Nueva Andalucía area guide: harmonious and alluring
If Puerto Banús is the playground of the Costa del Sol, then Nueva Andalucía is the lounge area. Neighbouring the resort of Banús, Nueva Andalucía stretches inland from the sea, over undulating terrain that is dotted with a couple of lovely lakes, backdropped by the imposing La Concha Mountain and fringed by some of the finest golf courses in Spain.This is where the rich and the famous really live. While Puerto Banús grabs the headlines and attracts the holidaymakers, the relative seclusion of Nueva Andalucía offers welcome relief from the spotlight for those that seek it. Humongous villas, exclusive gated communities and swathes of luxurious apartment complexes characterise its makeup, creating a community that enjoys all the benefits of Costa del Sol living without any of the inherent drawbacks that come with residing at the heart of one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. For a prospective expat, Nueva Andalucía has everything you are going to need, and more.
When driving or strolling around Nueva Andalucía, the first thing that strikes you is just how pretty everything is. Think Beverly Hills but with the inherent grace and charm of Andalucía: the white-washed and terracotta villas shimmer beautifully under the perennial blue skies, while the tall palm trees and mountainous backdrop create an idyllic setting that seems torn straight from a fairytale, albeit one that comes complete with ubiquitous Porsche Cayennes and Aston Martin DB7s idling in front of lovely restaurants and swish gymnasiums.
What you'll also notice is just how peaceful Nueva Andalucía is. The Mediterranean is right there, below, but the waves cannot be heard. The vibrancy of Puerto Banús is a ten minute walk away but the noise and the crowds rarely venture this far inland. Even the hotels are situated as close to Banús as possible, leaving the rest of the town free to be enjoyed by the locals and the holiday home owners, of which there are many. In fact, Nueva Andalucía has all the ingredients that comprise most people's idea of a 'dream life' in Spain – the spacious apartment with swimming pool; the Mediterranean views; the healthy outdoor lifestyle; the easy transition into a Spanish way of life without having to relinquish the comforts of home; and the peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for raising a family, or retirement.
Although a car is handy for Nueva Andalucía, often the best way to experience its charm is on foot. While hilly, much of the terrain is easy to stroll across, with some splendid views available, particularly those from atop the hill on which the Magna Marbella Cafe sits. From here, both Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara can be viewed, while the side of the hill has its own 9-hole golf course. Head farther inland and there's a lake and scrubland to enjoy, which today is encased by a number of stylish developments.
For families with young children, Nueva Andalucía is a great option. Aloha College is a renowned international school for ages 3-18, while the Aloha Sports Club has daily tennis, netball, basketball, padel and football classes for kids – and adults – of all ages. Keen golfers will enjoy the challenges posed by the excellent Aloha and Las Brisas golf courses, while the Centro Plaza Shopping Centre has plenty of restaurants, salons and cafes that are ideal for ladies who lunch – Starz Cafe proves a popular al fresco choice in the summer. There is also Plaza Gym here, a number of cutting-edge businesses and, to top it all off, a large open-air market every Saturday of the year.
The hedonistic nightlife of Puerto Banús – with its superclubs, outrageously chic and stylish lounge bars and fun-filled Irish pubs – is just a ten minute walk from Nueva Andalucía, a fact, you might think, that would be to the detriment of the area's very own nightlife, but not a bit of it.
Residents of Nueva Andalucía like to have the choice of 'heading into the Port' or staying local. And while there are no actual clubs in Nueva Andalucía, there are a couple of excellent late night bars that attract a vibrant and wealthy crowd, most notably the famous El Jardín, which is located at the Aloha Gardens residential complex. A short walk down the road from here is The Point, a wonderfully laid-back bar that boasts a large open terrace that is perfect for a few glasses of wine in the dusk, or as a handy warm-up bar before heading down into the port to continue the fun.
As for restaurants, Nueva Andalucía has a fine selection. Yanx at Centro Plaza specialises in a number of stateside classics; the Pasta Café delivers authentic Italian and French cuisine, while El Picadero is a large ranch-style steakhouse that boasts a cosy rustic interior and delivers one of the warmest welcomes you are likely to experience anywhere on the Costa del Sol. Magna Marbella café has the occasional Jazz night too, adding a touch of class to an already popular and lively establishment.