Photography courtesy of Jane Roggen

There are family vacations — and then there’s Jane Roggen’s version of family vacationing. Equal parts chic and child-friendly, her recent escape to Punta Ballena in Los Cabos proves that traveling with kids doesn’t mean sacrificing style, spontaneity, or serenity. A mom of two with a serious eye for detail (and a carry-on full of brilliant tricks), Jane knows how to turn a beach getaway into a sun-splashed symphony of memory-making. Equal parts relaxed mornings, refined meals, and kid-approved adventures.

But what really sets this trip apart? The way it all unfolded so seamlessly. With Exclusive Resorts smoothing every detail behind the scenes — from in-villa margaritas and monogrammed pouches to koi fish feedings and beachside massages — Jane was free to simply be: present, polished, and deeply connected with her family. Below, she walks us through her personal highlights, insider tricks, and why Los Cabos has earned a top spot on her family’s annual rotation.

For my family, the day began with a pajama-clad golf cart ride to Alma, a relaxed, open-air café perched perfectly above the sea. I’d heard whispers that the coffee was incredible, but even that didn’t do it justice. The Mocchilatte, a matcha frappé with coconut, dates, and cardamom tincture, was love at first sip. My boys devoured the chocolate pistachio croissants, and we all agreed: these were the best pastries of our lives. And the breakfast burrito!! Whatever those sauces it came with were delicious. With ocean breezes and that golden Baja light, breakfast felt less like a routine and more like a ritual.

The moment we stepped off the plane, I knew we were in good hands. Our private driver, arranged by our incredible concierge, Manuel, was waiting with cold beers, kid-friendly snacks, and the kind of easy, joyful energy that sets the tone for the trip. Walking into our villa was like stepping into a dream. “Is this all for us?!” my kids shouted. Everywhere I looked, there were thoughtful touches: birthday balloons and cake, margaritas (and lemonade for the littles), a bowl of fresh fruit, and even pre-inflated pool toys waiting by our private hot tub. It was cozy and elevated all at once. It felt like home, if home came with sweeping sea views and your own chef.

Speaking of chefs: our first night, we had an in-villa dinner prepared by a private culinary team. They served a five-course seafood feast under our palapa, and it was divine. Intimate, effortless, and delicious. There’s nothing more luxurious than fine dining in your pajamas with your kids giggling beside you. We did an in-villa breakfast later in the week, too. Same dreamy setup, same unmatched service. The kids loved watching the chef cook in our kitchen. I loved the cappuccinos.

One of the most unexpectedly charming moments of the trip came courtesy of Manuel, who handed my boys a little bag of fish food one morning. Within seconds, they were shrieking with delight as koi swarmed around them in a flash of color and chaos — a spontaneous, joy-filled highlight I’ll never forget. Later that day, we stumbled across the resort’s pickleball courts, where tiny paddles and on-site pros welcomed our five-year-old’s first-ever match. He was hooked. Pickleball Sundays are now a thing at home, and I’m not mad about it.

Of course, there were moments just for me, too. Esperanza’s spa is a sanctuary tucked behind understated doors — all open-air corridors, rustling palms, and that gentle hush that tells your nervous system it can finally relax. My massage with Gina was one of the most grounding I’ve ever had. Something about that space — suspended in nature, wholly unhurried — made it feel like more than just a treatment. It was a recalibration.

And then there’s Cocina del Mar. You haven’t truly done Cabo until you’ve eaten here. Perched over the sea with crashing waves below, it’s the kind of place that resets your sense of what a meal can be. Our waiter, Oscar, steered us toward the grilled oysters with guajillo butter (best i've ever had in my life) and the cowboy steak draped in caper-veal jus cream — bold, rich, and unforgettable. The flavors. The view. The stunning presentation with layers of flavors. The quiet joy of it all. We lingered long after the plates were cleared.

Another night brought us to the weekly fiesta at La Palapa, a lively, love-filled celebration of local culture. BBQ, raw bar, tacos and ceviche stations, a mariachi band — not to mention Los Cabos wine that surprised me in the best way — and a fireworks finale that had my kids absolutely enchanted. It was vibrant and soulful. What struck me most we how deeply the people of Los Cabos cherish their heritage. You can feel it in every flavor, every note of music, every warm welcome. The kind of experience that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

If I’d had just one more afternoon, I would’ve squeezed in a few wishlist gems. Brunch at El Huerto, a farm-to-table garden hideaway where I already know I’d order the Crab Benedict and a TNT margarita. Medano Beach, great for young kids to play in the ocean. A late lunch at The Office, think: barefoot dining, huge margaritas with floaties, delicious coconut shrimp, and even foot massages while you wait. The kind of dreamy detour you pencil in for next time.

This trip reminded me why we chose Exclusive Resorts. Everything felt customized but never curated for us — we were simply supported in the best ways possible. From the stocked fridge to the seamless logistics, from the personal chef to the private villa views, it all felt like a perfectly tuned background track that let our family shine. Even the in-residence products felt curated with care. From the sunscreen and bug spray, the credenza filled with games, to the highchair and kids’ plates. Exclusive Resorts just didn’t enhance our time in Punta Ballena, they transformed it. From the first welcome margarita to our final splash in the pool, this wasn’t just another vacation. It was one of those rare, golden chapters you replay in your mind for years to come.

Carry-On Confidential

What’s in Jane’s bag? From perfectly packed pouches to genius sunscreen hacks, her travel essentials are every bit as curated as her Cabo itinerary. She swears by a Janessa Leone Felix Straw Hat (cute, packable, and sun-smart), an iPad with Magic Keyboard (ideal for streaming or answering emails on the go), and a set of Stoney Clover Lane pouches to keep family chaos in check. A roll-on sponge sunscreen applicator makes SPF a breeze — even for the kids — and a generous stash of Archer beef sticks keeps the whole crew fueled. Consider her carry-on proof that preparation and polish can go hand in hand.

Jane Roggen is a content creator, wellness lover, and stylish mom of two, known for her effortless energy, sharp eye for family-friendly design, and thoughtful travel recommendations. Follow her adventures on Instagram @janeroggen.

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