Coral Marien Beach Hotel and Spa, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

E&M Travel, Online Agency. Upscale vacations for discerned traveler.

   E&M Travel
Division of EMCO Travel, LLC.
                     Since 1993

Lobbies are important, but many in the Caribbean fade from mind as quickly as the rum punch goes down one's throat. The Coral Marien Beach Hotel & Spa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, does not have this problem. While this property's lobby has fabulous furnishings, it also serves as a frame for the entire resort. As you stand in the center of the open-air room, you feel as though you are about to walk into a fairy tale as this grand property sprawls out in front of you.

A sparkling fountain leads down from the lobby to the massive and central infinity pool. Scattered around the pool, hundreds of bowed palm trees offer views of the low-lying buildings and a sneak peak of the Atlantic Ocean awaiting you. Visitors cannot help but be impressed by this first glimpse; it makes for an unbeatable beginning to a vacation.

The fairy tale doesn't end with the lobby. The latest Coral property has raised the bar for all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, especially in Puerto Plata. Here the benefits of an all-inclusive vacation are combined with a higher level of service and overall quality.

Target Clientele: Parents and children will enjoy the attention paid to the younger set through activities, a kids' club, food options and budgeting opportunities. Couples can find quiet spots for romance, or get wild with other couples at the disco or during merengue lessons poolside.

Accommodations: There are 332 rooms-all of them custom designed and decorated with Dominican products-dispersed in six secluded buildings. Superior gardenview, oceanview or oceanfront rooms all feature one king or two double beds, cable television, direct-dial telephones, a minibar, air conditioning, a table and chairs, patio or balcony, and other tasteful amenities. There are also 42 one-bedroom suites featuring whirlpool tubs, separate showers, king-size beds, desks, two televisions, patios or balconies, CD players, minibars, and separate living rooms and dining areas with a full kitchenette and a pullout sofa bed. All 42 suites can be connected to a single ocean-view room to form 21 master suites.

Public Areas: Besides the grand lobby and the 290,000-square-foot pool that is divided into three parts, the hotel has a fitness room and sauna, two clay tennis courts, miniature golf, a kids' club, sports bar and disco, four other bars, four meeting rooms for up to 500 people, a 750-person theater that features nightly entertainment, watersports shack, billiards area and tour desk. The beach is a beautiful, tree-lined bit of the north shore with plenty of beach chairs and the rougher Atlantic Ocean crashing on to the shore. Also at the property are a fine wines and cigar store, and a general gift shop; in the near future, an amber store and a currency exchange are scheduled to open. When clients' muscles are feeling stiff or they need a release from tensions, the property also boasts a full-service, extra-cost Metamorphosis spa. Treatments include a range of massages, facials, hydrotherapies and beauty salon services.

Dining: Clients can eat all three meals at El Cayuco buffet restaurant, which surpasses normal buffet fare and often features themed dinners. Other dining options include La Guama Bar/Beach Club for 24-hour pizza and snacks, and the a Ia carte El Charro Mexican Restaurant for dinner. For a minimal extra cost, there is also the slightly more upscale Caribbean Grill Restaurant for dinner.

Service: The Dominican people are naturally friendly, and this is quite evident from the service. Every employee that guests pass will offer a smile and a hello.

Strongest Selling Point: The overall quality makes the Coral Marien unlike most other all-inclusive resorts. Close proximity to Puerto Plata and its many cultural and ecoadventure opportunities, the airport and Playa Dorada's golf course makes the resort an all-around good choice for vacationers with a variety of interests.

EMCO Travel LLC DBA E&M Travel is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST36902
California Travel Seller # 2079011-40
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