Puerto Banus
One of the most lavish resorts in the world, Puerto Banús is to Marbella what Marbella
is to the rest of the Costa del Sol: same glorious climate, same baking sun, but
more glamorous, more luxurious and more exclusive. It was built in 1970 by the Spanish
property developer Jose Banús. Known as the State Builder, Banús was a great friend
of General Franco and was given absolute licence to develop the area of land 6 km
west of Marbella. The resulting marina and casino complex, coupled with the notoriety
of its designer, caught the attention of the paparazzi, who continue to track goings
on there to this day. Ever since its opening, which was attended by 1,700 guests
including the Aga Khan, Hugh Hefner, Roman Polanski, and Prince Rainier and Princess
Grace of Monaco, it has been a playground for the obscenely rich and their gorgeous
hangers on.
The focal point of Puerto Banús is the marina, where there is space for 915 boats
of different sizes. Some of the world’s wealthiest people have berths there. King
Fahd of Saudi Arabia’s boat Shaf is moored near the old tower and is a popular point
of reference. Many of the yachts enjoy views of La Concha Mountain, one of the best
known landmarks on the coast; most people, however, are more excited by the rows
of glossy bronzed bodies that line the gleaming white decks. The only cultural object
is Salvador Dali’s three-ton sculpture of a rhinoceros, known as Rinoceronte vestido
con puntillas (Rhinoceros dressed in lace), which was placed on the promenade in
2004. There are beaches on either side of the harbour, where people unfortunate
enough not to have yachts go to pose by the crystal waters. Unlike in most Costa
del Sol resorts, water sports are not particularly popular here; the risk of sea
water marking a designer bikini is too great! There is, however, an outstanding
aquarium.
The most popular sport is, of course, shopping. High end boutiques line the streets
around the harbour. Versace, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and DKNY all have stores here,
while Armani, Cerruti, Kenzo, Valentino and Christian Dior are stocked in shops
such as Mic Mac and Royal House. For those on lower budgets, El Corte Inglés is
Spain’s most famous department store, and Marina Banús shopping centre houses high-street
names such as Mango and Zara. Watch out for viciously pointed elbows – in the race
to find the perfect party dress, any tactics are allowed.
Restaurants here are many and excellent. While most are gourmet, with prices to
match, there are a couple of international chains such as TGI Fridays for people
who’ve overspent. Seafood is the obvious choice. Night time is when the marina really
comes into itself, with a wide array of bars and clubs, all with stern bouncers
and terrifying dress codes. If you’re seriously good looking, you might get invited
to one of the phenomenal parties that make this place such a magnet for the elite
– be prepared for excess.