The last time I was in Marbella was over 10 years ago. I was doing a road trip through Spain and I stopped there for a couple of days for some pool time. I remember the food being good and the sun being hot but that’s about it.

This time I was in Spain for a friends wedding, a wonderful reason to travel. I thought it seemed silly not to enjoy a few days of sun while I was in town. So I flopped by the pool of the Gran Meliá Don Pepe for a week. I haven’t stayed in a big coastal hotel like this for a while. I forgot how pleasant it is to walk from a hotel to a public beach and into town for supper. We had a lovely supper in Orange Square one night. The hotel had the feeling of a holiday institution. Where families return year after year, and the poolside manager knows everyones name. In a funny way it reminded me of the hotel in Dirty Dancing, as one evening we came into the bar of the hotel to find couples slow dancing to jazz. It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere but still with a smiley service style. Although the hotel itself isn’t the most beautiful building, the gardens are large and rooms with views across the gardens, pool and down to the beach allow you to enjoy lovely breakfasts on your own terrace every morning. We really liked sitting in the sun and eating our pastries. The food in general is tasty, fresh and a good balance of regional and international. All in all it was an easy trip of relaxing and eating. Although in general I tend to travel more to Italy and France than Spain, it was lovely to have a change.

I’m Wearing…

Glasses Ottica Mantovani, Swimsuit Eres c/o, Shorts vintage Levis.
Blue Jumpsuit and Hat Asos.
Pink Dress Asos, Bag Celine, Shoes Hermes.