Beyond HarpersWorld
FEATURED EDITORIAL: THE HOLIDAY COLLECTION
TRAVEL SMARTER THIS SEASON CULTURE SPOTLIGHT: KYOTO THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES
Beyond Harper’s World
Founding Editorial Director Desiree Palmer reflects on three generations of women, a now-teenaged daughter, and how travel becomes the legacy that shapes a family across time.
A quiet, full-page image and quote to set the mood before the holiday season begins.
| The Christmas Collection
Five magical hotels bringing festive enchantment to family travel from desert lights in Arizona to Santa’s Lapland.
| The Legacy of Travel
Why raising global kids builds empathy, curiosity, and core memories that last a lifetime
| Paris in 48 Hours
Whimsy & wonder for curious kids, teens, and the grown-ups who travel with them.
From penthouses to treehouse villas, family-friendly luxury redefined.
Temples, tea ceremonies, and cultural wonder that delight young travelers.
A Gen Z jetsetter’s essentials rituals, playlists, and one well-traveled stuffed bear
Share your journeys, memories, and moments of connection with our editors.
Join our community of travelers who believe in meaningful adventures anytime, anywhere.
“Where memories become legacy.”
Editor's Note
I never set out to create a magazine.
I set out to raise a daughter who would see the world not just in miles, but in meaning.
As a single mom, the greatest gift I’ve given Harper hasn’t come wrapped in paper. It came stamped with boarding passes, whispered across late-night terminals, and found in the awe of standing before something ancient and breathtaking.
I believe travel has the power to shape children into thoughtful, curious, and compassionate humans. It stretches them. Grounds them. Teaches them to care more deeply. That belief became Harper’s World. And now, Beyond Harper’s World is the next chapter
This isn’t just my story it’s ours. My mother, Andrea, gave this brand purpose. Harper gave it heart. I am the bridge between them: the dreamer who believes that core memories matter more than material ones.
This magazine is for families like ours and maybe yours. For those who know the best souvenirs are stories and that travel, done with intention, can become legacy.
Welcome to Beyond Harper’s World. Built by three generations. Made for yours
With gratitude and purpose,
Desiree
Desiree Palmer
Founding Editorial Director
With deepest thanks to Harper for creative inspiration and Andrea for legacy insight
BEYOND HARPER’S WORLD
The Christmas Collection
Where wonder lives—five festive escapes that redefine the season.
The Christmas Collection
For families who believe the holidays are meant to be felt, not just celebrated. This curated collection showcases extraordinary hotels that transform the season into something timeless places where stories unfold under garlands of light and traditions take new form Because in the end, it isn’t about where you go it’s how those moments linger long after the tree comes down.
The Christmas Collection
Fairmont Scottsdale
Princess: Desert Lights & Holiday Nights
BY DESIREE PALMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE
Where the magic of the North Pole meets the warmth of Arizona
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where cacti stand tall under star-studded skies, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess becomes one of the most dazzling holiday destinations in the U.S. Known for its over-the-top cheer, this AAA Five Diamond resort hosts Christmas at the Princess an annual celebration so immersive it has become a beloved family tradition nationwide. Think more than six million LED lights, an outdoor ice rink under the desert stars, nightly snowfall, and a train ride through lagoons choreographed to holiday music With all the sparkle, you might expect it to feel overwhelming but instead, Fairmont’s signature warmth keeps the experience intimate, curated, and full of moments families carry with them long after the season ends
Harper’s Tip: “Wear comfy shoes there’s SO much to explore. And don’t skip the cinnamon churros!”
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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Luxury Is Never Far
Once the kids are tucked in, parents retreat to the Well & Being Spa for seasonal peppermint scrubs or juniper oil massages. Later, they sip cocktails by the fire at The Plaza Bar or indulge in wood-fired tacos and tequila tastings at La Hacienda. For couples, Chateau Champagne sets the scene for live music, elegant bites, and even a champagne saber ceremony
Harper’s Reflection: “It felt like two worlds at once Christmas and cactus
Totally magical And there were churros Did I mention churros?” What to Know Before You Go Book early for fire pit tables, Breakfast with Santa, and private Santa sessions. Best for big families: Casita Suites with patio fireplaces, perfect for gathering by the glow.
At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, holiday joy spills out in every direction lit by desert stars, powered by kid-sized wonder, and elevated by the kind of luxury only Fairmont can deliver. From Pumpkin Fest in the fall to the Christmas spectacular in December, this resort doesn’t just celebrate the holidays it redefines them in true Arizona style. Where the Holidays Come to Life The magic begins the moment you arrive. Giant toy soldiers flank the entrance, while festive music floats through courtyards glowing in layers of white, gold, and candy-colored lights. In S’mores Land, children roast marshmallows over fire pits before sliding down Snow Mountain or testing their skills at the Nordic Nine minigolf course BEYOND HARPER’S
The Princess Express Train winds through glittering lagoons, where tunnels of light, glowing trees, and floating snowflakes shimmer on the water. And in the Enchanted Plaza, a four-story Christmas tree anchors hourly musicand-light shows that stop families in their tracks.
Harper’s Take: “It’s like a theme park made out of Christmas!”
VIP Stays & Holiday Perks
Families can elevate the experience by booking a Holiday Hideaway Package, which includes VIP access, express privileges, and festive turndown service with milk, cookies, and holiday keepsakes. The Casita Suites are especially popular for multi-gen families quiet corners with fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, and patios just steps from the action
Prefer a private Christmas tree in your room? They’ll arrange it Want elves to deliver bedtime stories? Done
Santa’s Secret Headquarters
At the heart of the festivities, Santa’s Secret Headquarters offers far more than a quick photo. Kids can write letters, join toy-making activities, and share one-on-one time with Santa without the chaos of a mall backdrop.
Older kids and teens gravitate toward glow parties, kids’ yoga, and interactive fun at the Trailblazers Family Recreation Center, which keeps the holiday energy high long after the sleigh bells fade.
