Shedding its image as a place of fun only for the single set, Club Med (tel. 888/WEB-CLUB; www.clubmed.com) has become an all-inclusive vacation destination for any type of traveler. Don't worry about too many changes: they still have some of the world's best beach locations. Club Med recently put $26 million and $30 million dollars into renovating properties in the Yucatan below Cancun and its old staple at La Caravelle in Guadeloupe. Set to open in November and December respectively, these renovated Club Med's will sparkle with new guest rooms, pools and beach facilities. But that's not all Club Med fans have to scream about. The resort company just announced a slew of fall specials.
For the entire family, Club Med has a Holiday Family Plan starting at $3,000 for a family of four for a seven-night all-food, drink, and activities vacation to the above-mentioned Yucatan property. Departure dates are November 18, 2006 )in conjunction with the Club's reopening), December 12 and 30, 2006, and January 13 and 20, 2007. The new Yucatan Club Med will focus on the history and geography of the region, offering day trips and walks into the Yucatan jungle. There's also a bit of luxury with new private villas targeting full-families. Lastly, the resort's children's programs immerse kids in the ecotourism of the Yucatan in a camp-like atmosphere, giving the adults some time to themselves.
Another family special offers a seven-night trip to the Ixtapa, Mexico Club Med for $2,500 per family of four. Departure dates for this trip fall on November 18 and December 16 and 30, 2006 as well as January 13 and 20, 2007. The Ixtapa Club Med provides beach and trail horseback riding, four pools (two solely for the kids), and has one of Club Med's Circus Schools where guests can learn the art of trapeze and the tight rope. The Sierra Madre Mountains provide a backdrop to the resorts Pacific Ocean coastline. Talk about views. While airfare is not provided for the above family trips, Club Med does have air-inclusive family plans available. Check the website or call a Club Med representative for details.
For couples or singles, a Fall Special Seven Day Weekend offers seven days for the price of three. Starting at $705 per person (airfare not included) to the Florida Sandpiper Club Med, these specials are good for twelve of Club Med's eighty resorts. Prices and resorts included in the special are Bora Bora for $810, Columbus Isle, Bahamas for $930, the recently renovated for $60 million Buccaneer's Creek at Martinique for $980, Turks and Caicos for $900, and Marrakech La Medina for $690. Travel is good from October 19 to December 22, 2006. The Buccaneer's Creek resort just added private bungalows, an infinity pool and a beach lounge, and a gourmet kitchen to enhance the dining offerings. In addition to three restaurants, this resort has a Club Med Spa and some of the best deep sea fishing in the region. The Club also has full-day excursions to nearby St. Lucia, water ski lessons, of course, free drinks anytime you want without having to tip. Now that really is a vacation from everyday reality.
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