My wife and I were invited to go to Marbella for a week in the beginning of June. Great for us!!!! However, we have never been there and do not know what kind of clothes to pack for the trip. We will be going to Morocco for a day and evening as well. <BR> <BR>We really never pack too heavy for European trip so that too is a concern. <BR> <BR> Your help is much appreciated

Invited? I would think that your hosts can and should answer your questions. <BR> <BR>There is a rather "ritzy set" that likes to vacation in Marbella - - so I think that this is a "social" question as much as a question about "tourist" apparel. <BR> <BR>But if in doubt, the same "resort" wear that would work in Palm Beach, Florida will work in Marbella. It's as much "international/cosmpolitan" or "British" as it is Spanish. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Rex, you forgot one thing. It's very warm in June in southern Spain.

Clothing restrictions are more severe in Morocco -- to be polite, don't bare your arms, legs (I've been told that trousers are fine for both men and women), or head. It's a fascinating place, though -- enjoy!

Rex is right -- Palm Beach wear is a safe bet in Marbella. Morrocco is great, I did a quick weekend trip from Spain. It is amazing and beautiful - a complete overload on the senses. One piece of advice -- wear closed toe shoes if you can (no sandals). Treking around the city markets is great, but sometimes a little dirty! You definitely want to be respectful and not stand out with your dress (as any time you travel in foreign countries). However, I wore long pants and a short sleeve shirts and did not cover my head the entire time. I didn't have any problems. Have a blast - you will love it!

Are you all referring to Tangier in Morocco? Because if it is, Tangier is a waste of time, not worth wasting time in when you could take the day to head out to Ronda, Arcos, or Seville. PLEASE those Morocco-enthusiasts (on this thread), where exactly in Morocco are you talking about? <BR> <BR>Marc, what are your sightseeing plans while in Marbella?

Maira, what do you recomend for Marbella. I love photography and will be bringing all my eqpt with me, so we would take any options you have.

Marbella is a fabulous town, literally. Rex made a good analogy when he compared it with Palm Beach. In the summer, it is known as the playground for royalty and for the rich & famous (when Michael Douglas divorced his Spanish wife, the house in Marbella was the only thing he considered non-negotiable). For great people-watching just stroll around the busy harbor or seat at one of the many bars by the seafront promenade. You will not believe the bikinis at La Fontanilla beach (in August is impossible to find a spot). For great photographs, get to the Rock of Gibraltar, great pictures from Picos de Europa (pass the Royal Navy base); on a clear day you can take gorgeous pictures of the African coast, if you head inland you'll find beautiful ceramics and themes (pottery) in Ojen. For scenery also, get to Casares, a white-washed medieval village on a hill, just breathtaking. Although modern, however, the Moorish influence can still be seen in Marbella's Old quarter around Plaza de los Naranjos. Do not miss a stroll after 7pm in this beautiful square. Have a great time!

Just a note... the home that Michael Douglas would not give up is in MALLORCA, not Marbella. Marbella is where Princess Diana always went to vacation and it is where Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith have a house. Sean Connery used to, but the area became too overdeveloped for his taste.

OOps! You are right. MALLORCA. Never mind....

Must I take a suit? Can i get away with just taking a sportcoat?

Dark sports jacket, grey pants, white shirt, tie with reddish or royal blue background. You are good to go.

Michael Douglas' wife was not Spanish. She was American.

Diandra Luker, Michael Douglas's first wife was born in Spain, the daughter of a wealthy British businessman. She was 19 y/o and studying at Georgetown University when she met MD at a pre-inagural party for Jimmy Carter in 1977. They married three months later, she had no idea who he was (she could barely speak English if I recalled details of the interview correctly). No pre-nup signed, so when they divorced in '99, she walked away with 60 million dollars. Not bad.

Marc: <BR>Rex is on the money. My DH and I were in Marbella...Puerto Banus specifically for three incredible nights/4 days. <BR>PLEASE DO NOT WEAR: Dark anything. You will be out of step. Wear something fashionable and if you must wear a dark suit get the best tie of COLOR that you can find that you like. You can "do" the sport coat...I do not wanna' fight w/other posters, but it had better be one that draws compliments.(smile) More importantly, don't stress, have fun and wear what makes you feel comfortable. My DH who is really laid back, looked to me every day and night when we were in Puerto Banus. It is "all that" as they say. <BR> <BR>Your wife should go for her most comfortable "top end" after 5 wear. The women in Spain dress their butts off. In Marbella/Puerto Banus that bar is raised to the highest level. <BR> <BR>Finally: What are you bringing your host for their gift? You have been invited to a place that you will never forget... Morocco for a day/night? Find out how you are going to get there. If it is by ferry you will need a little more time. If it is by ferry, you may only go as far as Tangier which is IMO: HORRIBLE. You need more time for "real" Morocco which is FANTASTIC! <BR>For diplomacy, yes, Tangier is REAL too. <BR>Dress in Morocco is tricky. Your wife can do as she pleases BUT, she must stick close to you if she does. This is one place where you do not walk away from your spouse if you have a spat. I was kissing more husband butt....(smile) <BR> <BR>Happy Travels <BR>Oaktown