Why Choose Club Med for a Family Vacation?

This is an interview with Franci Kursh about her family’s vacation at Club Med Sandpiper Bay with ten family members including four kids ages 6 to 12.

Why did you choose a Club Med vacation?

At Club Med every member of the family gets to do a little bit of what they want.  Given that there are so many activities offered at the resort itself, there are no logistical nightmares. We could all do what we wanted without endless discussion.

What makes Club Med so great for families?

It’s an all-inclusive resort so all of the activities for kids  — sports, art programs, and circus classes — and adults are included in the package price, even golf! Meals and alcoholic beverages are part of the pricing as well.

There is a kids’ club for all ages with activities planned throughout the day.  Older kids can come and go as they please and enjoy independence as they safely engage in activities on their own.

Club Med offers several dining options, a sit down dining room and a buffet, as well as a snack bar that is open all day.  The food is good — not gourmet — but fine with kids.

Can you tell us about Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida?

I liked everything about our Club Med experience at Sandpiper Bay. It’s located in Port St. Lucie on the East coast of Florida, north of Palm Beach. We never left the hotel so I can’t tell you what there is to do in the area, but the hotel did offer day trips for a fee.

In addition to the activities during the day, there are nightly family-friendly entertainment shows.  The staff is well selected and trained – they are good at what they do and it’s an internationally diverse group.

Our rooms were okay, nothing special.  We had a regular hotel room with a bed and a set of bunk beds for the kids with a privacy curtain for a little separation. Self-service laundry facilities are available for guests.

It’s important to note that the hotel is not located on the ocean.  It has a small beach on an inlet. Our kids liked it and spent a lot of time there.

Is there anything families should know before booking?

It’s just good to keep in mind that not all kids will want to spend a lot of time in the kids’ club. They have check out privileges at age 8 and can come and go as they please.

Photo by Franci Kursh

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino review of Club Med Cancun

Tips for finding and booking family tours

Multigenerational trip planning tips