Romantic Resort: Club Med Sandpiper
by Norm Goldman
Photography by Lily Azerad-Goldman

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Mention of the name Club Med and many of us would probably visualize a resort tucked away in some exotic far-off island, where accommodations are somewhat sparse.

Who would conceive that one-hour north of West Palm Beach, Florida, located within a residual community of the town of Port St. Lucie, exists a unique Club Med? It is here where we discover one of Florida's best-kept secrets, Club Med Sandpiper.

Recently having undergone considerable renovations costing in the millions, Club Med Sandpiper, overlooking the tranquility of St. Lucie River, provides an unbelievable village facility, focusing on providing the best possible stay, where mind and body run free.

Reminiscent of an old Florida estate, its 338 air-conditioned double occupancy spacious rooms are surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. All rooms overlook the St. Lucie River, however, only one side of each of the seven buildings of the village actually have a good view of the water.

Rooms are tastefully furnished containing king size or two full-size beds, wicker furnishings, tropical artwork, private terraces, walk-in closets, dressing areas, cable or satellite television, phone, mini-fridge, personal safes, hairdryers, baths and showers.

As for sports and activities, brace yourself; it would be an understatement to say that they are plentiful! Club Med Sandpiper recreational facilities revolve around a fantastic array for both adults and children. In fact, this resort prides itself as being the largest sports club in the world.

Within the village you will discover swimming, golf, sailing, basketball, aerobics, softball, volleyball, in-line skating, water-skiing, tennis, nature walks, aerobics, inline skating, bocce ball, mini-soccer, circus workshops and skateboarding.

The tennis buff or golf enthusiast will discover a virtual paradise with the village's 18-hole golf course and the 19- tennis court complex. However, the 18-hole golf course is not included in the package, although there is a 9-hole short course that is complimentary. One caveat, there are so many activities; you may not be able to enjoy them all. A wise suggestion would be to concentrate on a few, in order to reap maximum benefit.

Overseeing these activities are the "Gentil Organisateurs", or as they are called, "G.Os," who run all of the Club Med activities. They are camp counsellors, cheerleaders, and party hosts-one big enchilada.

For a change of pace, the resort's activity desk regularly arranges, at an additional cost, for nearby attractions like Disney World, Seaworld, Universal Studios and Epcot Center, and Kennedy Space Center.

As the day progresses, the resort's many activities coupled with its fresh air and natural settings encourage hearty appetites. The Club's all- inclusive package includes plentiful, home-style meals. In fact, a wise person would not want to start a diet while vacationing here. The food is too good! There are two restaurants; the main family restaurant features varied theme buffets, where soft drinks, wine and beer flows freely with lunch and dinner.

Different rooms divide the restaurant for adults, children, the patio, and families. Culinary excitement runs the gamut from various fish and meat dishes, hot and cold appetizers, salad bar, cheese selection and plenty of desserts, soups, different breads and even junk food for the finicky eaters.

The second restaurant, known as Riverside, is part of the main restaurant located, however, through some private doors. This is only open when the village reaches a certain amount of occupancy. Here you will find table service with a choice of lamb, fish or pasta.

For those of you who want to bring your kids along, yet at the same time enjoy some precious private romantic moments with your partner, don't worry. The dedicated personnel of this family oriented resort will make sure your kids are continuously kept entertained, safe and out of mischief. You will never feel guilty leaving your kids in the hands of Club Med's staff. In fact, you may even be envious of the personal care they will receive.

For infants 4 through 23 months, Sandpiper is the only Club Med in the USA to feature Baby Club Med. There is also Petit Club Med for ages 2-3 years and Mini Club Med for the 4 to 12 year olds. One novel activity is the Mini Club's Circus Workshop. Kids over the age of 12 can be taught to fly on the flying trapeze, walk a tightrope or juggle. A collective babysitting service, at an additional cost, for kids 4 months to 7 years old, is also provided from 7:30 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. Experienced- trained staff supervises all lessons, activities and babysitting.

Evening entertainment generally takes place in the Sandpiper's 700-seat theatre located in a separate wing of the resort. The pre-show event starts at 8:30. This is usually a family oriented activity such as, Salsa lessons, talent shows, children's car race, games etc. The 9:00 evening show may consist of a trapeze performance, circus show,
Latin shows or even a comedy performance. The after-show events comprise various themes, such as the 60's with live music or a dance show. The bar stays open until 2:00 a.m.

Not too far from the village, wait the twenty-one miles of pristine white sand beaches that are very popular with divers. Over many centuries there has been several shipwrecks within these waters. It is no wonder that there is a constant search for gold and gems from these ancient ships, and that is why the area is called the "Treasure Coast." If you would like to pass a few hours drifting, relaxing or diving along the nearby beaches, and you are without your wheels, the Sandpiper will arrange, at your expense, transportation.

At the end of the day, however, coming home to the village may be the best attraction of all, particularly watching the brilliant sunset over the waters of the river. Most visitors, who are fortunate to find themselves in Club Med Sandpiper, feel they have made a special discovery-helping them forget everything, and luring them back again and again.

IF YOU GO

Address: 3500 SE Morningside Boulevard,
Port St Lucie, Florida 34952
Tel: 800-CLUB-MED or (561) 398-5100
Fax: 561-398-5103
Web Site: Club Med Sandpiper