Article by Victoria Wood
“Marbella has more Ferraris & Lamborghinis per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world”. That statement paints a luxury picture. So how luxe is Marbella really? We take a look at all the high-end designer stores that line the streets of Puerto Banús & Marbella.
The jet-set have been frequenting the streets of Marbella for many years, especially since the creation of Puerto Banús in 1970. There are many high-end establishments peppered throughout, not to mention the glitz and glamour that are the clientele. As well as the star-studded nightclubs and beach bars, Marbella and Puerto Banús feature a plethora of designer stores that will tug firmly on those purse strings and delight the most discerning procurer!
Within the cobbled streets of Marbella’s old town you’ll stumble across plenty of quaint old Spanish clothing shops and souvenirs aplenty yet within those whitewashed walls there are also some of the most well-known labels from around the world. Along the famous Avenída Ricardo Soriano are some of your more high-street names dotted alongside some of the most renowned houses of haute couture and jewellery the globe has to offer. As well as all the biggest names there are independent boutique stores, handmade leather goods and designer vintage stores.
Puerto Banús is synonymous with decadence and wealth, known worldwide as a playground for the rich and famous, the streets are almost literally lined with gold. Since its exuberant launch in May 1970 by its namesake José Banús, the Andalucían-village style marina has lured the affluent with its waterfront luxury. My first experience of this lavish location was as a ten-year-old child whose jaw appropriately dropped at the sight of those boats. Nine-hundred and fifteen berths spread over fifteen hectares with wharves boasting some of the most luxurious super yachts in the world. Here you can choose to sit and people, boat and luxury car watch at a frontline café, indulge in a sumptuous meal, party all night or simply meander in and out of the countless designer shops. The frontline of Puerto Banús is strewn with exclusive stores – you’ll struggle to find one that isn’t!
Here are just some of the high-end shops you can locate in Marbella and Puerto Banús.
Louis Vuitton sits comfortably at the far end of the marina in full view to all passing trade. You can wander in but you may wish to book an in-store appointment so that you can receive the undivided attentions of an allocated attendant.
- Muelle Ribera, Casa N Marbella, 29660 Puerto Banús.
Versace has a two-storey outlet in the second line of Puerto Banús marina. Here you’ll find the Milano label’s apparel as well as accessories & fragrances for both men & women. Alternatively you can take a short walk over to El Corte Inglés which also features a Versace commission within its clothing floors.
- Calle Ribera, Local 7, Casa P, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
- El Corte Ingles – Calle Ramón Areces, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
Michael Kors you’ll find centrally located in Puerto Banús on the frontline facing the yachts and boats. All the latest lines in their iconic bags and accessories as well as clothing for both men and women are available in store. Again, you can also find an outlet within the El Corte Ingles shopping complex.
- Planta Baja 13 Pueblo Marinero De, Calle Ribera, 29660, Málaga
- El Corte Ingles – Calle Ramón Areces, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
Clustered along the main drag of the marina in Puerto Banús (as well as some being available within the El Corte Inglés shopping centre) are Christian Dior, Gucci, D-Squared, Jimmy Choo, and Burberry.
- Muelle de la Rivera, 29660 Marbella
At the opposite end of the main strip you’ll also stumble across the high-end retailer that is Hermès carrying all their luxury items including their famous scarves, handbags and accessories.
- Calle Ribera, 11, Bajo, Casa E, 29660 Marbella
Hugo Boss decided to veer away from the glitzy dazzle of the port itself and found a spot just behind the market square Av. Rotary Internacional, 29, 31, 29660 Marbella. You can also find both men’s and women’s clothing and fragrances in both El Corte Inglés and La Cañada shopping centres.
Dolce & Gabbana have three outlets within Puerto Banús alone, plus one in Marbella town. They went one step further and opened a stunning terrace offering cocktails overlooking the marina. The Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar is SO Puerto Banús, you can literally visualise the celebrities sipping away on their espresso Martinis surrounded by their most recently bagged purchases.
Other big names you’ll find dotted around the Marbella area include Salvatore Ferragamo, Karen Millen, Carolina Herrera, Chloe, Missoni, Armani, Tom Ford and Agent Provocateur. There is absolutely no shortage of designer goods to be found here, and if you feel the urge to travel in style from one store to the next there are plenty of luxury car rentals to be found. From Lamborghinis to Ferraris, Hummers, Range Rovers, Aston Martins, Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Porsche, BMW, you name it, you can find it here. And if you don’t want to drive yourself, no problem, they can come equipped with a chauffeur…Welcome to Marbella!