still making money off of Bob's back

Former Marley Family Home to Open As Romantic Resort

If you're a Bob Marley fan (and who's not?), make a note on your calendar that this spring the Marley Resort & Spa will open in Nassau, Bahamas. Once the Marley family's summer home, lovingly watched over by Rita Marley herself, the Marley Resort & Spa will echo the family's creative spirit as an intimate world-class sanctuary.

Why It's Dreamy: The resort is designed as an elegant microcosm of African and Caribbean style with sculptured hand-carved doors, mosaic tiles, intricate stonework and sandstone walls. Each of the 16 themed suites is named for a Marley song title, such as Kinky Reggae, Nice Time, and Kaya.

Amenities and services will include tropical rain showers, whirlpool tubs, flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet and in-room Bose entertainment systems. Guests also can have a private access to two, free-form swimming pools or a stretch of beach. The resort includes five-star personal concierge with 24-hour room service; when it's time to leave your room, there's a list of adventurous excursions plus a collection of wedding, honeymoon and vow-renewal packages.

The resort will also include three Royal Suites:
• Royal Rita features a signature Royal Chaise Lounge, mahogany furniture, African prints, hardwood floors, and oceanfront views.
• Legend is designed with the King in mind, offering a separate living room, private balcony, hardwood floors and fully stocked wet bar.
• One Love, the resort's signature honeymoon suite, has an intimate, in-room Jacuzzi tub for two, dual rainfall showers and stellar views.

Simmer Down, the resort's restaurant will offer gourmet Caribbean cuisine with some classic family recipes featuring organic produce and fresh seafood.

Look for a couple's suite and beach-hut treatment areas at Natural Mystic, the resort's spa. Guests will be treated with traditional secrets from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, as well as Rita's herbal bath rituals.

Guests will also have access to The Music Gallery, a behind-the-scenes look at Bob's life and the Marley family's music. And the in-house boutique will feature daughter Cedella Marley's Catch-A-Fire clothing, as well as the works of African, Jamaican and Bahamian artisans.

Price: Special introductory rates start at $495 per room, per night double occupancy and based on availability.

For more information:
• visit www.marleyresort.com
• e-mail guestrelations@marleyresort.com
• call 305-420-6154