Marley Resort & Spa

Make all the Rasta jokes you want; there’s nothing half-baked about this brand-new boutique resort (which officially opens in July 2008). Owned and operated by the family of the late, great reggae legend Bob Marley, the cluster of golden-hued buildings, set amid verdant gardens on a tiny slice of Cable Beach, brings Jamaican flavor to the Bahamas—but in a distinctly elegant way. Stephanie Marley (daughter of Bob and Rita) has taken great care in outfitting the resort’s 16 spacious suites, which are named after Marley songs—“One Love,” “Misty Morning,” “Three Little Birds”; though each has unique décor, all feature dramatic, hand-carved mahogany furnishings, African and Caribbean objets and wall art, breezy fabrics in exotic batik prints, and coral-tiled baths with walk-in showers, terra-cotta basins, and the resort’s signature line of delicious-smelling bath products. The on-site Natural Mystic Spa offers herbal body scrubs and massage; the patio swimming pool and hot tub overlook the sea; and the Simmer Down restaurant turns out sophisticated island cuisine (try the broiled ginger-lime infused lobster). Perhaps best of all, the Marleys have used their contacts in the music business to schedule an impressive lineup of performers to play at the alfresco bar; bring your dancing shoes.

Tip: If all the reggae references leave you wanting to bring some home, a good selection of CD’s is available in the Marley Boutique.

Room to Book: Couples will like the “Royal Rita” suite, with its freestanding Jacuzzi tub big enough for two.