PASEO MARITIMO

(Continuation from "Miami to Marbella")

The beach boardwalk, or in this case a paved walkway called Paseo Marítimo (meaning "maritime walkway" in Spanish) stretches along the beach from the fishing port of the east to a modern building with a cinema and supermarket on the west.

In the morning at 10am, while most of the city is still sleeping, I went for a jog.  Only a handful of older tourists walked around the crisp morning. It was so quiet and peaceful for a late morning run.

Christine stops to visit Statue of Virgin of Carmen of Marbella, a Catholic tradition

Breakfast at American Pub

Best egg white omelette I've ever had--but don't tell my cook!

Beach in Marbella , Spain Parallel to the walkway is the beach with hut-like umbrellas and beach chairs for rent approximately $10 a chair with umbrella. Christine along Paseo Marítimo in Marbella, SPAIN Along the walk are eye-catching features of both historical nature and physical activity. The Sports Club, an 1864 lighthouse, the main office of tourism and an exercise playground for adults can be found along this stretch of beach. This is in addition of course to the cafés and shops.   Sandcastles created by local Russian artist.  The creations have to be watered every hour to keep it from drying and cracking from the sun.He works entirely for tips.   Originally situated on the pier overlooking the sea, this fountain commissioned to Francisco Lopez Burgos, was later moved to its current location by former mayor Jesus Gil.

Statue of female water skier on fountain

Absorbing the moment and surroundings,  I can't believe Americans have not discovered Marbella.

Love to shoe shop!

[Continuation from "Miami to Marbella"]

Puerto Banús, Spain

Once my friend Cecilia arrived, we stayed port side at Puerto Banús. Immediately I began comparing and contrasting it to South Beach. The high end hotels, pool parties, the parade of luxury cars (Rolls Royces, Ferraris, Lamborghinis) and the marina with multi-million dollar yachts, were the similarities. Unlike Miami and more reminiscent of San Diego is the mountainous backdrop. The city was clean and like Marbella, all tourists were British. As an avid traveler and owner of a tourism company in the U.S., my fascination continued as to why Americans were not vacationing at this coastal gem. Perhaps it was due to the "quiet" wealth, no flash or loud celebrities.

Marina at Puerto Banús

Our hotel was the adults-only boutique hotel H10 Andalucia Plaza. While it was the tail end of high season and the hotel was sold out, it was an excellent choice for two single career women.





On our way to the beach we passed by the Marbella Club. The inviting atmosphere lured us in for a peek. They were setting up for an afternoon pool party, a weekend tradition of renting beds (costing in the thousands), drinking endless bottles of alcoholic beverage of your preference and dipping into the pool for further socializing, all why a DJ blasted party music. Attendees start arriving at 12pm and the peak is around 3pm.

Christine Michaels at pool of Marbella Club

Our next stop was a trendy bar that I learned about on Instagram, Babilonia Banus. While it is more lively at night, I preferred the less crowded daytime setting.  Right on the marina, one can easily enjoy the water view, the yachts, and people watching. 

Interior of Babilonia Banus in daytime

Christine Michaels cooling off from afternoon sun

Back at the hotel we refreshed for dinner.  Below is a photo of the hotel lobby  in neutral decor and a dual bench and sandbox display.

Christine in hotel lobby of H10 Andalucia Plaza, Puerto Banus

For dinner that evening we returned to the marina and further down Babilonia we selected an Italian restaurant, Los Bandidos. A long-time local favorite, the ceiling was covered in ivy, the walls in old photos or shelves of wine.  We were very fortunate to reserve a table on left side by the open window facing the marina for the alfresco air.


A portside Italian restaurant, we could not go wrong with a pasta and fish dish. Very tasty. Reservations are needed given the popularity.


Along the same street, name brand shops intersperse with restaurants.  One of my favorites was Michaels Kors. My nude strapless chiffon dress was an MK dress. Time to strike a pose. 



To top it off we returned to Babilonia Banus for evening cocktails and drinks. Sure enough the famous purple and pink lights were in full force.

Cocktail at Babilonia Banus

 DJ James Hanbury from London played various music from the 80s, 90s, to current hits. The DJ pod was center stage and guests could request any song and DJ James was ready to please. I even stole a dance from him.



Another great day!

The newest bar to open in the burgeoning Brickell area of downtown Miami is El Capo. It celebrated its Grand Opening last weekend and the party still continues.

Christine Michaels and Nidia Jolie

 First the food. Little did we know it was ladies night with free cocktails or wine with appetizers!
No doubt this is part of the Grand Opening promotion and sure not to last long as high season approaches in December.





Last night was a very special event with an homage to Juan Gabriel, one of the most famous Mexican artists with music writing and recordings in various genres including mariachis, ballads, pop, disco...the list goes one. And tonight these talented singers stole the show with their outstanding renditions of favorite Juan Gabriel songs.






In Miami, Mexican music is not commonly played in bars/clubs.  El Capo's decision to "spice things up" along with the traditional Caribbean merengue, salsa, and bachata has paid off. Hispanics and South Floridians love music, rhythm and to dance! Adding some Mexican ballad music with mariachis is the type of fusion we live for in Miami. 



Meaning " the local head of the mafia", with posterized images of Al Capone, El Capo is turning low season around with low cut deals. So take advantage while available!