Club Med Sandpiper- Port St. Lucie, Florida

By: Norm Goldman
Photographer: Lily Azerad-Goldman

One of the best-kept secrets, and a relatively undiscovered region of Florida, is Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce.

Located 120 miles north of Miami and 120 miles south of Orlando along the east coast of Florida, visitors will experience a taste of what Florida used to be with its natural and wild habitation.

Within minutes of Fort Pierce along the St. Lucie River, and forty-five miles north of West Palm Beach, is Club Med Sandpiper spreading over 1000 acres.

Recently having undergone considerable renovations costing in the millions, Club Med Sandpiper differentiates itself from their other villages in that it is not tucked away in some secluded island.

The vacationer can enjoy the best of both worlds; a country club atmosphere, while being in close proximity to such attractions as Disney World, Seaworld, Universal Studios and Epcot Center, and Kennedy Space Center.

The resort will even arrange, at an additional cost, day excursions to these attractions.

Reminiscent of an old Florida estate, its 338 air-conditioned double occupancy spacious rooms are surrounded by majestic 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, brace yourself; it would be an understatement to say that they are plentiful!

Club Med Sandpiper offers its guests a fantastic array for both adults and children.

You will find within the village, swimming, golf, sailing, basketball, aerobics, softball, volleyball, in-line skating, water-skiing, tennis, nature walks, aerobics, inline skating, bocce ball, min-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.

The “Gentil Organisateurs”, or as they are called, “G.Os,” run all of the Club Med activities.

They are camp counsellors, cheerleaders, and party hosts-one big enchilada.

The Club’s all- inclusive package also includes plentiful and unpretentious meals. You would be wise, however, not to start your diet while vacationing here, even though you may have subjected yourself to vigorous activities.

There are two restaurants; the main family restaurant featuring varied theme buffets, where wine flows freely with lunch and dinner.

Different rooms divide the restaurant for adults, children, the patio, and families.

Buffets include various fish and meat dishes, hot and cold appetizers, salad bar, cheese selection and plenty of desserts.

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.

Vacationing with children- don’t worry; the personnel of this family oriented resort will make sure your kids are continuously kept entertained, safe and out of mischief.

Mommy and daddy will have the opportunity to spend sometime alone without the kids, perhaps trying out a new sport. What more could you ask for!

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.

Experienced- trained staff supervises all lessons and activities.

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.

For a change of pace, and not too far from the village, are 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 for a taxi. However, this service is not complimentary.

RESORT’S DETAILS

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

Norm and Lily Azerad-Goldman are a unique husband and wife team, writer and water colorist, who write and paint about romantic destinations.

Basically, they meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel story, which generates interest, particularly because of the fact that each painting appears to have been ‘custom-made’ for the story-original story and original art.

They can be contacted at: l.goldman@sympatico.ca