Did you know that the Treasure Coast hides an inshore
treasure' It's the all-inclusive Club Med Sandpiper resort. And, it's less
than an hour away from us ' door to door. This sparkling jewel of a place
is nestled not on the Atlantic Ocean but on a quiet serene cove of the tranquil
St. Lucie River a part of the Indian River Lagoon system.
As I drove to the front gate I passed through a Port
St. Lucie residential community located along a sprawling 18-hole plush
golf course. That sure made an impression. But I was more amazed by the
greeting I received upon driving up to the reception area. Here was this
large group of smiling, enthusiastic, young people who literally jumped
to welcome me to their resort. I was quickly ushered to the reception desk
and in no time had a wrist tag applied and given an envelope with my room
entry card and all the information needed for my 4-night stay. I later learned
that there are about a hundred of these young staffers called GO's (Gracious
Organizers) by Club Med. They were there to cater to my every need, as well
as, provide some of the best entertainment I've experienced bar none. GO's
are encouraged to mingle and participate with guests in every one of the
activities and they certainly made my stay very memorable one.
One of the 50 Superior (a spacious 334 sq. ft.) rooms
was mine. It was on the third floor of one of six buildings clustered on
the property. These rooms are Garden view with a balcony and two double
beds or one king sized bed. There are seven different categories of rooms
from Marina Family Suites (27 pairs) to Disabled access rooms (3), Garden
view with terrace, on the first floor. All 337 rooms are air-conditioned
with telephone, TV, clock radio/CD, iron & ironing board (in the huge walk-in
closet for two), hair dryer, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, personal safe, bathtub
with shower (out of the wall and hand-held). My room had a sitting area
with a full couch, easy chair, coffee table, a credenza, and table lamps.
Sliding doors lead out onto a balcony with two deck type chairs and small
end table. Other, higher cost accommodations, are of course available ranging
from family suites to water view rooms. Laundry facilities*, beverage machine*,
ice machine are located on the second floor of each building.
Note: above and from here on, in this article, an * denotes
extra cost items. Yes, there are items and optional activities, in which
not everyone would participate/purchase, that are not included in the all-inclusive
package. These are, generally, identified in brochures and flyers but, to
avoid surprises, make sure you ask your travel agent about these.
After seeing my very well appointed accommodations I
said to myself: 'why would I want to leave the comfort of my digs'' I sure
got my answer when I looked into what there was to do at this resort. There
are no less than five swimming pools (1 exclusively for adults and 1 for
the Mini Club, the 4-10 year olds), 19 hard-surface tennis courts (9 lighted),
the 18-hole golf* course, fitness room (with weights), pool tables*, game
room (arcade)*, all kinds of massages* even an outdoor palapa (curtained
massage table) facing the waterway, all kinds of entertainment, including
live shows, bands, cooking demos, and live interactive (audience participation)
games. For the shopper there's the Boutique* selling sundries and the latest
Club Med fashions, and yes, there were a couple of bargain tables with different
items each day that I checked.
The entertainment, at all hours of the day, evening,
and at night kept me hopping. There were stage shows put on by the very
talented GO's that are designed to be family oriented pleasers, the trapeze
show, the family circus show under the big top, puppet shows for the kids
and adults in the Village Square, mid- afternoon ski show, the Regatta put
on by guests & kids who had just learned that skill on the Hobie-Cats. There's
really lots to do, but, only if you want to. Ending all these are the dance
parties at the Sandbar, normally starting at 9:30 pm that continue to 'closing'
well into the wee hours. All the beverages, in the Sandbar, and at meal
times (beers, house wines, exotic cocktails and non-alcoholic choices) are
included. I've not really been able to give you an in depth look at all
there is to do at the Sandpiper resort' there's so much more to enjoy. You'll
just have to go to the Sandpiper and check it out for yourself.
All this activity can really work up an appetite, which
brings me to the culinary and gastronomic delights that awaited me at the
Sandpiper. There are two restaurants: Riverview, capacity 720, and the specialty
restaurant The Riverside, capacity 120. Riverview, open daily, is large,
air-conditioned, located in the center of the village with tables accommodating
two people on up large parties. The buffet style menu includes made-to-order
eggs, omelets (by Mable, the veteran of 16 years at the grill) and fresh
fruits for breakfast, daily specials for lunch and themed dinners like Beef
Wellington, Duck 'l'Orange, sushi, etc. The Riverside offers table service
and an a la carte menu. It's open on various days of the week and reservations
are required. Dinner is at 6:30pm-900pm (times can change). All meals are
included, even snacks, late lunch at the Riverview Snack Bar, and late dinner
at the Sandbar.
To wear off the meals I could choose from a host of physical
activities and lessons: group golf, water-skiing, wakeboarding, tennis,
circus school, trampoline and flying trapeze, in-line skating, water aerobics,
Hobie-Cat sailing, archery. Or, I could play at bocce ball, table tennis,
basketball, mini-soccer, softball, beach volleyball, par3 pitch & putt golf
and so on and on!
Whew! That would tire-out the most athletic one of us.
So, I stroll over to the children's club area. There are no less that five
different age group 'clubs' (from 4 months up to 17 years). The clubs for
children four years old and above are included. Clubs for tots 4 months
through 3 years of age are at extra cost (for obvious reasons). Kids just
love the Hip Hop Kids program where get to learn the funky dance moves of
their favorite music stars while increasing strength, coordination and agility.
The Musical Discovery Adventure activity allows kids to explore and celebrate
the world's cultures thru the beauty and beat of world music with activities
ranging from mask making to a multilingual sing-along. With all there's
do for children of all ages it's no wonder that the Sandpiper is a favorite
family vacation destination. Kids have a great time as so do their parents/grandparents
who can get a much-needed break from the rigors of child rearing!!
Before I leave Club Med's Sandpiper (all-inclusive) resort
I have to mention a couple of more features that I really liked: I parked,
for free, just a few steps from the reception, there was no tipping (it's
included), and the Sandbar is a non-smoking bar, imagine that. Of course,
a smoking section is available on the bar's outside terrace. So, here I
am leaving you and the Sandpiper but I promise to be back soon.
