Standing on a white sandbar in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by some of the most beautiful emerald-green coloured water found on this planet, I was able to scratch yet one more line off my travel bucket list.
As our small group walked across the shimmering sand our bare feet created the only footprints on the tiny oasis, which even as we explored was quickly disappearing due to the rising tide.
It was hard to believe just two hours earlier we’d been sitting amongst the hustle and bustle of the international airport in Nassau, Bahamas, and it was only 30 minutes prior that we’d arrived at February Point Resort Estates, located along the east coast of Great Exuma. The property is nestled off the calm waters of Elizabeth Harbour and protected against tropical storms by Stocking, Long and Cat islands.
Upon arrival to Great Exuma International Airport, we were greeted by Tracey Styles, the friendly rental program assistant at February Point, who kindly took us shopping for groceries and liquor.
Checking into Over the Top House, which provides stunning views of the marina and aquamarine sea, I was glad we had bought enough of both so there would be no need to leave the gorgeous home — with the exception of swimming in the ocean and resort pool of course. But, when we were invited to visit Catch a Fire Bar and Grill at Sunset Bluff later that night, we did jump at the chance. We lucked out that a local reggae band was playing, so we enjoyed dinner, dancing and tropical drinks in the middle of what seemed like nowhere with a group of strangers who quickly became fast friends.
February Point is in the midst of phase three of a massive renovation and development project, which when complete will include the Aqua Villas, Aquarius Overwater Residences, concierge services and the luxurious Sapphire Beach Club, which at the time of our visit was about 50 per cent finished. A new marina large enough to support the many mega yachts that frequent Exuma is also in the works.
Already in place is the Coral Lounge and Bistro, which serves up incredible water and sunset views along with some of the freshest seafood available.
February Point was recently purchased by a group led by Florid-based developer John McGarvey, which also bought the adjacent 851 acres. The group is developing a 58-unit resort on Stocking Island as a sister project to February Point.
The vacation homes at February Point are all owned, or are for sale, and it was the real estate side of the property that really caught our attention, particularly after experiencing the crazed state of property sales in Vancouver. We chatted with February Point co-broker Christine Paquette about the property and when we discovered we could purchase a stunning waterfront lot for less than the cost of most condos in Vancouver, let’s just say we were more than a little intrigued, particularly when we discovered anyone who spends more than $500,000 on a vacation home in the Bahamas becomes eligible for permanent residency status. (Paquette noted the group will fly serious buyers out to take a look.) According to Vancouver standards, that’s a bargain.The lots, which range in size from one quarter to a full acre, are fully serviced with underground utilities, including water, electricity and high-speed Internet, so are ready to go.
It was only the lure of our grandchildren on the West Coast that stopped us from pursuing the matter further.
@sthomas
