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We catch up with Larna Howard, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific’s Creative Director and Club Wyndham South Pacific owner since 2014. Larna shares her unique travel experiences with the club and the incredible destinations she has visited with her family over the years. Find out Larna’s favourite spots and top tips for those travelling with kids.
How was your experience being a club owner?
We have enjoyed holidays at club resorts as our small family has grown. Before, it was just my husband and I, and now we have two small children, and this is where ownership has really shown its value. We love where our ownership has taken us so far as we create lasting memories for our little ones. It’s very reassuring to know we will have this option for years to come – there’s just no excuse not to holiday. We really enjoy the flexibility of large apartments, meaning multi-generational holidays are easy and affordable.
What are your favourite destinations so far?
We consider ourselves lucky to call the Gold Coast home. Some of our favourite spots are nice and close, like the Sunshine Coast or Kirra Beach, where we’ve enjoyed a few little staycations.
We’ve also travelled to Airlie Beach, Port Douglas, Coffs Harbour, Shoal Bay, and beautiful Wanaka, where we treated our parents to rooms of their own to travel with us.
At Club Wyndham Kirra Beach
What upcoming travel plans do you have, and what are you most excited about for that trip?
The next spot we’d love to go is Fiji again. We were married there almost ten years ago so we would love to go back and celebrate an anniversary there soon.
Next on our bucket list is Europe, where I’d love to meander through the Tuscan fields and cruise the Amalfi coast. I can’t wait to show the kids the German fairytale castles and villages.
What are your favourite activities offered at the resort?
The activities that are specific to the region or the resort are pretty special. The fish borrowing at Coffs Harbour, or the hobby farm at Seven Mile Beach are so unique. I’d love to try the gem sluicing at Ballarat one day.
What are the most memorable adventures you’ve had with your kids?
Probably watching our daughter dance to the beautiful Fijiian serenaders at Denarau Island. Kids are great at slipping into ‘island time,’ and I think us adults need to learn to get better at it!
As a mum with young kids, what are your top tips for those travelling with children?
To not make too many plans, lower your expectations and you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised with how much you can get out of a day. Don’t expect to get too much accomplished each day and just go with the flow, that slow downtime is sometimes the most valuable part of travelling and making memories with your kids.
I always make sure to get them out in nature. Whether it’s a walk around the resort, or a hike in nearby national parks – nature is always the best remedy for a tired little traveller
