Marina Dunes Resort
Ocean Views and Windswept Dunes
Unique among the ocean-front accommodations in Monterey County,
is the
Marina Dunes Resort. Located in the little hamlet of Marina
on the northern side of Monterey bay, the resort sits on 19 acres
of open oceanfront dunes that are undergoing habitat recovery.
Scenic paths lead you through the differing ecological stages
of the rolling sand, and brick pathways crisscross the resort
bungalows, suites and rooms. Golf carts are provided to guests
for use on the property; cars are left at the front gate along
with their noise, bulk, and smell.
The Basics
Beachfront bungalows house junior suites and nice-sized guestrooms.
Views are of the ocean or dunes, all provide thermostat controlled
fireplaces, designer bedding, wet bars, TVs and private balconies
or patios.
Rates
Room rates range from $99 to $449 depending upon season, day,
and accommodation chosen.
Amenities
The resort has full spa services and in-room massages. Yoga classes
are held on the beach, weather permitting. Sessions are $10 per
person. AJ Spurs, an old-west style restaurant is on the property,
but all other dining requires a drive into Marina, or down the
coast a couple of minutes to Monterey or Carmel.
The large pool area is sparking and inviting. Two hot tubs are
available for soaking.
 The Bathrooms
The bathroom in the junior suite had dual sinks (as do all rooms),
was nicely tiled and had both a large enclosed shower and a separate
tub. The lighting over the sink is gentle and not the best for
applying evening make-up. There is little counter space in the
bathroom, but plenty in the suite at large. The pedestal sinks
had nice wide bowls, but seemed to be set low - great for those
on the shorter-side.
Things you should know
This resort is unique among the other ocean-fronting hotels heading
south since they do not have walking access to the spectacular
dunes. Many offer, however, the same fabulous ocean views and
the Big Sur coastline just south of the bay is dramatic. Marina's
average temperatures hover in the 50s to 70s, but sunshine is
not always abundant. The hotel lobby sells lovely sweaters to
add warmth if you need to layer.
While you will use golf carts to putter around the resort, you
will need your car to access the many wonders of the Monterey
Peninsula. The only thing within walking distance is the ocean.
You can take a cab, but be prepared for a wait; most of the cab
companies are in Monterey and will take time to travel up to Marina.
If you are heading to Carmel, expect cab fare to be around $35
including tip. WARNING: Carmel does not use street addresses,
so get good directions before hailing your cab - you can waste
dollars driving around the streets looking for your destination,
and not all cab companies have directions readily available to
them.
 On the other hand, if you stay on the grounds of the resort your
trusty golf cart will get you bopping around quite nicely. Do
not be alarmed if someone plays "hide the golf cart"
on you. A trip to the office will get you set up with a new one.
Apparently, there is sometimes confusion amongst the guests about
which chariot was originally assigned to them, or perhaps they
are cavalier and feel that any golf cart is fair game.
The ocean in this area is cool and averages between 52 and 59
degrees. Rip currents are common in this area and the suggestion
is that if you cannot maintain an overhand stroke for 15 minutes,
and don't know how to recognize a long shore current, that you
should not attempt to swim off the Northern California coast.
Lastly, watch for rouge wave sets that can pull adults and children
out to sea.
Oh, and don't forget to pack a pair of flip flops. They will
come in handy at the pool and the beach.
Marina Dunes Resort, 3295 Dunes Drive, Marina, CA 93933 (831)
883-9478
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