It's been nearly 12 years since The Only Way Is Essex burst onto our screens, and I'm unashamed to tell you I've never missed an episode.
The show has taken me through college, university and into my first adult job. A lot has changed in my life, but TOWIE has remained the constant. It is my eternal comfort blanket.
When I moved to London, I wasted no time in taking the short train ride to Brentwood for a drink at Sugar Hut. I've eaten at Sheesh more times than I can count and have interviewed a number of the castmates as part of my job.
The next logical step was to head to Marbella to experience the destination loved by the cast – although I admit, no carbs were given up ahead of my flight.
All white on the night
When in Marbella, a day by the pool isn’t about dozing off while attempting to read a paperback. It’s a chance to model your least practical swimwear and drink champagne. And there’s no better place to do that than the boujee Ocean Club.
The venue hosts special events all summer and I was invited to attend the White and Silver opening party – although unfortunately I wasn’t told about the theme and wore a Hawaiian two-piece. The shame! Amy Childs would never get it so wrong. But thankfully the circus performers, fireworks and live band distracted me from my error.
I was particularly in awe of the dancers roaming the floor encouraging dance-offs like we were on the set of Step Up 6.
If you tire of drinking fizz, you can try the pre-mixed cocktails made exclusively for the venue by two-time Cocktail World Champion Mario Hofferer. The Melondrama – a rum based creation that includes drinkable gold glitter – is ridiculous, but necessary.
Celebrity Spot
You can’t fly to Marbs and not hunt down a TOWIE star. I headed straight to Olivia’s La Cala – the restaurant owned by Elliot Wright (former show regular and cousin of Mark Wright), which is just along the coast from Marbella itself. Who knew?!
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When we arrived our waiter explained, "It's not Marbella on the postcode, but it is Marbella" – the sentence simultaneously made complete sense and no sense at all. Wearing Gucci loafers and white skinny jeans, Elliot himself showed us to our table, sandwiched among happy hen parties.
The food was tasty, but what we loved most is the way the venue switches from a restaurant to a nightclub. The only downside was that I didn’t get to see TOWIE alumni James Argent perform. A week later and I’d have witnessed him serenading Harry Maguire’s future bride Fern Hawkins on her hen do. Instead, we watched Tony Capo and the Masquerade Duo. When the female half of the duo wasn’t singing, she was pouring shots into guests’ mouths.
Out and about
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in some Spanish culture, take a trip to Marbella’s Old Town. You’ll find white-washed buildings lining the narrow streets, adorned with colourful flowers and palm trees – basically an Instagrammer’s dream backdrop.
Head to the main square, Plaza de los Naranjos – which dates back to 1485 – and find a seat on one of the many restaurant terraces for a bowl of paella and a glass of sangria.
We recommend Casa del Corregidor – a family-run eatery that’s been around for nearly 100 years. It’s the perfect spot for some people watching.
Afterwards, meander round the 400+ stores and pick up some cute souvenirs to help you remember your dreamy Marbella trip forever.
A restful oasis
Kempinski Hotel Bahia is located a 20-minute drive from Marbella and feels like a calm oasis. My spacious room had an incredible sea view from the balcony and a giant bathtub. I also appreciate any hotel where the toilet has its own door, separate from the sink and therefore the home of the toothbrush. (I’m not a fan of those so-called fancy accommodations where you’re on view to your holiday roommate!)
I hardly spent any time in the room though, as there’s so much more to explore – three pools, a spa facility, a gym and three restaurants. More importantly, the beach bar serves frozen piña coladas and the breakfast buffet includes multiple doughnut flavours.
The pools never felt too busy so I was able to practise my butterfly stroke in peace. Sadly, there’s a “no diving” rule, so it’s maybe not the right hotel for you if you’re a Tom Daley wannabe.
How to Book
OK! stayed in a Grand Mediterranean Room at Kempinski Hotel Bahia, priced at £560 per night, see kempinski.com.
A three-person sun bed at Ocean Club costs from £122, see oceanclub.es.
For info on Olivia’s La Cala, see oliviaslacala.com.
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