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The Roman Bridge Lays Ancient Foundations
The story of Puente Romano begins long before the resort itself, with the ancient Roman bridge that still graces its grounds. Constructed in the 1st century AD, this bridge was part of the Via Augusta, a vital Roman road that stretched from Cádiz to Rome, connecting the Iberian Peninsula to the heart of the empire. Spanning the Arroyo de Nagüeles, a now-subdued stream, the bridge is a rare surviving relic of Marbella’s Roman past. While some debate whether its entirety is authentically Roman or if later renovations altered its form, its presence adds a layer of historical depth to the site. Surrounded today by lush subtropical gardens, this cobblestone arch serves as both a namesake and a symbolic link between antiquity and the present.
A Vision Takes Shape with Apartments Turning into a Resort
The modern chapter of Puente Romano began in the mid-20th century, amid the rise of Marbella as a playground for Europe’s elite. In 1974, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, a key figure in shaping Marbella’s jet-set reputation through his nearby Marbella Club Hotel, envisioned a new venture. He commissioned Bolivian-born architect Melvin Villarroel to design a chic, Andalusian village-style apartment complex adjacent to the Marbella Club. Villarroel, a Marbella resident himself, drew inspiration from the region’s traditional architecture—whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, and intimate courtyards—blending it with luxury to cater to the sophisticated clientele flocking to the Costa del Sol.
Initially launched as an exclusive residential complex, Puente Romano comprised 60 privately sold apartments centered around the ancient bridge. The design won accolades, including a prize for the Best Tourist Complex in the World, reflecting its seamless fusion of local culture and upscale comfort. However, in 1979, the trajectory shifted when Syrian businessman Mouaffak Al Midani acquired the remaining units. Recognizing its potential, he transformed the complex into a five-star hotel, converting the spacious apartments into suites. Officially opening as Puente Romano Marbella in 1979, the resort quickly gained international attention.
Celebrities Elevate Puente Romano During the 1980s and Beyond
The 1980s marked a golden era for both Marbella and Puente Romano. As the city blossomed into a bustling tourist hub, the resort became a magnet for celebrities and high-profile visitors. A defining moment came in 1980 when tennis legend Björn Borg chose Puente Romano as the venue for his wedding to Mariana Simionescu. The event thrust the resort into the global spotlight, cementing its status as a haven for the rich and famous. Borg’s connection deepened when he took on the role of director of the Puente Romano Tennis Club, inaugurated in 1979. Under his stewardship, and later that of Wimbledon champion Manolo Santana from 1983 to 1998, the club grew into one of Southern Europe’s finest, hosting prestigious events like the Davis Cup and attracting stars like Boris Becker and Serena Williams.
The resort’s allure extended beyond tennis. Its 3,000-capacity center court doubled as a concert venue, welcoming icons such as Montserrat Caballé, Ray Charles, and Van Morrison. Meanwhile, the hotel’s nightclub, once known as Regine’s, drew luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Streisand. By 1981, Puente Romano had earned membership in The Leading Hotels of the World, a testament to its rising prestige.
Puente Romano Grows and Reinvents Itself in the Modern Era
Over the decades, Puente Romano expanded significantly while staying true to its original charm. From an initial 20 rooms, it grew to encompass over 600 rooms, suites, and villas, bolstered by renovations and new amenities. In 1994, the Shamoon family acquired the property, ushering in a new phase of investment. They introduced modern facilities—conference spaces, a beach club, and an array of dining options—while preserving the resort’s Andalusian soul. The 21st century brought further accolades, including Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Resort in Spain” award in 2016 and recognition as Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel.
Today, Puente Romano spans several hectares along the Golden Mile, offering beachfront luxury, world-class tennis, and over 20 restaurants, from Nobu to Dani García’s Michelin-starred steakhouse. Its design, enhanced by British interior designer Andrew Martin, blends historical elements with contemporary sophistication. The Six Senses Spa, expansive gardens, and proximity to Marbella’s vibrant town center and Puerto Banús marina make it a self-contained paradise.
Luxury and Heritage Define Puente Romano’s Legacy
Puente Romano Marbella’s journey from a Roman bridge to a premier resort reflects Marbella’s own evolution—from a quiet coastal town to a global destination. Its success lies in its ability to honor its roots while embracing innovation, offering guests a blend of history, luxury, and Mediterranean allure. As it approaches its 50th anniversary as a hotel in 2029, Puente Romano remains a symbol of timeless elegance, where the past and present converge under the Andalusian sun.
Whether you’re drawn by the echo of ancient Rome, the glamour of its celebrity past, or the promise of modern indulgence, Puente Romano Marbella continues to captivate, proving that some legacies only grow richer with time.
Contact Information
Address - Puente Romano Marbella, Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Website - www.puenteromano.com
Social Media:
- Instagram - @puenteromanomarbella
- Facebook - Puente Romano Beach Resort
- Twitter/X - @PuenteRomanoMar
