Looking for recommendations in/near Spain

[dsexton]

Hello - I have a March 2020 week booked at the Marriott Marbella resort. We would like to add on a 2nd week somewhere near and I’m looking for suggestions. Doesn’t have to be a timeshare resort. We are interested in Morocco and we like to shop, eat, relax on beach and basically experience local cultures. Have been to Greece and Italy several times so those are lower on my list (but do love them both).
Would love to hear your suggestions for the 2nd week !
Thanks !

 

[Pompey Family]

Relaxing on the beach in March is not going to be too enjoyable in Europe. I would strongly recommend not opting for Tangier, even for a day or more, it's not representative of Morocco. If you want to experience proper Morocco then opt for Marrakech or Fes. For somewhere European in March where the weather is better then look at the Canary Islands or Madeira.

 

[Passepartout]

Marriott Marbella isn't representative of Spanish culture. It's representative of Marriott.

I would consider flying to Barcelona, and get a hotel or VRBO in the old City. There are some TSs, so you could research those. I think there is one or more with reciprocal agreement with Marriott. The city itself is interesting, the food delish, and there are day trips to Montserrat or Dali's house and studio.
I would also pass on Tangier. That would be like trying to get a feel for Mexican culture in Tijuana.
We had a week pre-cruise at Somni de Cambrils. It's about an hour S. of Barcelona by train. We had our expectations adjusted so were not disappointed, but if one is expecting American or Mexican resort quality, they could be disappointed. Otoh, there was Welcome bottle of wine on the counter when we checked in and more was available in the office for €1 a bottle! Also a couple of Michelin starred restaurants in the small town.

Jim

P.S. I don't recommend the train to Barca. It goes from Malaga to Madrid, then you change to Barcelona. Fly on a lcc.

 

[Pompey Family]

How about Son Antem in Mallorca? March still isn't going to be beach weather but it's nice enough for exploring the wonderful island. Whilst it isn't in full tourist swing most of the restaurants that close for the winter are open by Feburary/March at the latest. Palma is always bustling and is my favourite Spanish city. You'll have the Marriott luxury in Son Antem but the more less touristy aspect of Spain that you'll experience on the two Costa Del Sol resorts (I didn't want to use the word authentic because the Costa Del Sol is still authentic Spain as much as Madrid, Seville, Barcelona or Benidorm is just as much as Blackpool is as authentically English as Oxford, they're just different places.

The problem with timeshares in Europe is that it's not as big a thing as in the US and most of what is available is on the lower scale of quality. I think Marriott dipped their toes in the timeshare business in Europe, I would like to think that they'd done their homework and realised what a dirty word "Timeshares" was due to many scams and fraudulent behaviour occurring, particularly in the 80's, and decided it wasn't as popular a concept as it is in the US which is a shame because we could do with some more quality resorts over here. Well, there are many excellent quality resorts but they're not timehsares and two weeks mid August for a family of four would be in the region of €15,000 rather than an exchange or even a more reasonable (albeit still expensive) €5000 Getaway price for a Spanish Marriott.

 

[Laurie]

Portugal's Algarve coast, with its gorgeous beaches, different landscape than Costa del Sol and not too far. Then there's the French Riviera. For beach time in March, Canary Islands and Madeira are warmer. Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands actually some wild and spectacular beaches, in spite of being the least visited of the top 4, and flights from Costa del Sol to Canaries are probably plentiful. I agree Mallorca is beautiful as well, tho not so warm in March.

 

[dsexton]

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions - really appreciate it !