Club Med Insider

Que Viva Mexico! An amazing winter break for the whole family!

Since we live in NY (and we recently moved from a warmer Paris...), we knew that winter would be very very long this first year. Therefore, I had planned a winter break in the sun this year at Club Med Ixtapa. My husband at first was not so excited about the "Club" idea, but insisted on picking at least the Club that had been recently redesigned by Nicolas Adnet. Before having the kids, our holidays would more be small luxury hotels of the world than a "crazy sign" concept. But then we also wanted our kids to have fun.
My story is about having found the best of luxury and family emotions at Ixtapa, 2 weeks ago...

Luxury...
- Luxury during the holidays is about a private cabana at the beach, a drink at sunset with a cool band playing in one place of the club (but it being just one option of many), which we had every night
It is about having GOs surprising you with fresh water and fruits when you play tennis...
- It is about having the choice between a family dinner and the opportunity to meet other families from Canada, New York, Paris or Houston...
- And it is just about reading a good book with a frozen mango juice near the pool knowing that the rest of the family is having a great time

Family emotions are about:
- Mini club GOs asking you to leave you kids at the club because they have "so much fun" (and your kids not even having second thoughts about leaving you...) and doing so many activities they love that they are asleep in less than 5 minutes in their beds
- A beautifully designed room well thought of for families with some privacy for parents as well
- The opportunity of a chic dinner at Luna Azul... but with a kids menu...
- Arriving late for face painting activity and having the GO still excited about doing yet another batman face (and what face, the painting was a masterpiece!)
- Having your 5 year old trying to dance the "crazy signs"!

After 3 days, we were already browsing the catalog in our room for next year's destination, after 5 we had asked every family we knew which other club they would recommend and when we left, we knew next year's winter would also include a Club Med treat!

I just have an issue. My boys have not yet accepted to get rid of their clubMed bracelet because they think we will need it for next year??? Anyone has an advice ;-)

Tips if you plan to go:
- Evenings are mild so you don't need to pack too many sweaters.
- Although they spray the club with anti mosquito products, we did use our lotion and still got a couple of bites.
- I was sick the last day and the doctor was excellent and I could get antibiotics directly from the club, at a price which compared to crazy New York was really reasonable! So no need to bring your own pharmacy (at least for adults)
- Bring backpacks for each of your kid to pack their gear for the day at miniclub, and as many sunscreens sprays as you have kids!

Enjoy Ixtapa... I really think this smaller size renovated Club Med is fantastic for a high end (but really reasonable in price) family treat!