Guest Author - Lea Ann Fessenden-Joseph

Satisfy your soul

Say what? A Marley Hotel and Spa in the Bahamas? Yes, it’s true. One would think if there was ever a resort dedicated to the reggae master himself, the honorable Bob Marley, you would kind of expect it to be in his homeland of Jamaica. But no, those creative Marley’s chose an old family vacation hide away on Nassau’s gorgeous Cable Beach to establish the first ever Marley Hotel and Spa.

Maybe not everyone is as infatuated with Bob and his natural mystic mystique as me. But I am and I’m proud to admit it! His ‘conscious’ music seems to resonate all over the world with all kinds of different people. It is relatable. His lyrics on politics, religion, love and hate, law and lawlessness are the voice of the world. Oh if he were only alive today to address our current state of affairs. You know there would be a song about Bush, and I don’t mean the leafy smoking kind. Or maybe he would cleverly incorporate both,
Anyway, back to the Bahamas. Rita, Bob’s wife, fell in love with this ex governor’s mansion and decided to buy it. She and the kids have redecorated and turned it into a peaceful, secluded beachside homage to Dad. Each of the 16 suites bears the name of one of his masterful songs such as “Kinky Reggae, “Kaya” “Lively Up Yourself” and “Easy Skankin’.” Bose entertainment systems are standard in every suite as well as high speed internet, flat-screen televisions, tropical rain showers and whirlpool tubs. If you’re planning an island wedding, consider staying in the lavish “One Love” honeymoon suite and be guided through the event by your own personal ‘love expert.’
Service is impeccable with two staff members to each guest and the resort also features The Natural Mystic Spa and Simmer Down, a gourmet organic Caribbean restaurant that offers some of Bob’s favorite dishes. There’s a boutique on property with everything Bob Marley imaginable, including his daughter’s own line of beach fashion wear and a Music Gallery is onsite featuring the man and his music.

So if you’re in the mood for some Marley immersion, this place sounds like paradise. Queen Rita has really outdone herself with her own personal decorating touches in African and Caribbean colors and furnishings. This place will surely get you “In a Mellow Mood” on a “Misty Morning.” Oh by the way, you can hear a great selection of Bob’s music on the resort’s website.