Bonbonniere Club Marbella

Bonbonniere Club Marbella

Bonbonniere is an ultra-sophisticated Marbella nightclub located on the Istán road, just above Marbella's Golden Mile. Housed in a purpose-built, Moorish-style structure, it contains a vast, state-of-the-art discotheque with a sunken dance floor, several bars and an open-air Terrace where you can enjoy cocktails and dine while listening to DJs. Formerly the legendary Olivia Valere nightclub, which was open from 1997 to 2025, Bonbonniere has undergone a major refurbishment of the interior design, lighting and sound systems, whilst retaining the original structure. It is a seriously swanky venue which delivers a euphoric punch, especially to first-time visitors. As Olivia Valere's, it was excellent for celebrity spotting, and it will undoubtedly remain so in the years to come.

Alongside, yet independently, with a separate entrance, is the open-air courtyard restaurant LOV Olivia Valere (formerly Babylonia Palace). This equally luxurious and opulent venue was designed to recreate the patio of an Arab palace. This fine-dining restaurant seats 350 people and is illuminated by hundreds of candles.

The nightclub is open from June to September, every night from midnight until 6 am, the Terrace is open from 22.00 hrs. The restaurant side is also open at weekends throughout the winter, as well as on special holiday evenings and for private parties.

Bonbonniere Al fresco Dining © Michelle Chaplow

Bonbonniere and Mandala Group

The Bonbonniere Marbella nightclub property has been leased for ten years (2026 to 2036) to the rapidly expanding Mandala Group, which already operates the Bonbonniere Tulum in the Mexican Caribbean resort and the Bonbonniere Mykonos on the hedonistic Greek island. According to the Bonbonniere website, Madrid and Miami are coming soon.

The project is led by Joe Fournier, the creator of the Bonbonniere brand, and the Mandala Group, a major player in the global hospitality industry whose brands include Temple, Bagatelle, Sala de Despecho, Fenomeno and Futur.

Following its refurbishment over the winter and spring, the DJ Terrace officially opened on 12 June 2026, with the Grand Opening including the discotheque nightclub taking place on 2 July.

The renovation investment totalled over €15 million, and the Moorish and Alhambra influences, such as the horseshoe arches separating the open Terrace from the bar area, have been retained along with the layout and structure (walls and some floors). Important details, such as the large circular mosaic floor tile spelling out 'Olivia Valere', have been restored. The grand mosaic's representation has changed from an extravagant brand symbol to a historical homage to the property's creator. This is something that is often overlooked as revellers walk over it on their way from the Terrace to the indoor discotheque.

The legend lives on Oliva Valere´s stamp has been conserved © Michelle Chaplow

Bonbonnière describes the design as 'Brutalist-Oriental': arabesque patterns reminiscent of the Alhambra are paired with brutalist textures to ground the space in the present. The design is presented as a bridge between the East and the West, tradition and modernity, and the personal and the universal. Other sources describe the atmosphere as 'bohemian-luxe', featuring raw textures, sophisticated lighting, and an immersive ambience aimed at the international jet set. Both the indoor dance floor and the legendary outdoor spaces of the original property are described as opulent.

Returning visitors will be keen to make comparisons and spot the differences. New visitors to Marbella will be suitably impressed by the venue and the warm welcome they receive. Andalucia.com attended both the 1997 and 2026 openings, thus falling into the former category.

The Bonbonniere outdoor Terrace DJ © Michelle Chaplow

Once you have overcome the car park and the entrance formalities (including a check of the dress code and a strict ban on any shoulder bags larger than a small baguette bag), you will be escorted by a welcoming hostess through a modest doorway into and along a couple of Moorish-style passages. You will then enter an pointed arched corridor formed of Scandinavian pine, which opens onto the Terrace (formerly called Terrace by Karen Valere).

This is perhaps the first 'wow' moment. The Terrace is fully reserved for table seated guests drinking cocktails or dining. The DJ providing the music and impromptu professional themed dancers navigate carefully between the tables. A newcomer would be forgiven for thinking this was the nightclub, it is not it is only the starter.

Those without a reserved table gather in the bar area until the discotheque opens at around midnight. The natural way forward is to follow the calling of the red-lit, mirrored 'tunnel' with artwork graphics, which leads to the indoor discotheque Alternatively, you can take the more traditional route through the bar, check out the Atelier boutique before passing through a lounge area, is lined with side seating and walk between two rows of neat small tables, and into the discotheque’s vestibule. 

Bonbonniere, Marbella side seating lounge © Michelle Chaplow

In the near darkness of the Discoteque itself, and with a similar layout to its predecesor, one doesn’t notice the refurbishment. The sunken, central dance floor is visible through the arches. The large DJ deck station is directly opposite, with the VIP enclosure behind it. Olivia’s ornate, predominantly blue stained-glass window has been preserved as a backdrop and contrasts with the room's general red colour. A series of Chesterfield leather sofas and low tables form an outer ring around the arches, and those who arrive early will be rewarded with commanding views of the dance floor, the DJ and the surroundings. The main bar and standing area are to one side, with the service bar in the opposite corner.

There is more than sufficient security, who stand quietly and are hardly visible in the dim light.

The club's focus is on a drinks programme centred around cocktails, shisha and an extensive selection of tequilas and champagnes.

Collage artwork on the iconic Bonbonniere tunnel © Michelle Chaplow

The tunnel to the dance floor © Michelle Chaplow

Veloura dancers in the Bonbonniere tunnel © Michelle Chaplow

Summer 2026 lineup

The summer 2026 line-up features an impressive array of international headliners, electronic music connoisseurs and resident DJs. Among the major artists booked for the season were Claptone, who played on the opening night of 12 June 2026 in the terrace, followed the next night by Macarena Hoffman and Discosid. A week later, Seth Troxler — widely regarded as one of the world's most influential house and techno DJs — headlined, delivering his deep, hypnotic sound.

Diplo, the American DJ and record producer, inaugurated the discotheque on 2 July 2026, he was escorted through the Terrace by several security guards, which seemed excessive. Diplo gained recognition in 2008 with his single 'Blow Your Head', and he is also the co-creator and lead member of the electronic dancehall music project Major Lazer. He is also a member of the supergroup LSD, alongside Labrinth and Sia. His 2013 EP Revolution debuted at number 68 on the US Billboard 200, and the title track was later revived after being featured in a Hyundai advert.

The Grand opening week continued on Friday 3rd July 2026 with Notre Dame from France known for his melodic sound,  on Saturday with the young Mexican producer Cordiki on of the future promises of African House and Electronic Mix.  On Sunday the week closes with one of the big names in Tecno house; Marco Carola from Italy who is known as 'the Commander' for his technique by his legion of fans.

The Bonbonniere's summer 2024 DJ line-up includes Agents of Time, the Italian duo who won over the Tomorrowland Winter crowd; Artbat, who sold out the first major electronic music concert held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in May 2024; and Carlita, who has been a festival sensation at events such as Coachella and Burning Man thanks to her unique blend of electronic and folk sounds.

Practicalities

The venue enforces a strict 'smart-chic' dress code. Items such as beachwear, swimwear, hats, caps, sandals and flip-flops are not permitted. Medium and large bags must be left at reception. Small handbags for ladies are checked at security.

Opening Hours

Open summer only 
Monday to Sunday: 23.30 hrs to 06.00 hrs. Terrace from 22.00

Entrance

Ticketed 30€ to 60€ and VIP 150€

Contact

Tel: 952 828 861

Location

Carratera de Istan (A-7176) km 0.8