Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/873989
Each small building reflects a colonial Bahamian architecture style and is painted in a bold-coloured palette: hot pink, teal blue, stoplight red and egg-yolk yellow, all trimmed with white wooden cutouts. The huge property resembles a botanical garden with flaming red trees, blossoming flowers and bushes. The backdrop is the bluest of skies above an equally blue Caribbean Sea. Since the property is so very large, I had my site inspection by car but did walk along the pristine sandy beach that borders a diver's paradise. Water activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, surf- boarding, fishing and more. FOR LAND LUBBERS For those with a penchant for staying on dry land, there are well-kept tennis courts, walking and jogging trails, and a very popular spa. L'OCCITANE Spa uses the eponymous French-manufactured skin-care products to which many guests relate and, although only in its third season of using these lotions and potions, spa appointments "have to be reserved before arrival or as soon as possible thereafter," Shannon, the spa manager told me. Here the reception area is bright while the seven treatment rooms are for quietude and relaxation. Shannon's two most pop- ular massages are the Columbus Isle Signature and Aromachologie massages. The aestheticians are Club Med-trained and all are native Bahamians. You can't keep me out of a good bou- tique, which is conveniently located off the lobby. There are fine summer togs for men, women and children. Kate, a Canadian, had several items that would find themselves in her return luggage. Clothing comes from France and Miami. Kate, a snazzy dresser, thought all were "terrific." ALWAYS CHIC You can take the French out of France however, every night, French guests dress elegantly for dinner and entertainment regardless. Columbus Isle was so named because it was Columbus's first landing point in the New World. Named after one of Columbus's three ships, the recently opened La Pinta is Club Med's first tapas venue and not to be found in any of the other international "villages." Chef Kawiwi, a South African, helped create the impressive menu. The other on-premises restaurant is the open-sided, buffet-only Christopher's Restaurant, which overlooks the pool and features an international menu and an indoor seating section as well. Lauren, a staff member, told me, "You can always pick out the French by their attire." Another French-speaking group from Québec enjoyed all the offerings and met nightly at the popular Verve Lounge. They and other Canadians make up 30 per cent of guests while the remaining 20 per cent are from the U.S. and Europe, mostly Italy. I spoke with many guests who all thought Columbus Isle was a great high-end vacation bargain. So did the 16 excited guests who had just returned from one of the neighbouring island excursions available at the resort. So much to do; so little time! Destination weddings are on the charts for next season, with packages that include a Reverend, flowers, table settings, a pergola or canopies. For impulsive couples, there are even wedding outfits available for rent. Age is just a number here: the enthu- siasm is the same for all. DS FALL 2017 DREAMSCAPES 55 OPPOSITE: A variety of activities keep guests busy and as active as they wish to be. LEFT: Relax in comfortable, spacious, well-appointed guest quarters. BOTTOM: Plan a personalized well-being escapade. Club Med Columbus Isle TRAVEL PLANNER There are direct flights from Paris, Mon- tréal and Miami to San Salvador's airport. Columbus Isle is open November to August, closing during hurricane season for safety and maintenance. Since there isn't a mini Club, there are no counsellors or babysitters for toddlers and young tots at Columbus Isle. However, children are welcome. For more information, visit clubmed.com.