What is the first thing that pops in to your mind with the mention of Puerto Banús? Most people instantly envisage a large marina, luxury superyachts, exciting nightlife and beautiful beaches. Around 5 million people visit the beautiful marina and beaches every year, and Puerto Banús beach apartments and luxury villas are at top of most savvy property investors shopping list.
Rival to St.Tropez
Part of the municipality of Marbella, Puerto Banús is located on the western side of the Costa del Sol. It is a relatively new resort which was created by the developer José Banús in the 1970s. His vision was to create a must-do destination to rival the fashionable French resorts of San Tropez and Monte Carlo in order to attract the rich and famous.
The resort was launched with a suitably star-studded opening party attended by 1,700 guests with music provided by a young Julio Iglesias. Jose Banús, in partnership with Noldi Schreck and Marcos Sainz the architects responsible for designing the Marbella Club Hotel) turn the marina into a millionaire’s playground, that still bears his name today.
A 25-metre bronze victory statue (designed by Georgian sculpture Zurab Tsereteli and gifted by the Mayor of Moscow), stands at the entrance welcoming over 5 million visitors to Puerto Banús each year. Many of whom dream of snapping up one of the few Puerto Banús beach apartments that come up for sale.
The marina is lined with a fantastic array of restaurants and bars overlooking the marina, where you can see an assortment of uber luxury superyachts gently swaying in the water. There is also a high concentration of designer stores offering big name brands like Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Hermes. If you are looking for more budget conscious fashion, there are plenty of option in the El Corte Ingles and the Marina Banús shopping mall. The ‘port’ is bustling with diners, shoppers and beach lovers by day, then when the sun goes down Puerto Banús beach clubs and nightclubs come alive.
If you are planning to eat out in Puerto Banús, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets from Thai to Indian, Italian such as a the recently opened Restaurante Arrozante adjacent to the Occidental Puerto Banús, modern European, Argentinian, Moroccan, Lebanese and of course specialist fish restaurants, beachside chiringitos, cafes and of course beach bars, like the perennially popular Astral Beach.
Restaurants around the marina can be a little pricey but you are paying for the view of the water where super yachts are moored. Of course, there are some cheaper establishments like Picasso’s, which is always busy and serves great value pizzas.
When we talk about Puerto Banús nightlife, it generally includes the restaurants and clubs just a few minutes’ walk from the port, below the bullring. Here you’ll find La Sala, Breathe and The Oak Firehouse. At the heart of Puerto Banús, you’ll find a number of well-known venues, which are a must-do for any dedicated clubber including Pangea and Tibu. If you like beach clubs, you will not be disappointed, there are plenty of venues to tempt you, such as the Ocean Club Marbella or La Sala by the Sea.
5-star hotels and Michelin star gastronomy
Within just a few minutes’ drive you can head to the Golden Mile, where there is a superb choice of restaurants within both the Marbella Club Hotel and the Puente Romano Beach Resort (including Michelin starred Dani García’s award-winning Leña restaurant. Within the same location there is the relatively new addition of the Boho Club, a relaxed boutique hotel and restaurant Roostiq offering an upmarket take on pizza and lots more.
Outdoor lifestyle
As you may expect in one of the world’s most popular beach resorts, you can indulge in virtually any type of water sport, including Jet Skiing, paddle boarding, water skiing, parasailing, flyboarding or charter a yacht or enjoy a dolphin watching trip. There is also the Fly Blue catamaran running a regular boat service between Puerto Banús and Marbella, providing great views of the coastline as you travel. If you fancy a game of tennis, you can head to the Puente Romano Beach Resort Tennis Club or enjoy a round of golf at one of the superb courses within local vicinity, such as Aloha Golf Club, Banús Executive Golf, Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, to name but a few.
Puerto Banús has excellent links to the other major resorts along the coast via the Costa del Sol toll road (AP-7) and the picturesque N340 coast road. Málaga airport can be reached in around 50 minutes and with so many frequent flights from the main European cities, it is the perfect short-haul destination.
If you are considering investing in luxury homes in Marbella or Puerto Banús, get in touch with Andara Villas for specialist high end real estate agent services.