Family vacations, the Club Med way

Families taking a vacation together need to be sure that the resort they choose has something for all members of the family. There is nothing worse than going on a vacation and having one member of the group not enjoying themselves. Time should be spent, prior to making any definite commitments, in finding out what the location you are considering, has to offer all members of the family.

Having been to the Club Med Resort in Ixtapa, and having researched all it had to offer, prior to making my reservations, I consider it one of the best places for a family to go on holiday. This is a hacienda-style, all-inclusive family resort, on the shores of the Pacific ocean, fifteen minutes beyond the town of Ixtapa in Mexico.

One of the first pieces of information necessary is "how convenient is it to get to" and Club Med Ixtapa proved to be very convenient. There is an International Airport about a 45 minute drive from the resort, all guests are met on arrival and taken to the resort.

Next was, "what type of accommodations will the family have", will they be all together. Club Med has 15 family suites, many with seperate rooms for adults and children, some of which are connected and some adjacent. They vary in price by location, amenities included and whether they have a oceanview.

Of course with children along, the types of restaurants are another area to be looked into. The Ixtapa ClubMed has a variety of restaurants, first and foremost is La Sirena, the restaurant for little ones, aged 2 to 11 years which is created just for them with balanced meals, activities and entertainment. Then there is the Baby Corner in the main restaurant, with baby food and the necessary utensils for parents who wish to prepare their little ones meals. The Main restaurant, El Encanto, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in five themed lounges as well as on the large terrace facing the ocean. It is open to all guests. There are other options for meals at the resort. Wine, soft drinks,and juices are included with all meals, alcoholic drinks are also included, as they are at any of the many bars on property.

But, most important for families taking a vacation together is, "what is there to do all day". At ClubMed Ixtapa guests can choose from an extensive variety of activities to keep them busy all day, or for those members of the family who prefer to do nothing, there is the beautiful sandy beach and the inviting swimming pool, with loungers, to relax at.

ClubMed Ixtapa provides professional sitters in the Baby Club for guests of 4 months to just under 2 years, and in the Petit Club for those 2 years to 4 years, where the little ones are kept busy with creative activities, meals, and nap time, specifically designed for them. The Mini Club caters to kids from 4 years to 11 years and the Juniors Club for those 11 to 18 years. Activities are based on ages and can include, as much of the following activites as they can participated in, in a day.

Activities included for all guests at the club, range from the Flying Trapeze and Circus School, Tennis school, Basketball, beach Volleyball, Kayaking ,Soccer, wall climbing and the gym and weight room, just to mention a few. Deep sea fishing, Golf, horseback riding and off site Snorkeling are available for an additional charge, as also is the Wellness Center, with all types of beauty treatments, and massage techniques, designed for both men and women.

To encourage Families to spend their vacations at the resort, many special rates are offered during the year. Taking advantage of these special rates, not only saves families money, but helps make the dream of a ClubMed vacation come true.

Many American families prefer to vacation in the United States, for them there is the renovated Sandpiper ClubMed. This all-inclusive resort is located on the Saint Lucie River in Florida. Parents can enjoy a carefree holiday, as the resort has qualified professionals who operate the, age based childrens clubs with dedicated activites for babies, children and teenagers, from morning to evening allowing the parents free time to pursue their own choice of activities.

Walk on a tightrope, fly thru the air, jump on a trampolie or juggle like a clown at the Flying Trapeze and Circus School, learn Tennis and golf or enjoy the sport on your own. Fitness Buffs can enjoy the Cardio Dance Studio, the weight room, and Yoga and meditation outdoors, overlooking the river. For the less active there are 3 swimming pools where guests can cool off after a game of football, basketball, soccer or volleyball, or participate in a water polo game. The younger members of the family can enjoy the baby gym, splash park or take part in a talent show.

Families have not been forgotten in the types of accommodations available, the Family Club rooms have private sleeping areas for the parents, terraces, spacious bathrooms and crib options. The Deluxe family rooms have a seperate room for parents and one for children, a large living area and a well-stocked mini fridge.

The same applies to the places for the families to eat, the Marketplace, located in the center of the resort, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for all the family to dine together, and it includes a Baby Corner,with food just for the younger members, and also where parents can prepare the meals the littlest ones prefer. The other restaurant the Soleil offers healthy a la carte dining options.

While drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included, the Junior Lounge Latitude 27, catering to teens, does not serve alcoholic drinks

As with all Club Med Resorts, Sandpiper offers many Special rates for families during the year. Guests coming to the resort can fly into Miami or Ft Lauderdale, from these airports they can get to Sandpiper by rental car or transfers thru the resort. The West Palm Beach airport is the closest airport, only 45 minutes from the resort, and for those driving there is a parking lot with free access