You know I love all-inclusive resorts, but to get to one, you’ve needed a passport to get there. I get questions all the time about all-inclusive resorts in North America, and I always had to say there wasn’t a good option – but now you can go to the voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Not only is this resort located in the States, but it’s incredibly affordable, especially when you start to compare it with other vacation options. When I looked at booking, it was even more affordable than cruises leaving at the same time.
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voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort Details
This property is the first Caribbean-style all-inclusive resort in the States that I would be able to vacation at. While there’s another all-inclusive option in Florida, it’s high-end and expensive and definitely out of my budget.
This property was a Club Med many years ago, but IHG (the parent company) completed a full renovation and reopened it as the voco Sandpiper. It isn’t finished, so there’s definitely more to come, but it’s already worth visiting, especially with the recent opening of two new food “truck” experiences.
The voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort is located in Port St. Lucie. This is an easy drive from West Palm Beach, the closest airport, and just over 100 miles from Orlando and Miami.
Because it sits right on the St. Lucie River rather than the Atlantic Ocean, the water is calm for the included watersports. It isn’t a beach vacation where you’ll be playing in the ocean all day, but the voco Sandpiper has so much going on and two pools and a soon-to-come splashpad to keep you entertained morning to night.
The Rooms Are Huge and Comfortable
The rooms here are designed with families and larger groups in mind. I stayed in a huge, gorgeously renovated king waterfront room. It had great decor, plenty of plugs for all my devices, and a ton of space.
The voco Sandpiper offers two main room types to choose from. The king rooms sleep up to four people, and the family suite sleeps up to six with a separate bedroom for the kids.
In both room types, instead of traditional pullouts, housekeeping removes the backs of the two couches and adds bedding to turn them into individual twin beds. That makes it perfect for traveling with friends, too.
The king rooms are larger than many hotel suites, so you can really spread out. The family suites feature a smaller bedroom with two twin beds and a solid door that closes, as well as a door on the main bedroom for privacy.
Both room types have huge closets, sitting areas, and mini fridges. Unlike most all-inclusive resorts I’ve stayed at, the fridge isn’t stocked with drinks, but you’re never far from anything to eat or drink, and you can use it to hold onto quick snacks when you need them, especially with kids.
In addition to the separate bedroom, the suite also includes a half bath to make getting ready much easier for everyone. You’ll also find two smaller closets and a television in that second bedroom, so you have everything you need for a larger group.
Pro tip: When you book, I highly recommend requesting a specific building based on your sleep habits. I stayed in Building A the first night. It’s closest to the resort’s main area and the main pool. You can definitely hear the music in your room.
Because I’m both a light sleeper and an early bird, I requested a room change to be further from the action. They weren’t sold out, so they graciously moved me to Building D, which is closest to the adults-only pool, and it was absolutely perfect. Building A is really the only building where you experience that noise, so if that might bother you, request a room in Buildings B, C, or D.
Endless Dining And Drink Options
Because this is an all-inclusive resort, all your food and standard drinks are included in your booking. You can pay an extra fee to upgrade to premium beverages, or pay per premium drink if you prefer. I never found the need to order anything premium myself and was perfectly happy with the included selections.
Right now, there’s only one option for dinner, and I do wish they had more, but that will come as the resort finishes building out. That said, the cost is so low that I don’t feel bad about going off resort for a dinner or two if I want to eat elsewhere.
Riverside Market
This is the main buffet on the property, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Currently, it’s the only dining option for both breakfast and dinner, though you can grab a quick snack at the cafe.
There are a huge number of choices, so you don’t get bored, and dinner features a different theme each night, giving you multiple new options. Breakfast features both ready-made options and cooked-for-you options like omelets, and I’m fine eating at the same location with the same food choices every morning.
For dinner, you’ll find many of the same standards, like burgers and pizza, but the fish they cook in front of you changes each night, and there is a different theme for other entrees that rotates nightly. There is a lot to choose from, and they do work with allergies, but I look forward to having the steakhouse and Italian restaurants they’ll open down the road.
The Cafe
I stopped here many times, often many times each day, because it’s open from early morning until late evening. They serve great specialty coffee, and I often grabbed a cup in the morning to bring with me to Riverside Market for breakfast, where they have your standard drip brew only.
Later in the day, I’d stop by for fruit refreshers and tea, pastries, yogurt, and fresh fruit for a quick snack. And yes, they do have decaf, so I was also easily able to enjoy my iced or hot coffee all day.
Solara
This is their version of a food truck, and it operates out of a cool container setup. They serve some of the most delicious tacos I’ve had in a long time.
Simply place your order at the window for your choice of pork, chicken, and beef, and watch them cook it in front of you. You can dress them up with all your favorite toppings from guac to various salsas and more.
It’s located just outside the adults-only pool, so everyone can enjoy it, but it’s a bit of a hike from the main pool. Trust me, it’s worth the trip. I only wish it were open past 4pm, because I would’ve loved some late-night tacos.
Lucie’s
This is another container restaurant that’s open for midday meals. They serve global street food, which includes everything from tacos to sliders.
They opened just after I left the resort, so I can’t personally vouch for how good it is, but given the amazing flavors at Solara, I’d definitely recommend trying them out.
While you can eat at Riverside Market three meals a day, I like having some variety, and these are two great alternatives. For both Solara and Lucie’s, you can take your food to go if you want to eat it in your room rather than at the seating by the containers, which is harder to do from the buffet at Riverside.
Match Point
Match Point is the sports bar just outside the main pool. It’s set up with TVs throughout, so you can watch your favorite sporting event or participate in activities there, from bingo to pool or darts.
While I was hoping for a full meal, I was slightly disappointed by the food here. It’s set up in chafing dishes, making it easy to grab what you want, but it’s the same food they serve at Riverside Market and leans heavily toward snack foods, with just five or so options on the days I checked, though this may change over time.
I will note that the bar inside Match Point tends to be way less busy than the bar outside, so head inside if you want to avoid a wait. I do suspect that things will change as the voco Sandpiper gains its footing more.
The Hideaway Bar
Located just outside the main pool area, this is where you can get your favorite standard drinks or mocktails. They have machines for frozen beverages, so the typical blended drinks are ready very quickly.
It does get busy here, so you may have to wait sometimes. See my note about visiting the bar just next to it for a shorter wait. At least until everyone else figures out the secret!
The Infinity Bar
You’ll find this bar right by the adults-only pool, so you don’t have to trek to the other end of the resort for a drink. It’s tucked away a bit, but look for the chalkboard sign pointing your way.
The line here gets long on weekends and during busy periods, as there is only space for one bartender to work, but the resort sets up a tent to keep you from getting too hot while you wait. There’s also a water cooler just outside for you to refill your water bottle.
It gets very hot in Florida, so remember to stay hydrated. You’ll find metal reusable bottles in your room when you check in, and I used mine to refill regularly with cool water from the dispensers.
Future Dining Offerings
As I mentioned, the resort is planning to open more venues as occupancy increases. Down the road, they’ll be adding an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse.
There’s another bar, Sunset Bar, near the beach that’s currently only open for special events. If you’re there when it opens, definitely hang out there, as the views are stunning, and it’s so peaceful.
Activities Galore
The voco Sandpiper has more activities than I think I’ve seen at any other property I’ve visited. There are free pickleball clinics, mini-golf, fitness classes, trivia, pool games, and prize bingo (I was so excited when I won a game).
The pickleball courts are open even with lights in the evenings, and you’re able to practice the skills you gained from the clinics if you choose. There are also soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts you can use, and there are clinics for some of them throughout the day so you can learn or just have fun playing around.
They also offer entertaining crafts, like bracelet-making and sip-and-paint sessions, though you do have to bring your own sips. The variety of activities is pretty impressive, so it doesn’t matter your age or how active you want to be, you’ll find plenty to do.
Throughout the day, don’t forget to watch for the hours for popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy. They happen pretty much every day, for an hour each, and who doesn’t want a fun snack? It’s easy to miss them on the activities schedule, so keep an eye near the cafe for when they start serving.
The live music throughout the day is fantastic, varying from DJs to steel drum bands. Sitting by the pool listening to a steel drum is my absolute idea of vacation heaven.
You can find the entire schedule online, so you don’t have to carry around a piece of paper or try to remember everything you want to do. I ended up making notes on my phone about what I wanted to do, where, and when so I could remember to show up, though there were definitely times I chose to skip something and just keep relaxing by the pool.
Two Pools with Different Vibes
The voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort has two pools onsite (and is building a splash pad for younger kids), so you can choose where to spend your day. One is family-friendly, with the other dedicated to those 21 and over.
The main pool is located right outside the Riverside Market and nearest Building A. It’s one of the first things you’ll see once you get checked in.
The pool is large, with plenty of chairs and shade thanks to the plentiful umbrellas. There is a fence surrounding the pool so little ones don’t accidentally wander in, and throughout the day, this is where you’ll find different pool games and entertainment.
The pool is large, so it doesn’t feel crowded, and it’s closest to the other resort activities and most of the dining options. Most guests will spend the majority of their time here.
The second pool is located at the far end of the resort closest to Building D. This pool is smaller, as it is adults-only with a small hot tub within the gated area, but it works perfectly.
This has a more chill vibe (except the Saturday I was there), and it has my favorite lunch spot – Solara, the taco truck – just outside the gates. It is a hike from the rest of the resort, but it was my favorite place to hang out and relax while I was there.
There is also a small bar just outside the pool gate, so you can pretty much set up for the day if you don’t want to participate in any of the numerous activities once you get settled. I did tend to go back and forth, and it’s a maybe five minute walk, so don’t feel like it’s truly that far away from the main section.
Water Sports to Enjoy
Down at the watersports hut, you’ll find complimentary water sports equipment, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Since the resort is on a river rather than the ocean, the water is very easy to manipulate, and you might even spot some dolphins (I did not, though I saw plenty of other wildlife while at the resort).
Make sure to bring a photo ID, as you will need that to sign out any of the equipment, in addition to signing a waiver. I enjoyed kayaking to explore the area a bit, and it was not super taxing with little current and no waves when I was there.
If you want more speed, you can rent motorized water sports like jet skis, tubing, or banana boats, or book a sunset boat tour. These are not included, and you pay directly, as the water sports is contracted with an outside company.
You’ll also find a manmade beach on the resort, but it’s relatively small and not really intended for swimming. However, I absolutely loved hanging out in the Adirondack chairs there to watch the sun, the birds, and the other wildlife.
voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort Day Passes
The resort does offer day passes, which is a fantastic deal for local residents or those who just want to experience the all-inclusive life for a day. The word has definitely gotten out in the community, as Saturday was packed with day pass visitors.
The day passes include all the access to the resort that traditional guests have, with the exception that they don’t have access to a room. The day pass provides access to all the food, drink, and other amenities the resort offers.
As I noted, it got busy on Saturday, though Sunday was definitely less busy. The resort had a different vibe that day, and it was more challenging to get chairs, for example – though still doable if you’re willing to be flexible.
In talking to the resort workers, this is typical. Know this going into your stay so that you aren’t surprised (or take advantage of a day pass on a different day!). If I were booking, I might arrive on a Sunday and leave on a Friday simply because I personally enjoy a quieter experience.
Don’t Forget the Instagrammable Spots
voco Sandpiper has two great spots designed for selfies beyond your expected gorgeous sunset shots and pool vibes and over the water images. Those, I expected to find.
When you’re by the adults-only pool, however, you will also discover a set of butterfly wings painted on the wall by the muralist Lyssa Wyn near the Solara food truck. It’s a great and fun selfie shot,
When you go into the Riverside Market, you’ll find another wall set up for your vacation selfies or group shots, as well. I didn’t see as many people taking advantage of it as I expected while I was there, but it is a perfect memory for your vacation.
Important Details for Your Stay
There are a few logistical things to know before you arrive. When you check in, you receive a bracelet that acts as your room key, so you never have to fumble for a card when you’re heading back from the pool.
On-Site Parking
If you’re driving, parking is $15 per night (as of 2026). There are spots near the buildings, so you don’t need to trundle your suitcases to your room, which I appreciate.
You Can Bring Your Dog
The resort is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. If you want to bring a dog, there’s a pet fee, and you must let them know ahead of time because only certain rooms are designated as pet-friendly.
There Aren’t Kids Clubs
Though the resort is family-friendly, be aware that there are no babysitting services onsite or kids’ clubs where you can drop off your children. You’ll find plenty to do with your kids, and they are opening a splash pad aimed at kids in the near future, which adds another area to enjoy with them.
Pool Tips
When it comes to the pools, you can bring your own floats and pool toys, but be smart and respectful of other guests. We didn’t run into any issues or see anything that made me raise an eyebrow, and if my kids were still younger, I for sure would have brought some pool toys to play with them.
Your pool towels will be located in your room when you arrive. There’s currently nowhere to drop off wet towels by the pools or to get fresh ones, so guests generally leave them on the chairs.
If you see towels that look abandoned on chairs with no personal items, the chair is likely fair game. We had no issues claiming those chairs as no one ever came back, but I do suggest using chair bands to hold your towel in place and mark your spot (I have adjustable ones that clip on that I LOVE).
Housekeeping will replace your towels when they make up your room, which is the easiest way to get a new towel. Personally, I prefer a dry towel after swimming, so I eventually figured out that the reception area has dry towels they’ll swap out for you.
You Can Do Laundry On Property
If you need to do laundry, there are washers and dryers in some of the buildings. The laundry is on the end of the buidlings on the second floor in a niche with the ice machines.
It costs $2 per load to wash and another $2 to dry, and you can easily pay by tapping your credit card. You do need to bring your own detergent, so plan ahead. This is one of the reasons I always travel with detergent sheets in my suitcase – they don’t leak or take up much room or weight.
Resort Smoking Policies
Finally, there’s absolutely no smoking or vaping in the rooms or public spaces, which includes the pools and on the beaches. You’ll find designated smoking areas around the resort. Just ask the front desk to point them out to you.
Would I Visit the voco Sandpiper Again?
Overall, my stay was fantastic, and the value simply can’t be beat. If you’re looking for a fun, accessible, and highly affordable domestic getaway, this resort delivers on all fronts.
With endless food options, waterfront views, and an incredible variety of activities, you’ll never run out of things to do. I’m already looking forward to going back and can’t wait to check out the additions they’re working on.