Club Med Rendezvous

I've read so much about Club Med resorts and how fun and exciting it was holidaying in one of them. So when the chance of spending 5 days 4 nights at Club Med Bintan Resort came up, it was a set-to-go.  Upon learning that we were going for a Club Med vacation during the year-end school holidays, Sweet Pea - my bubbly 5-year-old princess - had been counting down to the D-Day. She loves staying in hotels, and any opportunity that allows her to try out a new hotel always makes her very excited.

On the day of departure from Singapore, we were thankful for the good weather. The ferry ride and then the bus journey from the Bintan terminal to the Club Med resort was smooth and uneventful. Upon arrival at the sprawling resort, we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic greeting from the team of GOs who were all standing at the front porch and waving cherrily to us. After we alighted from the bus, everyone was presented with a nice cold towel and a glass of ice-cold lemon tea. Bliss!

There is a rustic feel to the resort, with lots of open space and greenery as well as big cushioned sofas and armchairs around the premises. But what really differentiates the Club Med resort from any other beach resorts is the GOs, who are always seen mingling around with the guests at the various activities and during meal times. On the 5 days we were there, I even witnessed the GOs celebrating two guests' birthdays with a cake complete with cheers, claps and the mandatory birthday song.

After checking into our room, which had a queen-sized bed and a day bed for our child, we quickly freshened up and then proceeded for lunch. The buffet spread was impressive. There were so much varieties of food to choose from -- Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and even Korean -- I have had a hard time deciding what to eat. After a sumptuous meal, we decided to take a walk around the resort to digest the food and plan our activities for the next few days.

Taking a stroll along the beach, I was pleasantly surprised that the beach was very clean and pristine white. There was almost no debris on the beach. The soft fine sand felt like velvet on our bare feet. It was the first time I didn't mind walking bare-feet on the beach.

Sweet Pea was so excited that she even missed her regular afternoon nap. We spent the whole afternoon dipping in one of the 2 spacious pools, and sipping orange juice and cocktail without a nary of care in the world. One of the best perks that Club Med provides is the free flow of drinks including fruit juices, cocktails, beer and wine. My favorite cocktails are the Apple Martini and Brazilian Potion. You can even concoct your own cocktail or mocktail by telling the GO cum bartender what you want and he/she will fix it for you.

There is a different theme of dress code every night and you will see the GOs dress up accordingly to the theme. You may also do the same if you are game enough. On the first night we were there, there was a open-air movie screening at the beach bar after dinner. Free pop corn and soft drinks were served. It was quite an unusual and unique experience watching movie under the stars and at the same time, listening to the waves splashing onto the shore. Those who like 'live' performance should not miss the nightly show put up by the Club Med GOs. They are a multi-talented lot who can sing, dance, perform skits and juggle acts.

After breakfast the next day, I decided to pull Hubby along to try archery. It's a sport I have never dreamed of trying or thought I could do it. But no harm trying, since I wouldn't get to try this anywhere else. It was quite a long walk including climbing several flights of stairs to the archery area. A coach was at station to give you a quick lesson on how to put on the arrow on the bow, then aim right and shoot. Hubby and I were new to archery so we didn't expect to do well. But surprise! surprise! we each managed to hit the bull's eye once and several times around the bull's eye! Not a bad feat for newbies like us.

Sweet Pea was quite disappointed she couldn't try archery as the minimum age was 7 years old. So we brought her to the Mini Club (for children aged 4-13) where the little ones can try out trampoline, arts & crafts, play in their kiddie pool or even take a nap in a 'sleep room' complete with mattresses and pillows. In fact, some parents left their kids there to be taken care of by the GOs while the parents have their own activities.

On our third day, Sweet Pea decided to try out the Mini Club's Circus School. One of the more popular activities was the flying trapeze. It was open to both adults and kids, and we even saw some children as young as 4 or 5 years old trying out the height-defying stunt. Some kids even tried more than once. It was an eye-opener to see children so young yet with such big courage.

The flying trapeze was a little too daunting for Sweet Pea, so she tried walking the rope which was tied slightly above the ground from one pole to another. The kids had to walk the tight rope from one pole to another and back, while both hands held on to a harness above for balance and safety purpose. It was simple enough, but it also required good balance and steadiness. Sweet Pea did it without any fear, and I was proud of her!

After lunch when Sweet Pea returned to the room to take a nap, I proceeded to the Asmara Spa which I had pre-booked earlier for a 90-minute body massage. Situated in a tranquil spot within the Club Med premises, I was greeted by a soothing aromatic fragrance in the air upon entering the little spa cottage. Everything inside was so pleasing to the 5 senses, but the best part was the spectacular view in the massage room. It was floor-to-ceiling glass windows and I could see the whole ocean view and hear the waves spashing against the rocks while the massuese kneaded my tired knots away. 

After the invigorating massage, I was ushered to a rest-and-relax area where they served me a small teapot of hot tea while I lie on the cushioned chair and watch the breathtaking sea view. If not for the threatening thunder claps and hovering dark clouds, I would have contemplated taking a nap there. Despite the price tag, this is a unique spa experience I would love to try again in the future.

The previous night's thunderstorm seemed to have swept everything clean. The air was crisp and fresh, so we brought Sweet Pea to the beach again to build sand castles and find some sea shells. She found a coral and buried it in the sand with a marker, determined to come back in the afternoon to dig out the 'treasure' again. We also went for a dip in the pool. With her arm floats, Sweet Pea was not afraid of the deep pool and even swam in the adult pool. I persuaded Hubby to go for another rounds of archery with me. I tried, he took pictures of me. I was thrilled when I hit the bull's eye again!

On the 5th day and last day of our Club Med vacation, I felt a little sad to leave this 'happy place'. This vacation would have been perfect, if not for Sweet Pea's untimely fall from her bed on the last night. Unlike most resorts which gave you a warm welcome but not for departure, we were given a warm farewell from the GOs who lined up on both sides of the porch to the driveway to send us off in our coach.

Farewell, Club Med! Till we meet again, maybe at another destination.