Lifestyle Trend:Discover lifestyle trends, travel ideas, and practical tips related to Lifestyle Trend: Where to stay, eat and drink, and what to do You Should Know – You Should Know
When you think of Marbella, the chances are you probably picture glitzy yachts, Champagne bars and a flashy party lifestyle. And while yes, that is part of is, there’s also a softer, slower side to the Spanish city that’s almost guaranteed to win you over.
Think: long breakfasts in the sun, sea breezes drifting through orange-tree-lined streets, and lazy afternoons wandering through the maze of the Old Town.
It’s just under a three-hour flight from London to Málaga, followed by a smooth 40-minute drive. If you can, book an Uber over a taxi because it’s much cheaper, though local buses are easy enough if you’re keeping things budget-friendly. It’s the perfect place for a late-summer escape — a few days to chase the last of the warmth before winter sets in.
So whether you’re planning a long weekend or just looking for somewhere that feels like summer never really ends, here’s your guide to soaking up the best of Marbella — from where to stay and what to eat to the places you’ll want to wander without a plan.
Where to stay in Marbella
If the goal is a base that’s stylish, intimate, and versatile — somewhere to float between lounging, exploring, and soaking up the local vibe — ME Marbella nails it. Not a resort, not a party palace, but a hotel that gives guests the freedom to shape their stay.
We stayed in the ‘Always ME’ room. It’s compact, but the floor-to-ceiling windows let in heaps of light, giving the space an open, airy feel. The bathroom is a dream, with a sleek walk-in shower and double sinks. Come evening, turndown service sets the mood with soft lighting and a little chocolate on the pillow — subtle luxury done right.
Everyone’s clicking on…
The hotel’s pools capture its versatility perfectly. The main one is buzzing with energy, complete with a DJ booth (yes, in the pool), cocktails, and Bali beds for maximum lounging vibes. A quieter pool, just a short stroll away, offers complete tranquillity, perfect for reading, stretching out in the sun, or drifting without a soundtrack.
Breakfast feels more like a relaxed Mediterranean café than a hotel buffet: fresh pastries, vibrant fruit, and even a con tomate station set the scene. As a B&B guest, you can also order a dish from the menu — eggs Benedict, an acai bowl, whatever takes your fancy — and we didn’t rush for a second. Coffee in hand, we sat there for hours, just soaking up that dreamy pool view.
Location-wise, ME Marbella is a 10-minute walk from Puerto Banús, with its marina, shops, restaurants, and bars. Marbella Old Town is easily reachable by bus or via a scenic 30-minute boat ride from the marina — and with a bus stop right outside the hotel, getting into the Old Town is a breeze.
Prices start at £244 a night.
What to eat
If you’re staying at ME Marbella (or even if you’re not), explore its food scene. On our first night, we ate at Barlume, the hotel’s elegant yet laid-back restaurant and cocktail bar. We started with a “spreads board” — whipped ricotta, fava bean hummus and tzatziki — served with warm, fresh bread that disappeared in seconds. Then came our selection of small plates: patatas bravas (the best I’ve had!), tenderstem broccoli, and a juicy tomato salad, followed by my main — perfectly grilled pargo.
On our final day, we had lunch at Solana, which sits right by the pool, the perfect spot for a sun-drenched meal. The space has that easy, Miami-meets-Mediterranean vibe, full of natural light and vibrant energy. We ordered lots of dishes to share — beef tataki, burrata, patatas bravas, and a quinoa salad — all paired with an ice-cold Aperol Spritz.
Of course, no trip to Marbella is complete without diving into the local food scene (tapas will forever be one of my favourite cuisines).
Along the seafront near Puerto Banús, there are plenty of chiringuitos (beach bars), but one of our favourites was Donde Alex. It’s not too lively, and you can sit right on the sand facing the sea — striped chairs, sea breeze, and a glass of wine in hand. The tapas were delicious, the view unbeatable, and the prices refreshingly reasonable for Marbella.
We also ventured into the Old Town for dinner at The Orange Tree, a traditional Mediterranean-style restaurant tucked among cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings. It’s cosy, romantic, and the perfect place to slow down and savour the atmosphere.
And for a casual lunch, head to Perita — their Spanish omelette is honestly to die for.
What to do
Visit Puerto Banús market
Dedicate a good three hours to this iconic market, which runs every Saturday from 9am until 2pm. It’s a treasure trove of locally made ceramics, embroidered dresses, woven bags, and jewellery that looks straight off a Pinterest board. Wander through the colourful stalls at a relaxed pace, and you’re guaranteed to find something beautiful (and brag-worthy) to take home.
Explore Marbella Old Town
Jump on the local bus or catch a boat from Puerto Banús harbour (they run every hour and yes, there’s a bar on board) and head into Marbella’s Old Town. In just 30 minutes, you’ll swap sleek yachts and designer stores for narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and balconies overflowing with bougainvillea. It’s the perfect contrast: traditional and charming, yet still effortlessly glamorous.
Visit a beach club
We visited Nosso Summer Club, which proved to be more about sun-drenched lounging than wild partying — a revelation. Reserve a sunbed on the sand (€30 per person, including water and a towel), order something cold, let the DJ do their thing in the background, and just exist. Y
ou can break for lunch if you fancy a pause from the sun — the menu blends Asian and Mediterranean flavours: sushi, grilled prawns, crisp salads — all light enough to enjoy between dips in the sea. We spent hours alternating between people-watching, dipping in the water, and reading. It was the kind of day that makes you wonder why all beach clubs aren’t like this.