Club Med Sandpiper Bay, FL - Resort & Activities Review (scroll down for photos)
Adri and Noelle sailing a Hobie Cat at Club Med
What are your images of Club Med? Do you picture children actively learning sports, arts and crafts and trapeze skills while the adults pursue golf, tennis, sailing, a massage, zumba or relaxation at a quiet pool? Most people do not. However, that's exactly what you'll experience at the Club Med in Sandpiper Bay, FL.
Currently the only Club Med in the U.S. (look for a possible expansion soon!), Sandpiper Bay is an active family's dream vacation. Acclaimed for its tennis program, as well as golf instruction, this Club Med focuses on learning or sharpening athletic skills. Only top of the line equipment is used and the instructors are knowledgeable and friendly. But that's far from all that's available. My daughter and I, though novices, were able to take a quick lesson and sail one of the "included" Hobie Cats. We also took out some paddle boards (though the lagoon area for paddle boarding is somewhat small). There are 3 saltwater pools: one for swimming laps, a zero-entry pool for families and a quiet infinity pool with a hot tub for adults only. Children also have a water play area and their own miniature tennis courts, a trampoline and many other guided activities, all included in the price.
The all-inclusive nature of the resort makes it easy for couples and families to budget their vacation. Though there are some extra costs such as private lessons, golf cart fee, motorized sport rentals and premium alcoholic drinks, most visitors can spend the entire vacation without pulling out a wallet.
In addition to the water sports, golf and tennis, there are many classes in which anyone can participate: Zumba, stretching, Pilates, yoga and more. The gym has been completely renovated with abundant and top-of-the-line equipment. The spa is by L'Occitane and features a full menu of treatments (extra cost).
Children aged 4 months and up are all welcomed at the resort. Activities are planned all day long for all ages and are included in the resort cost for ages 4 and up. These are not babysitting services where children sit inside and play electronic games. There is a strong focus on being active and engaging both the body and the mind. Many families pursue their own activities during the day, then come together for dinner, perhaps enjoying the evening show and dancing that follows. It is not unusual to see children dancing alongside adults in the Slice dance bar.
Accommodations are very spacious and rooms are available that contain a separate bedroom for children. Some family suites have one and a half baths while others have just one full bath. Rooms are simply furnished with comfortable beds and recently renovated bathrooms. Their are televisions in the bedrooms, but the focus is clearly on the outdoors at this resort.
The beach area is small, featuring a little lagoon opening onto the river. Water is a lightly salty brackish mix. Winds usually pick up enough in the early afternoon for excellent sailing weather and many guests take advantage of the included Hobie Cats, which are easy to sail even for beginners.
Beautifully maintained landscaping provides a lovely backdrop for relaxing on the lounge chairs and beds which are scattered throughout the resort grounds. Although children are welcomed, there are a few areas that are reserved just for adults. The infinity pool and hot tub are quiet areas with plenty of lounging opportunities. There are also a few little sandy areas on the bay where adults can retreat for complete quiet.
Meals are served buffet-style with a small restaurant area set aside for full-service. Even when the buffet is closed, the full-service restaurant is available for limited a la carte items. In spite of the buffet style, the food is excellently prepared and there is a great variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries, desserts and specially prepared menus at each meal. Dietary requests such as no-salt, gluten-free, diabetic menus, etc. are all graciously accommodated.
Destination weddings are also popular here and wedding planning specialists work with brides for that professional and personal touch. Meetings, retreats or reunions are ideal for this location. No passports are needed and the Club Med staff customizes team-building activities alongside updated meeting facilities. Give me a call at 828-244-6640 or email me at [email protected] to plan your trip to Club Med Sandpiper Bay!
Currently the only Club Med in the U.S. (look for a possible expansion soon!), Sandpiper Bay is an active family's dream vacation. Acclaimed for its tennis program, as well as golf instruction, this Club Med focuses on learning or sharpening athletic skills. Only top of the line equipment is used and the instructors are knowledgeable and friendly. But that's far from all that's available. My daughter and I, though novices, were able to take a quick lesson and sail one of the "included" Hobie Cats. We also took out some paddle boards (though the lagoon area for paddle boarding is somewhat small). There are 3 saltwater pools: one for swimming laps, a zero-entry pool for families and a quiet infinity pool with a hot tub for adults only. Children also have a water play area and their own miniature tennis courts, a trampoline and many other guided activities, all included in the price.
The all-inclusive nature of the resort makes it easy for couples and families to budget their vacation. Though there are some extra costs such as private lessons, golf cart fee, motorized sport rentals and premium alcoholic drinks, most visitors can spend the entire vacation without pulling out a wallet.
In addition to the water sports, golf and tennis, there are many classes in which anyone can participate: Zumba, stretching, Pilates, yoga and more. The gym has been completely renovated with abundant and top-of-the-line equipment. The spa is by L'Occitane and features a full menu of treatments (extra cost).
Children aged 4 months and up are all welcomed at the resort. Activities are planned all day long for all ages and are included in the resort cost for ages 4 and up. These are not babysitting services where children sit inside and play electronic games. There is a strong focus on being active and engaging both the body and the mind. Many families pursue their own activities during the day, then come together for dinner, perhaps enjoying the evening show and dancing that follows. It is not unusual to see children dancing alongside adults in the Slice dance bar.
Accommodations are very spacious and rooms are available that contain a separate bedroom for children. Some family suites have one and a half baths while others have just one full bath. Rooms are simply furnished with comfortable beds and recently renovated bathrooms. Their are televisions in the bedrooms, but the focus is clearly on the outdoors at this resort.
The beach area is small, featuring a little lagoon opening onto the river. Water is a lightly salty brackish mix. Winds usually pick up enough in the early afternoon for excellent sailing weather and many guests take advantage of the included Hobie Cats, which are easy to sail even for beginners.
Beautifully maintained landscaping provides a lovely backdrop for relaxing on the lounge chairs and beds which are scattered throughout the resort grounds. Although children are welcomed, there are a few areas that are reserved just for adults. The infinity pool and hot tub are quiet areas with plenty of lounging opportunities. There are also a few little sandy areas on the bay where adults can retreat for complete quiet.
Meals are served buffet-style with a small restaurant area set aside for full-service. Even when the buffet is closed, the full-service restaurant is available for limited a la carte items. In spite of the buffet style, the food is excellently prepared and there is a great variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries, desserts and specially prepared menus at each meal. Dietary requests such as no-salt, gluten-free, diabetic menus, etc. are all graciously accommodated.
Destination weddings are also popular here and wedding planning specialists work with brides for that professional and personal touch. Meetings, retreats or reunions are ideal for this location. No passports are needed and the Club Med staff customizes team-building activities alongside updated meeting facilities. Give me a call at 828-244-6640 or email me at [email protected] to plan your trip to Club Med Sandpiper Bay!
