Our Private Andalucian Finca experience

Family holidays at our Private Family Finca are all about enjoying the unique laid-back lifestyle and beautiful setting. Countryside hacks and river rides combine with lazy beach days and day trips to captivating Spanish cities to create the perfect Andalucian adventure.

Polo Valley opened the gates to their purpose built ranch in Sotogrande, Spain with the dream of introducing new players and families to the thrilling, fast paced sport of polo. Born out of Rory Byrne’s own experience of learning to ride and play polo and his son Christian’s desire to share the sport he loves and make it more accessible, Polo Valley has quickly established itself as a one-of-a-kind polo facility and a unique holiday destination for families to saddle up and experience ranch- life in authentic Andalucia.

With first-class stabling, livery and training facilities, home to over 50 expertly trained ponies, a team of grooms and polo professionals, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Polo Valley is a no-go-zone for anyone other than polo aficionados. This however could not be further from the truth. Family holidays at the Polo Valley Finca are all about enjoying the unique laid-back lifestyle and beautiful setting, rather than exclusively playing polo.

Occupying a secluded location in the hills above Sotogrande, a gleaming white Guesthouse occupies a prime position at the entrance to the Finca. The private Guesthouse plays host to families throughout the spring and summer months (with special stays available at Christmas and New Year), serving as their base from which to enjoy all of the activities on offer at the Finca, around Sotogrande and across the region of Andalucia.

The Guesthouse boasts comfortable en-suite bedrooms, a private swimming pool and fabulous dining terrace elegantly set within relaxing gardens. Best of all, the Guesthouse is expertly run by two local cooks ‘el cocinero’ who serve up delicious Spanish cuisine such as gazpacho, tortilla, paella, colourful fresh salads and special Argentinian-style Asado BBQ. Together with the on-site concierge team, they take care of all your requirements throughout your stay at the Finca.

Our suggested itinerary for a family adventure at polo valley:

DAY 1 SATURDAY ARRIVAL

Arrive at the finca and settle into farm life with dinner in the garden

DAY 2 SUNDAY

Introduction to riding in the morning on the private track with an afternoon hack in the outback.

DAY 3 MONDAY

Morning yoga and e-bike mountain trail tour. Afternoon riding and introduction to polo, or the option to explore local beaches.

DAY 4 TUESDAY

Morning e-bike or mountain hack tour with all parties meeting for a mountain picnic lunch. Afternoon relaxing by the private pool with massage treatments optional.

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY

Enjoy breakfast at the finca then relax by the beach with reserved beach club loungers.

DAY 6 THURSDAY

Enjoy breakfast at the finca then a morning e-bike or polo riding lesson. Afternoon watersports fun on the private lake.

Day 7 Friday

Morning polo experience with afternoon relaxing and evening polo valley asado.

SATURDAY DEPARTURE DAY

*note: sunday, monday, tuesday, thursday & friday include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the finca. Wednesday is breakfast only.

Argentine Asado

Asado is far more than a BBQ as we know it. Asado is the technique and social event of grilling meat over an open fire. Tracing its roots back to the days when huge herds of wild cattle roamed the pampa region and a great source of national pride in Argentina, Asado has become popular across the Spanish speaking world. A fire of charcoal and dry seasoned wood is lit under a grill called a parilla. Once the flames have died down cuts of meat are placed on the parilla and grilled slowly for 1-2 hours above the smouldering embers. Top tip: Turning and adjusting the meat is frowned upon, simply sit back and enjoy the experience with a glass of wine.

Guadiaro River Ride

The Guadiaro river ride is an enjoyable one hour loop that sets off from the Finca and takes you on a winding and gentle hack through the peaceful Andalucian countryside towards the distant hills. As you meander down the dusty path your guide will lead you through the undergrowth and on to the banks of the Guadiaro. The ponies love this part of the hack and they are very sure-footed over the uneven terrain, responding to gentle adjustments on the reigns, happy to take it slow or slightly faster if you’re feeling confident. Once you’re in the river the fun really starts and the ponies splash and dip their heads to refresh themselves. The river is mainly very shallow and it’s great fun to trot or even gallop through the babbling water. Your guide will help you navigate any slightly tricky sections, they know the surrounding countryside like the back of their hand and have a deep understanding of each and every pony on the ranch. Local attractions and discoveries

Away from the Finca, Sotogrande is a first class holiday destination and sporting playground with so much to see and do. There are seven excellent golf courses within the immediate vicinity, including Real Club Valderrama, considered one of the best courses in the world, host to the 1997 Ryder Cup and a must play for avid golf fans. We recommend spending a family day at La Reserva Club Sotogrande, an exclusive country club in the hills of Andalucia with incredible facilities and service to match. The star attraction is the ‘only private beach in Spain’, a man-made lagoon surrounded by 2,800 square metres of sandy beach and separate 17,000 square metre sports lagoon providing the perfect setting to enjoy water sports including kayaking, stand up paddle boards and Mirage Eclipse water bikes. No engines are allowed on the lake, so peace is secured and the environment protected.

Sotogrande itself is home to an excellent marina with many vibrant bars, restaurants and shops. It’s great fun to take a stroll on the marina front, soak up the atmosphere and admire the many impressive yachts. There are lots of fun ways to explore the palm tree lined avenues and local beaches and we work with some great local partners where you can hire segways, bikes, electric scooters and even the iconic 1950’s Mini Moke vehicles.

Further afield we can arrange day trips to captivating Spanish cities such as Jerez and Seville. Head to Jerez in the province of Cadiz for a taste of sherry and flamenco dancing. This ancient city is a great day trip from Sotogrande and is home to tours of bodegas and cellars hosting sherry tastings. We also thoroughly recommend a trip to Seville, the capital of Andalucia and the cultural hub of the region. Stroll through the historic streets and soak up the major architectural landmarks, including the ornate Alcázar castle complex, the 18th-century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring and the Gothic Seville Cathedral.

With so many options for activities, adventures, sightseeing and day trips, every holiday at the Polo Valley Finca is different and unique. The ponies are the beating heart of life at the Finca and the daily routines of the grooms, the ponies and polo professionals create a special buzz and an atmosphere that is exciting to be a part of. In the evenings local players arrive to take part in competitive chukkers, a great spectacle to watch with a gin & tonic in hand from pitchside seats.

With the backdrop of ranch-life and the nature and peace of the countryside setting, the Finca provides the perfect location for a laid-back family holiday of discovery and adventure.