“Life is a fashion show, the world is your runway” (Marc Jacobs)
Sitting at the southwest seafront of Spain’s luxurious Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús and its opulent marina has been a hotspot for the rich and famous since the 70s. An enclave of indulgence, renowned for its designer brands, high-end lifestyle, restaurants and nightlife, this luxurious Mediterranean destination is a style connoisseur’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to shop the latest collections in haute couture, admire the super yachts, or simply people-watch over a top-tier cocktail, Puerto Banús promises a sophisticated experience.
Article by Sophie Gatward-Wicks
A Glimpse into the Past: The Birth of Puerto Banús
The vision for Puerto Banús began in the late 1960s when local property developer José Banús recognised Marbella’s growing reputation as a retreat for Europe’s elite. Inspired by Marbella’s status as a haven for royalty and aristocrats, he sought to create an exclusive marina that merged luxury with Andalusian charm. Partnering with architects Noldi Schreck and Marcos Sainz—who had already gained recognition for their work on the Marbella Club Hotel—José Banús rejected the idea of towering skyscrapers in favour of a more traditional Mediterranean aesthetic that echoed Marbella’s roots as an elegant fishing village.
The marina officially opened in 1970 with a star-studded launch party attended by luminaries like Roman Polanski, Hugh Hefner, and Monaco’s royal couple, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Even a young Julio Iglesias performed for the event. From its inception, Puerto Banús was designed to be a playground for the world’s wealthiest, offering not just luxury yachts but also exclusive shopping, dining, and glamorous nightlife.
This affluent reputation has only grown over the decades. Its combination of prime coastal location, temperate climate, and world-class amenities has made it a year-round destination for the international jet set, including celebrities, royals, and business magnates. Today, the marina houses over 900 vessels, many of them super yachts, and its famous Golden Mile connects it to Marbella town, enhancing its appeal as one of Europe’s premier lifestyle hubs
High-End Brands to Discover in Puerto Banús
With over 100 luxury brands to discover in the front lines of Puerto Banús alone, we’ve listed the top 20 in high fashion designers:
- Louis Vuitton: Located at the marina’s heart, offering timeless handbags, ready-to-wear, and exclusive in-store experiences.
- Gucci: Unmistakable Italian flair awaits you with standout pieces from runway collections.
- Hermès: Known for their iconic Birkin bags and scarves, this boutique epitomises luxury.
- Versace: A two-storey store showcasing vibrant apparel, accessories, and fragrances.
- Christian Dior: A must-visit for elegant couture and the latest seasonal trends.
- Jimmy Choo: Indulge in the finest shoes, bags, and accessories perfect for Marbella’s upscale events.
- Dolce & Gabbana: Multiple locations feature their signature bold designs, alongside a chic Martini Bar overlooking the marina.
- Chanel: Elegance redefined, featuring their classic tweed suits and iconic fragrances.
- Salvatore Ferragamo: Known for exquisite Italian leather goods and refined footwear.
- Hugo Boss: Sophisticated tailoring and casual elegance for men and women.
- Carolina Herrera: Classic, feminine designs alongside chic fragrances.
- Tom Ford: Sleek, modern luxury spanning clothing, beauty, and eyewear.
- Balenciaga: Contemporary styles that blend cutting-edge design with heritage.
- Michael Kors: Offers contemporary luxury with handbags, footwear, and ready-to-wear collections.
- Prada: Known for bold, innovative designs that set global trends.
- Fendi: Known for its Italian sophistication and signature bags like the Baguette and Peekaboo, Fendi’s boutique is situated in the heart of the marina.
- Valentino: Featuring timeless elegance and bold designs, this boutique is a must-visit for fans of haute couture.
- Bvlgari: Exquisite jewelry and timepieces from one of Italy’s most luxurious brands.
- Rolex Boutique – Ideal: A dedicated boutique offering the iconic Swiss timepieces.
- Cartier: Synonymous with sophistication, offering premium watches and jewelry.
In addition to standalone boutiques, the El Corte Inglés department store nearby offers a consolidated experience of hundreds more luxury womenswear and menswear brands, jewelry, homegoods and more, including Chloé, Armani, Burberry, Missoni and Roberto Cavalli, with personal shoppers available on request if you’d like expert advice on the latest trends.
For those who love variety, just opposite El Corte Inglés is the Marina Banus shopping centre, with a collection of 17 stores including Zara, Oysho and Massimo Dutti, as well as plenty of high quality clothing stores lining the streets that flank the department store.
When discussing the best locations for shopping in the area, La Cañada Shopping Centre and Marbella’s charming Old Town cannot go unmentioned. Both offer boutique gems and high-street labels. Combined, these areas ensure every taste is catered to, from beloved basics to bespoke leather goods, and traditional Spanish dress to avant-garde runway looks.
Beyond Fashion
Shopping in Puerto Banús isn’t just about clothes; it’s an experience. Unwind at waterfront cafés, explore its exceptional culinary scene during the evening, or indulge in sun soaked activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, yacht charters and more!
And if you don’t feel the need for sea-fairing, you can cruise through your day in style, with a choice of luxury cars to rent, from Rolls Royce to Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Aston Martin’s and even Mini Moke’s!
Then there are the special events to keep an eye out for. The Marbella Luxury Weekend showcases the finest in art, automobiles, and fashion, while the Puerto Banús Supercar Rally displays some of the most exquisite supercars from around the globe.
