Dir16 Sotogrande by IAGTO

Sotogrande

A feature from the IAGTO Directory 2016

Sotogrande

Sotogrande An extraordinary lifestyle in a unique location For decades, Sotogrande has been one of Europe’s most desirable and distinctive year-round destinations. Fusing Andalucían culture and history with a world-class lifestyle, Sotogrande stretches from the Mediterranean into the foothills of the Sierra Almenara. Scattered amongst its beaches, marina, cork forests, rivers and mountains are world-class golf, polo and sailing facilities. The magic of Sotogrande lies in its unique mix of elegance, action, style and serenity, set in a spectacular sea-front location. As one of Europe’s premiere international sporting destinations, Sotogrande offers an extraordinary lifestyle in a unique location. Whether it is yachting, golf, water sports, tennis or polo that light your fire, all are welcomed and celebrated here. Sotogrande boasts more than 25 annual polo tournaments as well as multiple equestrian centres and stables alive with activity over the summer. Sotogrande Marina has 1,400 berths and a 70-metre docking capacity. The area also has two tennis and racquet clubs, two beach clubs, the Sotogrande Tennis Academy, a rugby club and a sailing club. Sotogrande has some of the finest golf courses in Europe. Whether you are a professional or amateur golfer, when it comes to golf, Sotogrande has something for everyone. Visitors enjoy a climate that is ideal for year-round golf as well as the option to receive professional tuition at the prestigious Sotogrande Golf Academy. Three world-class golf course options in Sotogrande: • Real Club Valderrama is a private members club, which has been ranked number one in Europe since the 1980s. It is not an easy course, nor was it intended to be. Robert Trent Jones Senior designed it in 1974, before being redesigned by him 10 years later. In 1997 it was host to both the European Tour’s Volvo Masters and the 32nd Ryder Cup. Then in 1999 and 2000, Valderrama was chosen to host the first two editions of the World Golf Championships, won by Tiger Woods and Mike Weir respectively. Since 2010, it has been home to the Andalucía Masters, one of the European Tour’s most prestigious tournaments. • La Reserva Golf Club opened in 2003 and was designed by Cabell B Robinson. It is a wonderful challenge for any golfer, both professionals and amateurs, thanks to its numerous tee options and imposing, fast greens. It was host of the PGA NH Collection Open. • Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is Robert Trent Jones’ first course designed in Europe and is a fascinating course for players of any level.

Sotogrande

Recent significant improvements are to be noted in several facilities. Cabell B Robinson’s challenging La Reserva course now has top-quality silica sand in its bunkers, while all maintenance equipment has been overhauled and service levels provided by the golf club’s staff enhanced. Guest services are now fully prepared to iron out little details and ensure a sensational experience, and buggies have been fitted with top-quality GPS systems. La Reserva’s clubhouse has seen tasteful changes to its exterior, landscaping, terrace furnishings, and the cuisine. The interior of the clubhouse underwent a major renovation at the end of 2015. As an established, high-end destination, on the cusp of the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande provides the perfect setting for a bespoke hotel. Located in this luxurious enclave in the southwest shores of the Mediterranean, with year round sunshine, the Almenara Hotel and its nearby golf courses provide the perfect destination for an exclusive golf holiday. With world-class golf courses such as La Reserva, Valderrama and Real Club de Sotogrande a few minutes from your hotel room combined with a convenient layout of 145 rooms set around the main building – all with commanding views of the greens, the gardens or the Mediterranean – this hotel is a golfer’s dream. The Almenara Hotel includes the Elysium Spa, a sanctuary of rest and relaxation offering innovative treatments and a wide variety of wellness and beauty therapies. Hotel guests can enjoy the fine cuisine offered in two on-site restaurants. Other facilities include the piano bar, a golf academy, the beachside Racquet Centre, the beach club and four meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 800 people. This variety creates the sense of wellbeing that the Almenara Hotel is known for. Next to the Almenara Hotel is a range of accommodation options for guests. There are hotel and villa accommodation options at Hotel Sotogrande and the elegant private villas including full staff and concierge services. Reservations are now easier via our new Group Desk, with a specialised team dedicated exclusively to assisting golf booking agents and 48-hour response service guaranteed Monday-Saturday. For more information, visit www.sotogrande.com Copy supplied by Sotogrande

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