Marbella & Malaga like a local: Friendship, Culture and Hammam Retreat
I recently spent a few days in Marbella, staying with my friend Jessica ( shoutout to Trifference !) These days weren't just about being reuniting with my buddy Jessica and her family after not seeing each other for a wile; they were a crash course in life, laughter, personal growth and the pursuit of unforgettable memories.
Nurturing meaningful friendships that enrich your life and broaden your perspectives is so precious. During my stay, I dived headfirst into local life by devouring Spanish local food, attempting to chat with the locals in Spanish (spoiler alert: it was a comedy of errors!), and try to blend in like a pro.
Instead of relying on cars and incurring extra expenses, I opted for a leisurely bike ride along the scenic promenade from San Pedro Alcántara to Marbella, spanning approximately 17 kilometers. This eco-friendly mode of transportation not only offers a peaceful journey by the sea but also aligns with sustainable travel practices—a win-win situation.
My solo bike ride took me around half an hour, offering breathtaking views and a relaxing experience, even for someone like me who isn't an avid cyclist. Marbella is not just adding bike lanes but also incorporating cyclist-friendly amenities, making it incredibly convenient.
On Saturday we moved to Malaga and on the way there, we made a stop at Benalmádena, home to the largest Buddhist stupa in Europe—a symbol of peace and harmony. Immersing ourselves in the serene atmosphere left us feeling energized in an unusual spot.
In Malaga, we dined at Baar Los Pueblos, a local eatery known for its affordable, authentic cuisine favored by locals.
Prioritizing self-care, we indulged in a two-hour session at a local Hammam—a traditional bathing house with various pools at different temperatures, reaching 40-45 degrees, culminating in a refreshing cold plunge to improve blood pressure. In the hammam, your body is cleansed from head to toe with a full body scrubbing before you go to the pools. The experience left us feeling revitalized, proving to be a worthwhile investment of time and money, unlike typical touristy purchases.
Malaga exudes a vibrant energy, with spacious roads, picturesque landscapes, and delightful weather that beckons people to dine al fresco and savor tapas. The city's seaside ambiance is palpable, and its friendly atmosphere makes visitors feel right at home.
For breakfast, we enjoyed a delightful meal at Byoko, an organic, eco-friendly restaurant offering locally sourced "Km 0" cuisine. From chia pudding to matcha oat lattes and a variety of brunch options, there's something for everyone at reasonable prices.
Key Takeaways:
Friendship Frenzy: Prioritize those friendships that make your heart sing and your belly ache from laughter.
Eco-Adventure: Bike ride along the stunning promenade from San Pedro Alcántara to Marbella.
Pedal Power: Marbella isn't just adding bike lanes; it's rolling out the red carpet for cyclists with all the bells and whistles. Two wheels for the win!
Serene Stopover: Stupa del Illumination de Benalmádena, home to Europe's biggest Buddhist stupa. Zen vibes, anyone? We left feeling like peaceful warriors.
Eat like a local: We chowed down at Baar Los Pueblos, a local joint dishing out grub that's as authentic as it gets. No tourist traps here—just good eats and good times.
Hammam Havoc: prioritize your wellbeing as set two-hour session at a local Hammam. Picture this: hot pools, cold plunges, and a whole lot of "ahh." as we let go of stress and tension.
Malaga Magic: Malaga's got it all—wide roads, stunning scenery, and vibes that scream "come as you are."
Eco -Eats: We fueled up at Byoko, a hip, eco-friendly joint serving up organic local goodness Km 0. Chia pudding, matcha lattes, and brunch galore—what more could you want?
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