Day 3 – Spain: Marbella Sunset Session
My alarm went off at 9am and I couldn’t believe it was already time to wake up. My calves were sore from all of the walking and dancing last night. Everyone seemed out of it this morning but we had to pull ourselves together, and pack our bags in time for check out at 11am. We walked towards Baker Boys but they were closed on Sundays so we popped into a cafe further down the road. We all ordered the smoked salmon and avocado sandwich and everyone got different types of coffee for a morning pick me up. Rather than rolling our luggage to the parking lot where our car was, me and Stelios decided to get the car and load everything in front of the airbnb. That was a mistake. It was a 5 minute walk to the parking lot and it took us 15 minutes to drive back to the airbnb because of all of the one way streets, and we were forced to loop around the river. A little after 11am we finally checked out and hit the road.
It was a 1 hour drive from Malaga to our hotel in Marbella but it went by fairly quickly. Jen was passed out in the back seat of the car for most of the ride. We pulled up to the Gran Marbella Hotel and were greeted with complimentary cava and orange juice while we checked in. Our room wasn’t ready yet so we decided to lay by the pool, relax, swim and recharge. I was beyond tired from the night before and a poolside nap is exactly what I needed. Around 2pm we ordered lunch by the pool. Stelios and I shared the “Iconic club sandwich” which was very tasty and by 3pm the front desk called to tell us our rooms were ready. I felt completely revived after our poolside lunch and lay, thank goodness!
We showered and got ready for the evening festivities — tonight’s plan was dinner at La Plage Casanis and to stay there for the sunset session party. We walked out of our hotel and one of the valet guys asked where we were going and when we told him Plage Casanis he offered to drive us there in the hotel golf cart – what a fun surprise! It was only a 3-4 minute drive down the hill, but a fun way to start the evening.
We pulled up and Plage Casanis was BUMPING. I don’t think any of us anticipated the crowd or the craziness. The crowd ranged from kids in their 20s to adults in their 50s and 60s. Some of the men maybe even 70s. I joked to Stelios that at least we know where we can come party once we’re retired. The dress code was also a total mix — several women were dressed to the nines in sequin dresses and heels, while others were in casual dresses and sandals, and some in beach cover ups over their bathing suits. The wildest part was upon entering the restaurant I saw a dad carrying a 1 year old baby out of the place. I can’t fathom ever seeing a baby in a place like this in the states. It felt like I was at a party from the Great Gatsby but on the beach.
The host seated us at our table for 4 in an elevated area next to the main bar and in the shade (thank goodness). Some tables on the lower level were fully in the sun and I think we would’ve all overheated if that was the case. It was HOT. There was a woman walking around selling fans so Jen immediately bought 3. Jen and mom fanned themselves away but I felt like the fan actually made me feel hotter.
Our server Samuel introduced himself and we ordered a bottle of wine for me and Stelios to share, and mom and Jen got cocktails. Everyone was happy with their drinks, time to turn up and party! Overall dinner was a really cool and fun experience, especially once the drinks started flowing. The DJ was outside but loud enough that the music and the party carried into the restaurant side. He played a mix of house and Spanish music so everyone was vibing and dancing at their tables.
Once dinner arrived we were ready to FEAST. For appetizers Stelios and I split a Greek salad and mom and Jen shared a Caesar salad, then we all shared the Octopus which was so tender, every bite melted in your mouth. It may have been the best octopus I’ve ever had. For our entree we shared the king prawn paella, which was on par with the one Stelios and I had in Valencia. The consistency and flavor of the rice was tasty and incredible. Everyone pretty much licked their plates clean.
Because it was a dinner party mixed with drinks, dancing, and eating we ended up staying at the table for 4 hours. After more drinking and dancing we ended up ordering a steak for everyone to share which was also delicious. Then for dessert Stelios and I split a creamy cheesecake (something I usually can’t have in the states because of the dairy, so I try to enjoy all the dairy I can while I’m in Europe). We finally wrapped up dinner at 9:30pm, ordered our final round of drinks, thanked Samuel for his wonderful service, and he walked us down to the beach party just in time to catch the sunset.
The sunset was absolutely magical with orange and pink hues painted all over the sky above the mountains. I pictured myself living here in Marbella and watching the sunset every Sunday with Stelios before starting the work week. Sunset session sundays would be my new favorite ritual.
Stelios and I later reflected back on the experience at Plage Casanis. We both agreed we have never seen an establishment run so efficiently and control the chaos of the crowd but still allow everyone to party and have a great time. The servers would BUSTLE through the crowd and carry these massive paella dishes above everyone else balancing it on their fingertips. There were also active security guards everywhere making sure the crowd kept moving so the servers could get through with the food. Plage Casanis is truly a place that is hard to explain you just have to experience it (though I will say it can be quite expensive)
Back on the beach, post sunset we found a spot to dance for awhile. By 11:30pm mom was getting tired (and honestly so was I after partying for 6 hours) and Jen was hammered. We walked up the hill to the hotel, said goodnight and were tucked in bed shortly after midnight. No alarms were set for the morning and I looked forward to a full night of sleep.
