Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea, Hawaii

This particular Four Seasons is on Maui's sunniest and driest crescent of white sand in Wailea, on the island's southwest shore. Hawaii's only AAA 5-diamond and Forbes 5-star resort, it's known for its princely level of service: staff members spritz guests lounging in the sun with chilled Evian misters; kids have their own pint-sized plush terry robes and milk 'n' cookies upon arrival; and my personal favorite, fresh coffee beans and grinders accompany the complimentary coffee service in each guest room.

Ultra-upscale and ultra-family friendly, the 380-room luxury resort makes children of any age feel warmly welcomed and during school holidays, its 15 acres are packed. Ongoing renovation keeps the sleekly elegant rooms looking fresh. Spacious bathrooms are well designed and, of course, the resort's maintenance and refurbishments are impeccable.

The only complaint we hear is that holding a front row poolside chaise during Christmas week is harder than nabbing a table at Nobu. However, there's now another saltwater pool, the resort's third, located in the enormous Serenity Pool Terrace. It's tucked alongside the southern-most oceanfront edge of the resort and welcomes a quiet crowd over 21. In addition to the terrace having its own wait staff and massage therapists, adult guests may book luxury poolside cabanas featuring flat screen HDTVs with wireless headsets, WiFi, ceiling fans, mini-refrigerators stocked with Evian, fresh fruit, and more.

Poolside massages may sound great, but ladies, you should be planning to take advantage of this Four Seasons' spa, one of the top-rated ones in the US.

If you're planning a stay with a baby or toddler, tell the reservation clerk your child's age and you'll arrive to find your balcony wrapped in netting, outlet covers in place in your room, a lock on the toilet seat, protective corners on furniture, and a starter pack of diapers and other baby extras. Plan to travel light since the resort has loaner car seats, strollers, humidifiers, and other baby gear.

If your child is between 5 and 12, they'll adore the daily Kids for All Seasons program with its own posh playroom plus hula lessons, Hawaiian storytelling, lei making, and other activities. With just four hours' notice, babysitting can be arranged, and should be when you want a romantic dinner out at the acclaimed Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, Wolfgang Puck's Spago Maui or DUO, the resort's premium steak and seafood restaurant. Of course, there are children's menus in every restaurant if you want to include your brood.

Evenings during Maui's peak holiday season, night events (for a nominal fee) are organized for ages 5-12; activities might include a cooking class, treasure hunt, themed movie night or Hawai'ian cultural activity. A child-friendly buffet is always included.

By the way, most of the Four Seasons tropical properties – Maui; the big island of Hawaii; Santa Barbara, California; Punta Mita, Mexico; the island of Nevis in the Caribbean; Scottsdale, Arizona, Jimbaran Bay in Bali; and Palm Beach, Florida – make a hearty effort to welcome families and have extra amenities for parents traveling with babies.