So the annual pilgrimage to Marbella is over and Teen Boy is back to school tomorrow boo!!!
After a couple of grotty days in the UK since my return home late on Thursday evening its nice to upload a few photos of our 10 nights in the sun in a place that feels like my second home I go there so often!
I managed to go to a couple of places this year that I had never visited before one was El Ancla as recommended by Anne Marie of FashionMumOf40 who is also a regular visitor to the area. We meant to try and get there last year and now really wish we had because I loved this Beach Club with it's enourmous pool, gorgeous white sunbeds and restaurant overlooking the beach. Anne Marie mentioned that she had read about this place some years ago in the Sunday Times "Things To Do Before You Die" - eat Paella at El Ancla, so naturally I did!
We arrived as soon as the pool area opened, booked a table in the restaurant for lunch and lounged around all day, until it closed at 8pm in fact. Lying there reading my book (which I highly recommend by the way), drinking Margaritas, listening to the chill out music and the waves lapping at the shore was honestly pure heaven for a day so I wanted to make the most of it.
Its strange how you can be going somewhere for years but not have heard of great places like El Ancla. In fact I was shocked that the couple we have rented an apartment from for years now (ever since the H10 went adult only) hadn't even heard of this place and they live there!
We also visited Naga another Anne Marie restaurant recommendation and also one of some friends of mine who own an apartment out there and who we met up with on the Friday for the day. Once they told us they eat there frequently, we rang and booked a table and was really impressed. I opted for a traditional Green Curry and it was delicious but I also got to taste some of the other dishes ordered by other members of the family and can confirm the Crispy Duck was on another level completely. Very impressed and will go back here for sure also. It's located just past the end of El Corte Ingles - look over to your right and you will see it. Well worth a visit.
After having spent 6 weeks before I went away clean eating and cutting out sugar (didn't lose an ounce by the way - gutted) it was fair to say this holiday was all about relaxing and eating some great food. Tapas in the old town with an obligatory Cosmopolitan..............
I also had a shifty round the perfume department and can confirm I have fallen hook, line and sinker for the new Paco Rabanne Olympia (strong and lasts ages - great for nights out) and a Roberto Cavalli (hated it at first but once it changed from it's initial smell, I spent the whole evening sniffing my arm - it was intoxicating! The one in the pink box - Just Cavalli). The two bottles of Jo Malone I took with me, although beautiful looking - they just don't last long enough so these two will be going on my Birthday and Xmas lists for sure. I've never had a scent from either of these brands, usually opt for what I consider a more classy fragrance but when you fall in love, what can you do?
It sounds stupid but for the first time ever and after 13 visits to the area, I was actually choked up as we pulled away from the apartment. It was only the thought of cuddles with my beautiful grand child that got me through.
Looks like there could possibly be a "girlie" one next May - so until next time Marbella xx