Far from the parties of the singles play land of Club Meds like Turks & Caicos is the chain’s Sandpiper, Florida location. It is one of the few all-inclusive resorts within the United States and the last Club Med property in this country. It seemed to offer everything a family could want from circus training to endless buffets, but the hotel was struggling and the corporation wasn’t sure it was worth putting in the needed renovations. Then came an idea. What if Club Med Sandpiper wasn’t just a family resort, what if it was a sports destination? Now, halfway through the transformation, the idea is continuing to taking hold.

Florida is already a home to many tennis academies, but none can offer the kind of accommodations that Club Med can. From long term housing to weeklong camps, this facility could handle the training, fitness, housing and meals for an athlete of any age. It would work for players looking for long term intense tournament training, summer camp or a week of game polishing while the rest of the family vacationed. There was just one thing missing – they had to find experienced professionals to run it all.

The International Tennis Academy (ITA) had been located in Delray Beach, Florida and had already produced some top junior players. It was a perfect match from the start as Andy Sorrentino and his partners at ITA brought in top professionals from around the world to coach. Sorrentino had a plan from the beginning, “We’re going to base Sandpiper as a tennis and golf destination.” And he had a lot of help. Club Med was willing to put one million dollars into the tennis facility alone. There would be new courts and a new clubhouse with a full-service pro shop. He also had the support and cooperation of Jeanmarc Desy, the Resort General Manager.

Club Med’s tennis academy has already completed some of the renovations and the rest of the resort is in line to do the same. According to Kevin Batt, Director of Leisure Activities for the chain, an extensive plan is in the works “to build something with an emphasis on active guests.” This includes, in addition to the tennis facilities, a running path; a modern wellness center with pilates and yoga; and a golf program built around the resort’s two courses that would have the same intensive training as the tennis.

Sports facilities are nothing new to Club Med, the Punta Cana courses have been called “breathtaking” and Ixtapa has tennis training on eight courts, but this is the first time Club Med is taking a resort in its lowest tier and turning it into an active family’s paradise. There are even plans to build a pool that leads out to the beach to, as Batt says, "element cement and add more sand and grass.”

As the room remodeling continues with minimum disturbance to the guests (they are shutting the resort down each fall to do the major work when guests aren’t there) and the spa is transformed into a full service center for body and facial care, there are a few things about Club Med Sandpiper that will not change. The Club Med G.O.s (Gracious Organizers), who guide and play with the guests throughout the day and night, and the incredible French food available in abundance (with a sprinkling of kid friendly fare to make sure everyone is pleased).
Whether you are interested in taking your game to the next level, or relaxing with a drink on the beach, Club Med Sandpiper is worth a trip. And it’s only going to get better.

For more about Club Med Sandpiper, visit http://www.clubmed.us/cm/resorts-north-america-usa-sandpiper_p-115-l-US-v-SANC-ac-vh.html