Club Med Columbus Isle

I have some questions for current & past Columbus Isle GOs, I'd love as much info as possible. Thanks in advance!

1. Cell phones - has anybody had any experience with iPhone usage on San Salvador Island? I'm curious if anybody has been able to use Google Voice or other VOIP apps in order to talk to family in the US. I'm just trying to figure out what the best & cheapest option is. Any ideas or knowledge?

2. I notice many GOs requesting items from GMs who are headed to the island - what items should a GO stock up on? What are the most important?

3. What do GOs here typically do on a day off? What off-island locations are accessible just for the day?

Those are my main questions, but any other info is appreciated. I know some of this has been covered before, but I assume things change every few months so I'm looking for the most current info.

Thanks!

Xander, I'm not a GO, but have spent many, many weeks at Columbus Isle ever since this Village first opened, and I can tell you that trying to use your iPhone there will very quickly bankrupt you (particularly for data usage). You'll probably be hearing from current or former GO's with more details, but as far as I know most of them use Skype via the wi-fi; although internet (& even cell phone) access on the island can be iffy. This is a small island quite far from even the other islands of the Bahamas. Even the "land line" phone service comes in via satellite. Whenever we go we get "shopping lists" from GO friends for various things that are difficult to find or too expensive to get on the island - or if they want a particular brand of some personal toiletry items; memory cards for cameras; sometimes bizarre stuff that someone gets a craving for - would you believe we've packed beef jerky, jars of Nutella, & Kit Kat bars (yes, Jenny, we'll bring more). But that doesn't mean you can't get most things there - it's just that anything that has to be imported into the Bahamas is much more expensive than it would be back home. This is the trade-off for living in Paradise....and it is a throw-back to a less developed, less connected, more laid-back time. So you won't always be able to be in instant contact with friends or family. They can always reach you in an emergency by calling the land-lines (mostly always, sometimes the satellite goes wacky for a day or so); and you'll have cable TV & HBO (except when the satellite goes wacky). And there is internet access (most of the time). And snail-mail does get through (eventually). And quite a few of the current GO's we know there are on Facebook regularly, so they connect with friends & family that way. But it's easier to ask friends to bring certain things than to have people try to mail you anything. And if you want to go "off-island" you have to fly to Nassau. But on the other hand, you'll be on this amazingly beautiful island with friendly people who will welcome you. And people like us will be arriving every week if you need something and can be a little patient.

Adria

Adria,

Thanks for the reply, you're very kind and helpful!

ReefPolice-a very funny, but accurate, post.

If you get to be good friends with GM's, they will frequently be happy to send specific things back from the States, or their own home country. I have sent some strange things back, like Skittles candy or Oreo Cookies and Cream, or even stranger-Orval Redenbacher's microwave popcorn. The biggest challenge was when I was asked to send back very specific brands of mascara and bronzing beads. Imagine me walking in to Neiman Marcus asking about mascara and bronzing beads . However, if you are totally clueless (and I certainly was), the sales ladies truly want to help you. I had three of them helping me out. One even called The Body Works across the street and located the bronzing beads for me.

Lord, the things that I do for the GO's!

John

Xander, just wanted to let you know I've copied your query and e-mailed to some good friends who were GO's at Columbus Isle in recent seasons, as well as a few who are currently there now. I'll send you any replies I get back...
(see how we old-time GM's love our GO's?!)
By the way, hope my description of Columbus Isle doesn't scare you off. It is really such a wonderful island, very safe and friendly. Although the GO's don't get "off island" that often, they do go outside the Club and hang out in some really fun places.
Just about everyone who lives or works on the island knows everyone else. It's a very special place....

Adria

quote:

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Originally posted by John-Chicago

ReefPolice-a very funny, but accurate, post.

If you get to be good friends with GM's, they will frequently be happy to send specific things back from the States, or their own home country. I have sent some strange things back, like Skittles candy or Oreo Cookies and Cream, or even stranger-Orval Redenbacher's microwave popcorn. The biggest challenge was when I was asked to send back very specific brands of mascara and bronzing beads. Imagine me walking in to Neiman Marcus asking about mascara and bronzing beads . However, if you are totally clueless (and I certainly was), the sales ladies truly want to help you. I had three of them helping me out. One even called The Body Works across the street and located the bronzing beads for me.

Lord, the things that I do for the GO's!

John

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Funny you mentioned Oreos, John. We travel with a dive buddy who brings a suitcase full of Oreos with him when we go every summer....
(he's a very popular guy down there)

Adria

Hi Xander,

A heads up from a GM who became terribly ill at Columbus with bronchitis back in 2003 (and as a result, lost a week's scuba diving - agh! ):

There is a doctor available, but he only visits the island once a week. Yes, there is a scuba doctor at the Club, but he normally only helps scuba divers - if he can. IF the scuba doc will treat you, he only has penicillin. So if you are allergic (like me), you just have to "tough it out" until the thing goes away. SO - before you leave, you should see your GP, explain where you're going and get a prescription for antibiotics you can tolerate (promising only to take them if you have a fever and after a day or so, it's not getting better). I would do this even if I wasn't allergic to penicillin.

I would also bring a supply of band-aids, cough syrup and other medical stuff. Yes, there are nurses, but they have a limited supply and you'll probably prefer your own stuff. Basically, you should prep a pharmacy as if you're going to be camping for six months. If all goes well, you won't need it, but trust me: you'll be a favourite with the other GOs because somebody is always getting a little injury. It just happens with all that sea, sun & sport. (And further to the Serge Gainsbourg song, "Sea, Sex & Sun", it's a good idea to bring a supply of condoms ).

It goes without saying that if you're female, definitely bring a supply of tampax, etc. And if you have favourite shampoos, etc., bring those, too. There is a small grocery store, but as Adria said, everything is imported and it gets very expensive quickly when you live there.

Hopefully, some other GOs (present and Ex) will chip in, but for sure, plan for the above.

And BTW once you're there: if you need some urgent medical thing and the nurses don't have it, be sure to check if Adria is around. That lady carries a REAL pharmacy in her suitcase and she is very kind about sharing! I should know, since my old full-foot fins began mascerating my heels last summer and I depended on her for giant Band-Aids!

- Trish



Dive now; work later!

Trish-Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! All these years I thought that I was the only one who carried a "medicine chest" with me. And I'm not even a diver! I remember being down in Martinique and a guy from Cleveland had a real bad case of sunburn. I gave him a tube of a burn oinment (named Foille). The next day he treated me like I had performed a miracle and wanted to buy me drinks the rest of the week.

All kidding aside, I do carry an assortment of oinments, bandages, patches, etc. I don't use them every trip, but I have used all of them more than once.

John

Well, having spent many years schlepping our kids to exotic islands with us when they were little, I still pack a "pharmacy" whenever I go anywhere....even though the kids are now grown-up. (On the dive boat they call me "Dr. Mom") But a lot of folks help each other out on the island....
You do NOT need to be a diver to go see the scuba doctor, by the way. But it is an excellent suggestion that Trish made to get a check-up and fill any prescriptions you may need before you leave home. That would include extra pairs of contact lenses if you wear them, or an extra pair of glasses if needed. And it would probably be a good idea to see the dentist too, if you haven't had a recent check up. The infirmary at the Club does have regular hours for everyone, and the doctor & nurses are available around the clock for emergencies. And there is actually a doctor & a clinic on the island now for anything they can't handle. (And actually the US coast guard will come medivac you out for serious emergencies, but I'm telling you this just so your mother won't worry. You shouldn't expect to need any of this.) Just try not to break anything because if you do they have to fly you to Nassau for X-rays (no kidding)!


Adria

Xander,

Yes Columbus Isle is a remote island...and I guess this is why you are going there! Wi-fi is basic and cell-phone usage with local providers is EXPENSIVE (I experienced that...). Turn off your iPhone and just enjoy the place.

Basic stuff can be expensive of difficult to find on the Island. As Trish said, some GOs might enter this discussion (or contact you privately) and ask for simple things. Last year, I was asked for dental floss, sunscreen, chocolate Easter eggs and a cutting board (I am convinced that a young lady is smiling while reading this)!

Enjoy your stay at Columbus, go scuba diving and make available empty space in you luggage.


Charles

Hello! I am a new Entertainment GO for Club Med Columbus Isle. I will be the set designer. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on what to bring or what to be expecting when I arrive? I leave Ft. Lauderdale on March 26th so I don't have much time.
If anyone could give me a clue about what kind of shows are put on and sets that I will be working on would be great.
Anything else important let me know! And if there is anything I MUST bring or if anyone needs anything let me know that too!

Kaitlyn Meeks

Dear Kaitlyn,
Can't help with details of the sets, but as far as things you may want to bring with you (or take care of before you go), you can get a pretty good idea from the various answers (above) to Xander's similar query. But I did add this note to tell you that you are on your way to an amazingly beautiful small friendly island, which we hope you'll love as much as we have for many years.
One suggestion I might add to the posts above is that there's a Club Med Columbus Isle Group Page on Facebook, which you might want to take a look at. Some current & former GO's are there and might be able to answer your questions there as well; and you'll also be able to see lots of beautiful photos to get you in the mood...
(And once you're there, if there's something you need, post it here and someone will try to accommodate. But as I tell all the GO's, if you want me to bring something it has to be small, easy to pack, and legal.)
Hope you have a great time, and keep your eyes peeled for quite a few members of the Reef Police who will be there this summer.

Adria

here's the link (which I hope will work) to the Club Med Columbus Isle Group Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59750456739&ref=ts

Adria

Any regulation on how many bags I can bring? I am having trouble fitting 5 months worth into one bag!

Best is to check your airline's web page. They usually tell you about what you're allowed.

Suggest you try to pack super light, you wont need a lot of stuff, even for 5 months.

Find out what some of the dress codes have been at CI and bring combos that let you mix and match. You will have colored 'uniform' tops (polo shirts, typically). And I dont know if these 'uniform' tops are provided by CM, but you will have to get them there after you arrive. (means less for you to pack!)

Bring a couple sweaters, or better yet poly-fleece tops so you can layer. One coat, preferably down or fiberfill. It can get cold and/or stormy at CI from time to time. One shell or waterproof top layer. Bring a minimum of cotton because when cotton gets wet, it gets heavy, takes forever to dry, and provides reduced warmth when wet.

Several pair of shorts that work with the dress code colors. A couple baseball hats. A couple pair of sunglasses.

A couple evening dresses/outfits for elegant nights (one black, one white).

Bring some jeans.

Shoes, sandals, tennis shoes. You dont need to bring a ton of shoes, really.

Personal items. Laptop or iPad and charger.

If you take prescription medicines, contact lenses, etc, get your Dr to fill them for 6 months and bring a supply.

A relatively cheap digital camera if you want. Personal sports gear, like a tennis racket, etc.

OMG...Adria can you believe I finally get on clubmedplanet!!!
It has been a while, and internet has been bad the last 2 months..even though some people would say : Has it ever been good???
But I can see you did a hell of a good job!!
I have to say from all the stuff I requested through the years (Thanks to all the guests that spoiled me, and yes Charles i did smile when i saw your post/by the way are you coming back diving??? i started again, and have seen hammerhead on every dive)
the best one or should I say the weirdest one was big Mac from Mc donald. David got them frozen so they stay good....ah to be away from civilisation :)

Carpe Diem