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Circle-bonding after vigorous water aerobics.

The pool at Marien is designed in such a way as to make it easily accessible from each block of buildings or section of the resort. You don't need to trek for ages to get a spot by the water, the chaises and shady palapas are abundant. One end of the pool is shallow enough to drag your chaise into it; you can lie there tanning with the water lapping at your ankles, and can reach down to splash yourself with a handful to cool off. The activity center of the resort is located in the middle of the pool area, with games, towels, aerobics classes and pool volleyball at the ready all day.

The resort has a group of guest services personnel called "The Chocolate Friends," a trademark of Coral resorts. These energetic, talented and engaging young people provide the activities, good cheer and entertainment throughout the day and night. They administer the aerobics classes, teach Merengue and Spanish, lead the pool volleyball, break into song at any given moment, smile all the time and then put on incredible folklore shows in the evenings in the resort's outdoor theater.

Chocolate Friends merengue at The Manager's Cocktail Party.

During the Manager's Cocktail Party they perform by the pool. Dressed in colorful Dominican costumes, they dance and swing and smile and don't even show the slightest signs of fatigue (or even perspiration), and then later in the evening they do it again for the nightly show. They are not only impressive, they make people happy, and are a revered component in Coral Resorts' success.

The beach, accessed by walking on a path through the seagrape that shields the resort from wind, is beautiful... long and deep with seemingly endless vistas. It's very windy, and the sea is not the passive blue-green that laps gently at your toes: It has a definite wave to it and can become quite active. The beach is lined with hundreds of chaises; no guest will ever find himself looking for a place to lie down. There are volleyball courts (on the resort side of the seagrape) and several shady hammocks for guest use. The watersports shop will fit you with snorkeling gear, Sunfish sailing boats and windsurfers, all included as part of your tariff. Motorized water sports and SCUBA excursions are available at an extra charge.

One of the nicest aspects of this resort is that it is thoroughly adaptable. The elegance and ability to feel secluded are ideal for honeymoons or romantic getaways, the accessibility to almost all activities makes it a great choice for seniors or the physically challenged, the non-stop activities, sports bar and disco are perfect for young people. But that's not all: It's a family resort, with a dedicated staff of trained multi-lingual professionals who administer the "Kidz Paradise," a self-contained day camp for children from age four to 12. With its own slpash pool, activities center, playground and even its own little spot at the beach, this is essentially a resort within the resort, and best of all, there is no extra charge for this service.

The resort also has a miniature golf course, two tennis courts, a full-service spa (treatments are not covered in your hotel stay, but the prices are quite reasonable), and access to the golf course at Playa Dorada (also at an additional charge).

Meeting professionals love the resort too, because not only is the meeting space beautiful and elegant, the participants have access to food, drink and relaxation at all times. The hotel staff is capable of arranging any services necessary for a successful meeting or conference. While I was there, one section of the pool apron was blocked off and an outdoor grill set up for a barbecue buffet for about 250 conference participants. I was very impressed with the level of service and professionalism displayed in arranging this event, and the attendees were thrilled at the pampering they received.

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