Tag: spanishstyle

72 Hours In Marbella; Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up Marbella Energy

July 19, 2026

One of the things Marbella does exceptionally well is dining. Whether you’re sipping cocktails overlooking the Mediterranean, enjoying tapas beside the yachts of Puerto Banús or discovering hidden gems tucked away in the hills, every meal feels like part of the holiday experience.

Over our long weekend, we ate our way through some of Marbella’s most popular restaurants, alongside a few local finds, and every venue brought something different to the table. So here’s everywhere we ate and drank during our stay.

Lunch at LaLaLa, Puerto Banús

We kicked off our Marbella weekend with lunch at LaLaLa, perfectly positioned overlooking the glamorous Puerto Banús marina. 

Watching luxury yachts drift in and out while people wandered the waterfront was the ideal way to ease into holiday mode.

Keeping things traditional, we shared a generous spread of Spanish tapas including cured meats, local cheeses, fresh bread and of course, a plate of perfectly blistered Padrón peppers. Simple, authentic and exactly the sort of lunch you hope for on your first afternoon in Spain.

Friday Night at Zellij, Forum Marbella

For our first evening we headed to Zellij Restaurant, located amongst the stylish cluster of shops and eateries in Forum Marbella.

On a Friday night the atmosphere was electric with restaurants buzzing and the whole area filled with people enjoying the start of the weekend.

We began with barbecue chicken croquettes before moving on to the charcoal baby chicken served with roasted carrots, homemade za’atar, chicken jus and fresh herbs. Alongside it we ordered the fragrant saffron rice and a beautifully fresh salad of mixed leaves, roasted beetroot, orange blossom dressing and aged Parmesan.

Everything was packed with flavour without feeling overly heavy, making it the perfect meal before soaking up Marbella’s vibrant Friday night energy.

A Relaxed Lunch in Marbella Old Town

After a morning exploring the charming cobbled streets of Marbella Old Town, we found ourselves in the picturesque Plaza de los Naranjos and stopped for lunch at a local spot called Annare Italiana.

My boyfriend chose a comforting homemade lasagne while I fancied something lighter, opting for a fresh salad of lettuce, tomatoes, sweetcorn, onion and olives. Sometimes a big bowl of crisp, nutritious greens is exactly what you need.

Before continuing our wander through the boutiques and hidden alleyways, I picked up an iced long black from Kafein and it was without doubt one of the best coffees I had all weekend.

Saturday Night Glamour at La Petite Maison

If you’re looking for that iconic Marbella aesthetic, La Petite Maison delivers it effortlessly on all levels.

Overlooking the Mediterranean as the sun began to set, the restaurant came alive with singers and musicians entertaining guests throughout the evening, exactly what you imagine when you picture a chic Marbella date night.

Rather than ordering individual courses, we shared several dishes across the table including a fresh green lentil salad, creamy dauphinoise potatoes, steamed broccolini and the star of the meal, a beautifully grilled 400g sirloin steak.

Rich, perfectly cooked and everything you would expect from classic French cuisine; the steak just melted in the mouth.

After dinner we wandered over to the Puente Romano Plaza Bar for a night cap.

The atmosphere here was fantastic with people spilling out into the plaza enjoying the warm evening air.

The lovely bartender personalised our drinks to suit our tastes and my margarita, with the subtle addition of cocoa powder, was genuinely one of the most memorable cocktails I’ve ever had.

An impeccable ending to a wonderfully romantic evening.

A Casual Sunday Lunch by the Sea

Following a morning out on the water, we stumbled across Diblu while walking along Marbella’s beachfront promenade.

With uninterrupted views across the Mediterranean, it made an ideal relaxed lunch stop.

Still full from our hotel’s generous breakfast buffet, we kept things simple. I ordered an iced coffee while my boyfriend chose a tropical fruit milkshake blended with frozen yoghurt, then we shared a portion of crispy, salty sweet potato fries.

A Final Dinner at Nota Blu Brasserie

Our last evening took us to Nota Blu Brasserie, a recommendation from Chat GPT that absolutely lived up to expectations.

Nestled slightly inland among Marbella’s leafy hills, Nota Blu perfectly balances sophisticated dining with Marbella’s effortlessly cool, laid-back style.

Although there wasn’t live music on a Sunday evening, the restaurant was still filled with stylish locals and visitors enjoying one final weekend dinner.

For our meal we went back to some old favourites; a classic Caesar salad topped with prawns for her and a traditional margarita pizza for him.

The Caesar dressing was a little richer than I would usually choose, with what felt like an entire block of Parmesan generously sprinkled on top, but there was no denying how delicious it tasted. The pizza disappeared just as quickly and was equally enjoyable.

The service was attentive throughout and the views of the surrounding Spanish hills were stunning, making it a lovely place to finish our Marbella weekend mini break.

The Final Verdict

Dining in Marbella certainly isn’t the cheapest, but every meal felt like an experience rather than simply somewhere to eat. From elegant waterfront restaurants to bustling local squares and hidden hillside gems, every venue had its own unique personality.

If you’re searching for those iconic Marbella moments, La Petite Maison takes the crown. Between the sunset views, live music, exceptional food and effortlessly glamorous atmosphere, it’s everything you imagine a Marbella evening should be.

For a slightly more relaxed but equally stylish experience, Nota Blu Brasserie would be my recommendation. Chic without trying too hard, fantastic service and a wonderfully laid-back ambience make it the perfect spot for a memorable final evening dinner.

If there’s one thing Marbella excels at, it’s making every meal feel like a special occasion ❤

72 Hours In Marbella; My Chic Holiday Wardrobe Edit

July 6, 2026

For our weekend in Marbella, I packed with one goal in mind: effortless elegance. I wanted every look to feel timeless, sophisticated and chic, mixing high street finds with investment designer accessories to create outfits that felt elevated without trying too hard.

Between sun-drenched mornings, leisurely lunches, golden hour strolls and elegant dinners, every outfit becomes part of the experience. So here’s everything I wore over three days in Marbella.

Day One Fit: Puerto Banús

For our first day strolling around Puerto Banús, I leaned into the white wash aesthetic with an all white fit.

Starting with my favourite white miniskirt from Zara, I paired it with this white silk tie front top and a contrasting brown bikini top beneath.

My Dior sliders and Marc Jacobs tote added some interest to an otherwise minimal look.

And to complete the fit I wore my new Monday Swim brown structured bucket hat, a cute but chic finishing touch.

This is the kind of outfit that looks just as good wandering around Puerto Banús as it does stopping for lunch overlooking the yachts.

Evening One: Dinner at Zellij

For our Friday evening at Forum, the aesthetic was effortlessly cool with a side of Friday night fun.

This called for my Las Lulas crochet tassel crop top with flared sleeves which I bought in Tulum and gives serious cool girl energy.

My butter yellow ruffle mini shorts from ASOS also fitted the brief perfectly.

To complement the ruffles and tassels I wore my Sol Concept ruffle mule heels and also matched the shorts with my butter yellow Topshop handbag.

Gold shell jewellery from Seaside Stories Bali added a final flourish of sparkle, essential for fun Marbella nights.

Day Two: Old Town Opulence

Exploring Marbella’s charming Old Town called for something feminine but practical.

Cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and flower-filled alleyways deserve an outfit that feels romantic while still keeping you cool in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Starting with the hat, my Lack Of Colours rancher was ideal for keeping the sun off my face whilst looking super stylish.

This gorgeous patterned swimsuit in a vivd blue and white colour-way felt very fitting for the occasion, whilst pretty floral themed gold jewellery added to the Old Town feminine aesthetic.

Paired with my Levi dark was denim shorts and Dune brown flip-flops, the outfit was practical yet polished and considered.

My basket bag from Southbeach seemed the obvious choice to complete this charming Old Town look.

Evening Two: Dinner at La Petite Maison

With dinner reservations at one of Marbella’s top restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean at sunset, I opted for my most glamorous fit of the trip for Saturday night.

Leaning into the white wash aesthetic again, I wore this exquisite white mini dress with bow details from Zara.

Having purchased my new Valentino sparkler heels at a designer vintage store called Deja Vu Vintage earlier that day, I had to debut them and this felt like the right moment.

Pearl jewellery from By Alona and Heaven Mayhem complimented the dress perfectly and added another touch of glam.

And nothing says quiet luxury like my gorgeous Polene handbag.

I decided to put my hair up into a French twist to take this look to another level of sophistication and elegance.

Simple yet considered and polished; nothing overly trend-led, just classic pieces that I’ll still love years from now.

Day Three: Cruising on the Med

Our final full day was spent out on the water with a private boat trip on the Mediterranean ocean.

My blue gingham print bikini was the starting point for this beach day look.

I paired it with my cargo mini skirt from Bali and a cotton Daisy Street white tie front cap sleeve top.

Classic khaki Birkenstocks were my sandal of choice and it was time for another outing in my Monday Swim brown bucket hat.

Cute starfish jewellery were the ultimate accessories for a day on the water.

Comfortable enough for exploring but elevated enough to feel put together in every photo.

Evening Three: Dinner at Nota Blu Brasserie

For our final evening, I wore one of my favourite looks of the trip.

Elegant, classy and perfect for our last sunset dinner, my new Monday Swim maxi dress was the moment for Sunday evening golden hour.

I kept accessories minimal with my By Alona pearl chain necklace, Heaven Mayhem gold shell earrings, a pair of nude thong kitten heels from ASOS, and my Polene handbag.

It was the kind of outfit that doesn’t rely on bold prints or loud details, it simply lets beautiful tailoring, quality fabrics and thoughtful styling do all the talking.

A pair of statement cat-eye YSL sunglasses were the finishing touch to this effortlessly chic look.

My Marbella Style Formula

When packing for a destination like Marbella, I always come back to the same styling principles:

  • Stick to a neutral colour palette that mixes effortlessly.
  • Invest in timeless designer accessories that elevate even the simplest of outfits.
  • Balance affordable high street fashion with luxury investment pieces.
  • Accessorise with fun and aesthetic holiday jewellery to bring simple day looks to life.
  • Prioritise outfits you’ll genuinely feel confident wearing rather than chasing trends.

I truly believe style isn’t about wearing head-to-toe designer labels. Some of my favourite outfits combine an affordable dress with a luxury handbag, classic sandals and high quality jewellery. It’s that mix that creates a chic aesthetic whilst keeping your wardrobe versatile and wearable.

The endless luxury, beautiful architecture and picturesque golden hour moments, make it impossible not to embrace timeless style and sophisticated glamour when dressing in Marbella ❤

72 Hours In Marbella: The Ultimate Long Weekend Itinerary

June 28, 2026

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 ❤

Mallorca Diaries; Port de Pollensa Eats

June 29, 2025

During our stay in Port de Pollensa at the start of June, as usual we scoped out and tried some of the best restaurants in the area. So I thought I’d share my top pick of the finest places to eat at in this picturesque town on the South coast of Mallorca.

My first recommendation is Stay Restaurant located on the jetty, providing sweeping views of the port from their large terrace seating area. The stunning setting, brilliant service and top quality food makes this place one of the highest rated spots in town.

We visited twice as we enjoyed it so much here, once for an early dinner and another day for lunch. They serve a more varied menu until 6pm which includes classics like Patatas Bravas, Calamari and Chicken Wings, as well as more international dishes like a Thai Curry and Currywurst.

The next must visit spot in Port de Pollensa is the famous Cappuccino Grande Cafe, an aesthetic restaurant and bar offering an elevated dining experience.

We chose to sit on the terrace amongst the gorgeous blooming flowers overlooking the port at sundown, but they also have seating out on a small jetty right on the water.

My Greek style salad was exquisite and my boyfriend enjoyed his delicious bowl of creamy bacon pasta.

I was inspired by the olives served so elegantly in a champagne coupe; I’ll definitely be doing that at home for a chic Friday arvo aperitif moment!

Another highly rated restaurant for the best local food in town is C’an Josep, located a little out of the main port meaning uninterrupted views of the coast.

We ate here for a big family meal of about twenty of us so they certainly had their work cutout, but everything was on point and the food was fantastic.

I had Padron Peppers to start followed by the Goats Cheese Salad which was divine. I also had a taste of my sister’s Seafood Paella which was delicious too.

For a more casual evening tapas dinner we went to Plaza Uno Restaurant just off the main square of the port.

We had the Chicken Wings to share as a starter, then to follow I had some tapas plates including a classic, hearty Ratatouille and the Goats Cheese, Serrano Ham, Honey and Rocket Bruschetta.

Ryan had the Penne Pasta Arrabiata and shared the bruschetta with me too, which we both agreed was the stand out dish of the evening.

So those are my top four picks for dining out in the area of Port de Pollensa. Of course there are plenty of local places which do great Spanish food too, but these are my recommendations for something that bit more special and elevated for when you want to treat yourselves on holiday ❤

Mallorca Diaries; Love from the Golden Cost

September 18, 2022

Last week we finally got away on our late summer holiday to Spain. Visiting the stunning island of Mallorca, we stayed in the Southern town of Cala D’or which literally translates to the coast of gold, and you can see why…

Our adult only hotel Alua Soul Mallorca Resort located in the cove of Cala Egos, had it’s very own little beach meaning dreamy ocean dips on the daily.

We explored the local town of Cala D’or by day and of course did a spot of shopping in the boutique shops lining those gorgeous Spanish streets.

Everyday we were treated to the incredible all inclusive buffet at our hotel including all the veggies and salad you could imagine, as well as live cooking stations and plenty of fresh fruits and desserts; we really were spoilt for choice!

Not to mention the numerous cocktails we had on repeat all day long, because that’s what holidays all about right?

My boyfriend took a liking to a Tequila Sunrise and needless to say, the Spanish measures certainly are generous.

We also experienced the local nightlife on Friday evening and visited some awesome spots I’d found using the location on Instagram. My favourite was this fun bar called Lola giving major Bali island life vibes, I’m obsessed.

On Saturday we were feeling a little delicate following a night on the town til the early hours, so we grabbed a floaty and snorkel and just spent the day soaking up the sun in that blue blue ocean.

That evening, we went for a quiet stroll around the picturesque streets with those pretty pink flower vine walls and typical Spanish style villas; dream holiday home goals right there.

A golden hour twilight twinkle, palms and a sick Jeep, I was in heaven.

Brekky with a view everyday and I was in my element with all of the fresh fruits and different yoghurt flavours the hotel had to offer. Equally my boyfriend was pleased with the full english breakfast options.

The weather in early September is still scorching in Mallorca, so there was plenty of salty beach bum days basking in that balmy Spanish sun.

On Sunday we booked a boat trip for only £25 each which turned out to be fantastic value for 4 hours out on the water.

Getting picked up from the bay of our hotel, we visited another town along the coast (where I proceeded to jump a 10 meter cliff!), stopped off in the middle of the ocean for a swim and slides off the boat, and got dropped back to our hotel by sundown. A top day out at sea!

Sunday evening we treated ourselves to dinner out at the Marina where we had a wonderful meal complete with a scenic view of the bay too.

I had a delicious traditional seafood Paella which has to be done when in Spain, whilst my boyfriend enjoyed an exquisite cut of fillet steak.

I really do love island life, I’m thinking my next tattoo might just have to be a palm tree or a wave.

Our final day we spent making the most of the beach and hotel pools.

Not forgetting a final few cocktails of course…

And savouring our last meals from that tremendous array of food for our all inclusive package.

Freshly cooked fish, beautifully presented charcuterie boards at lunch, and a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit every night were my personal highlights from the buffet.

And just like that, it was sundown over our final day in Mallorca.

We had the most fabulous holiday together experiencing the best of Cala D’or and the lovely hospitality of Alua Soul Mallorca Resort.

These are our magical moments made in Mallorca, love from the golden coast xx

We’ll be back soon ❤