A relaxed, luxe vibe or an adventurous and culture filled
break – there is literally something for everyone!
Spain; a country I had yet to visit until May and one I’m already avidly planning on going back to immediately (with the boyfriend in tow!) If you lovelies follow me over on my YouTube Channel you’ll know that I recently went to the beautiful Benidorm with a bunch of lovely bloggers and Jet2Holidays for a few, full on days of luxe, laughs, sight seeing and a lot of great food and wine! It really was an incredible place that is often underestimated, so it gives me huge happiness being able to share my experience with you guys!
From where to eat, stay, what to do and wear – I’m spilling it all and every detail that contributed to making this trip so special. Whether you fancy a more relaxed, luxe vibe or an adventurous and culture filled break – there is literally something for everyone! Jet skiing, scuba diving, divine Tapas and champagne over looking the cliffs – read on to see my little, Spain travel diary and guide to the luxe side of Benidorm!
WHERE TO STAY
A 5 minute drive out of the town and you’ll find the Melia Villaitana, the most picturesque, Instagrammable, pinterest worthy and all round, damn photogenic place I’ve ever been! Our jaws literally dropped to the floor when we arrived, let alone once we saw our rooms – I felt like a total princess and fully made use of the huge bath and beautiful balcony to take in the views across Benidorm’s skyline and coast – at evening this was incredible with all of the twinkling lights! It was perfectly tucked away ever so slightly from the bustling streets, so perfect for a little escape at the end of the day! Ever corner welcomed you with a pastel, washed wall, blooming flowers and glistening pools meandering the whole resort.
We had the most relaxing flight and the bliss continued on arrival – even from a self confession nervous flier! We flew from Stansted, Jet2’s first London base. (I highly recommend grabbing a lounge pass to make use of the insane food and drink to get you in holiday mode!) I’ve always had very active holidays, however I feel like I need to come back to the Melia Villaitana just to purely stay there for a week and soak the tranquility up! There are so many buildings and restaurants (5 + a lounge to be precise!) a spa, golf course – I couldn’t begin to explore it all as it was so vast! Everything oozed luxe and the food and breakfast was absolutely incredible, with a huge variety for all diets and to take anyones fancy (fresh donuts and churro’s for breakfast anyone?!)
WHAT TO DO
This was where Benidorm really out did itself – such a huge variety of things to do and so many gorgeous spots to take in the views (and a few snaps!) Day 1 was spent electric mountain biking up the winding, mountainous roads (they were SO MUCH FUN and had us all in stiches trying to learn how to use them!) This was followed by a visit to The Old Town – a stunning picture of white, washed pillars and blue tiles, with steps floating down to the sea! Day 2 brought a morning of Sea based antics with jet skiing and my first scuba dive, followed by an amazing Tapas tour come evening time!
Our final day brought a Jeep tour, which totally blew us all away. We went on an adventure high up in the mountains, stopping on tiny little roads and wandering through little villages and into the markets (where I picked up that insane pom pom straw bag!) We then headed back to enjoy a bit of pool time and then got ready to visit The Cross of Benidorm, followed by a beautiful dinner and cocktails on a rooftop! Benidorm and the surrounding areas really are drenched in culture and beautiful spots, I really enjoyed immersing myself in everything!
WHERE TO EAT
Top Benidorm spots for luxe cuisine:
- Ulia – A beautiful beachfront restaurant run by the loveliest people with a really unique array of dishes – wonderful paella too!
- Llum De Mar – A seriously luxurious experience overlooking the waves crashing agains the shore below you. We had so many beautiful, fresh courses, each bursting with flavour and paired with delicious wine!
- Son De Mar – Great for a spot of Lunch, again right by the beach with fabulous staff and the best sangria of the trip! Delicious vegetarian dishes and beautiful views across the coast!
- Los Vascos – Our Tapas tour took us down the winding alleyways and into this delightful restaurant, a real taste of traditional Spanish Tapas, followed by a cheeky Limoncello to finish the evening!
- Solotula – A quirky restaurant tucked away with beautiful fairy lights that glisten outside whilst you enjoy your food – yet again, the staff were wonderful and the food incredible! A great variety of dishes to suit everyone!
The food was absolutely out of this world! Every morning we dined at our hotel for breakfast, with something for everyone (including champs for the all important bucks fizz!) and sat outside on the decking for a stunning view across the pool. We also tried lunch at one of the restaurants at the hotel – with everything being beautifully fresh. One thing I was really impressed by was the sheer selection and the fact that us vegetarians were really well catered for too, something I forget the importance of until I go away! Everything was also super healthy, fresh and delicious, meaning that you didn’t feel like you needed to hit the gym immediately upon return back to England!
WHAT TO WEAR
You want to be able to tackle all terrains even after a few glasses of Sangria.
I wrote here about the importance of tailoring your holiday wardrobe to what you’re doing to save yourself many stresses! Benidorm had so many varied actitives to choose from, so we needed everything from trainers and denim to floaty dresses and bikinis! Your fave shorts, a tee and loose blouse will become staples and often underwear will be replaced by bikini’s, so pack a few!
Maxi dresses effortlessly take you from day to night whilst keeping you cool and comfortable, I made sure to pack a couple of those too! This Next one was my ultimate fave and got SO MANY compliments – I genuinely felt like the dancing emoji! Forget the heels, you want to be comfortable, at ease and be able to tackle all terrains even after a few glasses of Sangria. Converse, slides, pretty sandals and block heels will be your best friends. Oh and sunglasses, lots of sunglasses and a sassy slogan hat chucked in!
SHOP MY FAVE, HOLIDAY WARDROBE PICKS
I hope you guys loved my little guide to the alternative side to Benidorm – it really was such an incredible, whirlwind 3 days of luxury, food, beautiful people and wonderful views! You guys over on Instagram couldn’t believe where I was! Massive thank you again to the fabulous guys from Jet2Holidays and Visit Benidorm for an unforgettable trip – I’m already planning my return! Where’s your ultimate holiday destination my loves – are you a beach babe or a city lover?
As always you can tweet me @stylepetalblog, catch up on all my posts over on BLOGLOVIN or see my latest beauty and fashion buys and vlogs over on my YouTube channel!
Photography by myself and the lovely Emma from The Emasphere!
WATCH THE VLOG
I love the idea of this post, it looks so luxe! All of your photos are stunning too, you look so lovely in the blue and white bardot top!
SHAKIRA / SHAKIRA SACKS
Thank you so much and thanks for reading girly! So glad you love it 😀 x
Benidorm looks so beautiful and relaxing, and your beautiful photos capture it perfectly. It’s not a destination you hear of often. Your blog is laid out so nicely and professionally, too.
Aww thank you that was such a lovely comment to read! It’s definitely an underrated area to visit – so much great food and culture! Glad you like my blog too, thank you so so much! x
Loved this post- Spain is one of my favorite spots to visit
Ahh thank you, it’s so gorgeous right! x
Eeeeep this whole trip looks gorgeous – I’ve never seen this side of Benidorm before! I want to go to the old town with all of those amazing tiles so much now. Looking beaut as always Primrose, that red maxi is in-fricking-credible on you! Sophie xxx
http://www.sopharsogood.com
Ahh thank you so much gorgeous girly! It really is so underrated girl! The Old Town is such a must visit! Thanks so much for reading hun! 😀 x
Gorgeous gorgeous photos! Omg you are vacation goals hottie! Love all the outfits especially that straw tote!
Happy Friday love! Hope to see you on my blog sometime~
Xx- Julie
Haute Khuuture Blog | Instagram
Ahh thank you 😀 The straw tote was such a fab souvenir! x
This place is absolutely beautiful and I love your pictures! Want to visit this city!!
You definitely should visit hun!Thank you 😀 x
I’ve never been to Benidorm, but it’s on my list now!! The jeep tour looks like so much fun! And I love all of your vacay looks <3
A definitely must visit! The Jeep tour was definitely a highlight! Thanks for reading beaut! x
I’ve only been to Spain once, but definitely keeping your tips in mind for the next time I visit!
Lindsey
http://www.seamlesssea.com
Ahh I really hope they help lovely! x
Wow amazing post! I love spain, it’s just amazing and beautiful. Your guide will definitely come in handy this summer 🦋😘
SASKIA CILIBERTO
Ahh yay, hope it helps beaut – can’t recommend the restaurants and activities enough! x
Such great tips! If only I had a trip to Spain booked! Oh well, I will have to bookmark this post and save it for when I do! Meanwhile, I can look at these gorgeous photos and dream
xx
Lizzie | Takeoffs & Landings
Ahh thank you so much for reading hun – I really hope it helps for a future trip 😀 x
gorgeous pictures and loved your outfits! these photos just make me want to go on holidays sooner!!
xx
lau
Ahh that makes me so happy – thank so much! x
This is all TOO beautiful! You look fab, love all your photos and great video xx
Ahh thank you beaut – had so much fun watching it back! x
What a great post! looks like i’ll have to be going here lol!
AHH thank you! x
that red dress is gorgeous!
Ahh thank you so much! x
This place looks amazing hun!! Thanks for sharing!!
Nicky x
http://www.nickyinsideout.com
Ahh thanks for reading loves! x
Spain is beautiful I love your look and great post.
Vaishali
http://www.vivaciouswish.com/2017/07/10/total-activation/
Thank you girly, means the world! x
OMG this post is sooo perfect! First of all Iove the way your photos appear 🙂
The villa and old town seem like a dream! Your basket bag is so stunning and you look amazing in all outfits!
http://www.desiringsme.com/summer-style-goals/
Ahh thanks loves, thats so kind of you! I was so beautiful!! Glad you love my market find! x
Wow! Your post makes me want to go travel! Love all the outfits by the way!
Ahh thanks sweetness! x
Wow, this place looks amazing! Love the concept of your post!
Have an amazing day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Thanks hun, means the world! Thank you for reading 😀 x