Travel Trends: At these 80 resorts sophistication meets fun
By Jane Stokes
The sense of luxury is not always underscored by the amenities in a suite, or by the butler service, plunge pool, or the thread count of the sheets. With sun and fun seekers, for example, true happiness is often just the chance to kick off our shoes in a tropical setting, for a more intimate experience with the entire surroundings. The joys of freedom, sun and sand are sheer luxury.
Some places do this much better than others.
"Club Med is truly the place in the world, where sophistication meets fun," says Christine Dicaire, spokesperson for the legendary resort. "For decades-from the Caribbean islands and Mexico to Africa and French Polynesia - we've been creating all-inclusive environments to deliver the happiness of play, laughter, beautiful settings and fabulous food. Our attitude is simplicity and the experience is sensational."
Indeed, the search for happiness is far more than a social whim in this 21st century. Economists worldwide are studying "happiness indicators" to assess the level of a country's development. In 25 countries to date, the Gross National Happiness indicator (GNH) constitutes an entire field of economic study, right alongside the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
"Happiness to many people is about discovering the world," Dicaire continued, "and that concept is Club Med's raison d'être". At our 80 resorts worldwide (www.clubmed.ca), the GO's (gentils organisateurs) will tell you that happiness is found by kicking off your shoes and dabbling at your own pace in every resort amenity under the sun.
"All you have to do is choose the village that best suits your interests, assessing for example, the multiple beaches, swimming pools, sailing, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, tennis, golf, cycling, fitness classes, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, wall climbing, power walking, and even the chance to fly on a trapeze at the circus school."
Club Med resorts of the 21st century have indeed remained true to this ambiance of bliss, refining the experience however to include intimate dining, attentive service and a choice in guestroom style. Fun meets sophistication here to include award-winning children's clubs, plus expert instruction in sports with top-of-the-line equipment and amenities-from the room where you rest your head to the fins you'll strap on your feet.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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