an unforgettable vacation experience.