PUERTO BANUS

Puerto Banus is undoubtedly one of the major tourist attractions on the Costa del Sol with over 5 million visitors a year including a continuous stream of ‘A’ list celebrities. Marbella’s luxury marina was established in 1970 by its founder José Banus. In total there is room for 915 births.  Even the King of Saudi Arabia docks his vast yacht there.

On either side of the marina are several luxury beach clubs including The Ocean Club where Veuve Clicquot champagne spraying parties are a regular feature, Plaza Beach Club and La Sala Beach Club. Puerto Banus is nowadays one of the most popular places for tourists coming over for a ‘Hen’ or ‘Stag’ party or for a long weekend playing golf on some of the surrounding golf courses.

There are a plethora of Hotels including The Park Plaza, Benabola Hotel and Suites and for those with a limited budget the very reasonably priced PYR.

Puerto Banus, regarded as the Rodeo Drive of Southern Spain, is hailed as a Mecca for the discerning shopper.  The Port over the last few years has undergone a major luxury facelift and the exclusive seaside mall now boasts a multitude of global brands.  All of the major names are on parade and even the most seasoned of retail therapists, will not be disappointed. Brands include: Gucci, Chanel, Agent Provocateur, Brioni, Bulgari, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Tods, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and La Perla among many others. For those ex-pats wishing for a taste of England there is Iceland with the recently opened Ambrosia Gourmet Food Market next door.

The entrance or arrival is all important for many who own one of the hallowed port passes and nothing shows the personality of a person, whether famous, rich or understated, than the car or mode of transport in which they arrive. This competitive spirit is ever-present in Puerto Banus and needless to say, whilst either walking alongside the marina, the latest top of the range sports cars are always in public view. Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Porsches and more are never out of sight or sound.  Therefore has opened its arms to wide to greet this arena of hedonistic big boy toys; if price is not a concern, it is possible to find any vehicle whether it be on land or sea to buy or rent.

Puerto Banus has everything to offer visitors and residents alike especially with those wishing to party through the night.  Nightclubs include Pangia, Tibu, karaoke bar Crystals, and Bijoux Banus recently voted ‘the best bar on the port’ by trip Advisor.

Such is the opulent status of Puerto Banus that both entrances to the port had grand statues strategically placed one in 2004, a three-ton statue of a rhinoceros by Salvador Dali and the other La Victoria, 26 metres tall, a gift from the Mayor of Moscow.

In the town itself, there is the large department store El Cortes Ingles with the Marina Banus shopping center directly opposite and a large cinema on Antonio Banderas Square currently undergoing a major face-lift ensuring that the glamour of the Port is continuously maintained.

Therefore it is hardly surprising that one of the major events in the Marbella calendar is the Marbella Luxury Weekend held throughout the Port, showcasing the very best of Marbella and supported by Marbella’s Town Council Tourism Delegation.  With regards to culture, there is the Sammer Gallery where they exhibit contemporary art and sculptures.

Puerto Banus undoubtedly still remains the jewel in the crown on the Costa del Sol.