From February 11 to 18, 2011, we spent a relaxing week in Spain, thanks to Tom, Kathy, and Interval timeshares. We stayed at an amazing Marriott Resort that felt more like a luxurious two-bedroom condo, complete with in-suite laundry and a full kitchen. The resort was beautifully located right by the ocean, perfect for unwinding according to our plan.
We ventured out for a day to explore the city of Estepona, which charmed us with its old Spanish-style town. The whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone lanes gave it an authentic feel. We had a delightful, authentic Spanish tapas lunch in a small, off-the-beaten-path restaurant. Due to the strong Canadian dollar against the Euro, our expenses for food and daily needs in Spain were quite affordable.
Another highlight was our day trip to Ronda, a breathtaking town perched on the edge of a massive gorge. We loved hiking around the cliffs, admiring the Arab architecture, and discovering a waterfall and dam. We even had a romantic picnic on the cliff’s edge, enjoying a chicken Caesar salad we made the night before, making it a perfect spot for Valentine’s Day. Ronda’s natural beauty certainly made it one of the prettiest towns we’ve visited.
For the most part, we relaxed in Spain. While we appreciated the Marriott, we found ourselves longing for the adventure of traveling. The luxury resort in Spain was wonderful, but we fondly remembered our resort in Thailand. That experience was special because it followed a period of budget travel. The thrill of having a private pool, a king-size bed, and a fully equipped kitchen after traveling on a shoestring budget made it an extraordinary experience.
This time, however, the allure of the 5-star resort wasn’t as strong. We found ourselves missing the excitement of being on the road, the fun of eating in small cafes, bargaining over accommodation costs, and even sleeping on simpler beds. It seems our idea of a vacation has shifted. We now see a luxurious resort as a break from backpacking, while a true getaway from everyday life involves the adventure and unpredictability of budget travel.