If you’re a South Florida family looking for an easy getaway without the stress of flights or long drives, we recently discovered a spot that makes a mini-vacation feel effortless. Over Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day weekend, our family spent three nights at the newly refreshed voco Sandpiper Bay All‑Inclusive Resort, and it turned out to be exactly the kind of relaxed, memory-filled staycation we needed.
Located in Port St. Lucie, the resort sits right along the scenic St. Lucie River, giving it a peaceful, coastal feel while still offering plenty of energy and activity for families. The property, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, recently reopened after a full remodel, and while there are still a few additions to come, what’s already available is impressive–especially for families traveling with kids.
Spacious Suites and a Relaxed Start
We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom suite overlooking the river, and that view alone set the tone for the weekend. There’s something calming about starting your morning with water views and a coffee in hand. Yes, there is a coffee maker with complimentary tea and hot chocolate in the room.
One detail that really stood out was how family-friendly the room felt from the moment we arrived. Snacks were already stocked for the kids, which may seem like a small touch but makes a big difference after travel, even a short drive. The layout gave everyone space to unwind, which is often the key to a successful family trip.
Activities That Keep Kids Happy (and Parents Relaxed)
One of the biggest highlights of our stay was just how much there was for kids to do. Throughout the day, the main pool area was lively, with music, organized activities, and plenty of space to swim and play. It had that fun vacation energy without feeling overwhelming.
For parents who need a little recharge time, there’s also an infinity pool reserved for adults. Having both options on the same property makes it easier to balance family fun with a few quiet moments.
Poolside programming was a huge hit with the kids. Over the course of the weekend, there were snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy stations that instantly turned a regular pool day into something special. There were also crafts, caricature artists, and other creative activities that kept kids engaged and excited to see what was happening next.
The resort also offers mini golf, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, and soccer, which made it easy to mix in some friendly competition between pool time and meals. These kinds of activities are great for kids who need to burn off energy and for parents who want something fun to do together as a family without ever leaving the property.
Another favorite feature was the on-site arcade, which quickly became a go-to spot for downtime between swimming and meals. And on Saturday night, the resort hosted a ventriloquist show that had the audience laughing. My son especially loved it, and it ended up being one of the moments he’s still talking about.
Dining Made Easy
One of the biggest advantages of an all-inclusive resort, especially when traveling with kids, is the simplicity around meals. There’s no scrambling to find restaurants, no waiting for tables with tired children, and no constant budgeting of snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Throughout our stay, there was a steady availability of food, snacks, and treats, making it easy for everyone to eat when they were hungry rather than planning the day around reservations. For families, that flexibility alone can make a vacation feel much more relaxing.
A Staycation That Actually Feels Like a Vacation
What made this trip stand out most was how easy everything felt. Being just a drive away meant no airport stress, no packing for flights, and no complicated logistics. Yet once we arrived, it truly felt like we had escaped.
Because the resort is newly reopened, there’s also an exciting sense that more enhancements and programming are still on the way. If this is the starting point, it’s easy to imagine it becoming an even bigger destination for Florida families looking for a convenient all-inclusive experience.
Final Thoughts
For families searching for a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Florida, especially one close enough for a weekend getaway, voco Sandpiper Bay is definitely a destination worth considering. Between the spacious accommodations, engaging kids’ activities, relaxing pool spaces, and the simplicity of all-inclusive dining, it checked a lot of boxes for our family.
Our Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s weekend stay turned into more than just a quick trip. It was a chance to slow down, reconnect, and make a few sweet memories together. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a good staycation should be.
