Raising a Teen Abroad: A Birthday Retrospective of Life in Spain🎉
This year marked Alyssa’s fourth birthday since moving to Spain—and her Sweet 16, no less! I’ve always been big on creating meaningful moments over material things. While gifts come and go, it’s the shared experiences—the laughter, the surprises, the snapshots of joy—that stay with us and become part of our family story.
In parenting, there’s the daily rhythm of care: cheering from the sidelines, comforting during tough moments, cooking favorite meals, and the simple joy of just being there. But birthdays have always been our way of pausing time—creating a little magic, celebrating the people we’ve become, and inviting the people we love into that moment with us.Â
So as Alyssa enters this new chapter, I thought I’d take a stroll down memory lane to share how we’ve celebrated each of her birthdays since beginning our new life in Spain.
Year One in Spain – Lucky 13 in Old Town Marbella
Turning 13 was a coming-of-age moment—her first teen birthday, and our first birthday celebration in a new country. At that age, she was figuring out her independence. Spending a birthday weekend with mom and dad? Not exactly the dream.
Still in the early stages of adjusting to her new international school, Alyssa had just formed a close friendship with a sweet Australian girl, and the two were inseparable. We booked a mini staycation at the charming Hotel La Ciudadela Marbella in the heart of Old Town. Think cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and a quintessential Andalusian charm that made for the perfect “girls’ weekend” vibe.
We arranged nail and pedi appointments at The Nail Room—a cozy, stylish salon that even included lunch service—and followed it with a bit of boutique hopping. That evening, they dined on their own at a restaurant of their choosing while we had our own dinner date at the hotel. They rejoined us later for cake and laughs back at the hotel restaurant before retiring to their room for a girls’ night sleepover and movie marathon. It was Alyssa’s first taste of independence—with the safety net of mom and dad just around the corner.
Year Two – Island Vibes in Mallorca
The following year, Alyssa’s birthday coincided with spring break—so we hopped on a short flight to Mallorca and made it a birthday getaway. She brought her bestie again and we stayed at the stunning Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel Port de Sóller.
This boutique hotel was a dream: colorful boho-chic interiors, panoramic views of the Tramuntana mountains and the sea, and a peaceful port town atmosphere that felt like a hidden gem. Though the weather was a bit too chilly for a beach day, we made the most of it with spa time at a nearby resort, unwinding in saunas and heated indoor pools.
The hotel’s restaurant was also a standout — the food was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of fresh island flavor. We booked a private boat tour around the island, soaking in the views from the water, and wrapped up our final days by exploring art galleries, local boutiques, shopping, and visited Marineland Mallorca before heading to the airport. It was all charm and no stress — a perfect blend of celebration, exploration, and relaxation.
Year Three – Tea Party Picnic on the Beach
At 15, Alyssa was fully settled into Spanish life, surrounded by a lovely group of international girlfriends. She wanted something simple and joyful: a beach picnic with her girls. We called in the pros at Picnic Costa Del Sol and they delivered a Pinterest-worthy tea party setup right on the sand—complete with twinkling lights, plush pillows, and beautifully arranged grazing boards. Her wish list? The beach, sushi, and friends. And we checked every box.
Planning was simple as everything was handled by the event company, and she was able to kick back and soak in the good vibes. That day felt like a turning point—a moment of ease and contentment where we realized she wasn’t just adjusting anymore. Spain had become home.
Year Four – Sweet 16 by the Sea and Under the Stars
This year, Alyssa’s schedule has been consumed by intense study for her iGCSEs (think: the British equivalent of SATs). For a while, it looked like we might skip a big celebration altogether because she didn’t want the added stress of putting energy towards a gathering since all of her focus was dedicated to her midterms and mock iGCSE . But in true Alyssa fashion, she came back around—requesting a celebration that was chill yet elevated, simple yet special.
We kicked things off with a seaside pre-dinner hangout for her and eight friends at Trocadero Playa Marbella—a relaxed beachside chiringuito (beach bar) where she and her friends could enjoy appetizers and refreshments while soaking in golden hour views.
From there, the party moved to Olá Beirut, a stunning Lebanese restaurant nestled within the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace BenahavĂs Marbella Resort. This place was beyond picturesque, with palatial grounds, glowing lanterns, and a sense of calm elegance in every corner.
With the help of the wonderful Lola and her team, we planned every detail: elegant table décor, a curated menu of Alyssa’s favorite dishes, and a beautiful custom cake. The service? Impeccable. The ambiance? Magical. Alyssa and her friends laughed, dined, and enjoyed belly dancing performances—and my heart swelled knowing she felt celebrated.
What I Hope She Remembers
As a mom, all I truly want is for her to look back on these milestones with warmth and fondness. I want her to remember how deeply she was loved—how her birthdays weren’t about extravagance, but about celebrating the person she was becoming.
These years have flown by, and in every gathering, every trip, every small detail, we’ve planted seeds of joy and belonging. It’s not about the size of the celebration, but the memories it creates. Whether it’s two close friends or a table of eight, a day at the beach or a night in a palace—it’s about marking the moment, making it matter.
Living abroad has taught me to lean into presence—to celebrate now, to laugh now, to love now. And watching Alyssa grow into a thoughtful, vibrant, grounded young woman is the greatest gift of all.
Here’s to all the birthdays to come, and the memories we have yet to make. 🥂💛