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Puerto Banús only dates back to 1970. Looking to create a luxury resort, developer José Banús enlisted

the architect behind Beverly Hills who steered him away from visions of high rises. Andalusian villages were the main influence, with white villas dotted around a marina consisting of 915 berths for

boats, including the King of Saudi Arabia’s. A symbol of glamour and decadence, it was a little known playground for the ultra wealthy and celebrities, but its reputation has grown in recent years. Puerto Banús is now one of the largest entertainment centres in the region and attracts five million visitors annually.

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It is located south west of Marbella on the Costa del Sol in the region of Malaga, between the Mediterranean Sea and Sierra Blanca. Creating a dramatic backdrop, this jagged mountain range is named after the striking grey limestone and helps produce a unique microclimate, ensuring over 300 days of sunshine each year and a mean temperature of 18 degrees.

It’s often said that Puerto Banús has two distinct personalities: night and day.

During the day, there are sumptuous spas to unwind in, boats to be charted and cosmopolitan restaurants to sample. It is also known for its high-end boutiques that include every designer imaginable, from Chanel to Cavalli and Gucci to Givenchy. But the nightlife seems to be the main attraction, with a collection of super clubs, extravagant beach parties, champagne bars and world-class restaurants.

You can find the relaxed Spanish culture here, too. Some of Spain’s most renowned golf courses are nearby in the Neuva Andalucia valley. There is also a local market to explore that is the largest on the Costa del Sol, while endless tapas bars and pavement cafés offer plenty of places in which to unwind. “BanúS is now one of

the largest entertainment centres in the region and attracts five million visitors annually

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Marbella

Puerto Banus

Mediterranean Sea

information

Dramatic backdrop:

The Sierra Blanca mountain range

Marina of millionaires:

Puerto Banus’ luxurious aquatic playground

Costa Del Surrealism:

Dalí’s Rhinoceros

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