Club Med Sandpiper: Child-Focused Luxury

Club Med's only American location, Club Med Sandpiper is located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on the state's East Coast. Sandpiper sits directly on the St. Lucie River, part of the Intercoastal Waterway and just a short trip from the Atlantic Ocean.

Sandpiper is both Club Med's only American location, and, we were told, its most child-focused. Perhaps "child-dominated" would be a better term; the resort caters to children, possibly to the detriment of its older visitors. The resort's main pool -- at the center of Sandpiper's village setup -- is home to children all day, with organized games, contests, and shows aimed at the younger guests. Through the Mini Club Med, guests ages 4-10 receive (at no additional cost) supervised access to special games, contests, activities, and even meals. The clubmed.us website notes that teenagers (ages 11-17) staying at Club Med Sandpiper are eligible for a Juniors' Club Med during vacations and peak weeks. Through these programs, parents can leave their children with "GO's" (as Club Med refers to their employees), and get some free time of their own.

For adults, Club Med offers its share of activities, including rollerblading, sailing lessons, and yoga classes, along with staples such as basketball, golf, and tennis. (Club Med Sandpiper's complete list of activities can be accessed at www.clubmed.us.) The golf "village" encompasses a putting green, practice bunker, and a 9-hole pitch and putt. The pitch and putt is free -- and disappointing. The tees are in subpar condition, the greens are not owed, and the holes are too short. True golf enthusiasts will want to pony up for the 18-hole on-site course, which offers reasonable fees ($45 for 18 walking, during my last visit) and a challenge for experts and duffers alike. The resort also offers 19 tennis courts, along with lessons in a variety of fields, including not only golf and tennis, but archery, sailing, and the trapeze. With an on-site fitness center and several pools (including one that is adult-only), Club Med Sandpiper offers plenty for the physically active.