Sotogrande An intriguing new chapter
Six decades after first opening its doors, Sotogrande has never been a more alluring destination...
The resort of Sotogrande reached its 60th anniversary in 2023, serving to highlight its enduring appeal and outstanding pedigree. That’s six decades of enchanting visitors to this sun-soaked corner of Andalusia, whether they be delighted holidaymakers or very contended homeowners.
Sotogrande led the way as Spain developed into the desirable destination for discerning travellers from Northern Europe seeking sun, sea and sophistication, and that remains the case 60 years on. This is a resort that understandably celebrates its illustrious past but is mainly striving for even higher levels of excellence.
That ethos was no doubt first established in the early 1960s by the resort’s founder, Joseph Mcmicking.
Mcmicking, a Filipino-american businessman who had served in the US army in World War II, wanted to create a similar resort to the one that had impressed him at Forbes Park in the capital of the Philippines, Manila.
Seeking to develop a high-class residential resort focused on family and healthy living, his first task was the locate a site – with access to unspoilt beaches as well as an airport his two key desirables. He found his utopia in the province of Cadiz, land that occupied an area covering 20km² and which stretches from the Mediterranean coastline to the foothills of Sierra Almenara.
Four fincas were purchased, which together formed the largest private estate in Spain.
Mcmicking’s dream was realised in the years and indeed decades that followed, with Sotogrande’s world-renowned golf courses the beacons for the calibre of the whole resort.
Real Club de Sotogrande and its slightly younger sibling Real Club Valderrama were regarded as instant masterpieces when they were opened for play.
That unquestionably remains the case today, being ranked by Golf World in 2023 as the No.1 and No.2 in Spain and both within the top 12 of Continental Europe. They have been joined by the 27 holes at Almenara as well as another continental Europe Top 100 course, La Reserva Club.
Real Club Valderrama needs little introduction; it has been one of the most coveted experiences in Europe for 30 years and more. This Robert Trent Jones Snr original – which has been sympathetically restored by Kyle Phillips – oozes atmosphere and class.
The 1997 Ryder Cup host is presented immaculately and boasts a handful of unforgettable, mesmeric holes.
Real Club de Sotogrande was also laid out by Trent Jones Snr, but this time closer to the coastline. It is just yards from the sandy beach of Sotogrande.
After a widely acclaimed renovation, it rose a further nine places to No.12 in Golf World’s continental ranking in the autumn and is destined for the top 10. Where Valderrama serves up drama, mystique and golfing diablerie, Real Club Sotogrande is all about nuance, subtlety and strategy. They are the perfect complement and are barely 10 minutes apart.
La Reserva Club sits on similar terrain to Valderrama and was skilfully set down by Cabell Robinson, the American architect
who is so dexterous at routing courses on adventurous, undulating land.
There is a terrific variety of holes as a result, with elevation change a notable characteristic that results in thrilling shots as well as breathtaking views. It is also notable for its presentation and the lack of real estate around the course edges.
Almenara Golf was recently remodelled by legendary local golfer Manuel Pinero and is packed full of playable, entertaining holes.
Visitor tee times are available at all of the courses in Sotogrande, provided they are booked in advance.
Almenara adjoins SO/ Sotogrande hotel, which opened in 2021 and is the first and only current 5-star hotel in Sotogrande.
It offers laid back luxury with artisanal Andalusian detailing, set within a lush garden setting among the whitewashed low-rise buildings. Choose from modern bohemian rooms and stylish studios to spacious two-bedroom suites and penthouse apartments.
There are a wealth of amenities – including a world-class spa – and restaurants, highlighted by the vibrant-yettraditional Cortijo Santa Maria 1962, the epic poolside restaurant Marxa and IXO Tapas & Bar. Sotogrande dazzles with its cuisine throughout the resort, from refined gastronomy to a flip-flop lunch beside the sea, and the food is always filled with local flavour.
There are premium villas or charming Cortijos to hire at La Reserva Club, both of which are wonderful options for a family holiday in privacy, safety and informality.
You might holiday in the resort and decide you’d like something more permanent there. Very few, in fact, will visit Sotogrande and not daydream about owning property in this idyllic community.
If that is the case, you are well served with options. The residential offering in La Reserva – the fourth and newest district in Sotogrande – is one of the best in Europe. Residences range from The Seven (most exclusive plots in the region – plots for seven unique villas, each designed by a different internationally-renowned architectural studio, prices from €7.6m). The NIWA project is part of The Seven and it takes opulence, space and high-end living to a new level. This nine-bedroom offering is truly out of this world.
Meanwhile, Village Verde is set in established countryside grounds, with two-bedroom apartments through to penthouses and Sky Villas (with prices from €850,000) available.
Property owners benefit from Sotogrande being located just 70 minutes from Malaga airport and 20 mins from Gibraltar airport, meaning superb access from all across Europe. The 300+ days of sunshine per year are, needless to say, another huge attraction to holidaying or living here. It’s also worth noting that Sotogrande International School has more than 1,000 students from over 50 nationalities and is the biggest international boarding school in Spain.
Golf is the main sporting attraction but Sotogrande also hosts one of key events in the international professional polo calendar and since its inception has been known for its horse culture and outstanding equestrian facilities. There are also more than 800 berths in the Sotogrande Marina for boats of all shapes and sizes.
Sixty years after opening, Sotogrande has never been a more alluring destination.