Marvellous Marbella

I'm recently back from Travel Counsellors' annual Gold Weekend, which was hosted in Marbella, Costa del Sol this year. The last time (and only other) time I have visited Marbella was in 2008 at our annual main conference so I didn't get to see much of the area as we were in sessions for a lot of it so it was a great opportunity this time to see a bit more of the resort.

I've booked many, many customers to this town in Southern Spain and it's particularly popular among ladies celebrating special birthdays as well as hen parties and now I can see why. It has a beautiful beach that stretches along the coast and a stunning Old Town that very much had a city feel. Lots of narrow pathways full of shops, cafes and restaurants - all full of flowers and joining up with the main square - Plaza de Naranja. We stopped for a drink here and watched the world go by for an hour or so.

We stayed at Gran Melia Don Pepe which is around half an hour walk from the Old Town but there is a pedestrian promenade that runs all the way from Marbella, past the hotel and onto Puerto Banus. We hired bikes and cycled to Marbella but navigating the Old Town by bike is not really possible, so we then had to push them around which wasn't ideal, so do make sure you have a padlock if you do this! The hotel itself was really stunning, rooms a modest size but light and airy and the view from the balcony if you have a sea view is really lovely over the pool with great sunsets. The service really was second to none and nothing was too much trouble. The food was also particularly good, the breakfast choice was excellent (although not sure about the sausages and 'bacon'!) I particularly enjoyed the fresh fruit stand with a lovely choice and delicious options. We also had a buffet lunch and amazing barbecue dinner here during the weekend - each and every meal was outstanding at the hotel so even though it's a bed & breakfast hotel, I'd recommend eating here for a meal or two. If you have Red Level access with your room, the lounge (with indoor and outside space) is also of a very good standard with drinks and snacks available at certain times during the day - a nice extra benefit to have.

In the other direction Puerto Banus is a bit further, it took us 30 minutes to cycle (very leisurely) and the promenade pretty much takes you straight to the marina. The front is full of designer shops and the odd bar and restaurant. We only had limited time, but I understand if you go one row back there are more affordable options too. As we wandered around the Marina, the catamaran 'bus' service pulled in and so we decided to experience a boat ride back to Marbella. It takes around 20 minutes or so and one way cost us 8.50 Euros each. It was nice to be on the ocean and we got a great view of our hotel from the sea, it was also a little more relaxing than the journey there and rounded of the afternoon perfectly.

All in all, a really fantastic destination and I haven't even touched on the many other things there are to do in the surrounding area. Perfect for a short break and leaving the cold and rain behind in England for a few days in the sun was complete bliss!

If you fancy staying at the Gran Melia Don Pepe or visiting the resorts of Marbella or Puerto Banus please do get in touch.