Brian Bonitto, Acting Entertainment Editor

Bob Marley

Reggae superstar Bob Marley's legend now lives in Nassau, Bahamas. On June 16, the Marley Resort & Spa was launched there.

Located on the secluded Cable Beach, popularly referred to as the 'Bahamian Riviera', the 16-theme suite and deluxe accommodations officially opened to the public on June 16.

Raquel Sweeting, assistant at the concierge's desk, said that the hotel's experience is its drawing card.

"Everything is so beautiful ... the view, the natural environment ... you just have to experience it. It's just One Love here," she said in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday.

According to the website marleyresort.com, the property was formerly a governor's mansion and was acquired by Bob's wife, Rita.

"Nana Marley (Rita) purchased the property after falling in love with its lush landscape and we used it as a summer getaway for many years," a statement from the family read.

The rooms and suites of the resort sport the titles of several Marley hits. Rooms vary from Easy Skankin', Lively Up Yourself, Three Little Birds, Mellow Mood, Misty Morning, Nice Time and Sun is Shining, while room sizes range from 270 square feet to 670 square feet.

Rates

The rates range from US$450 to US$1,115 in the off season, while US$650 to US$1,350 in the peak period.

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in St Ann, Jamaica, and died on May 11, 1981, of cancer, at the age of 36.

He had a strong relationship with The Bahamas. After the assassination attempt on his life, in December, 1976, he lived there for a period and recorded several songs at Compass Point, owned by Island Records' founder Chris Blackwell.

Marley was posthumously given Jamaica's third-highest honour - an Order of Merit - for his musical contribution.