Sotogrande is known as a luxury resort destination, but unlike some, it also offers space, open views and being surrounded by gorgeous scenery. The latter includes not only miles of sandy beaches, leafy residential areas and some of the most renowned golf courses in Europe, but also open countryside and protected nature.

The villages near Sotogrande are traditionally agricultural settlements that still retain a strong link to farming and animal husbandry. Indeed, this rural ambience becomes visible almost immediately as you drive further inland, where horse breeding estates, orchards, market gardening and also animal husbandry on green pastures create a natural belt around the resort.

Situated within this greater area are a series of natural parks, such as the expansive Los Alcornocales reserve set a little northwest of Sotogrande, which even features its very own protected nature area – the Sotogrande Natural Park on the estuary of the Guadiaro River. Measuring almost 27 hectares, it is a wetland rich in natural fauna and flora.

Natural splendour
One doesn’t have to venture far into the nearby hills to spot imperial eagles and vultures riding the rising thermals high overhead, but the diversity of wading birds and other wetland fauna in and near the estuary is a true boon to nature lovers. The people of Sotogrande are protective of this natural landmark entrusted to their care, and in collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía regional government elevated pathways with an information point and bird observation post were created, designed to share this natural feature with a minimum of impact on a landscape that has been returned to its natural state.

As a result, it is a nature lover’s paradise, with transitory birds making the seasonal crossings adding greatly to the natural spectacle of local resident species. They include Swamp Hens, the Penduline Tit, Cormorants, Gulls and many more, while animal lovers can also head over to the local equestrian centre or visit some of the farms in the area. With the petting zoo of Castellar just a few kilometres away, few would imagine it but Sotogrande really is the place for those who love nature and animals.

Image courtesy by: Ayuntamiento de Sotogrande

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There are many luxury resorts but few like Sotogrande. This is even true of the Costa del Sol, of which it forms the western extreme. Nearby Marbella is also undeniably luxurious and glamorous – and a great neighbour for Sotogrande residents and property owners to have at close range – but Sotogrande has a feel all of its own.

Indeed, this charming place does luxury in a very understated, elegant and dare we say it, ‘classy’ way, and it is this refinement that characterises Sotogrande. It’s a residential resort town where luxury villa suburbs border the sandy shore and expand inland alongside the meandering greenery of renowned golf courses. Here you will also find a horse riding centre overlooking open countryside, the famous Santa María Polo Club and a river that flows back towards the beach clubs and the popular racquets club. Once within earshot of its tennis and padel tennis courts you will also be within walking distance of the social hub of Sotogrande – the charming pastel-toned marina whose canals and berths wind their way towards the marina’s centre.

Pioneering beginnings
Sotogrande has evolved out of the mind’s eye of Joseph Rafael McMicking y Ynchausti and Mercedes Zobel de Ayala y Roxas, the pioneering couple of Hispano-Philippine high society background that first fell in love with this beautiful spot in the early 1960s. They bought five farms here in 1962, having realised that this setting close to the point where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet would make an ideal resort. Following the American pattern, they created a luxurious country club that followed a clearly thought-out master plan, thus establishing the foundations of Sotogrande’s excellent infrastructure and sense of space.

Broad, American-style avenues and leafy residential roads were built, lined with elegant villas set upon spacious private plots that ran from the seaside to the gentle hills just inland. By the time the first equestrian centre, beach club and golf course were established, Sotogrande was already a firm favourite of an international jet set centred upon British and Spanish high society. They continued the refined, understated charm of the resort that the McMicking’s had first imbued Sotogrande with, and to this day it retains an air of tranquil sophistication and beauty.

More golf courses, hotels, luxurious residential areas and of course the marina and the polo club were added, further enhancing the glamorous appeal of a privileged country club resort that has its roots in the pioneering vision of a very special couple – who approached its creation not as a commercial enterprise as much as an idealised version of ‘paradise on earth’.

If you would like to know more about Sotogrande please contact the local property and lifestyle experts, Holmes Property Sales Sotogrande.

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Those who are familiar with Sotogrande or have bought, sold or owned a property here over the past few decades will know Holmes Sotogrande, one of the cornerstones of the real estate sector in this area.

The family business founded by Ian and Jackie Bateman over 35 years ago has become synonymous with quality service, expert market knowledge and modern marketing combined with old-fashioned business ethics. It is the reputation Holmes Sotogrande has built its name and success on, and now a second generation is keeping the company fully up to date with the latest marketing trends while also safeguarding its long-held good name.

Ben Bateman, having worked in the family business since 2002, took over the reins at Holmes in 2014, though Ian and Jackie continue to maintain a keen involvement in the business. Having grown up in a real estate family in Sotogrande, few know the area and the market like Ben, who after his studies and a formative period gaining work experience joined the family business and worked his way up. He comes from a family that helped to pioneer professional property services in Sotogrande – specialising and concentrating their efforts on property sales.

Holmes took real estate in the area to a new level, bringing it in line with international professional standards, and have consequently not only been involved in many of the most important property transactions in Sotogrande, but it is fair to say that the company has also played a role in its very evolution from a small, private resort to the elegant destination it is today.

In 2017 Sotogrande paid its respects to Miguel Preysler, a highly respected and noted figure in the area who sadly passed away last year. Miguel was a longstanding partner in Holmes Sotogrande since 1986, a relationship that had its roots in a friendship between him and the Batemans that stretches back almost 40 years.

As an intrinsic part of the fabric of Sotogrande life, Holmes Sotogrande is a family business whose credentials speak for themselves, so contact us if you are looking for quality service, local know-how and the best property listings in Sotogrande and surroundings, contact us.

Image courtesy by: Ayuntamiento de San Roque.

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Autumn
When the cooler breezes of September reach the coast, life returns to normal after the hectic summer. The beaches become less crowded as Spanish and foreign summer tourists return home and the more relaxed pace of life for which Sotogrande is revered can begin once again.

However, it’s on the greens and fairways of Sotogrande where things are about to get a lot more exciting. September heralds the start of the golfing season, an important sport for many residents and visitors to the area. The extensive choice of championship courses in Sotogrande entices players from all around the world to test their skills and spectate at some of the world’s most important tournaments including, in 2017, the Andalucía Masters at Valderrama.

Winter
Winter’s ideal for exploring some of the amazing sights within easy reach of your Sotogrande base. While the heat of summer can make touring less attractive, the comfortable temperatures and blue skies that we enjoy throughout most of the winter months are perfect for inland hikes through the countryside. A couple of hours north of Sotogrande, the Grazalema Natural Park, which was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, is known for its incredible landscapes (with Andalucía’s biggest cave system as well as cliffs and gorges), its flora and colonies of Griffon vultures.

Spring
As the days slowly begin to lengthen, Sotogrande’s equestrian centres come into their own, welcoming the start of their competition seasons. First, the dressage specialists with the Andalucian Cup among other events before the warm-up to the main polo summer season gets underway. Important entries on the European polo tournament spring calendar include the José Ignacio Domecq Memorial Cup in March and Conde de Guaqui Memorial Cup in April, both featuring teams from the UK, Belgium, Ireland and Spain.

The polo tournaments gather momentum throughout the spring and summer, culminating in the main event, the Sotogrande International Polo Tournament, which runs through August attracting visitors and competitors from all over the world.

Summer
Away from the land, summer is all about sailing in Sotogrande. Although there are regattas hosted throughout the year by the Real Club Maritimo Sotogrande, it’s summer when things get serious. The Sotogrande Regata Cup, Trocadero Copa de España and Championship Tour see the elite sailors compete, but there are also many less well-known regattas, as well as opportunities for juniors and beginners to test their skills on the water with many schools offering lessons or RYA training courses.

Sotogrande is unique in southern Spain for its eclectic range of sports and activities on offer throughout the year, from shopping through to stand up paddle and Segway tours. For more information on properties in Sotogrande and the surrounding areas, contact us.

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Running weekly throughout the summer months of July and August, the market, which has become known as one of the most stylish of its kind, boasts a large entertainment offering including food, live music, children’s entertainment, market stalls and more, making for a fun day out for all the family!

Colourful food trucks decorate the charming port daily from 5.30 pm, providing a unique outdoor dining experience for those who are looking to socialise with friends with quality food and drink while relaxing in the comfortable seating area and enjoying the sound of live music and the cool sea breeze.

Each Sunday a traditional market will also take place at the marina, providing the opportunity for shoppers to browse the stalls and treat themselves to some handmade jewellery, silk scarves, items of clothing or unique antiques.

As the sun sets the palm trees are illuminated by sparkling fairy lights and the night market comes to life, creating a particularly magical setting.

As well as the market stalls, there is a range of elegant art galleries, chic interior design stores, stylish boutique shops and trendy bars & restaurants that reside around the marina and add to Sotogrande’s entertainment options and buzzing summer atmosphere.

For the children, Jugarina playground provides the opportunity to participate in endless hours of fun, while meeting new friends. The fun park includes activities such as mini golf, an inflatable park, ball park and fun battle.

Regardless of what day you decide to visit El Mercado de Levante in Sotogrande, it promises a fun day or evening for people of all ages. Whether you want to browse the market stalls, enjoy cocktails overlooking the marina, dine with friends or take advantage of the enchanting night market you are sure to have a memorable experience.

If you are looking to relocate to the Sotogrande area on a permanent basis, take a look at our selection of luxury villas and apartments for sale in the area.

Images courtesy of El Mercado de Levante

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Sunset at golf course

Golfers visiting or residing in Sotogrande are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a golf club. It is home to the world famous Valderrama course, which has hosted the Volvo Masters and Ryder Cup, as well as the distinguished Real Club de Golf designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1964. And, these are just two of Sotogrande’s spectacular courses.

Almenara
The Almenara course, designed by Dave Thomas, opened in 1998. It has three nine-hole loops and a par of 72. The golf course is located beside the NH Almenara Spa hotel, where golfers can avail themselves of the restaurant and bar amenities, as well as spa facilities. The golf club is also renowned for its extensive practice and teaching facilities.
www.hotelalmenara.com/almenara-golf/almenara-golf-club/

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Beautifully designed by Robert Trent Jones, this well-established golf course regularly features in Europe’s Top 10 courses. It has a lovely beachside location, not far from the Guadiaro River and Sotogrande marina. The 18-hole course is 72-par and its setting amongst pine, cork, oak, palm and eucalyptus trees adds to the magnificence of its well kept fairways with some clever water hazards. Although it is a private club, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande does accept green fee visitors, although advance booking is recommended.
www.golfsotogrande.com

La CañadaGolf
Located in the Guadiaro areaof Sotogrande, this 18-hole, 71-par, Robert Trent Jones golf course is set in the hills with panoramic views of the coastline. This can create windy conditions and the long first hole sets the tone for a challenging round of golf. There is a bar and restaurant on site, and hire service for clubs, buggies and hand carts.
www.lacanadagolf.com

La Reserva de Sotogrande
One of Sotogrande’s more modern courses, as it has only been open since 2004. However, La Reserva quickly became one of the most prestigious courses in the area and on the coast as a whole. Set above Sotogrande, it offers views of the coastline, and the 18-hole, 72-par course is 6,700-metre long with exceptionally spacious greens and fairways. The course complements its neighbour Valderrama, and is also a competition course.
www.sotogrande.com/explore/golf-course/la-reserva-golf/

Valderrama
Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1974, this 18-hole, 72-par course is one of the most challenging in Europe. It is ranked No. 1 in Spain both as a club and as a course. Golf Digest ranked it at 71 out of the world’s top 100 courses in 2016 and commented, “Valderrama contains one of the more controversial holes in golf: the par-5 17th guarded by water in front, which European captain Seve Ballesteros toughened for that Ryder Cup.”
www.valderrama.com

As you can see, golfers in Sotogrande rarely have to stray far from home to enjoy an excellent round of golf.

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Sotogrande outdoor activities
The mild, usually sunny weather this part of Southern Europe enjoys in the winter months makes it ideal for beach walks, cycling, hiking in the country and horse riding trails that highlight the natural beauty that surrounds Sotogrande. The facilities and opportunities for all these pursuits are many, and the choice of routes includes the coastline, the wetlands of the Guadiaro River, the valleys and the mountain ranges of the interior. Many also make use of the mild temperatures to play golf more regularly at beautiful courses such as the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, La Reserva and Valderrama, while others head for Sotogrande’s first-class tennis and padel clubs.

Sotogrande Indoor activities
With its friendly cosmopolitan character, Sotogrande offers a great deal of community spirit, especially during the festive season, when charity drives, cultural events and Christmas fairs add to the seasonal ambiance. A lot of people who own properties here escape the cold of the North and choose to spend the festive period with friends and family, gathering at home and visiting the good choice of cosy, fine dining restaurants in the area. It is also a tradition at this time of year to have lunch at a venta, or country restaurant found in the surrounding villages and along rural roads.

Discover the region
Cooler temperatures also make day trips into the countryside and up along the coast highly agreeable. Sotogrande is very centrally located, putting it within close distance of Gibraltar, Marbella, Málaga city and also a host of charming Andalusian mountain villages and country towns such as Gaucín, Casares, Ronda, Grazalema and Arcos de la Frontera. Right on your doorstep is the rural village of Castellar, which offers hiking trials and country eateries along with a quaint hilltop settlement now mostly populated by hippies. A little further afield are fascinating historic gems such as Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera and of course Seville, all of which offer some of the finest cultural sights, dining and big city ambiance in Europe.

If you would like authoritative information on the Sotogrande properties and lifestyle, please consult Holmes Sotogrande, the specialists in this area.

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During the polo season Sotogrande is buzzing with polo players from around the world along with their entourages and fans. Did you know that each player needs a string of 7–10 polo ponies, as they will use at least four horses per game? It’s a very intensive sport and as you may imagine, Sotogrande’s polo club has to provide stabling for over one thousand Polo Ponies during the summer season, which is a task that the Santa María Polo Club has performed to a very high standard since Enrique Zobel first brought the sport to Sotogrande in 1965.

Although there are tournaments throughout the summer months, with the first three weeks of July being the time to see the Jerez Polo Cup, the Enrique Zobel Memorial Cup and the Spanish Championship, it is the month of August that brings the star attractions. From 27 July to 28 August 2016 it was the 45^th International Polo Tournament, which as the most important polo contest in continental Europe features the prestigious Cartier Gold Cup.

The final of the Cartier Gold Cup this season was a contest between teams Ayala and Dubai, who had beaten Brunei and Lecuzoa Caracas to reach the final. This highlight of the polo season drew the crowds to Sotogrande to see the Dubai team defeat Ayala and lift the Gold Cup for the second year running. Dubai team Captain Adolfo Cambiaso is considered the best polo player in the world, and although he couldn’t finish the final due to a fall that kept him off the field for the last three minutes of the game, his team held on to win. None other than King Emeritus Juan Carlos of Spain, who brought regal glamour to the occasion, awarded the prestigious cup to the Dubai team.

There is, of course, more to the polo season than the sport itself, as the Santa María club becomes a social centre complete with top quality restaurants, cocktail bars, boutiques, children’s entertainment and live music ranging from classical to contemporary. The polo season is one of the many reasons people love living in Sotogrande – there simply isn’t anywhere else like it in southern Spain.

If you would like to know more about the area’s unique lifestyle and the lovely apartments and villas for sale in Sotogrande, please contact Holmes Property Sotogrande.

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Not surprisingly, it has become a popular meeting point in Sotogrande, adding to the marina’s original shopping area, whose own cafés, restaurants, boutiques, antique shops and offices are located alongside and just a short stroll away. This welcome expansion of the retail space available in the heart of Sotogrande has solidified the reputation of the marina area as the social centre of this luxurious residential resort – adding a perfect venue for the staging of regular events.

These include live entertainment, social and cultural occasions, product launches (in the stylish Sotogrande tradition, of course) and also a weekly market. Held on Sundays, the market lends a dash of colour and life to the area – contributing a typically stylish Sotogrande version of the open air markets organised along the length and breadth of the region.

The attractively styled canopies of the market stalls are uniform in design and format, yet their different colours create a fresh, friendly ambience that fits right in with the buildings around them. But it isn’t just the presentation that makes the Sotogrande market more stylish; the standard of stalls selling antiques, clothes, pottery, art, spices and an array of other products is visibly higher too.

It all amounts to a unique event on the Costa del Sol, where an understated, informal sense of chic combines with a singular canal-side setting at the heart of Sotogrande’s marina – just the place to enjoy a relaxing stroll, shop in a pleasant environment and meet up for a coffee or a spot of lunch as the yachts bob in the harbour. Sotogrande Sunday Market takes place every Sunday morning from 9.30am to 2.30pm 

Another popular event is the Vintage Market, which this summer will be held each Friday from July 8^th and is a must for those seeking a bargain in antique jewellery and quality pre-owned clothing. It will be held between 10am and 3pm. In addition the Sotogrande Night Market will be held every Wednesday and Thursday from July 6^th, starting at 7pm. It is the scene of fun gourmet food trucks, children’s entertainment and much more.

These markets form part of a busy programme of events that make Sotogrande a fun and diverting place to live—should you wish to enjoy the lifestyle on offer in this upmarket area please contact us for a consultation on your property needs.

Images courtesy of www.elmercadodelevante.com 

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For those looking to enjoy the Andalusian indoor/outdoor way of life to the full there can be no better location, with a plethora of sporting activities, nature trails and water sports available to residents of the exclusive estate.

When considering the leisure options of the area, first thoughts turn to golf and the equestrian world—hardly surprising with the famous Valderrama golf course and Santa María Polo Club located within the environs of Sotogrande—but there are plenty of other options too. Below we take a look at the outdoor leisure activities available in this delightful corner of Andalucía…

• Golf: The most famous of Sotogrande’s five championship golf courses is Valderrama, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 and boosted the Costa del Sol’s entire golf industry with its high profile. Less well known are the other courses, despite the fact that they are all of the highest quality and several have hosted professional tournaments. These courses—designed by renowned architects such as Cabell Robinson, Robert Trent Jones and Dave Thomas—include La Reserva Club de Golf, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and neighbouring The San Roque Club, which features two courses. These clubs are about much more than golf though, providing as they do hubs for Sotogrande social life within their luxurious clubhouses.

• Equestrian activities: The Santa María Polo Club delivers world-class facilities for not just polo, but a whole range of horse-related activities. Riding lessons and hacking trails through the beautiful countryside are just some of the options available at the club, which is being transformed by an ambitious investment programme to make it Europe’s premiere equestrian centre.

• Water sports: Sotogrande’s picturesque marina is a superb location for lovers of the high seas. With 1,400 berths, there is plenty of room to tie up your yacht, while theReal Club Marítimo de Sotogrande offers sailing lessons and organises races and regattas. The marina is also the setting for numerous restaurants and bars in which to unwind and relax. The splendid sandy beaches offer further opportunities, with a nautical centre providing the chance to participate in a variety of more energetic sports from kite-surfing to snorkelling.

• Ball sports: Two racquets clubs let people indulge their passion for tennis, as does the Soto Tennis Academy, which has rapidly attained an international status. For those into team sports, Sotogrande also has a thriving Rugby club that plays against teams throughout Andalucía.

These are just some of the options available in the area. Not to be forgotten are the limitless opportunities for hiking and cycling in the countryside surrounding the area. Should you wish to lead the Sotogrande lifestyle please contact us. Holmes Sotogrande has a fine selection of villas and apartments for sale in the area.

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