Date: 14th September 2012
Subject: Club Med Sandpiper Bay Review
We
are a family of 4 - children age 15 and 10 ,returning from Club Med Sandpiper Bay. We
thoroughly enjoyed our weeks stay. Kids club for the 10 yr old was
perfect as she could sign in and out as she pleased. Latitude 27 was
superb (run by GO Ethan who was amazing) We saw glimpses only of our
children during the week as they ate every meal (stacked burgers, paninis, pasta
and pizza only I believe!!) with new found friends. My husband and I sat
in the adults only section of the restaurant and enjoyed some fantastic food -
a good selection for everyone. The wine however is shocking!
The
GO staff were by far the best we've experienced at Club Meds - probably the USA
service side of life and no tips would be accepted,even by porters with
luggage. Check in and departure were a breeze and we even had a stretch Hummer
to take us to the airport! The chef du village , Lionel , was
superb. The evening shows run by Fernando were again the best we
have experienced ! The fitness classes run by Audrey were phenomenal -
wow! She has trained celebs and athletes and Club Med are so lucky to
have her - she beats any personal trainer I have ever been to! Washing
machines and tumble dryers at $1 a cycle are fantastic! This is a
predominately English speaking CM compared to others I have been to (although
Americans there thought it very French!)
Club Med Sandpiper Bay |
On
a more negative side be careful of room selection - apparently there are
various Family Rooms - some have segmented areas ( one area with King bed
segmented by a wall housing two singles or bunks separated by bathrooms)
Others ( which we were given) are one large room with all beds in one
space. This is the poorest set up with Club Meds we have stayed in.
I asked agent before I left but she was unaware - be aware and ask to see room
before hand! In busy times this may not be possible, but we were their
when it was quiet ( Florida schools had gone back) . The airconditioning
sounds like a 747 at take off speed - you get used to it after a 7 nights!!
They
also only have 4 catamarans - come on CM - buy some more!! Also, water
skiing used to take place of another Jetty which now looks like its not used -
water skiing was stopped due to expense but the bay is perfect for water skiing
and not so much for boats! Paddle boards are readily available - look out
for dolphins!
The
Discovery centre is exhorbitant- day trips are more than quadruple the cost of
a family of four hiring a car. A local round trip to shops is $35pp
Its only 6 miles !! Does anyone use them??? Hire a car independently
if you decide and they will deliver and collect from CM ( Avis ) Booking
Car rental before you go is much cheaper than when you get there.
All
in all, Club Med delivers for a family holiday - it caters for everyone!
We booked through Travel Club Elite who were extremely efficient ,on the ball
and got us a good price from CM -- Will definitely be back to use them
again!
Parkinson Family