Aresbank: The Revival of a Marbella Icon

Aresbank, one of Marbella’s most recognisable buildings, is making a grand comeback. Originally built in the 1980s as a financial hub to facilitate trade between Spain and the Middle East, this imposing structure is now set to transform into a luxury dining and entertainment destination. Thanks to a collaboration between Marbella powerhouses Grupo Mosh and Dani García, Aresbank is stepping into a new era, taking its rich past into an exciting future.

From Banking to Abandonment

Designed by Estudio Oliver, Aresbank was once the headquarters for a Spanish-Arab financial institution. Its strong, Arabic-style architecture symbolised power and stability and was a familiar landmark on the Golden Mile.

At its peak, the bank was a prestigious address, catering to Marbella’s elite. However, as the financial sector evolved, the building’s purpose faded, and it was abandoned for over two decades. It became a relic of the past, a forgotten giant in one of Marbella’s most coveted locations. Despite its abandonment, its strategic location and unique architectural design made it a prime candidate for redevelopment.

Over the years, different proposals have been suggested to repurpose the building, but none came to fruition. Its status as an empty shell became a topic of discussion in Marbella’s real estate and business circles, however the long wait finally came to an end when, in 2023, a group of visionaries saw the potential hidden behind its weathered façade.

The Vision: Bringing Aresbank Back to Life

Grupo Mosh and Dani García joined forces to unveil plans to transform Aresbank into Marbella’s next premier dining and entertainment destination. Grupo Mosh, known for high-energy venues such as Playa Padre, Momento, and Nido Beach Club, partnered with Marbella’s Michelin-starred celebrity chef Dani García to breathe new life into the iconic structure. Their shared vision is to create a venue that blends haute cuisine with a vibrant social experience, making Aresbank a must-visit destination.

Albert Beniflah, co-founder of Grupo Mosh, described the concept as a “fine dining restaurant with nightlife,” combining a refined culinary experience with sophisticated entertainment. Rather than merely restoring the building, the team aims to create an immersive space where gastronomy, luxury, and design converge. Their vision is to elevate Marbella’s hospitality scene, offering guests world-class dining in an elegant yet vibrant setting.

A Design That Honours the Past

The renowned interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán was brought in to oversee the much-anticipated renovation. Barcelona and New York-based Rosa-Violán defines himself as a “painter by education, traveller by belief and interior designer by instinct”, with a style that is the result of his eclectic cultural background.

His task is to maintain the building’s architectural essence while infusing it with contemporary elegance. The transformation will be carefully designed to reflect Marbella’s modern lifestyle, with a redesign that embraces the building’s original grandeur while incorporating modern materials, lighting, and textures that create a warm, inviting ambience.

More Than Just a Restaurant

With an investment exceeding €10 million, this redevelopment is a statement of luxury delivering a catalyst for growth. Generating over 200 new jobs, it will inject fresh energy into Marbella’s hospitality and service sectors. Investors, celebrities, and global tastemakers are already turning their attention to this highly anticipated addition to the Golden Mile.

Beyond the economic impact, the project strengthens Marbella’s international reputation as a premier high-end destination. By breathing new life into an abandoned landmark, it paves the way for future luxury developments that honour the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Expected to draw visitors from around the world, it further cements Marbella’s status as a leading force in Mediterranean luxury.

A Boost for Marbella’s Economy

This isn’t just about food. The new Aresbank will be a multi-sensory experience, combining fine dining with an exclusive entertainment scene. With over 2,000 m2 to work with, the space is expected to include a garden terrace, underground parking, and private event spaces. It will be designed to be a place where people come to eat and immerse themselves in the atmosphere, socialise, and celebrate.

The dining experience will be led by Dani García, whose innovative approach to cuisine has garnered international acclaim. Marbella’s most celebrated chef, he has redefined Andalucian cuisine on the global stage. Once the proud holder of three Michelin stars, he has since transformed his culinary empire, blending tradition with bold innovation across an ever-expanding portfolio of acclaimed restaurants.

The venue is expected to house multiple dining concepts, each offering a unique gastronomic experience. Whether it’s a refined tasting menu, a vibrant tapas bar, or a chic cocktail lounge, guests will have a variety of choices tailored to different occasions and moods.

A Destination Worth the Wait

Set to open in 2025, Aresbank’s revival marks a new era for Marbella’s social scene. After decades of dormancy, this once-silent landmark is set to shine again. The emergence of this project is about more than restoring an abandoned building. It is about creating an experience that Marbella has never seen before. And with the power duo of Grupo Mosh and Dani García leading the charge, there’s no doubt that Aresbank will claim its place among Marbella’s most iconic destinations.

For Marbella residents and visitors alike, Aresbank’s reopening represents more than just a new venue; it’s a statement about the city’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. The blend of history, modern luxury, and innovation will ensure that Aresbank becomes a sought-after destination for years to come. Whether as a fine dining hotspot, a glamorous nightlife venue, or a cultural gathering place, Aresbank is poised to redefine luxury hospitality on the Golden Mile.

Pia Arrieta, 24 Feb 2025 - Living in Marbella - News