Television personality and seasoned travel blogger Sami Lukis has sparked debate after declaring that health retreats are an unsuitable holiday destination for young children. The 55-year-old, who jets across the globe for her work, used her column for Nine Travel to criticise parents who bring their offspring to serene wellness getaways.
A Question of Consideration in Quiet Spaces
Lukis, who is also a weather presenter on the Today show, argued that the presence of children can disrupt the peaceful experience other guests are seeking. She described kids as being "active, noisy and sometimes very, very naughty" in these settings. The core of her criticism lay with a certain style of modern parenting, where she believes a gentle approach to discipline translates to a lack of consideration for others.
"That's why some people will always argue, there are certain places where babies and young kids don't belong," Lukis wrote. She clarified that while parents have every right to take children to various events, from business class flights to weddings, that right does not extend to ruining the experience for people around them. The onus, she insists, is on parents to rein in their unruly broods.
Lukis on Life, Love, and Lockdown Dating
In a recent interview with 9Honey, the TV star revealed a past relationship ended abruptly due to a spectacularly bad gift. "A boyfriend once gave me a vacuum cleaner," she said, explaining that her reaction was to promptly return the appliance and end the romance.
Her preferences for gifts are evidently more exotic, as shown in a past Instagram Stories post where she reposted a meme stating: "If anyone is Christmas shopping for me, I'm a size 14 nights in the Maldives."
Following the lifting of Sydney's lockdowns, Lukis expressed enthusiasm about returning to dating but with a firm condition. She stated she is not interested in men who are not vaccinated against Covid-19, even pondering whether asking "Are you vaccinated?" was too rude a question for potential suitors. Despite this, the Totally Wild host admitted to enjoying single life, telling The Daily Telegraph: "I've always been pretty comfortable with my own company."
The Broader Debate on Adult-Only Spaces
Lukis's comments tap into a wider conversation about family-friendly versus adult-oriented tourism. While many resorts and retreats cater specifically to families, the market for child-free holidays continues to grow. Her argument centres on the expectation of tranquillity at a health retreat, a promise that can be broken by disruptive behaviour, regardless of the source. The piece has undoubtedly resonated with travellers who seek guaranteed peace, while also challenging parents to be more mindful of their surroundings when choosing destinations for their children.
