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Situated on several acres which slope gently towards the ocean, the beautifully-designed resort (completed in late 2001) has used the natural landscape to its utmost advantage. The 332 rooms and 21 junior suites are distributed amongst seven three-story buildings which are scattered around the complex, creating a sense of privacy and intimacy unusual in a resort of this size. At the same time, the designers used a series of landscaped pathways that meander through the property, a centrally-located pool cleverly designed as an elongated cloverleaf, and the public buildings distributed in a manner that makes it easy for the guests to find their way to anything of interest.

Arrival at the open-air lobby/reception area gives way to a breathtaking view over the pool and down the length of the resort to the ocean. This view is especially striking at dusk, when there is still enough light to see the complex in its entirety but the resort has activated its own illumination which shimmers across the swimming pool and lights the multi-level waterfalls in the center.

After check-in, you and your luggage are escorted to your room or suite in a golf-cart type vehicle; then you are left on your own to unpack, explore, eat, drink, swim, sunbathe or play.

The guestrooms at Marien are extremely spacious, with tiled floors, stuccoed walls, and marble baths; they can be reserved with one king bed or two queens. Every room has a balcony or ground-floor terrace looking out over the resort, the pool, the mountains or the ocean. Four of the seven buildings have full oceanfront rooms.

The "junior suites" consist of both a fully-furnished sitting room and a separate king-bedded bedroom, a full bath with Jaccuzzi tub and a "guest" bath with toilet and shower. I didn't find anything "junior" about them at all. The sitting room in the suites has a sofa bed so the unit can sleep four, and it can be connected with the adjoining guestroom to create a full two-bedroom suite.

I absolutely love the design touches in the guestrooms and throughout the resort. Wall sconces made of metal in the shape of a large leaf grace the walls of the rooms, while verdigris metal palm trees light the beach club seating area. Surrounding the pool are several latticed archways verdant with blooming vines; they too have elaborate sculpted lighting in their centers. Somehow the designers have managed to infuse Caribbean elegance with the slightest touch of whimsey: Brightly colored spreads and drapes, tangerine and lime-colored pillows and seat cushions, warm dark woods and sculpted light fixtures, terra-cotta floors and elegant marble baths, all against a backdrop of exquisite landscaping. The overall effect is one of comfortable, casual luxury.

On request, both a mini-fridge and coffee maker can be placed in your room at no extra charge.

You'll never go hungry at Marien, and you won't be thirsty, either. It's one of the few resorts that offer 24 hour service, both food and drink.

And what food!

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