Sparkling Sotogrande
For those looking for less hustle and bustle, the exclusive Sotogrande resort on the Costa del Sol ticks all the boxes
Located in the western-most point of Spain’s Costa del Sol in the region of Cadiz and just under half an hour from Gibraltar Airport is the exclusive resort of Sotogrande.
It was back in the 1960s when American entrepreneur Joseph Mcmicking and his wife Mercedes Zobel decided to develop the eight-square-mile stretch of land into what has become a destination of choice for those in search of a luxuriously understated lifestyle. In stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of Marbella with its flashy Puerto Banus marina, the appeal of Sotogrande’s gated communities is that residents and guests can relax in a tranquil environment.
A residential enclave
Covid has taught us to reset our priorities with a focus on wellbeing, so a co-primary or second residence at Sotogrande has all the ingredients for an effortless lifestyle in a safe and secure environment.
Sotogrande offers sophisticated, laid-back living in a location with an idyllic climate consisting of hightemperature winters and welcome summer breezes. The private gated communities that surround the wonderful La Reserva Club de Sotogrande feature 24-hour security and feature a range of unique luxury properties at different price points.
La Reserva’s The Seven is an enclave of magnificent one-of-akind homes, but if you haven’t got several million pounds in your pocket, the luxury apartments and townhouses at Village Verde are worth considering. A bonus for residents is that they benefit from access to all of La Reserva’s facilities, including the golf course, The Beach with its sandy pool and lagoon and a wealth of additional amenities.
World-class golf offering
Sotogrande’s La Reserva Club has hosted a number of high-profile tournaments, notably the recent Aramco Team Series. The Cabell Robinson-designed course is carved into the hillside and will capture your interest at the start with a tricky downhill dogleg par 4. The fairways are wide, but it’s a long course. A buggy is recommended.
No less than seven holes feature water hazards, although some are merely for aesthetic pleasure. The greens, many of which are protected by deep bunkers, are huge and undulating, so even if you reach the putting surface in regulation, it’s easy to find yourself in three-putt territory.
There is only one word to describe Real Club Valderrama: magical. At 6,475 yards off the back tees and 5,330 off the front, it is not long by today’s standards, but the layout is tree-lined and very tight – so a confident short game is a must to score well. There is only one par 5 on the front nine, the 4th, which is generally regarded as Valderrama’s signature hole with its rocky waterfall and two-tier green.
Many holes, including a variety of doglegs, are heavily bunkered or guarded by the thousands of cork trees that are a constant yet
charming presence. The greens are small, deceptive and lightning fast.
Without fail, the iconic risk-reward par-5 17th hole, where Europe famously retained the Ryder Cup in 1997, will foster drama for your four-ball. Whatever your score, this is an unforgettable golfing experience.
Almenara is the on-site golf course at SO/ Sotogrande, while other neighbouring courses include San Roque and Real Club Sotogrande.
Living the lifestyle
At the heart of the resort is the new five-star hotel, SO/ Sotogrande. The SO brand is part of the Accor group, one of the largest hotel groups in the world, and what sets SO hotels apart is that they do not represent conventional luxury. Rather, a rebellious spirit, sophistication and style are expressed in a fashionable, playful and entertaining way. In the case of SO/ Sotogrande, the overall design and decor reflect the vibe of the destination.
Each SO hotel – of which there are currently ten worldwide, with another 14 planned – is imagined and created through an artful collaboration with a renowned fashion designer, for example Kenzo at SO/ Mauritius and Karl Lagerfield at SO/ Singapore. SO/ Sotogrande hired Spanish women’s swimwear designer Dolores Cortes to inject her personality into the hotel.
There are 152 rooms, 36 of those suites, and most are located in low-rise two-storey buildings featuring a terrace or balcony. The
SO/ Comfy king room lives up to its name with all the luxurious extras you could ask for, like a Nespresso coffee machine, Grown Alchemist toiletries, a fluffy bathrobe and slippers. The bathroom is super spacious and the rain shower is a definite winner.
Every town in Spain includes a plaza where people gather for a social experience, so MIXO is an indoor version: a contemporary and fun bar that is the hub of the hotel, and one of six restaurants and bars. This hotel provides a sense of freedom, with facilities spaced out by steps leading down to an outdoor pool, then another, and across beautiful gardens, before reaching an amazing wellness centre.
Stay-and-play package
The all-new Sotogrande stay-and play package will allow guests to experience the world-class triumvirate of Real Club Valderrama, La Reserva Club and Real Club Sotogrande, while enjoying a luxurious stay at the brand-new five-star SO/ Sotogrande hotel.
The four-night package has been crafted to highlight the region’s premier golf offering, with rounds of golf at Real Club Valderrama, La Reserva Club and Real Club Sotogrande. Accommodation in a double superior room, including breakfast at SO/ Sotogrande, is from €2,450 per person based on double occupancy.