For pageant director and TV presenter Elaine Daly, family holidays are about catching her daughters’ early years while they last — from Bali pool days to their first snow encounter in Hokkaido.
Elaine Daly has been part of the Southeast Asian pageant world for over two decades. She was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia in 2003, went on to run the national pageant, and in 2024 became national director of Miss Universe Singapore. Add a career in television, content creation and a steady roster of brand partnerships, and it’s easy to see why she jokes about wearing many hats.
As busy as work gets, Elaine has made a point of setting aside time for family. With husband Nick and daughters Eva and Mia, she’s been collecting holidays together — from a winter stay at Maples Niseko and The Vale Rusutsu in Hokkaido where the girls saw snow for the very first time to long beach days at Villa Manis Cantik in Seminyak. She tells us how the family travels now and the one thing she won’t compromise on.
Settle in: Villa of the Week: Villa Manis Cantik
From Hokkaido snow to Bali sand, how did the girls take to the change of scene?
View this post on Instagram
It was actually Eva and Mia’s first time seeing snow, which made the trip even more special. Watching their faces when they saw it for the first time was one of those moments you remember as a parent. They were so excited and just wanted to get out into it immediately!
Going from a completely white winter wonderland in Hokkaido to the warmth of Bali was such a contrast, but they absolutely loved it. That’s one of my favourite things about travelling with the girls now: getting to experience these “firsts” through their eyes.
Staying at a ski-in ski-out hotel with young kids in tow, what does that actually save you?
Everything! When you’re travelling with kids, convenience is a luxury. Ski-in, ski-out means you’re not carrying everyone’s gear, organising transport and dealing with tired children before you’ve even started skiing.
You can literally get ready, head out and come back when you need to. As a parent, anything that removes unnecessary logistics from a holiday is a huge win.
Summer in Rusutsu: Rusutsu Amusement Park: An Insider Guide to the Best Rides, Food and Adventures
What made Villa Manis Cantik click for your family?
View this post on Instagram
It was really the space and privacy. When you travel with children, having a villa changes the whole dynamic. You’re not all confined to one hotel room, everyone has room to do their own thing, and you can do things at your own pace.
There was definitely a moment when we were all just lounging around the villa, nowhere we needed to rush off to, and I thought, “Yes, this is exactly what a holiday should feel like.”
Paint us a picture of a morning at the villa. Who’s up first?
I’m usually up first! I love that quiet little window before everyone else wakes up. Then the girls appear and suddenly the day begins.
Breakfast on holiday is always much more leisurely. Nobody is rushing for school or work, so we can actually sit together and decide what we feel like doing that day. And of course, with the girls, anywhere near the pool very quickly becomes their territory!
Pick your homebase: Toy Story 5 Reminds Us Why Play Matters – These Bali and Koh Samui Family Villas Get It Right
How has having kids changed the way you and your husband Nick plan a trip?
View this post on Instagram
It has changed completely. Before children, Nick and I could be spontaneous and figure things out as we went along. Now I think much more about the practical side: space, food, location, activities, and how easy it is to get around.
My non-negotiable now is probably space. I don’t want everyone on top of one another for an entire holiday. If the girls can have their space and we can have ours, everyone is happier!
Sum up “family holiday, done properly” in one sentence. And where to next?
A family holiday done properly is when everyone gets to have fun, nobody is rushing, and Mum gets to have a holiday too!
As for where’s next, there are still so many places I want the girls to experience. For me, travelling is now less about collecting destinations and more about collecting memories with them while they’re still at this wonderful age.
Travelling with mini nomads? Start here:
72 Hours in Jimbaran: A Family-Friendly Bali District Loved for Its Seafood and Local Feel
Family Holiday in Koh Samui: Top Tips & Must-Visit Spots for an Unforgettable Getaway
Postcard from Here: Cara G. Mcilroy’s Family Getaways to Bali and Beyond