Club Med Insider

Not Your Father's Club Med

I went to Club Med 24 years ago. *OUCH* The club I visited, Paradise Island, is now gone, replaced by the giant Atlantis casino. Back then, guest rooms did not lock, valuable had to be left at the bank. Rooms were small, a pair of single beds, a tiny bathroom, and a small dresser; nothing fancy, no extras of any kind. While food, beer, and wine were included, sodas and alcoholic drinks were not. We wore a long string of brightly colored "pop" beads around our neck, which we "signed for" at the bank, and used them to purchase drinks and sodas costing 4 to 6 beads each. One could easily spend $700 - $800 dollars on beads in a week, and not know until closing out the account what you had spent. The food was free, three meals a day, but it was nothing memorable at all, and certainly not elaborate or high-end.

All that has changed now. The facilities and rooms at Ixtapa rival those of most higher end hotels, including satellite HD flat screen TV, phones, A/C, and even hair dryers and irons in each room. The grounds are beautiful, modern, and always sparkling clean, covered by some amazing flowers and plants. The main buffet dining room was large, comfortable, and well lit, and served an amazing array of foods, something to satisfy everyone, from freshly caught sashimi and sushi to a Mexican food station that had the world's best guacamole. From pizza, burgers, and chips, to roasted pulled pork and shredded beef, whole grilled fish, and a large pastry and ice cream station. This all-you-can-eat extravaganza had something new each day in addition to the regular favorites. None of our crowd ever left hungry. And if you are hungry, a separate restaurant near the pool serves late breakfast, lunch and dinner. And if a quiet, sit down dinner is more in order, Ixtapa has two beautiful restaurants, serving mainly a menu of fish, steaks and salads, where you can relax and be served.

Like the Club Med of the past, the G.O.s (meaning gentils organisateurs, or "gracious organizers") are there to make everything go as smoothly as possible, and they do an amazing job of making your stay an excellent one. Also like clubs of the past, there are plenty of things to do: swimming at the pool or in the ocean; lying on the beach soaking up the sun; playing in the water with kayaking or sailing; lots of additional excursions to purchase, and a few shows and exhibits throughout the week. You can even learn to swing on a flying trapeze if you are so inclined. You will not be bored.

The "all inclusive" package also means you do not carry any cash. This vacation has you covered from end to end. All you need to do is sit back and soak it all up. I will be back!