Before Your Trip

What’s included and what’s not

The price of your trip includes seven nights of accommodation, Olivia’s signature evening entertainment, all meals, in-room mini bars, all soft drinks, most alcoholic beverages, and most activities. If you purchase Olivia’s charter flight to the island, your transfers to/from airport (on May 2 and May 9, 2009) are also included,

The price of your trip does not include your airfare, insurance, excursions, some activities, Champagne and premium alcohols. NDA charges are not included in the price of the trip but have already been added to your reservation as reflected on your invoice.

Travel documentation and identification

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the Mexican consulate to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Heath Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” and then “Vaccinations.”

Travel insurance

We encourage all guests to purchase additional travel insurance. We recommend Travelex (www.travelex-insurance.com). In order to receive the most comprehensive coverage, please purchase your Travelex insurance within 21 days of your initial invoice. If you have questions about their coverage or pre-existing condition waivers, please contact Travelex directly at 800.228.9792 and refer location to number 05-0095.

Joining the Olivia.com trip group

If you’d like to chat with people who are going on the trip, sign up for the official Olivia trip group, Columbus Isle Paradise Resort.

About Our Destination

Climate

During the time we’ll be visiting, the temperatures typically range from a low of 71 to a high of 84 degrees.

Currency

The local currency is the Bahamian Dollar. US currency is also accepted.

Languages

English

Time Zone

Columbus Isle is on the same time as the East Coast of the US (EST). It is 3 hours ahead of the West Coast (PST).

Travel and arrival

Air travel

Where to fly into/out of

Olivia’s charter air flight is from Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to Cockburn Town/San Salvador Island (ZSA). Space is limited, as there are only 145 seats, so make sure to book soon.

Flight Information:

May 2, 2009: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to San Salvador Island (ZSA) – Flight departs at 11:30am and arrives at 12:55pm

May 9, 2009: San Salvador Island (ZSA) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Flight departs at 1:45pm and arrives at 3:10pm

Note: All guests must book their flights into FLL on their own. In most cases, you will need to fly into FLL the night before (on May 1st ) to catch the 11:30am flight. Transfer to FLL airport on May 2nd is on your own. Transfer from the San Salvador Island airport to the Club is included.

Price:  $399 round-trip, per person

To book:  To book Olivia’s Charter Air, please contact an Olivia Travel Consultant by calling 800.631.6277, option 1.

Olivia's Preferred Hotel for Columbus Isle

Olivia is pleased to announce our preferred hotel–The Renaissance Fort Lauderdale. In most cases, guests who have booked Olivia’s Charter Air flight which departs on May 2, 2009 out of Fort Lauderdale at 11:30am, you will need to arrive into Fort Lauderdale on May 1st. For this reason, we have been able to secure a preferred rate for you.

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale

1617 Southeast 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone: 954.626.1700

Price: $169 single/double

Price does not include breakfast, taxes or porterage

Dates: Friday, May 1

Deadline to book is April 1 or until sold out

• Book your room with ease and convenience by visiting The Renaissance Fort Lauderdale website at: www.renaissancehotels.com/fllbr
• Enter your check in and check out date.
• Scroll to the Group Code section and enter OLVOLVA
• Hit the Find Button and complete your reservation

Discount airfare offer

Olivia travelers enjoy a 7% discount on American Airlines for flights in and out of Miami (MIA), Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) and Palm Beach (PBI). Dates of travel are April 25, 2009 – May 16, 2009. When you book your trip, you will receive a discount code that can be used by calling American Airlines at 800-433-1790 or go to www.aa.com.

Luggage allowances

While there is no luggage limit at the resort, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers and meeting up with Olivia

Getting to the resort

Transfers from the airport to the resort are included on the first day of the trip (May 2, 2009) if you purchase Olivia’s air charter. More specific information will be sent in your final informational package. The airport is approximately 1 mile or 2 minutes driving time from the resort.

Transfers after your trip

see below

Check in

Check in is after 3PM on May 2, 2009.

During your trip

Amenities

Resort amenities include: 3 restaurants, 2 bars, a juice bar, a pool, and activities such as fitness classes, tennis, water aerobics, volleyball, and water polo.

In-room amenities include: bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, hair dryer, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, clock radio/CD player, telephone, 27 inch flat-screen TV, and a safe. Oceanfront and Oceanview rooms also include deluxe linens & toiletries, bathrobes & slippers, turndown service, priority housekeeping, and a mini fridge.

Dining

Seating policy

Meals are open seating. We will have a special solos dining area.

Restaurants

There are 3 restaurants at the resort.

Electricity

The rooms have 110 volt electricity, which is the same as the US.

Excursions

Excursions will include scuba, a lagoon tour, and an island tour. These must be booked at the resort and there is an extra charge for these excursions.

Gratuities

Gratuities are included in the cost of the trip.

Internet/e-mail/fax

WiFi and Internet kiosks are available for a fee.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Laundry and dry cleaning are available for a fee.

Medical services

Medical services are available for a fee.

Money: Paying for things at the resort

Upon arrival, you can arrange for your room key to link to the credit card you have on file with the resort. You can then use your key to bill services and purchases during your stay.

Phone

Each room has a phone. There is an additional fee to use this phone; please check your final informational packet for details.

Smoking policy

Public indoor spaces are non-smoking areas. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.

Spa services

There is a spa onsite. Massages and other services are available for a fee.

Solo travelers

We will have a solos program at the resort, including a solos dining area at dinner and activities all week long.

After your Trip

Chack out time

Check out is 11:00 AM on May 9, 2009.

Transfers to the airport

Transfers to the airport on the last day of the trip (May 9, 2009) are included for those booked on the Olivia charter flight. More specific information will be sent in your final informational package.

Didn’t find what you are looking for? Check out our Olivia travel FAQ.