Sotogrande, one of the most Luxurious spots in Europe

Ask anyone to name a high-end holiday destination on the Costa del Sol and their first answer will undoubtedly be Marbella, famous for its glitz and glamour and million-euro mansions. But what about Sotogrande? Will they also mention this resort, just as high-end and desirable? Probably not because this tranquil enclave at the far western end of the coast loves to sit below the radar.

But you can’t keep a secret forever, especially when it offers the perfect setting for second and permanent homes. Imagine easy accessibility, scenic surroundings, simply stunning properties, guaranteed security and discretion and world-class amenities. And all in one place at Sotogrande. No wonder then that the word is getting out and Sotogrande is gradually becoming a favourite among property buyers

Sotogrande

Sotogrande is located at the furthest most point of the Costa del Sol, where the Costa de la Luz in the province of Cadiz begins, just before you reach Gibraltar. It was developed as a gated community in 1962 by wealthy American Joseph McMicking and it’s the largest privately owned residential development in Spain, spanning twenty square kilometres of land from the Mediterranean to Gibraltar and the Sierra Almenara Mountains.

He was following a very specific vision for a leisurely lifestyle of golf and polo with high quality infrastructure, luxury properties and a picturesque marina. The fact that it’s bathed in all-year-round sunshine and enjoys wonderful mountain, golf and sea view spanning as far as North Africa are all part of its appeal.

What’s it like?

Today Sotogrande is considered to be one of the most sought-after residential and tourist destinations in Spain. It has an upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere, some of the best hotels in southern Spain, incredible villas and apartments. It also has a picture marina (built in the 1970s) with every conceivable convenience needed when docking your boat, including utilities, TV and securities. The pedestrianized pathways offer a range of trendy boutiques, banks, schools, sports, health, fitness, shopping, restaurants, bars, beaches, water sports and a sailing club. Literally nothing has been overlooked.

The list of Sotogrande’s famous visitors and residents is extremely impressive, ranging from the UK royal family, to Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Peter Caruana and Tony Blair and José María Aznar, the former Prime Ministers for the UK and Spain respectively and the French would-be prince, Louis Alphonse of Bourbon to name but a few.

Attractions

Eating and drinking

There are over 60  restaurants in and around Sotogrande each offering a different ambience and cuisine, ranging from Italian to Indian, Spanish and modern international cuisine.

Nightlife

It is an upmarket development which isn’t particularly associated with nightlife instead evenings are a more relaxed affair, drinks in the marina or dining in one of the many restaurants.

However Trocadero Beach Club, the chic Beach bars of Bahia Limon & Chambao, as well as the Afterpolo parties, more then cater for those who want to dance the Andalucian nights away.

Shopping

Since 2009, the Blue Sotogrande centre has been the place to go for retail therapy. It has a good selection of quality fashion boutiques with the latest accessories, clothes and jewellery, cafes, bars, beauty, health and fitness. Throughout July and August there is a street market on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and a market all year round oat Ribera del Marlin in the port every Sunday.

Sports and outdoor activities

Sotogrande is home to some of the world’s most exclusive sporting facilities, including the Ayala Polo Club and the Santa Maria Polo Club where the annual Gold Cup Torneo Internacional is held every August. The Gold Cup has part of the Grand Slam Series since 2016, making it one of only 3 to be held outside Argentina.

Golf is synonymous with  Sotogrnade so its only fitting that top pro events  such as   The DP World Tour , Andaluica Valderama Masters and the Ladies Tour  Aramco Ladies Series are held here every year.

The Sotogrande Equestrian Centre is also highly regarded throughout Spain and counts several professional equestrians as former pupils.

Golf courses in Sotogrande

Sotogrande is famous for its golf courses the temperate climate provides perfect all year round golfing conditions.

  • Valderrama Golf – host to Ryder Cup, Volvo Masters, Andalucía Masters…
  • Club Real de Golf – Robert Trent Jones favourite golf club – out of 500 courses!.
  • Almenara – 27 hole links course designed by Davie Thomas
  • La Reserva – 18-holes, designed by Cabell B Robinson and since 2020 hosts the Aramco Ladies Series Sotogrande.
  • La Cañada – 18-holes, hosted 1997 Ryder Cup, Club house
  • Alcaidesa – 2 course, the links golf courses in southern Europe
  • San Roque Club – 2 course, 9 & 18-holes, golf school

Polo & Equestrian activities

Together with Polo and thanks to its fantastic climate Sotogrande is making a name for itself for being the place to be for Equestrian events throughout the year.

Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande

Sitting on the gateway between the Mediterranean and Atlantic its only natural that Sotogrande should have a top class  marina , with over 1300 births that can accommodate the many luxury yachts that visit the area through the year.

Hotels

  • SO/Sotogrande. A luxury brand from the ACCOR Hotel group, this 5*+ hotel has recently opened its doors. With 152 rooms, 36 suites, 5 restaurants & bars, 26,910 sq. ft. spa, gym & facilities for meetings & weddings. The hotel boasts of 1 indoor (with AC) & 3 outdoor pools, terraces in private gardens & views of the sea, Gibraltar, golf course and the Andalusian countryside
  • Hotel Marítimo. Located in the heart of the glamorous Sotogrande Port, this hotel has just been added to Lionel Messi’s hotel group M&M portfolio.
  • Hotel Encinar. The establishment has a fantastic garden with a swimming pool, terrace and paddle tennis courts, making it an ideal environment for both staying active and relaxing. Inside, there is a modern bar and restaurant, as well as several event rooms.

Beaches close to Sotogrande

Sotogrande’s 12kms of beaches are located close to where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, making the temperature of the sea slightly cooler than the further east along the Costa del Sol. A great prospect at the height of the sizzling Spanish summer!

  • Cala Chullera. Located at the bottom of the Chullera Tower and divided into 2 halves by rocks. It’s a sandy beach, good for diving and fishing.
  • El Cucurucho. A popular family beach good for sunbathing and water sports, with great views of Gibraltar and the Marina. With plenty of facilities; sunbeds, swimming pools, bars and a restaurants. This beach attracts a younger crowd and it’s the favourite beach destination for visiting celebrities who can quite often be seen strolling along the sand.
  • San Diego Beach. Situated to the east of Sotogrande,  there is a lovely aspect of trees, plus it has lovely soft sand.
  • El Cabrero. Located on the edge of Torreguadiaro with dark sand and a few small stones. It has a lovely view of Sotogrande port.
  • Playa del Puerto Beach. One of Sotogrande’s prettiest beaches. Located in the port, it has fine sand, serving one of the area’s most prestigious developments.

Beach  Clubs in Sotogrande

Sotogrande boasts of three very different but at the same time glamorous beach clubs.

  • Trocadero Beach Club is  one of the top beach clubs in Europe. It is the meeting point for all visitors to the area, a place where you can lunch, dine, sunbathe, swim or enjoy an aperitif on a languid summer afternoon. It offers a familiar zone with an independent child friendly eating area, sunbeds and a large swimming pool
  • Octogono Beach Club characteristic for all the years it has been standing, its fabulous panoramic views of the beach from its exclusive beach club, it also has other sections such as tennis and paddle tennis and its fabulous restaurant.
  • La Reserva Beach Club is the first private residential community that manages to transfer the purest essence of the beach to the hills, through a complete offer of exclusive services for the whole family.

Schools

The Sotogrande International School (SIS) caters for both boarders and day pupils, offering a high quality English education leading to an International Baccalaureate. (Children from 3-18 years old) . The School has more then 1000 students from over 50 countries and is continually in the top 75 IB schools worldwide.

Airports

  • 1 hour from Malaga airport
  • 35 minutes from Gibraltar airport
  • 1 hour from Jerez airport

Latest Investments

The Rockerfeller Group together with UAE ICICB Developments have recently acquired 200 acres to build a new gated community in Sotogrande, the project will consist of a Boutique Hotel , Luxury Villas and a 18 hole Championship designed by the famous  Henrik Stenson Golf Designs.

And the famous football player Messi has just bought a hotel in La Marina and renamed it as MIM HOTEL