Last updated on July 28th, 2020 at 10:58 am
Recently, we went to Marbella, Spain to visit our friends that have just moved out there. It was great to see where they live now and make memories together as families. We both have two children each at similar ages so our family dynamics were perfect together. We were also excited to see our friend’s bump growing as she is about to have a third baby to her beautiful family. One of the days we were visiting they booked Nikki Beach for us to all spend the day. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have been both for views and amenities. Also, one of my favorite days in Marbella with our friends. We are so grateful for the thought they put into our visit and for their amazing friendships too.
Our day started with the sun shining brightly overhead and the beach bags packed. MM had been very ill the day before so I was a little nervous how she would do on the beach but she did her very best and we still made a whole day of it. I didn’t know what to expect of Nikki Beach but I will say my expectations were by FAR beat right from the moment we walked in.
There were tables up top for eating, and sofas and coffee tables with fluffy cushions near the bar and on the other side of the pool, steps upon steps of inviting lounge beds and cushions galore. I could have ran and did a body dive in them if it wasn’t inappropriate to do so. I really wanted to though trusty me. The place was flawless from each corner. The staff were super friendly when you walked in and were always on hand whenever we needed something. I loved the english theme they had going on and the kids all received their own little mini flags they could wave around which they absolutely were delighted about.
We perched ourselves on a gorgeous lounge bed and the kids took the scene in and dived into the sand, while we got settled. It was a shame that my two were still under the weather but they normally love the water and sand so they did their best. We lathered their english skin with sunblock as the sun was blaring that day.
In true kid fashion sense that MM all the sudden has; she adorned her pink sunglasses she picked out herself the entire weekend in Marbella. At first I was thought they were a little ridiculous but the more I saw her in them the more I thought they actually suit her personality to perfection.
B couldn’t wait for Mommy to stop with the sunblock so he could go play. He was begging to jump in the waves down at the beach. I loved how we could see them from where we were sitting. It really was the perfect set up. B kept asking can we come back here again tomorrow. We had only just arrived, got to love toddlers and their enthusiasm. It only took him a second to get confident enough to be running out into the waves making Mommy and Daddy a little nervous to be honest. Even though Mr P really can’t swim either, he was like a little floundering fish jumping in and out of the waves after B. I always love watching them from a distance. The kids idolize their father so much and it always melts my heart to watch the way they look up to him, and rely on him to comfortable them. MM is turning into a true Daddy’s girl too. After watching them for a bit I had to go join in the fun. I am more of a pool girl than a salt water girl but where the family plays, I shall always remain.
There was sand castle building, and even some sand eating going on too. It wasn’t long before a few of them, mostly my sick little ones crashed out in the shade on the lounge bed. We took this time to enjoy some scrumptious bubbly while we had free hands.
Of course, when in Marbella one must have a lovely sushi by the sea to go with all that champagne. The food was amazing. I really felt so spoiled by our amazing friends and the day they planned for us. I loved sitting around chatting with the kids playing at our feet. It’s always great when you just click with another family. We don’t have many family where we all have a friend in each other so it’s great that we have that with them. I hope they feel the same about us.
The pool (for adults only) was behind us, so the men went for a dip first while the ladies and kids played in the sand and then we switched, taking turns in the lovely turquoise waters. It felt so refreshing, relaxing and truly like paradise. Something both Mr P and I needed after both working some long hours recently. It was lovely having our separate time at the pool and some peace in the water. I love that kids weren’t allowed in the pool. At one point it was just me in it and there is something so calming about having a pool to yourself. Of course, I enjoyed the uninterrupted chatter with my lovely friend too. It’s always great when we get together to catch up. I was so sad when she told me she was moving that I really did cry but I also knew she was going somewhere not too far away and a lovely place for her beautiful family. (We still all miss her here in the UK though). It seems every time I get a chance to hang out with a friend more often they go and move away on me or I do.
Our friend’s little girls were true beach babies. You could tell they were one with the sand and water. I like to think mine would have played longer in it if they hadn’t been so ill. We normally have to beg the kids to leave the beach but on this occasion we weren’t that lucky and our day ended possibly a few hours short as MM just couldn’t take the heat anymore and was completely miserable. I feel guilty for having her at the beach when she was unwell but also felt guilty for having to make everyone go home a little bit early. I have never seen my daughter cry that long for anything so she must have felt awful. We just can’t seem to catch a break these days on vacation. If it’s not raining our entire holiday one of the kids is really sick. I just wish we could go away to see friends and both my kids be on top health and their happy, fun loving selves. Sadly my kids got her kids sick in the end too and the guilt I felt just kept growing. I think one night I even cried about it. Its the last thing you want when you visit and you sure hope you ever get invited back to see them again and make up for it but understand why they might hesitate next time for sure.
Our friends girls are so adorable and have such good manners. I love having friends that are similar to us in the way we parent and I always think it leads great examples to my kids on how to behave right. Its the same as if a child is around a naughtier child they copy and it goes for good manners too. It was bittersweet when I noticed B trying to talk like their older daughter and be sweet and respectful like her too. (not that he isn’t polite too) but it’s great to have great role models around our kids. It just shows you how great their parents really are to them too.
Our Nikki Beach day out was such an amazing experience, a perfect day with great friends, minus a little cry fest from the princess but nevertheless we made great memories all together and I hope there are many visits to come in the future.
Stay tune for Part 2 of our Marbella extravaganza.
Wow, it looks absolutely beautiful there – I am more than a little bit jealous! Glad you all had a good time.
Thank you it was such a beautiful place for sure. Can’t wait to share the rest of our trip.
Wow what a fab looking place, you have the best of all worlds, a nice beach but with luxuries. x
Oh we really did and I hope we go back soon. It’s my new favorite place to go. lol At the moment, I am sure tomorrow will change but helps having such great family friends there too.
Ah I have been to Nikki beach a few times, before I had the girls. I loved it so much and went to some great parties there. Gorgeous photos lovely. x
I think the double team should have a girlie holiday out there in a James Villa and go to Nikki beach and live it up!!! lol 🙂 Why not?
Looks amazing! I’m hoping to move my little family to this part of the world next year, fingers crossed. It seems like whenever I read one of your posts you’re off somewhere lovely. Lucky thing!
Thank you darling. We really enjoyed ourselves. and if only we could travel and the kids stop getting sick all the time, it would have been movie perfect. Only this year, I promise. We have been traveling lots before B is in school and MM is two so we don’t have to pay for her seat. Won’t be like this all the time that’s why we are so gutted the kids have been ill on ALL of our trips so far. It was supposed to be a year to remember for all different reasons than vomit and diarrhoea, and throat infections. lol Typical isn’t it.
Nikki Beach is absolutely stunning and your photos are so beautiful – looks like you were having a wonderful time although sorry to hear that MM was unwell. Hope it was short-lived.
Thank you Louise. It was short lived until our friends’ kids caught it and it was mayhem bless them. Hoping they still want to be friends with us after all that. lol Typical for my kids lately.
Wow it looks so beautiful and a real treat- Nikki Beach looks like pure luxury! I’ve always wanted to do the whole ‘Marbs’ experience, and it’s great that you can combine family time with a bit of RnR for yourself x
Nikki Beach really was a real treat for sure. We had so much fun despite ill children and it was pure luxury. Nothing feels better than being pampered and hanging with good friends.
Wow that looks incredible Jenny! Such beautiful pictures. How grown up does Missy Moo look! x
I know I keep whispering to her to stop growing up. Can’t believe it. She is two in two weeks. AHHHH
We love her pink sunglasses! So cool. Sorry your little ones were ill 🙁 looks like you had a great time regardless though. Don’t feel guilty for making the other little ones ill…these things happen x #Sharewithme
Thank you she picked them out all by herself. They suit her and her bold personality. Me too it was awful I thought we were going to finally catch a break having just been sick in France two weeks before. Not fair. We still had a great time though.
It looks like glorious sunshine out there and so nice and relaxing. Its always a worry then little ones get ill but when they do it the day before flying, arrgh, stress levels! She looks utterly stylish though 🙂
She was a little fashionista for sure on holiday despite her illness. It was typical the day before we left to have started getting sick and we thought and prayed it would be long passed us. IT wasn’t and our friends kids all got it too. Nightmare on that part but still such a lovely holiday.
It looks amazing there, such a shame you couldn’t stay for longer. Hope your guys are feeling better. #sharewithme
I know, I think that’s our problem we only ever stay three days at various places long enough for the kids to get sick on the plane or catch something but not long enough for them to recover and enjoy the holiday themselves. We must stay longer next time. 🙂
Looks amazing hon, so pleased you had a great time! To be honest though, Marbella has never appealed to me because it’s too expensive!
It was really lovely and we had a great time. I loved just walking into all the shops just to see how the other half live hahaha Always fun for a little girlie trip too if you don’t ever want to take children.
Looks like you had a gorgeous time Jenny – a much deserved holiday I’m sure! x #sharewithme
Thank you Talya. We really did and our friends were so great to us making us feel right at home.
Wow! Looks and sounds so amazing, totally beats my brilliant beach holiday in Pembrokeshire last week. When my little man is big enough we will have to explore the continent.
Oh doubtful it’s all how you make it promise. Holidays are still holidays if you make them that way. We did have an amazing time. I say travel with them when they are young its easier and they get used to it. We are about to do a USA trip for two months and the flight is 18 hours for the kids!….wish me luck.
Wow…this looks like an amazing place. I am really dreaming of a summer holiday this year, but we have so many weddings we can’t get away! Lots of family days trips planned instead! #sharewithme x
Oh but weddings are still so much fun and exciting too. We had a lovely time and it’s such a beautiful place definitely want to go back.
Lovely place! You and your family were so lucky to enjoy such a picturesque view while in the company of friends (and their little ones too!). I can’t get over how big your MM and B are getting! I’m sure you share the same sentiment with me. Thank you for having us on #sharewithme this week, and for sharing this absolutely stunning post!
Thanks Maria. I know the kids are growing up WAY too fast. I can’t believe it. Welcome anytime thanks for linking up. Look forward to reading them all.
Looks absolutely fantastic. I now want to go away!
Oh yes it’s a good way to make you plan a future holiday soon isn’t it? The sun and views were amazing and our friends were so lovely and made it just a perfect holiday. Now if only we could go away and the kids not get sick!
Wow, this looks fantastic! We went somewhere like that towards the end of the season last year, the sun wasn’;t quite so shiny, but it was good fun. Glad you had a lovely time. #sharewithme
Oh sounds like fun still. We had a brilliant time thank you.
What an amazing trip! I’ve never been to Spain, but I did study abroad in Costa Rica in college. I think it is great that you are giving your children a chance to see the world!
Thanks Sarah. I am very grateful to be able to share various countries and cultures with them as much as our own two countries we live in at the moment too. I think and hope it makes them wise and worldly as they grow up.
Hope the littles are feeling better. Enjoy your time over here in the US and good luck on that plane ride!
Wow it looks like you had such a great time! What lovely pictures too. It’s making me want to hit the beach! Becky x #sharewithme
Thanks Becky we truly did and kind helped out the kids sleeping in the shade most of it. We got to lay around with friends laughing and being lazy. Perfect holiday relaxation.
That really does look like the most luxurious place Jenny and its great that you and the family got to finally have beautiful weather while on holiday although such a shame the kids got sick. I love that pic of MM in her flamingo cossie and shades! Don’t feel too guilty – kids get sick and I’m sure your friends will not hold that against you. Xxx #sharewithme
The Mother says – What a lovely place to sped some precious time with your friends and this place looks truly idyllic. I like the idea of a Big Person’s swimming pool too. It nice to sometimes get a bit of peace 🙂 #sharewithme
Wow it looks lovely there, really great for the kids too. I love your little girl’s sunglasses, very sweet! #sharewithme
Sounds like a lovely time. That food looks amazing & I love MM’s sunglasses! #sharewithme
Thank you. I need to get her some more for our American trip she loves them. We had a great time.
This looks beautiful. I am very jealous. I am getting the impression you are mostly on holiday. But you know what, I would get as many in as possible because the easy holidays change once you have a child at school. #sharewithme
Thank you Kirsten it really was and I can’t wait to go back soon. This is why we are traveling so much now before B starts school and MM turns 2 years old otherwise we couldn’t afford four of us in school holidays to go all the time like we have been doing. So it’s been a special year. Sadly my kids decided to get sick on everyone we have taken so far. Guess its’ one way to remember all our year of travels.
Looks like such a great beach! It’s so nice that you have such close friends that you can holiday with, and your kids will all grow up together 🙂 Sorry to hear your kids seem to be poorly every time you go away, hope they are fully recovered now! #sharewithme
I hope they stay friends long into their adulthood. IT’s great have friends abroad as a child I remember we had family friends abroad and I remember being penpals with the kids into my adulthood. Good to share cultures. Yes they really don’t pick the best times to get sick do they? Not fair this year was supposed to be our big travel year.
Looks fantastic! Glad you had a good day. I think your little girl looks fab rocking her pink sunglasses! Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Debbie
http://myrandommusings.blogspot.com
Thanks they really do suit her to a tee, little DIVA! hahahaha She loves them.
Great photos Jenny it looks amazing there! #sharewithme
Thank you so much we really did have a great time all together.
I love Nikki Beach in France – it’s a fab place. Sorry to hear MM was not well though. Love the champagne shots, none the less!
Wow – how glam , looks amazing #sharewithme
Wow Jenny, this looks like something out of a holiday brochure, with your beautiful pics… and I just love Missy Moo’s sunglasses! Seeing as you had to leave early, it’s the perfect escuse to go again! 🙂
Oh, it looks fantastic there. Such fab photos, I love MM sunglasses they do really suit her. That pool looks fab, I could do with a swim right about now!
#Sharewithme
xx
Oh my its looks fantastic I so want to go! Great photos thanks for sharing x
Wow! This looks stunning. We love marbs but haven’t been back since having little miss… the world isn’t ready for me to be out and about in a bikini yet. Lol.
I just love your photography 🙂
#sharewithme
Thank you Katie. I hadn’t been before but it won’t be our last visit. Would love to go again soon. It’s stunning. Always great to have good friends there too.Thank you I have a lot to learn on my photography side still
I want to go there now! Lovely sunny post honey, glad you had a lovely time with no illness this time! I love the photo of you on the beach with your two babies. The infinity pool looks divine. That’s a great pic of you from the back in the pool – your shoulders look very toned from all your kettle bells! xx
Oh wow what a stunning beach, it’s so nice to read about you having such a wonderful day with friends 🙂
It really was and we had the best time ever. Thank you.
Beautiful pictures, and all the kids looks so sweet and beautiful. I’ve heard a lot about Nikki Beach, but haven’t been yet. I wouldn’t have thought it’s good for kids, too, but you’ve sold it to me. 🙂 #ShareWithMe
Thank you Isabella. So sweet of you to say. We had a great time the kids are amazing.
Wow, this place looks gorgeous and perfect for families too. Glad you had such a great time. x
Thanks hunny. Oh for sure. It really caters to everyone. I would love to go again soon.
It looks so amazing Jenny, my friend has an apartment in Marbella I keep saying we will go out and visit but I think we really need to book a date and do it, I am so sorry the kiddies were poorly you haven’t had much luck this year with travel, and illness x
Oh, it looks amazing Jenny! I’m sorry the kids were under the weather, but it looks like you made the most of it. Absolutely love MM’s sunglasses 🙂
Thank you Sara it was so much fun. We do get used to the illnesses plaguing us lately so we rolled with it as best we could. I think MM absolutely loves her sunglasses too! 🙂 haha
Great post and what a lovely place to visit. Very jealous
Thanks for hosting #ShareWithMe
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Thank you Jemma. It really is a lovely place indeed.
Hola Jenny, this looks amazing! I haven’t been in Marbella before. This is actually one of the fewest places in Spain that I haven’t been before as I was living in Madrid for a year and I did a car trip to the south of Spain and saw many beautiful places with amazing beaches. I also visited Ibiza, Majorca & Formentera, so definitely Marbella will be my next destination. Thanks for hosting lovely! xx
Hola Franca! Thanks for the lovely message. Oh yes you must try Marbella its lovely. I definitely want to go back and visit a few other places too.
Oh wow, this place looks absolutely fantastic! Your photos are gorgeous too. Kaz x
Thanks hunny it was amazing for sure. So beautiful.
OH wow what a lovely place, and you got to have sushi on the beach how awesome is that!! (deep breath) ok so I want to go there 🙂
I know I couldn’t believe it while I was eating the said sushi and sipping champagne I did think I need to pinch myself this is pure heaven. I would go back again and again it was amazing.