72 Hours In Marbella: The Ultimate Long Weekend Itinerary

With its golden coastline, designer boutiques, picturesque old streets and effortlessly glamorous atmosphere, Marbella is the perfect destination for a luxury long weekend.

We spent three unforgettable days soaking up everything Marbella has to offer, from leisurely marina strolls and hidden vintage treasures to sunset dinners overlooking the Mediterranean. Here’s exactly how we spent 72 hours on Spain’s most stylish stretch of coastline.

Where We Stayed

For our long weekend, we based ourselves on Marbella’s iconic Golden Mile at Eurostars Oasis Hotel.

Perfectly positioned between Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banús, it made exploring the area incredibly easy while offering a peaceful retreat after long days in the sunshine.

The room was nice and modern with plenty of space, we had our own large terrace and the breakfast buffet was one of the best we’ve had yet!

Friday: Puerto Banús & Golden Hour Glamour

After arriving late the night before, we woke up on the Friday and headed into Puerto Banús for the afternoon.

There’s something about strolling around the marina that never gets old.

Luxury yachts gently bobbing in the water, Ferraris casually cruising past and rows of designer boutiques make it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard of Mediterranean luxury.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist browsing the designer stores before stopping for lunch at LaLaLa overlooking the marina.

Spanish tapas, chilled drinks and unbeatable views, it was the perfect way to ease into holiday mode.

After some time relaxing by the pool back at the hotel, we made our way to Forum Marbella for dinner at Zilij Restaurant.

By Friday night, the Golden Mile was buzzing and the atmosphere was electric.

Stylish crowds, beautifully dressed diners and music spilling out onto the terraces created that unmistakable Marbella energy.

Delicious fresh food, local Spanish white wine in hand, and the golden hour light lingering into the night, I felt fully settled into Marbella mode.

Saturday: Wandering Through Marbella Old Town

Saturday morning was dedicated to exploring Marbella’s enchanting Old Town.

We began in the beautiful park, where elegant fountains and tropical greenery provide a peaceful contrast to the lively coastline.

From there we wandered through the maze of ancient cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings overflowing with colourful flowers and hidden little squares.

Every corner looked like a postcard.

Lunch in Plaza de los Naranjos was wonderful as we enjoyed more yummy food and embraced that slow Saturday mood.

A post lunch stroll complete with an iced coffee was idyllic.

Hidden amongst the charming streets, we stumbled across Deja Vu Vintage; a beautifully curated designer vintage boutique that completely stole my heart.

With everything from homewares, clothes, bags and shoes, it’s all presented so tastefully, almost like you’ve stepped into a chic Spanish home.

I found myself drawn to the brilliant selection of designer shoes so naturally, I had to try some on. From the classic YSL‘s to the Chanels, they were all in perfect condition and basically unworn.

But it was a pair of sparkling Valentino heels which I fell in love and for just €330 barely worn, they felt like the bargain of the century. Needless to say, they came home with me.

On the way back to our hotel, we stopped by the legendary Marbella Club Hotel to wander through its stunning grounds and tropical gardens.

We also found the famous dock with the iconic Marbella Club sign which I’d seen on Pinterest and had to get that ultimate Insta pic beneath.

Saturday Night: Date Night at Puente Romano

With my new Valentino heels waiting patiently in their box, Saturday evening called for full glamour.

Dinner was booked at La Petite Maison within Puente Romano Resort, and it exceeded every expectation.

Modern French cuisine, elegant interiors and a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere, made it one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

As the sun slowly disappeared behind the Mediterranean and live music filled the air, the entire evening felt effortlessly magical.

After dinner, we wandered into the Plaza area of Puente Romano for cocktails.

If Marbella has a place to see and be seen, this is undoubtedly it.

As night falls, the resort completely transforms. Every bar spills onto the plaza, music fills the warm evening air and beautifully dressed guests gather beneath the palms by moonlight.

A fun yet super classy way to end our Saturday date night on Marbella’s Golden Mile.

Sunday: Cruising the Mediterranean

Sunday began with something we’d been looking forward to all weekend, a morning out on the Mediterranean.

Originally, we’d planned on taking one of the tourist ferries, but after spotting a company offering private boat hire in Marbella Old Town marina, we decided to upgrade the experience.

For just €150, we enjoyed a private one hour speedboat ride with our own skipper.

We cruised along Marbella’s spectacular coastline before arriving at Puerto Banús from the water, passing incredible super yachts that looked even more impressive from the sea.

We then ventured slightly further offshore in the hope of spotting dolphins, although they remained elusive this time.

Even so, gliding across that impossibly blue water under the Spanish sun was one of those moments you wish could last forever.

If only every Sunday could look just like this.

After returning to shore, we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade, before stopping at one of the relaxed beach restaurants for a coffee and bite to eat.

One Final Golden Hour

For our final evening, we ventured into the hills above Marbella for dinner at Nota Blu Brasserie.

Surrounded by mountain views and glowing in golden hour sunshine, it was the perfect setting to end the weekend.

The aesthetic was effortlessly chic, making it the ideal excuse to wear my stunning new Monday maxi dress.

Dinner was simple but exactly what we were craving; a classic prawn Caesar salad for me, a Margarita pizza for him.

To round off our final evening, we headed back into Puerto Banús for one last drink while admiring the endless parade of supercars cruising through the marina.

It felt like the perfect full stop to an unforgettable weekend on the Costa Del Sol.

Final Thoughts

Marbella has a way of making even ordinary moments feel luxurious.

Whether you’re wandering through flower filled streets in the Old Town, discovering hidden vintage gems, dining beneath swaying palm trees or watching the sun melt into the Mediterranean, every part of the experience feels beautifully curated.

If you’re planning a long weekend in southern Spain, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of luxury, sightseeing, incredible food and those unforgettable Mediterranean moments that leave you counting down until your next visit.

Mentally, I’m still in that magical Marbella mode ❤

Dubai Diaries; Barmy Beach Club Blues

When it comes to beach clubs in Dubai, you really are spoilt for choice. From the glamorous and Insta famous complex at Drift on The Palm, to the fun party til dawn vibes at BlaBla in Dubai Marina, there is a destination for every occasion.

One of my favourite spots was KoKo Bay beach club at the foot of The Palm on Jumeirah beach. We spent a whole afternoon here sunning ourselves until golden hour.

For just 150AED (£30) per sun bed which was redeemable on food and drink, we had the most perfect spot to enjoy all day long.

We went for a stroll down the beach as we took in those magnificent sweeping views of the Dubai Marina skyline. Just along from here was in fact the renowned beach club Five, however the laid back chilled vibes at KoKo were more our scene for a Wednesday arvo.

Cocktails at noon on holiday are a must, so I got started with a refreshing rum and pineapple concoction.

Later in the arvo we ordered some food and another round of cocktails. With such an extensive menu of seafood, sushi, poke bowls and curries, I opted for the bean chilli loaded nachos which made for the perfect beach nibble.

My boyfriend chose the Chinese Kung Po chicken which he admitted was the best he’d ever had of his favourite dish. Colourful cocktails, yummy food and a beautiful sunset, what more could you want!?

I would highly recommend KoKo Bay for its casual chic atmosphere combined with delicious food, amongst the most awesome beach setting overlooking one of the best views in Dubai.

My other personal favourite beach club was Ula at Dukes Hotel on The Palm. We visited here twice, once in the evening for dinner and again on our final day to lap up the sunshine.

With it’s Bali inspired interiors featuring gorgeous hanging lampshades, Ula strikes the perfect balance of tasteful decor to create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for a wonderful evening supper setting.

I had to come back to experience this gorgeous oasis in the daytime too. Those Bali vibes continue down to the beach bar with fantastic tall teepee loungers and cute cabanas.

Seeing the main feature bar area with that spectacular tree in the middle was even more glorious by day with the shadows casting patterns through the bamboo awning.

From their mediterranean inspired menu, we ordered a light lunch which we ate down at the beach bar amongst the palm trees overlooking Dubai Eye and the Marina. I had a simple but tasty house salad whilst my boyfriend had a classic Greek chicken gyros. Ahhhh, if only we could enjoy every lunch like this!

Soon the sun was setting on our final day in Dubai and the city skyline twinkled in the night.

There’s nothing like a barmy beach club day and a real must for anyone visiting Dubai. My top recommendations are of course KoKo Bay and Ula, as well as Drift, Five, Address Beach Resort and Twiggy. I just love those beach bum blues and that salty skin feeling ❤