Americans were titillated by the casual French attitude toward nudity, common at European villages. Staff members, called gentils organisateurs, or G.O.'s, didn't help matters. That changed years ago, but Club Med is still trying to live down that reputation, especially now that it is making a pitch for more families. That's not all that Club Med wants to change. Fifteen of the 18 villages in North America now welcome children, and some have special miniclubs for them.
Some villages even offer day passes.
In the Bahamas at the Paradise Island village, the changes are quite noticeable. Club Med extended the rooms about 5 feet and installed telephones, color televisions, safes and door locks during renovations completed in 1998. Staff members now wear neatly pressed shirts and shorts, not pareus. The front desk is open 24 hours. Guests of all ages, not just adults, are welcomed at this village.