All-inclusive heaven awaits in... Port St. Lucie?
Credit: voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort
International flights and hours of traffic toward the Keys are not prerequisites for a stellar all-inclusive escape. Roughly 75 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort in Port St. Lucie delivered one of our most memorable group vacations in a location we never saw coming.
Browardist was recently hosted at the riverfront resort alongside more than a dozen friends who flew and drove in from Seattle, New Hampshire and points between. By checkout, there was already talk of making the trip an annual tradition.
Let’s start with the grub – it deserves serious praise. Riverside Market’s rotating buffet brought cheesy quiche, unlimited peel-and-eat shrimp and bomb-ass chicken tenders, among many other hits. Solara’s food truck near the adults-only infinity pool served killer nachos and grilled shrimp tacos.
That infinity pool may be the resort’s greatest move, y’all. Guests can grab daiquiris, piña coladas, white wine and other drinks from a nearby window, then watch boats coast along the St. Lucie River. Dolphins also make appearances. Yes, we saw them.
Our crew played trivia, pickleball and H.O.R.S.E. on the basketball court. One friend led a barre class in the fitness center. We did handstands on the calm beach (for the record, Browardist editor Jesse Scott failed immediately), battled dinosaurs on Jurassic Park: The Game, gathered for dinners and commandeered a ballroom (and the arcade, sorry kids) for “Ball,” a game invented during the trip that deserves no further explanation.
The broader voco crowd included friend groups, honeymooners, international visitors and families, with ample children’s programming available. Nearby RPS Academies adds access to numerous tennis and volleyball courts. The resort’s official amenities also include pickleball, basketball, fitness programming and water activities.
Rooms were comfortable, though couples should study the layouts before booking. The two-bedroom suite works well for families but lacks a shared living area, making it awkward for two couples who want somewhere communal to hang out. There were plenty of other places to do just that on-property.
On upcoming dates, stays land around $170 to $180 per person nightly, including taxes and fees, depending on occupancy. Meals, activities and standard alcoholic drinks are covered. Expect rail cocktails, basic wines and a limited cheaper-beer selection, with premium liquor costing extra. Midweek visitors can also expect fewer guests before Friday arrivals swell the resort, so pick your fancy.
Wildly unexpected and right up the road, this place earned a spot among our favorite Florida escapes. Consider it absolutely Worth Traveling For and… maybe we’ll catch you there next year?
