Circus for kids starts at 4yo. Circus activities take two segments of the day during kids' club, which consists of probably about 6-8 45 min. segments. Kids have flying trapeze in and indoor circus school in the morning. The indoor circus activities vary by age and the day - basic tumbling (forward rolls), being wrapped and spun around in the silks, trampoline skills, juggling (and similar circus props, e.g., hoops. etc.), static trapeze, lyra and some partnering with the staff.

Anonymous wrote:Any word from the last two posters on the circus activities for kids?

No circus activities here - DS is still too small. Maybe in 2-3 years

We went in early June with a 5 yo and 14 mo. Had a good time. Thought the food was great (for a buffet-style meal). Used the kids club for both kids. My 5 yo liked circus school and other kids club activities. She loved the splash park. The childcare for babies was very good too.

Any word from the last two posters on the circus activities for kids?

We also just got back and had a nice time. I'd say it beat our expectations (which were not too high - we weren't sure what it was going to be like!) We put DS (1) in the baby care every morning and then hung out with him by the pool every afternoon (and in the room while he napped). In the mornings we mostly hung out at the adult pool, but we also did a bit of paddleboarding and took a couple tennis lessons. We used the evening care (pajama club) one night and went to the show which was cheesy but fun.

It was definitely the slow season - there was a company group there over the weekend and when they cleared out Sunday the place felt empty. I am trying to remember when they said it was busy - definitely spring break through the summer. I'm sure it's a much different vibe when it's busier.

We just got back and enjoyed it. Our kids - 4 and 7 - went to the kids club pretty much every day. I hadn't expected them to like it so much but they just wanted to be doing all the kids activities with other kids their age. We enjoyed the golf and tennis clinics everyday that are included in the rates. And I went to some fitness classes - yoga, cardio, etc. - which were pretty good. They also have paddle boarding and sailing on the "beach". It's not a beach where you will want to lay out and get sun. The water is brackish so doesn't look great. But they do have a great main pool - really large that allows you to find your own spot. They also have a lap pool that was pretty quiet during our entire stay as well as an adult pool around the corner and separated from the rest of the activity. The food is OK. They have a lot of variety but really it's a big buffet every meal and that's it. I'm not sure I would want to eat there for a whole week though. Starts to taste and look the same after a few days. I will admit that it was pretty deserted when we first arrived. So, it was easy to take advantage of the offerings. Not sure I would be very happy if I had to arrive at a clinic early just to get a spot or learn that I couldn't take advantage of certain activities if it was crowded. Just really depends on what you want. You can make the vacation as relaxing or as "active" as you want.

A few things to note - make sure you check what room type you are getting. We stayed in a Deluxe Family room that had a separate room for the kids with twin beds and a door to shut off from the noise so we could enjoy the evening relaxing while they slept. A door is key here. Some reviews made it sound like the other Family rooms didn't have doors to separate the living areas. Also, the staff put on a show every night. While some show off the staff talents and are amusing, the shows do have a somewhat "erotic" tone to them. Not sure that is the right term but let's just say they include some gay men that certainly have earned the right to show off their abs but don't necessarily need to be strutting on to the stage and ripping their shirts off while caressing the hanging ropes they will do tricks with.... It made for some interesting conversation with the kids afterwards. "Daddy, why did that man dance around in his underwear?" Nothing over the top or concerning - just to be aware. Caught us off guard on our first night.

All in all, it was a nice vacation in the middle of the fall but not sure I would want to return at the height of the season. If you are looking at the off season, definitely search for deals. Many Floridians vacationed there and said they had gotten great deals via livingsocial... Our kids want to go back, which says alot too. It was a nice way to have a family vacation with time together as well as time for just the adults. Hope that helps!

Anonymous wrote:http://familytravel.macaronikid.com/article/340749/club-med-sandpiper

This is a more recent review than the wreke havoc above. We are going in November ... Not every vacay has to have a beach if the kids are otherwise engaged, in my opinion.

I'd be suspicious of any review by someone who didn't pay for the goods or services received. Although I guess the bread is back, if you're into white chocolate.

http://familytravel.macaronikid.com/article/340749/club-med-sandpiper

This is a more recent review than the wreke havoc above. We are going in November ... Not every vacay has to have a beach if the kids are otherwise engaged, in my opinion.

Not really. You could drive about 15 minutes to an ocean beach. That said, place is great.

Yes, I just figured that out. Too bad because it seemed like a good fit otherwise. I know they have a man made beach - does anyone know if it feels like a real beach?

You know there's no beach right? It's on a river.

We are going with my 1 year old at the end of this month. I will try to remember to report back...

I love sandpiper! Definitely go- you won't regret it. Your kids are the perfect ages to enjoy thir awesome kids' club.

any reviews? thinking about it for spring break. Kids are 4 and 7.