Hands up, baby, hands up! If that familiar jingle doesn’t get you thinking about Club Med for your next family vacation, this post about 6 things to try at the Sandpiper Bay Florida all-inclusive resort sure will.
If you’re a sports nut or a foodie, it’s worth a closer look. Because Sandpiper in Florida’s got it all.
Looking for a broader, more fulsome Club Med Sandpiper Bay review? I’ve got that, too. But if you’re just after the highlights — the must-tries that will probably end up being the most memorable parts of your family vacation — keep reading.
6 things to try at Sandpiper Bay Florida
Have you ever wanted to join a pick-up game of beach volleyball but knew you’d make a fool of yourself the minute you stepped on the sand? Yeah, me too. But after a lesson at the all-inclusive Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida, I’ve got a few skills to take onto the court that won’t totally embarrass my future teammates. And sports is just one thing they do well at this resort. Let’s dig into the 6 things to need to try at Club Med’s Sandpiper Bay Florida resort.
Sandpiper Bay Florida must-try #1: white chocolate bread
If you’ve never been to Club Med, there’s one thing that connects each resort around the world — and that’s its famous white chocolate bread. I woke each day during my stay at Club Med Sandpiper Bay to freshly baked loaves of white and dark chocolate bread that was warm, crusty on the outside and soft, doughy goodness on the inside.
I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t eat it for dessert after lunch and dinner most days, too. Oh, sure, it may not be the healthiest thing to eat at the resort but — heck — you’re on vacation. And you can balance all that bread-eating out pretty easily, because Club Med Sandpiper Bay offers plenty of healthy food options throughout the day.
Sandpiper Bay Florida must-try #2: sports academies
While some may think of Club Med purely as the original all-inclusive template for family fun, the Sandpiper Bay property takes activities to another level. Specializing in golf, tennis and beach volleyball, the instructors are made up of former pro and elite athletes who manage to teach very effectively in baby steps — no matter how old you are, or whether you’re a novice or advanced player.
I hadn’t stepped foot on a volleyball court since elementary school, much less a beach volleyball court. (Um, that would be never.) But within two hours, I was diving knees-first into the powdery sand and volleying that ball over the net. Successfully. Without looking like a total newbie.
Guests can come to daily lessons and build on skills day after day in the same sport, or try a new sport literally every day of the week.
Sandpiper Bay Florida must-try #3: flyboarding
Pro Tip: Women should wear a one-piece bathingsuit for flyboarding at Sandpiper Bay Florida, and preferably one that won’t allow your bits and pieces to move about too much. Bikini bottoms WILL come off. (You’ve been warned!) You should also be a confident swimmer if you’re going to try Flyboarding. And be prepared to drink a lot of sea water as you learn how to navigate the board.
This was a huge highlight of my time at Club Med Sandpiper Bay — not least of which because it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever tried. Flyboarding, also called “hydro-flying,” is not for the unadventurous. And although it’s one of the only activities at Club Med Sandpiper Bay that isn’t included, it’s a must.
Thanks to pressure supplied by a Jet Ski (manned by an expert Flyboarder who will also serve as your instructor), water is forced into a pair of boots that have jet nozzles underneath. Yes, you’re strapped into these boots, and they help thrust riders up to 49 feet in the air! Once I got the hang of it, I probably made it up to 15 or 20 feet. It was all kinds of awesome.
Sandpiper Bay Florida must-try #4: the White Party
Not to be missed is the Saturday night White Party at Club Med Sandpiper Bay. Pack an all-white outfit for you (and the kids if you bring them along), and be prepared to dance the night away at The Slice Bar. There are choreographed dances to learn, a live DJ and a blast of mist to cool you down courtesy of Club Med staff who climb atop the bar.
You might even find a GO who’s painting black-light-friendly face paint on holidaymakers:
Sandpiper Bay Florida must-try #5: flying trapeze
Are you as brave as your kids? Then you’ve got to try Club Med’s flying trapeze lessons.
I saw kids no older than six doing insane tricks mid-air, and even witnessed a gentleman in his 60s swinging upside down. This is for everyone, and you really will feel like a circus performer in very little time.
I like that Club Med sets aside times each day just for kids, just for adults and just for families. It gives you a chance to act like a kid — without your kids watching, if you prefer.
Truth be told, this is my trapeze video from the Punta Cana resort, because I was nursing a shoulder injury during my Sandpiper Bay Florida trip, but the set-up and experience is identical between both properties:
Sandpiper Bay Florida must-try #6: L’Occitane Spa
I mean, need I explain why the spa is one of the 6 things to try at Sandpiper Bay Florida? Probably not, but just in case you need a nudge: the signature facial starts with a calming foot bath, includes a face-lifting massage, decadent creams and culminates with a beverage and snack in a private, lush garden.
Dreamy, right?
Even if you skipped all of the glorious spa services and skipped right to relaxing in front of these garden views, it would still make my must-do list:
Although there are definitely more than just six awesome things to do at Sandpiper in Florida, these are the MUSTS that you need to make sure you add to your short-list before you go.
If you’re also considering other Club Med resorts, please check out my Club Med Punta Cana review as well. I personally prefer it to the Sandpiper Bay Florida property.
DISCLAIMER: Club Med invited me to visit the Sandpiper Bay Florida resort to facilitate this post.
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