Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Puerto Banús
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Peaceful garden setting in Puerto Banús[/caption]
The modern-day Puerto Banús renowned as an international hub of luxury and glamour had more discreet and aristocratic beginnings – but its celebrated destiny was always part of a carefully orchestrated master plan. The marina’s origins date to the 1960s when property developer José Banús had the idea of creating a port that would become a cornerstone of Marbella’s tourist industry, social life and economic value.
Earlier, architect Noldi Schreck (who had been involved in the design and construction of Beverly Hills) had been asked by another Costa del Sol pioneer, Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, to work on the Marbella Club Hotel, and as part of that commission he met Banús to convince him the future Puerto Banús was not the right place to build skyscrapers. Rather, he said, it should comprise a sophisticated Andalucian-style and Mediterranean architectural village and marina.
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Puerto Banús[/caption]
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Penthouse Luxury[/caption]
Banús heeded his advice and set about building a seafront complex of ultra-exclusive apartments, offices, boutiques, restaurants and bars – plus several hundred berths for boats ranging from eight to 50 metres in a 15-hectare sheltered port area.
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía (at the time the Prince and Princess of Asturias) and Prince Rainiero and Princess Grace of Monaco were among the dignitaries who attended the inauguration in May 1970, when a reported 22 kilograms of caviar was served to 1,700 guests – who were also serenaded by Julio Iglesias. The marina went on to become a favourite holiday haunt for international royalty, global leaders, and celebrities from the worlds of business, entertainment, culture and sport.
Over the years its VIP visitors have included Mick Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, Ringo Star, Barbara Streisand, Prince, Rod Stewart and Mariah Carey (who filmed a video clip on its wharves).
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Penthouse Luxury[/caption]
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Puerto Banús[/caption]
Today, Puerto Banús maintains that air of glamorous mystique – and its homes are even more sumptuous.
This first-line beach penthouse, for example, is part of a residential complex that includes lushly planted areas designed by a prominent Asian landscape architect, outdoor pool systems on different levels, waterways, waterfalls and lily pools, as well as a fitness area with sauna, Turkish bath, massage and beauty centre, and indoor heated swimming pool.
The apartment itself features light-flooded room layouts, generously proportioned suites, stylish bathrooms and dressing rooms, open-plan reception areas and a modern SieMatic kitchen.
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Antonio Banderas and friends at the Starlite Gala[/caption]
One other celebrity whose name is inexorably linked to Puerto Banús is Antonio Banderas. The main plaza is named after the Málaga-born actor, he owns a villa on the outskirts of Marbella and he is a regular visitor to the city – highlighted every year by his hosting of the charity Starlite Gala.
Banderas has also purchased a penthouse in Málaga, which he plans to have refurbished by Easter (he is closely associated with one of the local Catholic brotherhoods). It looks out over the Roman Theatre monument in the Plaza de la Merced area, just two streets away from the Picasso Museum (Pablo Picasso is one of Málaga’s other famous sons). Banderas and his Dutch girlfriend Nicole Kimpel were in Málaga earlier this week and took the opportunity of visiting the museum and nearby Thyssen Museum.