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Marina Dunes Resort, Marina, California
-Article by: Norm Goldman
-Paintings by: Lily Azerad-Goldman
As we recently discovered, California's coastline roads
often hide neat surprises in the most unexpected places.
Ten miles north of Monterey, scattered across 19 acres of secluded sand dunes, we found a perfect example of where
location is a resort's defining amenity.
Marina Dunes Resort opened its doors in 1999 and was the first oceanfront development approved by the California
Coastal Commission in 24 years. No doubt, it must have been no easy feat to secure its approval, as owner and San
Luis Obispo developer John King will probably confirm.
The main question in our minds was how did King manage to gain permission to build the resort and how would it
affect the Environment? It is to be noted that Marina Dunes is regarded as one of the most important dune systems
in California.
To give you some background information, the area was formerly an industrial site and sand quarry. Some locals
pointed out to us that before King came along it was often used as a dumping ground where debris, antiquatedmachinery
and old tires could be found scattered all over the place along with the remains of concrete structures that once
had been used for refining and storage. It had also been subjected to a great deal of sand mining. Not a pleasant
sight!
In order to gain approval from the Commission, the resort's operators had to agree to ameliorate the area by way
of a dune' restoration plan. This would include the seeding of indigenous plant species, as well as protecting
endangered wildlife. Consequently, the resort committed itself to fund a permanent dune restoration program, making
this the first of such programs on the Monterey Peninsula. (This is a wonderful example of how government and private
industry can work together and collaborate in protecting the environment.)
The program entailed the eradication of ice plant and the planting of native dune species in the hope that eventually
these dunes will be returned to their pristine condition. It also necessitated the protection of rare birds as
the Snowy Plover as well as providing buckwheat for the Smith's Blue Butterfly.
To cut down on noise and air pollution guests are provided with golf carts and are informed that their cars are
to be left in the parking lot. This caused some friction between my wife and myself, as we both wanted to sail
through the property's brick paved pathways to our bungalow.
To finance the program there is a fifteen dollar per day restoration fee that is tacked onto your bill.
Romantic Getaway
The splendid setting of Marina Dunes Resort makes it easy to focus on romance. Whether a couple is getting married,
on their honeymoon or celebrating their anniversary, the resort provides an environment where they can enhance
their feelings for one another and celebrate the reasons they are together. Moreover, it is magical place to put
the heart at ease.
It is the perfect refuge that is worlds away from the pressures of everyday life, where you can enjoy nature, listen
to the sound of the ocean gently lap the shore at night from gorgeous ocean view rooms while snuggling up with
a glass of wine in front of a cozy fireplace.
Or, how about a stroll along the shoreline of the state beach just minutes from your cottage where you can surf-fish,
beach comb, picnic, sunbathe, bird watch, walk the boardwalk, hang glide or simply set in for a nap on a chaise
barely aware of the resort in the background.
Marina Dunes Resort is justly proud of its accommodations. The design of its ranch-style
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bungalows and their subtle colors perfectly blend in with their surroundings so as not to distract from the natural
beauty of the dunes and the Pacific Ocean.
Our bungalow had a sizeable ocean-view deck that was great for just admiring the dunes and its surroundings.
All rooms are beautifully appointed and come with a wet bar, king bed, bath/shower combination, remote control
television, honor bar and telephones with data port capability for computers and faxes.
Premium designer fabrics are used in quality bath linens, luxurious bedding and soft furnishings. Suites have separate
sitting areas with a leather loveseat and chair, wrought iron and small dining tables, two chairs, two televisions,
a granite-topped desk and. The bathrooms come with double sink vanities and a separate shower. It should be mentioned
that about half the lodging on the property are operated as timeshares; however, the bungalows facing the ocean
are only for the resort's guests.
Besides the bungalows there is a free-standing, 120-seat restaurant, branded A.J. Spurs and a year-round, heated
swimming pool, an oversized hot tub as well as a children's pool, a massage and spa service, a recreational trail
that follows the coastline begins just minutes from the resort and if you are really up to it, you can walk all
the way to Monterey-a distance of several miles.
Wedding Destination
As a wedding venue, the resort offers more than space. You have the option of exchanging vows on a serene stunning
beach looking across Monterey Bay or on the resort's gorgeous lawn behind the Main Lodge. The latter can accommodate
up to one hundred and twenty seated or two hundred standing guests.
If your celebration is smaller or more intimate, indoor weddings can take place in the Gallery that can accommodate
thirty seated guests or the Sunroom, both of which feature large picture windows and a romantic fireplace. The
reception can also take place in the Main Lodge that accommodates up to fifty seated and ninety standing guests.
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BIO
 Norm and Lily Goldman are a unique husband and wife team, writer and water colorist, who
write and paint about romantic destinations.
Basically, they meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel story, which generates interest particularly
because of the fact that each painting appears to have been custom-made for the story-- original story and original
art.
They are the publishers of the travel and author interview site, sketchandtravel.com, where you can find out more about them and view Lily's water colors.
Norm is also the editor of the book reviewing and author interviewing site, www.bookpleasures.com that comprises over 25 international reviewers that come from all walks of life
and that review all genre. Norm also offers his own express review service that you can find out more about by
clicking on www.bookpleasures.com.
You can view Lilys artwork at http://sketchandtravel.com/watercolors.cfm.
Norm has contributed to various other e-zines as well.
Norm and Lily are always open to suggestions from Convention
Bureaus, PR representatives, and resorts and inns, located in Northeast USA, Eastern Canada and the West Coast
of Florida. However, they may be open to other areas of the USA and Canada.
You may contact them at:
l.goldman@sympatico.ca
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