I could not think of a better way to kick off the summer than with a family vacation to Club Med Sandpiper Bay. Club Med is an all inclusive resort primely nestled on the St. Lucie River. Port St. Lucie is a two hour drive from Orlando and Miami. This was my family's first stay at a Club Med and we could not be more impressed! My five-year-old daughter had the time of her life and is confused as to why we are not spending the whole summer there. I completely understand her desire for an extended stay! To give my readers a glimpse into how amazing Club Med is, I have broken down my experience into themes I adopted while on the best vacation ever.
Vacation Villages do it best!
Yes, Club Med offers everything a resort does but it actually goes above and beyond by adopting a village status. You see, everything is more personal when you are a part of a village, and you get a much better experience being a fellow villager while on vacation. Club Med has a different philosophy regarding hospitality, and this has brought about a popular and one of a kind vacation experience that retains visitors throughout multiple stays. The head staff’s specialized position affords them a unique title, “Generous Organizer,” and guests soon become familiar with the G.O.’s and readily adopt this form of generosity. G.O.’s are fabulous multi-taskers, they can be found doing anything from checking guests in to leading a lively conga line yet also warm and friendly enough to sit down and share a meal with guests. Once you visit a Club Med Village, you will want to experience it over and over again. And why not, since there are over 70 locations worldwide!
Innovative Technology for the Win!
Upon arrival we went through the usual check in routine and were escorted to our room with luggage in tow. When we reached our room, it occurred to me that I forgot to get a key card to unlock the door. Our G.O. was quick to share the refreshing news that our bracelets were, in fact, digital bracelets that doubled as our room key. Talk about a life changing realization! Parents are familiar with the passing and oh so obvious phrase, “You got your hands full.” Club Med knows this and offers the perfect innovative solution to vacationing families with the digital bracelet. Parents tend to juggle an excessive amount of stuff in their hands and arms, most notably a tiny human (or two), so this magnificent digital bracelet that opened my door time and time again with ease was so convenient for the whole trip. The digital bracelets can also be linked to a payment card if desired for further convenience. Club Med also lets guests stay connected to all the happenings, restaurant times and the children’s activity schedule through the Club Med app. I used the app several times and appreciated how quickly I was able to see what was going on!
Go Ahead, Treat Yourself!
Club Med invites guests over and over again to be treated to something special; a luxurious spa day, chilled wine on the terrace, fresh, made-on-the-spot crepes, that sailing lesson you’ve always wanted to take, all of that and more is waiting for you. Speaking of a spa day, Club Med hosts the first L’OCCITANE Spa in the US, and it is truly an exclusive pampering destination to be relished. Guests can retreat to the spa for an array of body and beauty nourishments such as a Verbena Body Massage or a Detoxifying Almond Body Wrap, just to name a few enticing treatments. Club Med also plans adventurous excursions if you would like treat yourself to wildly explore the outdoors, especially if you’ve been waiting to try the Flyboard, view dolphins in the bay or even go off-shore fishing! At Club Med, I learned it was a time set aside to treat myself and leave feeling rejuvenated and I am so glad I did!
The Main Attraction: Mini Club
I cannot say enough positive things about the Mini Club. First off I was delighted to learn that children spend the majority of their time outdoors, being active in the presence of G.O.’s who have a genuine love for kids. My one-year-old was cared for in the Baby Club, and I felt great about the one on one care she received. Club Med provides at least one G.O. to two babies, but usually it is a one to one ratio, I was able to completely relax knowing she was receiving all the attention she needed to be content. My five-year-old daughter had the time of her life at Club Mini where she attended the Circus School and performed in the kid’s talent show. Club Med provides professionally trained circus staff to teach the children fun techniques such a spinning on the silks, and all the while the children have the extra care of their regular G.O. Mini Club leaders. I was amazed at the four year olds who braved the trapeze! Yes, four and five year olds can try the trapeze at Club Med!
For the kids, For the Adults
Club Med is all about the kids as much as it is all about the adults, and that is a balance I know a lot of parents will really appreciate. Club Med loves kids, yet does not sacrifice sophistication. High chairs are available at the restaurants and strollers are provided to any families upon request. Kids can enjoy a splash pool, playgrounds, an art studio, and adults can enjoy modern bars, stylish poolside cabanas, and are welcome to grab a latte any time of the day, which I often took advantage of! In our room, I was delighted to have the hand held shower hose option in the bathtub for my young children, especially after a day in the sand! It’s all about those little options that you take for granted but wish you had while on vacation! It was so nice to have all the bells and whistles for my children but to look around and see a modern and sophisticated environment.
Fit for Foodies, Health Conscious Welcome
There is no need to forgo healthy meals while on vacation at Club Med. My whole family was very pleased with the dining selection. We enjoyed most of our family meals at The MarketPlace, an International Buffet, and it was absolutely amazing! There were so many exquisite dishes; the culinary experience at Club Med was easily one of my favorites things! The food was fresh, made in small batches and served to lavish. I ate a lot of vegetable based dishes and fresh salads and felt like I was eating for a queen! One of my favorite things in the morning was indulging in a personal made to order omelet and then grabbing a green juice blend to start the day.There were plenty of dishes to splurge on, too- hand tossed pizza, gelato, fresh crepes- you get the idea!And for the kids, I’ll just speak for my selective eaters, they had kid-approved options like chicken nuggets, pasta, cut fruit, fruit smoothies, hamburgers etc. Aside from the MarketPlace, there are additional restaurants and bars to accommodate a late lunch or late night snack.
Now that I have your attention, go ahead and check out a Club Med destination for yourself!
My family and I were hosted by Club Med, however all opinions expressed are my own.
