Club Med Insider

Food Blogger Camp Made Me Fall in Love with Club Med

"I would NEVER go to a Club Med." I can still hear the disdain in my voice as I said those words only a few years ago. I'm an experiential traveler, the success of my trip is measured by how many locals I talked to, the amount of culturally appropriate food I consume, and the number of regional activities I do. I pictured Club Med as a resort full of spoiled rich people getting drunk and fat and doing nothing all day.

I know, it seems so harsh now that I put it in writing. In fact I'm rather shocked that I ever thought those things since I don't consider myself a judgmental person. But the chance for humility and eating my words came around when a speaker at the Food Blogger Camp offered me a scholarship to attend.

I certainly wasn't going to pass up a free conference in a beach location, and so with my lofty words mocking me internally, I boarded a plane to Club Med Ixtapa.

The first thing that struck me was the friendliness and attentiveness of the GOs. I still don't even know what GO stands for, but I do know that each and every one of them were kind, helpful, and could meet any need presented to them. When I needed an incredibly long extension cord because my 5 year old laptop has a battery that will die in the time it takes to write an email, Eden happily searched around and found one for me in time for our conference session. When I was being eaten alive by bloodthirsty mosquitoes, Carla ran over with can of bug spray to save me. When I was laying on the beach parched from hours of body surfing, Antonio came over with a tray of drinks for me to choose from. It was astounding how easily my needs or desires were met.

The second thing I loved was the options for the pace of the week. Although I was there for a conference, we had the sessions spaced out for a very open schedule. If you wanted a jam packed adventure filled week there was the trapeze, kayak and sailing lessons, horseback riding, and market tours. Then my favorite part, dancing EVERY NIGHT! I became a Zumba addict! You could be busy pretty much 24/7 if you wanted to. Or, you could just relax on the beach, lounge in the pool, float around the waves, or find a quiet cabana to read. Everyone is very respectful of your space, and you can tailor your time at the resort to your vacation needs.

The third (of many) highlights that week was the FOOD! Oh baby was there food. On my first meal after arriving at the resort, I quickly made friends with Chef Paul who was in charge of the sushi and sashimi each day. Every day he'd greet me cheerfully as I made a beeline for whatever raw delicacy he was serving from the sea. I hardly ate anything hot the whole week! I'm a sucker for all you can eat seafood. One day I missed lunch while on an excursion, but it wasn't a problem because there's food somewhere at all times in the resort. They run a tight ship there making sure our ravenous bellies are satisfied each time they begin growling in protest.

When I got home, my husband and I immediately started calculating how much we would need to save to go to a Club Med. I admit it, I was wrong. Club Med Ixtapa was amazing, and I am so thankful for my time there.