Sotogrande
A feature from the IAGTO Directory
2017
Sotogrande
Sotogrande A one-of-a-kind destination At the southern tip of Spain, Sotogrande has for decades been one of Europe’s most desirable and distinctive year-round destinations. Fusing AndalucĂan culture and history with a world-class lifestyle, Sotogrande stretches from the Mediterranean Sea into the foothills of the Sierra Almenara. Scattered among 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 tranquillity, elegance, action, style and serenity, set in a spectacular seafront location. Sotogrande was founded in 1962 by the visionary American businessman, Joseph McMicking, who dreamed of creating an idyllic place in a perfect climate for people from all over the world to live and holiday in. The location Sotogrande is easily accessible from most European cities. It is a 75-minute drive from Malaga airport, 25 minutes from Gibraltar airport, 75 minutes from Jerez airport and two hours from Seville airport. To the east is the Costa del Sol including Marbella, only a 30-minute drive away, and to the west is the Costa de la Luz with its vast, wild beaches near Tarifa. Morocco is just 35 minutes away by fast ferry from Tarifa to Tangier. The climate on the coast is inviting, along with the Costa del Sol’s considerable number of tourist attractions including its many and varied golf courses, beaches, restaurants, plus great culture, history and local traditions. A unique offering Sotogrande is one of the most discreet, premium-lifestyle destinations in Europe. It has 5,000 residents with either permanent or holiday homes. Spanning 20 square kilometres, Sotogrande is a location of outstanding natural beauty that has a vast amount to offer its international community of residents. It offers a secure, relaxed, healthy lifestyle, a sophisticated social scene and excellent sports facilities.
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Sotogrande
A premier sporting destination Sotogrande is one of Europe’s premier sporting destinations. There are five 18-hole golf courses in Sotogrande including Valderrama – host to the European Tour’s Volvo Masters and the 1997 Ryder Cup and ranked Europe’s number one course since the 1980s. Others designed by leading golf course architects Cabell B Robinson, Robert Trent Jones and Dave Thomas include La Reserva Club de Golf, host of the PGA NH Collection Open tournament, and the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. There is also the 36-hole San Roque Club a few minutes away. Sotogrande boasts more than 25 annual polo tournaments as well as multiple equestrian centres and stables alive with activity all year. A 1,400-berth yacht harbour makes Sotogrande’s marina a hive of sailing activity.
Pedro Martinez / Martinez Studio
The area also has two tennis and racquet clubs, two sublime beach clubs, the Sotogrande Tennis Academy, a rugby club and a sailing club. A great life in Sotogrande There are many beaches in and nearby Sotogrande. They include the Playa Sotogrande with the Trocadero Beach Club, the Playa Paseo del Mar with the El Octógono Beach Club, beach bar and water sports centre, and the quiet Playa Guadalquitón, just west of the Sotogrande community. Sotogrande is surrounded by nature. The 1,308-hectare Alcaidesa natural reserve and 35-hectare Paraje Natural offer ample opportunity to embrace nature. An impressive events calendar guarantees year-round entertainment.
The rebirth of Sotogrande Sotogrande is experiencing a renaissance inspired by a new vision: to become as vibrant and captivating a destination in the future as it was when it first came into being over 50 years ago. Throughout Sotogrande, there is a renewed sense of dynamism and purpose. La Reserva Golf Club A spectacular experience nestled on a unique estate, La Reserva enables golfers to enjoy magnificent views of the mountains and down to the sea, accompanied by a majestic clubhouse open to members and visitors in a setting that inspires relaxation. 67
Sotogrande
Hotel Almenara Updated and more sophisticated, recent improvements in rooms, facilities and service, all serve to increase the sense of wellbeing that the Hotel Almenara is renowned for. Set in landscaped gardens with a picturesque golf course and views of the sea, the hotel offers 145 rooms and suites. An ideal setting for business or pleasure, it offers restaurants with breathtaking views, a pool, state-of-the-art gym and the magnificent Spa Elysium, as well as banquet facilities, a business centre and meeting rooms. Hotel Sotogrande The perfect base to enjoy the area’s magnificent beaches and a wide range of outdoor activities, the Hotel Sotogrande features a modern and elegant design and features 106 spacious rooms. Facilities include an a la carte restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor swimming pool, a pool bar, two paddle courts, TV room and conference rooms. A complimentary hotel shuttle service takes guests around the area, to the beach clubs, marina, La Reserva Golf Club, Valderrama or Hotel Almenara. Villa rentals The Sotogrande Villas – comprising two-, three- or fourbedroom La Reserva Villas and the Villa Oasis featuring a master suite with private terrace and Jacuzzi and five en-suite bedrooms – offer sophistication and class. All villas offer the Concierge service and other benefits including a VIP Pass giving preferred access to the Hotel Almenara’s Spa Elysium and Beach Club Trocadero, and resident rates at La Reserva and Almenara golf courses. The Concierge Dedicated to providing Sotogrande’s villa or hotel residents with a personalised service, its wide range of benefits include: leisure activities reservations, certified nannies and babysitters, personal shoppers, chefs, restaurant recommendations, high-end vehicle rental with or without a chauffeur, bespoke golf services from booking games to club rentals and private lessons, beauty and massage treatment bookings, a personal guide to arrange trips and excursions, and preferential bookings at events in Sotogrande. For more information, visit www.sotogrande.com Copy supplied by Sotogrande
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Cover Photo: Horseshoe Bay Resor t • www.hsbresor t.com
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