Straight from CNN comes a very helpful How To Plan Luxury Trips With Kids Tip List that you basically cannot live without when you’re headed to that Hawaii villa you’ve paid so much for.

So, no more worrying!  Just take a peek below at these helpful luxury tips!

Understand the benefits
The finest thing about luxury travel is the amenities. “Sometimes when you are traveling with kids it’s the little things that make it worth the expense,” Hartzell said. Little things like returning to a stocked fridge or having a crib already set up on arrival will leave you more time for enjoying your surroundings and each other.

Distinguish what’s best for your family
To maximize value, tailor your vacation to your family. “The age of your kids completely changes the planning of your trip,” O’Shaughnessy said.

When considering space for the family, remember that room configurations change when you go international. “In Europe, with the older buildings, it is much harder to find a room with two double beds,” O’Shaughnessy said.

Decide how much work you want to do planning
Homework is necessary to planning a vacation you and your family will never forget. “I do the research myself, because I enjoy it,” said Hartzell. However, there is always the option of “completely outsourcing it” to a luxury travel company such as U.K.-based Abercrombie and Kent.

If you are going to a place where ground logistics will be involved, O’Shaughnessy recommends using a family tour operator. “They do fixed itineraries — it’s not for every trip, but good for exotic places like Costa Rica,” she said.

If you choose to plan, know what to look for
There are certain places that are just not family-friendly, Hartzell said in her blog. When searching for a resort where the whole family will feel comfortable, here are some go-to indicators:

Check to see if they have a kids’ program. Programs like a kids’ club or activities for families solve the quandary of “what to do once you’re there,” Hartzell said. “The Four Seasons has a great program called Kids for All Seasons.”

Ask if there are family support services such as baby-sitting (most high-end hotels have background checks) or arranging baby-gear, Hartzell said.

O’Shaughnessy recommended getting a feel for the hotel’s attitude. “You can do this by calling and asking, ‘Do families stay with you?’ — the answer [and tone of it] is always very telling,” she said.

Try to identify the objective of the other guests, O’Shaughnessy said. “If the rest of the guests are there on business, you are going to spend your entire trip feeling guilty that your kids are disturbing them — that’s not relaxing.”

Involve the kids
“Engage your kids in the planning process,” O’Shaughnessy said. With online resources it is easy to involve the entire family. “With older kids it is easier to do that,” she said. For younger children she recommends reading books to your kids about the place you are going to visit.

How cool is the pool?
“One thing that is really important to my kids is the pool,” Hartzell said. Check out to see what the pool situation is. Make sure it is not “adults only.” The worst thing that could happen is to have your kids in their swimsuits and floaties with the pool in sight, and then having to tell them it’s a no-go. That’s just asking for a public meltdown. A lot of hotels and resorts have a kid’s pool and then a separate one for adults, she said.

Leverage community and social networks
Your community is a great starting point for planning your vacation because chances are you have a lot in common with your neighbors when it comes to taste and budget. “Often, my best vacation ideas or advice comes from a neighbor, a colleague, a mom at school or a parent on the playground,” Hartzell said on her blog.

Social media is the new way to leverage your community and get the first tips, Hartzell said. It can also help you get instantaneous updates on new offers from resorts and hotels. “Some hotels offer special discounts using Facebook or Twitter, so it is worth following them,” she said.

Take the initiative to ask
“The more kids you have, the harder it is to keep the expense in line,” Hartzell said. Call the hotel and ask for family packages or programs. Many hotels offer 50 percent off with an adjoining room, she said.

“Some hotels offer discounts on larger room configurations,” O’Shaughnessy added.

Plan activities
Minimal travel time reduces risk of embarrassing tantrums, but sometimes your dream destination requires longer flights or drives. “The key to traveling with kids is making it fun,” Hartzell said. She recommended packing each child a backpack with new toys, games, art supplies and snacks. “I keep it a surprise and don’t let them open them until we get past security.”

Use your concierge for restaurant choices
Eating out can be a challenge. On her blog Hartzell explained that staying at a vacation home with a kitchen can alleviate these worries. But if you are at a hotel, your concierge is your best friend. The concierge can tell you where to find a more casual restaurant. “We tend to go higher-end and risk it — sometimes you have to make a calculated risk,” she said.

Focus on the family
Parents know that with children some things are just unavoidable and unpredictable, but keep your anxiety to a minimum and enjoy your trip. “Luxury travel is all about attitude — focus on your family first,” Hartzell said.

Everything at Shambala is done to preserve a well-balanced ecosystem.  They participate in an intensive breeding project for rare and valuable species such as the cheetah and black rhino. The 74 acre Douw Steyn Dam was constructed in 2001 following ecological and geological principles to improve the river flow conditions.  It features a wall with multiple arches to create the effect of a waterfall in a natural valley. Its construction offered employment opportunities for the local communities, an initiative that Shambala still practices.

Zulu Camp, built in traditional Zulu style, recently finished completion and is set to open in June.  It holds seven honeycomb-shaped chalets constructed of traditional materials that blend with the landscape, and is designed to be a private and exclusive venue that is ideal for honeymooners. Each chalet is decorated in chic Afro-French provincial style with its own bedroom, en-suite bath with a shower, outside shower and private patio. One of the seven chalets is a Presidential Suite that offers more spacious accommodations. A campfire is lit every evening in the open lapa area and guests can dine overlooking the shore of the river.

Douw Steyn also created The Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation at Shambala, an exquisite six-bedroom facility providing Nelson Mandela with a tranquil setting in which to meet with world leaders and facilitate his considerable efforts toward reconciliation.  The Centre is his private residence.

Rates at Shambala are $2,324* per person per night, $3,141* per couple, which include accommodations, meals, game drives, elephant-back safaris, walking safaris, bush picnics, boat trips, refreshments and local beverages, and sunset cruises. Rates do not include quad bikes or spa treatments. For more information on Shambala, visit www.shambalagamereserve.com.

Samoset Resort’s Flume Cottage in Rockport, Maine just might be the best hideaway in New England. Most savvy travelers have heard of the property, but although many vacationers have yet to discover the Flume, it’s just too good to keep secret.

The cottage sits prominently on the 15th fairway of Samoset’s golf course and was built directly on the ocean. The resort’s 156 guestrooms and 22 suites are located on 230 acres overlooking Penobscot Bay. The only cottage of its kind on the property, the Flume offers spectacular ocean and golf course views. There are two bedrooms each with its own private bathroom, a large living room, an open and fully stocked kitchen, a gas fireplace and a deck complete with a private hot tub, a gas grill and lounge chairs.

The luxurious indulgences include attention to every detail imaginable. From the friendly and accommodating staff delivering an enormous breakfast basket each morning, overflowing with fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, muffins, pastries and bagels to the wait staff at the onsite restaurant, the service here is truly first rate.

Sitting out on the private deck with air as clean as pure oxygen, the Flume Cottage is just like a home away from home located directly at the water’s edge. It is easy to relax at this fantasy retreat with its crystal clear nights and cool ocean breezes, where you can experience the kind of peace that New Englanders only dream about. The cottage comes complete with a four-person golf cart as guests are encouraged to leave their own cars at the parking lot to avoid getting hit by the nearby golfers.

The championship golf course is open May to October and has played host to the 2003 New England Pro Tour, 2002 Junior PGA Championship and PGA 2001 New England Open.  Rates start at $699 per night.

For more information, visit www.samoset.com.

Four buildings of understated elegance house 11 lakeview guest rooms where all-inclusive rates offer guests carte blanche use of equipment, meals, facilities, afternoon tea, and 24-hour help-yourself bars. Dinner is enjoyed family-style with other guests, where the host encourages social conversation.

If you want to feel like a guest of the Rockefellers, request a stay in Weatherwatch, which was built to house their visiting friends and family. The architecture in each of The Point’s rooms incorporates natural elements such as stone and pine, providing a rustic yet cozy atmosphere.

The pet-friendly property offers everything from sea kayaks, canoes, small outboards and a wind surfer to a sailboat, as well as a 33-foot classic mahogany Hackercraft and a 32-foot ELCO electric launch. Lunch is prepared for you to enjoy on the lake upon your request. Come back after a day on the water to relax in front of the fire before dinner and then retreat to your own personal hideaway in timeless elegance.

Return to the City in a relaxed state of mind after your once in a lifetime experience at The Point. For more information, visit www.thepointresort.com.

Thatched roof bungalows dot the white sand beaches and you know you have arrived. The Polynesian-style furniture, outdoor shower, Jacuzzi tub and sun soaked veranda are some of the reasons why this island has been called the “East Coast version of Tahiti.”

We stayed in the oceanfront Woodpecker Suite on the northern part of the island, which was also the most windy section of Little Palm. Of the 28 suites on the island, those located near the Atlantic Dock were a better bet, offering a more quiet area. Each one-bedroom suite has a king bed draped in butterfly netting, a spacious living room, an indoor separate shower, a deep jetted tub and even an outdoor shower.

Because Little Palm Island is accessible only by boat or seaplane, many yachts can be seen at the pier visiting the private island. Little Palm offers a private boat launch aboard The Truman (named after one of the island’s most famous guests) from the mainland to the island that runs every hour. The resort has a number of water gardens, Jamaican palms and exotic blossoms but the island’s most unique feature is the tame Key deer that can be seen walking around.

For more information, visit www.littlepalmisland.com.

When you first pull up into the grounds of The Grand Del Mar, you won’t believe your eyes. From the immaculate grounds that surround this classic Mediterranean estate to the old world charm it exudes, you will quickly realize you in for an extraordinary stay.

The entire resort is designed with every intricate detail considered – gold leaf wrought iron, rustic wood beams and hand stenciled ceilings not to mention the hand carved marble. Each of the 249 oversized guest rooms here (more than 550 square feet) includes European style soaking tubs, iPod docking stations, wired and wireless broadband high-speed Internet access, and marble-clad bathrooms complete with a 13-inch LCD television.

We stayed in a gorgeous Palazzo suite, one of 31 suites here, which overlooked The Grand Golf Club. This enormous palatial spread offered a fireplace, dining area, kitchenette and balcony. Don’t miss the chance to take a dip in one of four swimming pools here, including an adults-only spa pool along with a separate one designed just for kids. The Grand Del Mar also has two tennis courts and a private golf course. If you have time, book a treatment at The Spa and take a relaxing swim in the adults-only Relaxation Pool.

Dinner at the culinary treasure trove, Amaya, should not be missed. Here you can dine on the likes of duck confit flatbread, braised shortrib cannelloni, pan roasted California sturgeon or a duo of beef (short ribs and filet mignon). There are five other dining options on-site, including the more formal Addison, one of San Diego’s best restaurants, along with the lobby lounge, clubhouse grill, poolside service and Cent’ Anni, the gourmet coffee shop.

Located just five miles from the Pacific Coast, there are so many things to do in the area here and the concierge are only happy to assist in whichever you choose to do, including cycling, surfing, diving, fishing, kayaking, boating and hot air ballooning. A stay at The Grand Del Mar is guaranteed to not only meet but exceed your expectations.

The Grand Del Mar is located at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130. For reservations, call (858) 314-2000 or online at www.thegranddelmar.com.

Hong Kong-based travel company Lulu Holidays has just revealed their Amusement Park Size Water Slide at one of their most luxurious properties Koh Samui, Thailand.

The landscaped property spread across 600 square meters has five bedrooms each with its own bathroom. Three of these bathrooms have large Jacuzzis and picture windows to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Apart from a comfortable living and dining space the games room contains an 8ft. pool table, fuss ball table, and a variety of other popular games including an outdoor ping-pong table. The stunning 92 square meter infinity pool is where you can have maximum fun and adventure. The pool has an amazing 78-meter long double loop slide plunging directly from the top-floor balcony to the pool.

I think we’re with the kids on this one!

The Sex and the Suburbs 2 Package is available on Friday, May 28^th and includes:

Luxurious overnight accommodations

Tickets to a 10pm private screening of “Sex and the City 2” at Hollywood Boulevard

Party bus transportation to and from Hollywood Boulevard

Special amenity provided by Vitamin Water

Three complimentary “Sex and the City” cocktails provided by Skyy Vodka (3 per person)

Entrance to the Sex and the Suburbs 2 reception at the Conference Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. featuring giveaways, light hors d’oeuvres, Sephora displays, Pretty in Purses displays, jewelry by Lia Sophia, S Factor demos, free chair massages from Spa Vargas and the chance to win “The Carrie Diaries” signed by Candace Bushnell.

Prices are $198 for two, $262.50 for three and $317 for four and do not include guest room tax. For the super fans, a VIP Premiere Package is available on Wednesday, May 26, for $189 for two (transportation and guest room tax is not included).  This package includes luxurious overnight accommodations for two, tickets to see the midnight screening of “Sex and the City 2” at Hollywood Boulevard, one complimentary “Sex and the City” cocktail at the Cave Bar or Shiraz on the Water and 15 percent off dinner at Shiraz on the Water. There will be a Sex and the City-themed menu available.

For more information, visit www.hiltonindianlakes.com.

The Lanesborough will create beautiful bespoke hampers to suit all of your occasions; including romantic picnics á deux to fun-filled family gatherings. Menu highlights include deluxe summer inspired canapés, Cornish poached lobster with Beluga mayonnaise and balotine of truffled foie gras with asparagus jelly washed down with chilled Taittinger rose champagne. To follow, relish in a Cropwell bishop stilton trifle with pear marmalade and oatmeal sablée or a scrumptious summer berry Rumtopf. Finish off the culinary extravaganza with The Lanesborough’s artisan chocolates. The entire picnic is served in an exquisite traditional hamper complete with crystal glasses, plates, linen, napkins and a large picnic rug.

To ensure a more memorable and personalized experience, butlers will provide a firsthand consultation to modify each menu, ensuring that favorite dishes and drinks are included. He will then deliver the hamper to the park and serve the gourmet banquet. Once finished, the butler will be a mere phone call away, ready to come clear up and bring everything back to the hotel – leaving you with all the more time to soak up your surroundings.

Served in Hyde Park, The Lanesborough’s butler picnics are a truly unique experience. The luxury champagne picnic is priced at £250 per person. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. For reservations, call the hotel on +011-44(0)20 7259 5599 or visit www.lanesborough.com

Each hotel location has been hand-picked for natural beauty as well as unique features, so it’s obvious that Thailand would be unveiled first.