55 reviews
Table of contents
Upcoming events
Today: April 24th
26
Apr
Recent Blogs
In this blog, we will take a look at the history of Puerto Banus, from its founding to its present-day status as one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in Spain. Puerto Banus is a relatively modern development that was created in the 1970s by the famous Spanish developer, Jose Banus. The area was once a small fishing village called Nueva Andalucia, located just a few kilometers from the historic town of Marbella.
At the moment the marina is known for its exclusive boutiques, high-end restaurants, and lavish yachts. Puerto Banus attracts visitors from all over the world who are looking for a glamorous and exciting vacation experience.
Jose Banus envisioned creating a luxury marina that would rival the most exclusive ports in the world, attracting wealthy visitors and celebrities to the area. He commissioned the renowned architect, Noldi Schreck, to design the marina, which features a unique design inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture.
The marina was officially opened in 1970 and quickly became a popular destination for the rich and famous. It was also a catalyst for the development of the surrounding area, with luxury apartments, villas, and high-end boutiques and restaurants popping up around the marina.
What to do in Puerto Banús?
Night Clubs
We love Puert Banús, even though Puerto Banús sometimes has a wrong name. We think this is partly due to the many Lamborghinis, huge yachts, Rolex and champagne bottles that are flying around your ears around Puerto Banús.
15 Mar. 2024
The Founding of Puerto Banus
The idea for Puerto Banus was born in the 1960s when local businessman José Banús decided to build a luxury marina in the coastal town of Marbella. Banús saw an opportunity to attract the rich and famous to the area by creating a marina that would rival those in the French Riviera.
The Developer
José Banús Masdeu was born in Masó, Taragona in 1906 and left school at fourteen to work with his father, a constructor. The father-son team moved to Madrid and founded ‘Construcciones Molan y Banús’, which won a contract to build the access road to Valle de los Caidos. In the late 1950s, he purchased the land between the Guadaliza and Verde Rivers. His plans for the touristic development and promotion of the land were awarded in 1964, reportedly to build the ‘Centre of National Tourist Interest of Andalucía la Nueva (Marbella)’ and commercialize it for 99 years in the name of his company, José Banús SA.
Hotels & Resorts
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella
Live like a rock star at the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, where the stunning surroundings of Puerto Banús meet the legendary Hard Rock brand. With an adults-only atmosphere, the hotel offers the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both. Book your stay now and experience the best of Marbella!
Open 24 hours
Hotels & Resorts
Benabola Hotel & Suites
Discover the vibrant marina, shopping, dining, and beach scene of Puerto Banús during your stay at the Benabola Hotel & Suites. With its top-notch facilities and excellent service, this hotel is the perfect choice for a luxurious and convenient holiday experience in Marbella.
Open 24 hours
Hotels & Resorts
Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus
Unwind in the lap of luxury and take in the breathtaking views of Puerto Banús and the Mediterranean Sea at Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banús, the perfect destination for a memorable and relaxing holiday
Open 24 hours
Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Marbella Banús
Experience the perfect holiday location at Meliá Marbella Banús, located in the heart of Puerto Banús just 100 metres from the beach. Explore the surrounding area and enjoy the nearby marina, shops, and restaurants.
Open 24 hours
Hotels & Resorts
Boutique Hotel B51
"Escape to the heart of Puerto Banús and enjoy the exclusive lifestyle of the Costa del Sol at Boutique Hotel B51, where relaxation and adventure await."
Open 24 hours
The Architects:
Banús commissioned architect Antonio Lamela to prepare preliminary designs for a new marina. It would be the first marina on the Costa del Sol and the first in Spain to be built with private capital. Lamela’s designs featured a futuristic semicircle of six 16-storey tower blocks. On hearing of the project, Alfonso Hohenlohe, founder of the Marbella Club Hotel, was horrified and stated: “If this project goes ahead, I will sell my hotel and leave Marbella with all my family and friends.” A conciliatory meeting between him and Banús was orchestrated by Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra, after which Hohenlohe compromised by telephoning his favorite Architect Noldi Schreck in Mexico city to co-develop a project with Banús. He enlisted the help of architect Noldi Schreck to design the marina, which was built on a former fishing village.
Puerto Banus in 2023
Early Development
Puerto Banus was officially opened in May 1970, and it immediately began to attract a high-end clientele. The marina was designed to accommodate luxury yachts, and it quickly became a popular spot for wealthy boat owners. In addition to the marina, Banús also built a commercial center that featured exclusive boutiques and upscale restaurants. The commercial center was modeled after the famous La Croisette in Cannes, and it became a popular destination for wealthy shoppers.
Puerto Banús Opens
Puerto Banús had two inaugurations in 1970. The much more publicized opening party was attended by 1,700 people, including Prince Reiner of Monaco and Grace Kelly, Shāh Karim al-Husayni (Aga Khan IV) creator of Porto Cebo in Italy, and international celebrities.
Restaurants
Los Bandidos
Experience a culinary journey like no other at Los Banditos, the must-visit restaurant in the heart of Puerto Banús.
Closed Now
Restaurants
Occo Marbella
Occo Marbella is a unique and sophisticated Dinner Club concept in Puerto Banús, Marbella, offering an unforgettable night out with exclusive dining, live DJs, and delicious drinks. The restaurant serves Lebanese cuisine.
Closed Now
Restaurants
Amaï (Ocean Club restaurant)
Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience at Amaï, where exquisite Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine come together in perfect harmony.
Now open,
Closing at 17:00
Closing at 17:00
Restaurants
Nu Downtown
Experience the ultimate fusion of exquisite Asian cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and sophisticated ambiance at NU Downtown. For a night you won't forget!
Closed Now
OUR CHOICE
Restaurants
Mistral Beach
Experience the ultimate in luxury and relaxation at Mistral Beach Club - your perfect beachside retreat!
Now open,
Closing at 20:00
Closing at 20:00
Restaurants
La Habana Lounge
Come and indulge in the delicious flavours and lively atmosphere of La Habana Lounge, and experience the best dining experience in Marbella!
Closed Now
Restaurants
Paradise beach
Don't miss out on the chance to experience delicious food and stunning views at Paradise Beach – book your table now!
Now open,
Closing at 23:00
Closing at 23:00
Restaurants
Naga Thai Marbella
Indulge in the exquisite Thai cuisine and soak in the luxurious ambiance at Naga, the premier dining destination in Puerto Banús, Marbella.
Closed Now
Restaurants
Banus Beach
Banús Beach: A coastal retreat where luxury harmonizes with the sea's soothing melody. Nestled in Puerto Banús, this beach haven invites you to escape into an exquisite blend of accessible charm and panoramic beauty. Discover the allure of Banús Beach – where every visit is a celebration of coastal living.
Now open,
Closing at 19:00
Closing at 19:00
Oil Crisis, 1973
In 1973, there was an oil crisis that caused Puerto Banús to lose money. But in 1978, after gambling was allowed again in Spain, Banús opened a new casino Torre del Duque, complete with restaurant, swimming pools, and Beach Club..
However, the casino alone was not enough to make up for the losses. So, in 1980, Banús sold parts of Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús to King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, which led to the construction of the Benabolá complex. He also sold Las Brisas Golf and the eastern half of Nuevo Andalucía in 1981 to avoid foreclosure from bank loans. He relocated the casino to the west wing of Hotel Andalucía Plaza and sold the operating rights.
Banús died in 1984 without children, and his wife died in 1992. The inheritance passed to the family of his brother Juan, and his children have since been in a dispute over the distribution of the inheritance.
New President
Alberto Vidiella Tudores became the President and majority shareholder of the Puerto José Banús SA company.
Coastal Law
Back in 1988, under ‘la Ley de Costas’ (coastal law), all private beaches and marinas were declared public, and ownership changed to time-based concessions. In the case of marinas, this was 30 years.
50th Anniversary
2020 was the 50th anniversary of Puerto Banús. Marbella Town Hall commissioned a 350,000 € video and promotional campaign to celebrate the anniversary, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the anniversary passed largely unnoticed.
Evolution into a Vibrant Destination
Over the years, Puerto Banus continued to grow and evolve into the vibrant destination it is today. The marina has expanded to accommodate even larger yachts, and the commercial center has continued to attract high-end retailers and restaurants. In addition to its luxury offerings, Puerto Banus has also become a popular spot for nightlife, with a wide variety of bars and clubs that cater to a diverse crowd.
Despite its popularity, Puerto Banus has managed to maintain its exclusive reputation. The marina is still a favorite spot for wealthy boat owners, and the commercial center continues to feature high-end retailers and restaurants. Visitors to Puerto Banus can expect to see some of the world's most expensive yachts, as well as celebrities and other high-profile individuals.
A day in Puerto Banus in 2023, a video impression
Puerto Banus, the most expensive port in Europe and home to many designer brands from Louis Vuitton to Christian Dior. We made a video impression of this luxury marina.
Conclusion
Puerto Banus has come a long way since its founding in the 1970s. What was once a small fishing village is now a world-class destination for luxury travel. The marina and commercial center have continued to evolve over the years, but Puerto Banus has managed to maintain its exclusive reputation. Visitors to Puerto Banus can expect to experience a unique blend of luxury, nightlife, and celebrity culture. It's no wonder that this glamorous destination continues to be a favorite among travelers from all over the world.
Tips
What to do in Puerto Banús?
We love Puert Banús, even though Puerto Banús sometimes has a wrong name. We think this is partly due to the many Lamborghinis, huge yachts, Rolex and champagne bottles that are flying around your ears around Puerto Banús.
15 Mar 2024
Events
Experience the Power and Luxury of Saxdor Yachts: A Unique Test Drive Event in Marbella
Argo Yachting Invites You to the Set Sail with Saxdor – Discover Unmatched Performance and Elegance on the Waters of Puerto Banús Hello there, marvellous Marbella mariners and sea lovers! Today, we at Marbslifestyle.com are absolutely thrilled to announce an event that promises to be an extraordinary marine extravaganza. Mark your calendars, for the Set […]
05 Aug 2023
Shopping
A Shopaholic’s Paradise: The Marina of Puerto Banús
Picture this: a sunny day, the sparkling Mediterranean, and a luxurious shopping experience in one of the most stunning marinas in the world. Welcome to the Marina of Puerto Banús, the heart of Marbella’s opulent lifestyle! We are thrilled to share our favourite shopping escape, where we explore the best designer stores, dined on gourmet […]
18 May 2023
Hotels
Top 7 boutique hotels in Marbella
The best boutique hotels in Marbella listed In this blog post, we will introduce you to what we believe are the most charming boutique hotels in Marbella and its surrounding area. Personally, when we go on vacation, Simone always opts for a boutique hotel. Such hotels tend to offer a more personalised experience than their […]
01 Mar 2023
Hotels
Top 6 Bed & Breakfast in Marbella
Enjoy one of the perfect B&Bs in Marbella? We have listed them for you. Book now at MarbsLifestyle.com
01 Mar 2023
Hotels
Stay Awhile! – Top 10 Hotels in Marbella
Looking for the best hotels in Marbella? We have made a top 10 of the best and most beautiful hotels in Marbella for you!
23 Feb 2023
Kids
Dolphin Spotting in Marbella: A Guide to the Best Experience
Spot dolphins at Los Monteros beach and Cabopino beach Every time we are very excited and amazed when we often see the dolphins jumping by in large groups. Sometimes very close to the coast. And this is not only fun for children to see. Everyone gets up from his beach or restaurant chair and walks […]
13 Feb 2023
Adventures
Our all time favorite: Walking the Golden Mile
Explore the captivating journey of walking the Golden Mile in Marbella. Immerse yourself in adventure and discover the allure of this iconic coastal path.
10 Feb 2023
Tips
What to do in Marbella, the guide!
Marbella's famous for its stunning beaches. There's a 27 km (17 miles) coastline with 24 beaches. These beaches are different and range from family-friendly to nudist beaches. Most beaches have restaurants, beach bars, and shops catering to the needs of holidaymakers.
05 Jan 2023