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The ultimate family adventure … in the Maldives!

Maldives, Asia

The Maldives has a reputation for incredible indulgence and luxury … for couples! But beyond the sunset suppers, overwater bungalows and private pools, there are many havens for families where beachfront villas are nestled amongst tropical gardens and overlooking calm lagoon waters, and kid’s clubs make the most of the natural wonders around – coconut painting, beach scavenger hunts and even kid’s yoga classes.

Opened in November 2024, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is the Maldives’ newest family resort where children get the special treatment. From the expansive water park, meandering lazy river, and exciting kids’ club, to the dedicated candy-themed kids spa with edible treatments, boundless fun and thrilling activities every moment at this underwater-world themed family paradise, is designed for family fun.

Connect with a Maldives specialist

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Jo McLaughlin

House of Travel Papamoa

Hi, I’m Jo and I joined the House of Travel Papamoa team in April 2022 not long after the borders opened and it’s fair to say it’s been crazy busy ever since! No two days are the same and I thrive working in a fast-paced environment. I have been working in Travel for around 10 years and started in January 2009 at Flight Centre Mt Maunganui and then moved to Auckland in 2011 to step into a management role to open their new retail store in Royal Oak. I then moved back to the Tauranga area in early 2013 and opened the Flight Centre in Bayfair. Opening two of Flight Centre’s stores gave me an incredible learning experience and insight into building a business and taking it to incredible heights! I was also in charge of training multiple new to the industry staff members. Before Travel I worked in banking for 4 and half years both in the retail branch and the business banking team.

I have great attention to detail, excellent communication skills and am down to earth, friendly and approachable. I love meeting new people and building relationships with my clients. I love putting together itineraries and working closely with you to find your perfect fit.

I'm passionate about travel to Canada and the UK. As I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and London for nearly 3 years on Working Holidays. I’ve also spent 3 weeks in Egypt and over 6 weeks in South America. I’ve travelled on my own to Asia and then jumped on an Intrepid Cambodia tour. I have also done a 28 day Topdeck Camping trip around Europe and travelled independently using Eurail passes and the Eurostar. Along with many other exciting adventures!

My partner Duncan and I have two children, a son 10 and daughter 9. We have been on family holidays to Bali and Fiji, staying at Plantation Island and the Naviti on the Coral Coast. Duncan and I also experienced a Viking ocean cruise (adults only) and absolutely loved it! I have just returned from visiting Darwin, Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks in the Northern Territory, taking the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. I was very fortunate to take a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta – just breathtaking!

We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block. We love the outdoors and taking advantage of the many wonderful things on offer here in the Tauranga area.

I’d love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Mike (Buzz) Thomson

House of Travel Hobsonville

With 20 years experience in the travel industry both here and abroad I use this knowledge every day to create unforgettable journeys for my clients.

I'd love to hear what your plans are and together we'll create a well organised memorable trip.

Mike

Nicky de Clifford

House of Travel Merivale

Having spent the last 30 years in the Travel Industry I can safely say "I love my job" !!

Getting to put together dream holidays is very rewarding and it's great to see so many more Kiwis getting out to see this amazing world of ours...

I love to tailor holidays that are uniquely personal to you. Every person has different needs, wants and "must do's" for their holiday. Nothing is cookie cutter in the world of travel so being able to put together an itinerary that is bespoke and personal is rewarding for myself and for you, the traveller.

My favourite destinations would be Europe (especially France and Italy), South East Asia (especially Vietnam and Thailand) and of course our Island neighbours. I have been to Fiji numerous times and every time I just love it.
But there are so many places I have yet to travel to and I look forward to sharing my travel stories along the way.

I look forward to working with you..

Nicky