Marina Dunes Resort, between the Pacific Ocean and California�s famed Highway 1, is the first upscale, boutique project ever completed in Marina and the first oceanfront development in more than 20 years to be approved by the California Coastal Commission. It lies between the Monterey Peninsula on the south end of the Bay and the coastal cities of Monterey and, to the north, Santa Cruz. 

Located on rolling sand dunes just 200 yards from the Pacific Ocean on the shoreline of Monterey Bay, the resort is just 10 minutes from the vacation opportunities in the Monterey Bay region. �When you consider the overall bustle around Monterey Bay, Marina Dunes Resort truly is, more than any other property in the region, a private sanctuary and serene enclave,� said Doran. �And yet we�re accessible to all of the things that make the region so special, such as the Aquarium, world-renowned golfing and top-notch wineries.� 

This resort was developed by King Ventures of San Louis Obispo. Richmond Company Architects of San Luis Obispo designed Marina Dunes Resort to capitalize on its unique location and setting. Their interpretation of California bungalow meshes with surrounding, low-slung structures, and the result is a timeless, natural blend into surrounding dunes. 

The location of the resort is on a former industrial site�a sand quarry. The resort project includes amelioration of the area through a dunes restoration plan that includes seeding of indigenous plant species. As part of the development agreement, the resort is funding a permanent restoration program in the dunes. It is one of the first programs of its type on the Monterey Peninsula. 

�It�s important to the integrity of the resort concept and the guest experience upon arrival that we move forward in a thoughtful and sensitive way in this most special environment,� said Doran. 

The resort encompasses:

• a two-story Main Lodge with, on the main floor, two spa and massage treatment rooms, a fitness facility with state-of-the-art equipment and administrative offices, and, on the second floor, 1,000 square feet of meeting space, suitable for high-end, executive retreats;

• 33 vacation club units, scattered in five one- and two-story buildings, to be managed like time shares;

• 20 one- and two-story bungalows ranging from one to four units per building which are the hotel accommodations;

• a free-standing, 120-seat restaurant, branded A.J. Spurs;

• a year-round, heated swimming pool as well as a children�s pool, with sand intentionally integrated into the lagoon-style creations.

Ocean-view decks with outdoor hydrotherapy spa tubs, large bathrooms with granite, slate and tile finishes, and clean-burning gas fireplaces are signatures of the guest accommodations. All units have: 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 a separate sitting area with leather loveseat and chair, wrought iron and glass coffee and small dining tables, two chairs, two televisions, a granite-topped desk and, in the bath, double sink vanities and separate shower. 

Throughout, a high-end, ranch-style decor evokes rustic elegance with echoes of Steinbeck�s East of Eden. The colors used throughout are subtle so as not to distract from the natural beauty of the dunes and the Pacific Ocean. 

�Our familiarity with the Monterey Peninsula upscale, boutique hospitality segment is extensive,� said Helmut Horn, President of Coastal Hotel Group which manages the resort. �Given Marina Dunes Resort�s one-of-a-kind location, the surrounding beauty and the high service level we will offer, we know we have another home run on our hands.� 

California Coastal Commission

As with any project, in the sensitive coastal zone, the California Coastal Commission approval was required before the project could proceed. Since the passage of the California Coastal Act in 1976, no waterfront development has occurred on Monterey Bay - except this one. Built on the site of what was previously a sand quarry that processed Monterey Bay sand, long prized for a wide range of applications including golf course sand traps, the resort, as part of the development agreement, is funding a permanent restoration program in the dunes. It is one of the first programs of its type on the Monterey Peninsula. For example, three rare and endangered animal species at the site are accommodated as well. The California Legless Lizard is provided with a �lizard crossing� beneath the main entry road. Similarly, the Smith�s Blue Butterfly requires buckwheat for habitat, which is included in the extensive planting program. And the Snowy Plover needs virgin dune area, and thus open dune areas were retained adjoining the site for the rare bird. 

�In locations where we manage properties, it is part of our operating philosophy to be sensitive to the surrounding environment. We were one of the first hotel management companies in the U.S. to make this part of our standard operating practices,� Horn said. 

Marina Dunes Resort is positioned both geographically and from an amenity standpoint to attract upscale, business and family guests to this multi-use facility. The burgeoning success of the boutique hotel concept promises to make it a lodging mainstay on Monterey Bay. Chicago-based Coastal Hotel Group is a full-service hotel management company specializing in the operation of upscale resorts, sophisticated inns and quality business hotels. 

King Ventures

King Ventures, the developer of Marina Dunes Resort, also specializes in boutique hotel properties and found a good marriage with Coastal Hotel Group as operating partner. The boutique concept places a premium on uniqueness and architectural character in properties that capitalize on their location. Marina Dunes Resort will fill a niche in the Monterey Bay-area hospitality market. �This is the only place in the area where a guest can enjoy the ocean a mere 200 feet from a luxurious suite,� said Maureen Doran, general manager, Marina Dunes Resort. 

Doran, who gained extensive hospitality experience during her tenure as a Coastal Hotel Group employee at Highlands Inn in Carmel, Calif., sees Marina Dunes becoming a key destination resort on the peninsula. �The beauty of the surroundings, the restoration of the beach habitat, the specialness of interior appointments and the extensiveness of training for our staff ensures that we will be able to provide a four-star guest experience,� Doran said. Joining Doran from Highlands Inn is Bobbi DeMore who will serve as the resort�s director of sales. Project pays respect to natural surroundings.