Island Oasis
Four Season Ocean Club
Island Oasis
by Jen Helmle
Paradise has been found! Literally and perhaps not so coincidentally on the northern shore of Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Welcome to The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort. And it is epic. I have loved every location I have been lucky enough to travel to. Cities, the Southwest, ski resorts but the water is my love language. This being my first beach location I am still in pure bliss over this iconic destination.
Located about forty minutes from the Lynden Pindling National Airport (NAS) it is a short trip over the Paradise Island bridge from the bustling capital of Nassau with its rich Bahamian history, art galleries, duty-free shopping and casinos. Having just celebrated its diamond anniversary, the club originally opened in 1962. The location was a place back then for elite celebrities and wealthy internationals to escape to. In 2017, the Four Seasons made the Ocean Club part of its luxury destination portfolio. Since I love the uniqueness and next level dedication to each of their destinations, I can say this was an amazing addition to the Four Seasons name.
Once you cross over the bridge onto Paradise Island and enter the unassuming entrance to the FS Ocean Club you are immersed in the historic and tranquil filled grounds just waiting to blow you away with its diversity. When you pull up to the shell pink one story lobby, which is its own building, you are greeted with the warmest Bahamian welcome. The lobby is beautiful and elegant with stunning artwork, floral arrangements, a gleaming piano and furnishings that remind you of the once elegant era the resort opened in. There are small sitting areas and a patio waiting for you to walk through to paradise. You will be offered a welcome beverage from the classy and classic Martini Bar and Lounge located in the building, with or without alcohol, to quench your thirst. I was lucky enough to come when the legend of the bar at FS Ocean Club, Keith Cash was there and he made my husband a personalized rum cocktail and I just had to go with champagne in a setting like this. One of the knowledgeable concierges at the desks will check you in and get you whisked into your accommodations so you can get down to the business of relaxing. Do not leave the lobby though without walking out the back through the french doors to get your first look at the turquoise water and white sand beach that will leave you speechless and excited to begin your adventure.
There are 107 guest accommodations at the FS Ocean Club. The low-profile buildings which are surrounded by tropical foliage and designed in the colonial design aesthetic are separated into two distinct “wings” of the resort. The more traditional Crescent Wing and the more modern chic Hartford Wing. The Hartford Wing is right in the heart of the action at the resort. I stayed in the Crescent Wing, a very short walk from the lobby and Dune restaurant. The rooms are decorated with elegant and traditional island furnishings. Wood and cane beds, very large bathrooms which also include a soaking tub with marble and granite tiling. Large walk-in closet, a dry bar area, an inside sitting area with table and chairs and sleeper sofa. My ground level oceanfront room opened onto the most spectacular patio with table and chairs for al fresco dining and an upholstered lounger that can accommodate two people. I spent a lot of time there staring out to the water. We were given the most thoughtful welcome gift of a FS Ocean club beach bag and two hats to provide some shade while we soaked in the sun. If you have a different need for your stay the resort also offers suites, private oceanfront villas with your own staff (yes please) and bungalows with plunge pools.
Once you are ready to get out of your private oasis you are going to go right into an oasis my words cannot relay to you. The grounds of the resort are spectacular! Tropical foliage and flowers, the greenest grass with hammocks and Adirondack chairs tucked away all over the property begging to be swayed or sat in. Palm trees strung with white lights to guide your path at night. There is a distinct area of the resort I found to be so fascinating for an ocean resort. As much as I just want to talk about the ocean (and I will) you cannot miss the Versailles Garden at the Ocean Club. It is magical! This flower filled, multi-tiered lawns and gardens are a jaw dropping area to explore on the 35-acre resort. This enclave is dotted with statues, stone, benches and structures that meticulously have been restored from a 12th century Augustinian Cloister. Walk your way up each tier of lushness filled with European history and Bahamian beauty and find yourself overlooking the Nassau Harbor at the top. I soaked it in taking that walk daily. I was fortunate enough to see a wedding tent set up in the Gardens and WOW is all I can say. If you want the European garden feel for a wedding or special event, you can achieve that at the Ocean Club just yards away from the water. Now that I mentioned water I can get to my pinnacle of peace. I love all water. Beaches reign supreme to me and nothing has compared so far to the beaches of the Ocean Club. Five miles of the most serene Atlantic Ocean white sand beach and turquoise water you can imagine. Peaceful, beautiful and just otherworldly. It is the star view from most of the rooms, restaurants and buildings. The entrance to the beach is just next to Dune restaurant and the Ocean infinity pool which feels like it is spilling into the Atlantic itself. Your feet aren’t hitting the sand without one of the lovely beach attendants escorting you to your shaded lounge chairs. There are complimentary waters, suntan lotions and cool cloths at your disposal. If you are craving a cocktail or beach eats, that can all be brought directly to your chair without even getting up. Two of the days I was there I was treated to live music from up at Dune Restaurant. It felt like having a private beach concert. If you do want to get up it is a beautiful walk up towards the golf course with rocks and waves to lap at your feet while you get some steps in. I think I took 200 pictures trying to capture how beautiful it was, but I don’t think a picture can hold a candle to seeing it in person.
Now if you get bored of just sitting and staring at perfection, then don’t worry about being bored. There is a LOT to do at the FS Ocean Club. There are water activities such as paddleboarding on the property, diving and snorkeling off site which can be arranged for you. Deep sea fishing and yacht charters are also available to be set up by one of the knowledgeable concierges at your convenience. Six Har-Tru tennis courts are waiting for you with lessons available if requested. For the golfers, the 18-hole Ocean Club golf course is waiting to be putted on while looking at views of the Atlantic and Nassau Harbor. For those that need to keep their fitness routine, a fully equipped gym with cardio and outdoor weight area are waiting to keep you on track. The gym is stocked with fresh fruit, water, headphones, and magazines. Personal training can be arranged and other fitness classes such as yoga are offered daily. If you prefer your cardio outside the resort has on-site jogging and walking trails and bikes available to ride if your feet get tired. There is a fully supervised FS Kids for All Seasons program and lovely staff waiting to educate and entertain the resort's younger guests aged 4-12 daily in its own dedicated building. If you need retail therapy, you can hit the resorts boutique or arrange to head over to Nassau for some serious shopping. If a pool is your preferred water space or just need a change of scenery from the beach then you won’t be disappointed. The Ocean Club offers three unique pool experiences. The Ocean Pool located at the beachfront is an infinity pool for guests 16 and older with major people watching vibes and prime location. Food and beverages served poolside are always on the must list. I may have had a spicy margarita (or 4) while putting on my sunglasses and floppy hat and just basking in the scene. For those traveling with younger guests there is a family lagoon pool with an entry that slopes like a beach for easy water access. This pool also has a waterfall you can stand under and watch the kids splash away in their own private place. If peace, quiet and tranquility is what you crave then the Versailles Pool is for you. An adult-only retreat located at the lush first tier of the gardens you can sip a cocktail, enjoy light food or lunch service either from your lounge chair or at the poolside Versailles Terrace restaurant. This pool is serene and elegant and gives such a unique experience away from the hustle of the beach. If anyone has major pool action on their list, the resort offers complimentary access to Aquaventure, the Atlantis Paradise resort’s massive water park located very close to the resort. Shuttle service is provided daily and is complimentary. I for one do not have that need every but my youngest son would be on that shuttle every day.
Ok back to things I like! SPA...... my favorite oasis where I can forget I am 50, a mother of 3, wife of 1, and TIRED like pretty much ninety-nine percent of humanity. I loved this spa experience. Very different from the other spas at FS resorts I have been to. Let me say every spa experience I have ever been fortunate enough to have at a FS resort has been next level. Each location uses indigenous ingredients to enhance their treatments and the commitment to the local environment shows. The design of this spa was so unique. The lobby is a stand-alone building featuring citrus waters, its own specially made hibiscus tea, light snacks and specially curated beauty products. The staff is warm and knowledgeable. After you check in your specialist comes to escort you out of the building into one of the 8 Balinese inspired private indoor/outdoor treatment villas. These villas have private outdoor gardens, bath and shower area and wooden lounge beds and chairs to complete the total relaxation theme. It is like having your own little house to just block out the world for a few moments. Inside the villa is a fully modern, private treatment room with an indoor shower and bathroom. There are so many facial, body and signature treatments to choose from. I wish I could mention them all but please call the spa concierge to discuss your needs. I had chosen to try the coconut poultice massage and it was awesome. I have never felt my skin so soft, and it lasted until the next day. Do not miss getting an appointment in one of these little houses of bliss.
I like to save the best for last and if you have read anything I have written you know I excel at all things food and cocktail related. I love to cook at home and am infinitely curious about how to make food better. And nothing goes better with food than a cocktail. I’m average at the making part but great at the trying part. If you like to start your day with breakfast (who knows with intermittent fasting these days), then head to DUNE and enjoy an oceanfront meal with a latte or mimosa or fresh juice. The menu is fresh, caters to dietary needs and gets you ready for whatever adventure is on your agenda. I enjoyed an omelet every morning with a delicious tomato salad. My husband mixed it up and had a frittata one morning and a chia bowl the next. If you are there on a Sunday, then brunch is a must do. Traditional brunch and Bahamian fare are fresh cooked and live music filling the room kills any Sunday blues away. If you aren’t having your lunch oceanside head to Ocean Blu located at the Ocean infinity pool and dine on tropical fare served with a Latin flare while you overlook the beach below. I suggest the spicy margarita to start or one of the delicious rum concoctions that scream you are in the Bahamas. I loved the tropical conch salad and shrimp tacos. I had it two days in a row! Delicious. If you are at the more secluded Versailles pool walk a few steps to the Versailles Terrace and enjoy food with Mediterranean influence and favorite pool bites. When the happiest hour of the day approaches a must do is get your more elegant attire out and head up to the Martini Bar and Lounge located in the lobby. This bar not only feels like you are immersed in a bygone era of glamorous living, but you are also in movie history. This bar was showcased the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. Having a perfectly shaken martini or a French 75 (my favorite) by the legendary and infinitely kind Keith Cash is honestly worth the trip.
If you are feeling like watching the sunset before dinner or an afternoon cocktail, then fun is always on the menu at the DUNE BAR. This oceanfront bar located next to DUNE is just plain cool. Great drinks being served up by amazing mixologists with quick smiles and tons of positive energy. The people watching isn't too bad either. Try Sky Juice, Pink Sands or the Ocean Club Special like my husband or stick to champagne like me. Make sure to look for Ansel or Indsay to shake or pour you a glass of happiness. Every night I was there was live music and every single person that performed was awesome. It added the perfect touch to your afternoon or evening. The sunset is not to be missed while sitting on the outside deck. It is breathtaking and wonder filled that a sky could look so beautiful. When you head into DUNE I hope you are hungry for a menu by Michelin starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s imagination of French-Asian. A seafood platter to start the night always seems right to me. Add in some more conch salad, a spiny Caribbean lobster tail with greens and a New York strip steak and call it a night! Special thank you to our lovely server Samuel. A walk back to your room among the white lit palm trees or a sway in a hammock and looking at the starry sky listening to the ocean feet away is magic.
The national motto of the Bahamas is “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together.” I love this. The idea of being an individual but working with others to create and work toward a goal or nation or direction that one cannot do alone. We all need people and can learn from anyone that crosses our paths. You don’t have to be a travel writer to expand your horizons. It helps but your own backyard provides many opportunities to move upward and forward together. Keep learning from everyone you meet. Lend your knowledge to someone. You will move higher faster that way. Thank you, Dana Berry, the lovely hostess who led me to this magical island. I will treasure my time here and will be back ready for more.