SOTOGRANDE LUXURY
VILLA RENTAL

On the mountainside surrounded by cork oak forest and lush green hills, this part of Sotogrande is predominantly residential with enviable views and a host of first rate amenities. Sotogrande Alto is home to five golf clubs – Valderrama, Almenara, La Reserva, La Cañada and San Roque – with world-class championship courses and exclusive clubhouses. Four hundred hectares of Sotogrande Alto are dedicated to La Reserva Club, a country club with private gated estates and state-of-the-art facilities, including Sotogrande’s newest golf course, tennis and padel courts, a sports academy, and a clubhouse and beach club serving gastronomic delights. For horse lovers and fans of equestrian sports, there are two top-notch Equestrian centres here as well as three polo clubs – Ayala, Dos Lunas and Polo Valley. And for those considering longer-term residence, the Sotogrande International School is one of the leading International Baccalaureate schools in the world.

Hugging the coast, with wide leafy avenues and palm trees that stretch seemingly endlessly towards the sky, Sotogrande Bajo is dotted with luxury villas set in vast private plots. Two further golf clubs – Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and La Hacienda Links – grace its shores as well as the famous Santa María Polo Club. The Marina is a jewel in Sotogrande’s crown, a vibrant place brimming with boutiques, restaurants, and bars and cafés perfect for a spot of people-watching. The Real Club Marítimo de Sotogrande is the focal point of the 683-berth marina, offering classes in sailing and other popular water sports. Some of the Costa del Sol’s best beaches line Sotogrande’s 12km of coastline, populated by terrific beach clubs offering premium leisure and sporting facilities. The Guadiaro river and estuary add an extra touch of unspoiled natural beauty to the area as well as many an opportunity to see native and migratory birds and other water-loving species. For long-term residents, the International Montessori School offers bilingual (Spanish-English) education for children up to nine years old.

La Reserva Club was developed around a unique country club model where discretion is prized above all. Not surprisingly, it attracts high-profile visitors and residents who wish to avoid the intrusive glare of public and media attention. The real estate here ranges from chic apartments and penthouses to one-of-a-kind masterpieces designed by world-renowned architects. State-of-the-art facilities abound at La Reserva: an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Cabell B. Robinson and a golf academy; a tennis and padel academy with clay tennis courts and glass-walled padel courts; a 17,000 square metre freshwater lake for engine-free sports; a man-made lagoon with 2,800 square metres of sandy beach – the only private inland beach in Spain; not to mention clubhouse and beach club restaurants dishing up the ultimate gourmet experience.

Nestled among the lush, undulating hills of Sotogrande Alto, the world-renowned Real Club Valderrama has consistently ranked number one in Europe and features in the top 100 courses in the world. Designed by the celebrated golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course – originally called Las Aves – opened in 1974. From 1984 to 2009, the club was the regular home of the Volvo Masters, but the highpoint in Real Club Valderrama’s history came in 1997, when it was proud to host the 32nd Ryder Cup. Since then, the Club has hosted the American Express Championships, the Andalucía Valderrama Masters and LIV Golf and continues to draw the world’s golfing elite to its pristine course, revered as one of the toughest tests in golf. World-class facilities complement the prestigious course, including the elegant Spanish-style Clubhouse offering exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views. To top it all, Real Club Valderrama is committed to environmental sustainability, implementing innovative measures to protect the flora and fauna and to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the landscape.

Set atop a hill inland from the Rock of Gibraltar at 109 metres above sea level, and just 10km southwest of Sotogrande, is the charming town of San Roque. After Gibraltar was captured in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession, many residents fled to San Roque, which was designated ‘Gibraltar in Exile’ by King Philip V of Spain. This traditional Andalusian town is steeped in history, with many listed buildings from the 18th and 19th century and the nearby archaeological site of Carteia. San Roque’s bullring, built in 1853, is the fourth oldest in Andalucía with a capacity of 6,300, and the adjacent museum, opened in 2002, is a treasure trove of memorabilia and information. The recently renovated San Roque Club is yet another example of golfing excellence, with two championship courses – the legendary Old course and the challenging New Course – and the Jason Floyd Golf Academy. Just north of San Roque is the beautiful Pinar del Rey, a 338-hectare natural park and pine forest full of trails for hikers and nature lovers.

A short drive north of San Roque is the spectacular medieval hilltop town of Castellar de la Frontera. This fortress village dates back to prehistoric times and, with its strategic location, was the object of many a battle for possession until 1650, when it was taken by the 7th Countess of Castellar and later handed over to the Medinaceli family. This unique place comprises two villages: Castellar Viejo, which sits within the fortifications, and Castellar Nuevo 10km southeast, built in 1971 to repopulate the castle’s residents. After falling into disrepair, the Old Town was declared an ‘Historical and Artistic Monument’ in 1983 and completely renovated. This beautiful labyrinthine town of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and commanding views over the Guadarranque reservoir and the Rock of Gibraltar is surrounded by the Los Acornocales Natural Park, over 1,600km of rugged mountains, rivers and streams, and the largest mass of cork oak in the Iberian Peninsula, not to mention a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Within the park is La Almoraima, one of the largest estates in Spain and home to the 17th century Convent of San Miguel de La Almoraima, now a hotel.

Sotogrande’s 12km stretch of coast comprises several sandy beaches – Sotogrande Port, Torreguadiaro (also known as Playa de las Conchas), Alcaidesa, Cala Sardina (also known as El Cabrero or Cala Taraje) and Sotogrande (or Guadaquitón) – with excellent facilities and tranquil, shallow waters. The coastline is dotted with beach clubs, including the Trocadero Sotogrande, a palm tree-lined oasis popular with the Sotogrande set, with two swimming pools, two gourmet restaurants and chic African colonial décor. On the other side of the Guadiaro estuary, the Octógono beach club has a large pool bordering the beach (and another two for kids), tennis and padel courts and their Quo restaurant which proposes a smorgasbord of Mediterranean and international dishes paired with an uninterrupted sea view. Further inland is the La Reserva Club which has its own 2,800 square metres of stunning private sandy beach and lagoon, clubhouse and beach restaurants, premium sports facilities and spa service.

The marina is a lively hub of water sports and sea-based activities, and the Real Club Marítimo de Sotogrande is the focal point of aquatic action, offering sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons and organising events and regattas. On the other side of the marina, Yachting Sotogrande is an official RYA training centre, offering sailing courses for all levels, as well as motorboat and yacht charters. La Reserva Club’s sports lagoon is the perfect private environment for all the family to try out exciting aquatic adventures, including jet boarding, e-foiling, SUP and kayaking.

It’s not just Marbella that boasts a vibrant and varied cultural scene. Sotogrande hosts many national and international events celebrating tradition and excellence in sports, music and dance, and so much more. Polo aficionados will know that Sotogrande is considered the top venue in Spain, with world-class clubs such as Santa María and Ayala. The season runs from May to September and includes one of the most prestigious events in the polo world – the International Polo Tournament.

The Santa María Polo Club also hosts the Sotogrande Music Festival in July and August, attracting a top line-up of national and international artists performing an extensive mix of musical styles.

In August, the Trocadero beach club hosts the annual Flamenco Festival, drawing some of the biggest names in this evocative Andalusian art form and showcasing established and up-and-coming artists and a blend of traditional and contemporary trends.

A regular fixture during Sotogrande’s summers are the night markets at La Marina: every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 7pm to midnight, the whole family can enjoy the lively atmosphere, browse the boutique stalls and sample local goodies.

For movie-goers who prefer watching their films al fresco, La Reserva Club puts on their annual Summer Cinema at The Beach, where you can stretch out on loungers and truly view with a view!

The second week of August sees the town of San Roque come alive with its annual Feria Real de San Roque, in celebration of its patron saint María la Coronada. Colourful processions, music and dance, finger-licking food, fair rides, and the traditional running of the bulls through San Roque’s streets and into the town’s bullring, make for a delightful taste of authentic Andalusian tradition.

For a further fill of flamenco, Castellar de la Frontera has put on its annual Luna Llena Flamenco Festival since the 1990s. Held in the second week of August to coincide with the full moon, the medieval castle provides the perfect backdrop to this magical experience.

Sotogrande has plenty of options when it comes to shopping, whether you’re in need of fresh local edibles or a light dose of retail therapy. Head to Blue Sotogrande on the marina for the boutiques and the Sunday Market – El Mercado del Levante – full of artisan and pop-up stalls. As a premier destination for all things golf and horse, Sotogrande has several concessions providing sports apparel and equipment, including Progolf-Sotogrande, La Reserva Club’s Golf Pro shop, the Sotogrande Hípica riding centre and the Santa María Polo Club. For everything under one roof, there are several small shopping centres, like SotoMarket and Galerías Paniagua, but if you’re hoping for something a little grander, a 30-minute drive up the A-7 highway towards Marbella takes you to the biggest El Corte Inglés in Spain – 6 floors of department store dreamland!

Sotogrande is a mecca for golfers, with five prestigious clubs within the immediate vicinity – Valderrama, Almenara, La Reserva, La Cañada, and Real Club de Golf Sotogrande – and La Hacienda Links and San Roque a few kilometres southwest. Designed by world-renowned golf course architects, these championship golf courses are considered some of the finest in Europe, and in the case of Valderrama, in the world! Their harmonious incorporation into the natural Andalusian landscape, first-rate facilities, and extensive calendar of social events and tournaments, draw amateur and elite golfers alike. Tournaments of note held in Sotogrande include the LIV Tour in July and the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters in October.

If you prefer horses to courses, Sotogrande is the polo destination in Spain, hailed as the “Wimbledon of Polo Pitches”. The famous Santa María Polo Club was the first to be built in 1965 and has since drawn aficionados from all over the world to prestigious events such as the International Polo Tournament held through July and August. Ayala, Dos Lunas and Polo Valley also hold many regular events during the season, and if you feel you’d be better at wielding a polo stick than a golf club, you can learn how at some of these clubs. Santa María offers day “clinics” where you’ll be put through your paces by experienced professionals, culminating in a polo match and an Argentine-style barbecue. At Polo Valley, you can choose between a package of 3, 5 or 10 lessons, a discovery week or the two-week Polo Challenge; and kids over seven can learn the basics of polo on their week-long summer camps.

Although golf and polo are a huge draw, many visitors come to Sotogrande for its natural beauty. Nature lovers will find an abundance of trails to explore, whether on foot, horseback or wheels. The Guadiaro estuary is a 27-hectare protected wetland, home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, with two walkways for visitors to observe the 100+ species of migratory birds that pass through. You could take a family trip down the Río Guadiaro by kayak or paddle board – even the dog can come along! Trails along both the Guadiaro and Guadarranque rivers are perfect for hikers or cyclers, and for the more serious mountain bikers, you’ll find a multitude of moderate to challenging coastal or river routes, or you can ride to the Andalusian pueblos blancos further north, such as Jimena de la Frontera, Casares and El Colmenar.

The vast Los Alcornocales Natural Park is a stunning landscape with beautiful forests, crystal-clear streams and impressive gorges, hailed as the last subtropical forest in the Mediterranean. Around Castellar de la Frontera there are several hiking trails and observation decks, such as the Sendero de la Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly trail), a 11.7km out-and-back trail running parallel to the Guadarranque river, and the 14.5km Sendero del Canal, from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the castle. La Almoraima estate just south of Castellar offers horseback tours and mountain biking across its 14,000 hectares of beautiful landscapes. The pine forests of Pinar del Rey north of San Roque are also well worth a visit, with four circular trails ranging from easy to moderate.

After all that hiking and riding, you’ll no doubt need some serious sustenance! Sotogrande is happy to serve you with a whole panoply of exceptional restaurants.

In the heart of Sotogrande, you won’t want to miss the family-run Italian restaurant Lombardo’s, with its classic interior exuding Italian style and beautiful Andalusian patio; pizza and pasta don’t get much better than this outside of Italy! Just next door is El Gaucho, an excellent Argentinian restaurant with a beautiful flower-filled patio, known for its scrumptious steaks and premium meat dishes cooked over an open fire.

Portside, KE Sotogrande has been serving the Sotogrande set for 25 years, combining traditional and contemporary Andalusian and Mediterranean delights with the perfect marina setting. Nearby Casabon offers classic French cuisine at its most refined – prepare to marvel at magnificent art-on-a-plate! As the name suggests, Foodisiac is a place for foodies, offering all-day dining from a French-style petit déjeuner to elegant flavourful lunches and dinners enhanced with exotic spices – a perfect blend of Mediterranean tradition and international gourmet influences. Or for something a little different, Don Diego’s speciality is Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine, with regular themed evenings and sushi workshops.

Just across the A-7 in Pueblo Nuevo, fans of sushi and pan-Asian cuisine are in for a treat with two first-rate neighbouring restaurants to choose from. Casa Moncayo excels in the art of gourmet tapas, sushi and fusion food – savour it on site or take it away. And BrosKo Sushi Bar & Grill does what it says on the tin – and more – with exceptional (and friendly) service to boot.

If you like kicking back with your feet in the sand while savouring fantastic freshly-caught fish, try out some of Sotogrande’s chiringuitos like Biarritz and Eulogia on Playa de Torreguadiaro. And nearby restaurant Ríoseco is an institution in Sotogrande, serving authentic local dishes since 1976. Don’t forget the beach club restaurants! Chambao prepares the perfect beach fare – light lunches to allay the midday heat, and more elaborate options for moonlight dining, with fabulous fish and seafood platters. Trocadero Sotogrande really pushes the boat out when it comes to outstanding gastronomy, serving up the perfect marriage of traditional Mediterranean with accents of Thai and Japanese cuisine. La Reserva Club’s Beach restaurant serves light, imaginative dishes made from local, organic ingredients, and its Clubhouse restaurant offers Andalusian delights with a modern European twist.

The polo and golf clubs in and around Sotogrande have their fair share of excellent restaurants. Asador La Cancha II overlooking the Ayala Polo Club specialises in prime cuts of meat expertly cooked on their Argentinian barbecue. La Reserva Club Golf is home to the chic L’Olive de La Reserva offering elegantly prepared dishes combining Mediterranean flavours with international cuisine. SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort covers all bases when it comes to dishing up the finest food at every hour of the day: Cortija Santa María 1962 will take you on a thrilling adventure through a variety of Andalusian taste landscapes; MARXA Chiringuito puts the emphasis on poolside pleasures as you sip on refreshing drinks and sup on sizzling barbecue dishes; the Society Clubhouse is made for casual all-day dining and catching up on comfort food; whilst IXO Tapas & Bar is for indulging in creative cocktails and tastebud-tantalising tapas.

And finally, if you’re heading to Castellar de la Frontera, the former Convent of San Miguel de La Almoraima is home to La Gañanía restaurant, which specialises in authentic, local fare, notably game from the surrounding Los Acornocales Natural Park.

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