Where is it? This meticulously restored 19th-century Caribbean colonial-style villa (right), in shades of muted ochre, burned orange and pale lime, can be found in Nassau, capital of the Bahamas. It was once the private holiday home of reggae legend Bob Marley. The 16-suite luxury lodging is surrounded by lush poinciana and banana trees and overlooks a cerulean Caribbean Sea,
as well as the 6km-long white-sand Cable Beach. Fifteen minutes from the resort's gates is Nassau Harbour, surrounded by the historic pink government buildings of the former British colony, three 19th-century forts, a museum of piracy and one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean.
Luxurious or basic? The Marley is one of the two smartest small hotels on the island. The decor of each suite is unique. Hand-carved mahogany furniture, mosaic tiles and original art adorn the rooms (far right). Opulent bedding and towels are from premier textile designer Anichini and the singer's daughter Cedella Marley's Catch A Fire fashion line.
Who should visit? The hotel, a project of the Marley family, attracts many well-known musicians and others from the entertainment industry. The romantic old-world Caribbean ambience, privacy and the 'One Love' honeymoon suite make the property a magnet for romantics. As another daughter, Stephanie Marley, says: 'This was our home for many years and our piece of paradise, so we want the resort to feel the way our homes do, completely welcoming.'
What's on the menu? The cuisine at restaurant Simmer Down is Caribbean gourmet (organic and local). The chef is a Bahamian who trained in Jamaica. Parisian Phillipe Sahnoune is the master of food and beverage.
What else is there to do? Lounge in the resort's Natural Mystic Spa, which uses treatments based on African and Caribbean herbal traditions, spend hours in low-slung rattan chairs on the beachside terrace or visit the resort's private gallery of Marley memorabilia. Diving and fishing excursions are minutes away, as are lazy sailing trips to outlying islands. And for party people, there is plenty of music. The resort hosts live bands and local clubs play Bahamian music into the early hours. For those who want a tryst with Lady Luck, several casinos are nearby.