Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Leading The Way In Active Wellness

with Caroline Booth

Nestled along the banks of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie on FloridaÂ’'s East Coast, is where you'll find Club Med Sandpiper Bay, the only all inclusive resort in the U.S. It is here where Open Jaw was recently invited to spend a weekend. This, however, was no flop and drop vacation, rather an invitation to experience a new trend towards active wellness.

"Sandpiper is a unique property in the Club Med portfolio and is a good example of what [we] are now providing." said Xavier Mufraggi, CEO North America. Founded in 1950, Club Med was a leader in the all inclusive concept. Now with 75 well established properties worldwide, it aims to be the leader in health and active wellness vacations.

"It's a massive trend, and what we're hearing a lot from people now is, 'I need to perform in my job'. Parents are working and are under a lot of pressure, but also want to reconnect with their spouse and kids." Guests can come to Sandpiper to unwind, recharge, participate in unique leisure activities and have fun (trapeze lessons anyone?), but also practice and improve on their chosen sport and take advantage of world class facilities and instructors. "There is an active expectation." adds Mufraggi. SandpiperÂ’s 360° Active Wellness Boost packages offer personalized programs that include performance evaluation, professional sports coaching, fitness training, nutritional guidance and rejuvenation or relaxation therapies in their luxurious spa by L'Â’Occitane.

Little known to the average consumer is that the property also hosts Club Med Academies, an elite training facility for youngsters with goals of going pro in either tennis, golf, triathlon or volley ball. The merger of the academy and resort is a win-win situation for both entities. Athletes train and live on the property while resort guests take advantage of world class trainers. "[There is] nowhere else where you will see this level of infrastructure or coaching than at Sandpiper. It's the best in the industry."” says Mufraggi. Guests should not be intimidated about ability, however, as lessons are available for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Along with superior sports facilities, the resort features expected amenities such as a splash park, adults only infinity pool and hot tub. Dining options include the buffet style Market Place, and 2 specialty table service restaurants, all offering a vast array of choices. There is, of course, a focus on nutritious foods for those who wish to maintain a diet complementary to the health and wellness regime encouraged by this resort.

For evening entertainment there are nightly shows in the Theater featuring song, dance, acrobatic stunts and humour, all suitable for family viewing. After a show guests are invited to mingle and take part in the Crazy Signs Dance (a Club Med ritual), or simply sit back and enjoy the atmosphere and DJ beats at Slice Bar & Lounge.

When sleep calls, guests will rest easy in comfortable and spacious accommodations. $25 million was spent on renovations at Sandpiper in the last 4 years, much of which was dedicated to upgrades and expansion of its 307 rooms. 3 room categories include Club, Deluxe and Family. Family rooms are all designated to the ground floor for safety and easy access to outdoor play areas.

In the last 10 years, families have made up the bulk of the clientele at all Club Med resorts (70%), so facilitating this market is a priority. The new Kidz Village at Sandpiper includes programs for all ages, and teens can lounge at Latitude 27°.

Aside from fine facilities and the added niceties of an upscale resort, Club Med recognizes that it's the people that make all the difference and is a major reason why clients come back. “They feel something different here." Says Mufraggi. “The 1st thing we look for when we recruit is friendliness and social skills”. The term G.O (Gentil Organisateur, or Village Chief) was invented by Club Med 60 years ago and is still in use today. They are from different parts of the world and are ambassadors of the Club Med spirit. They, along with G.Es (Gentil Employé) live on site for 6-9 months at a time before moving to another resort so they can learn about different cultures and languages. According to Mufraggi, this practice keeps the passion for their job alive and clients visiting different Club Med Resorts will very likely recognize someone they know. “They [clients] find this comforting.”

It was an interesting coincidence to meet Quebecer G.O David Meyer, as Quebec represents the majority of Canadian business to Sandpiper and Club Med resorts worldwide. Penetration in the upscale market from this region is strong, and based on this success, investment is now being targeted to the Ontario market.

Exciting plans for Club Med in the near future include opening its 1st Canadian property - a resort in Quebec's Charlevoix region. The aim is to have a property that would function in winter as an all inclusive ski resort and in summer as well. Definitely something to look forward to.