Sotogrande

Teba Siles | · 26 min. read

1.- Introduction of Sotogrande Area

Sotogrande, located in the municipality of San Roque, is a residential area known for its serene lifestyle where privacy is highly valued. This destination is popular with those seeking a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas of the Costa del Sol, such as Marbella. Its focus on outdoor activities, such as golf, polo and sailing, attracts a clientele that values nature and a more relaxed pace of life.

In the 1960s, an American colonel and financier named Joseph McMicking had a dream: to create an exclusive and luxurious urbanization in some corner of the Mediterranean. Although several places were considered, such as Formentera, the final destination was a large estate in the Campo de Gibraltar. Thus Sotogrande was born, an urbanization that, more than fifty years later, is still one of the most exclusive and luxurious destinations in Europe.

2.- The history of Sotogrande

The origin of Sotogrande dates back to 1962, when McMicking sent his employee Fredy Melián, from the Ayala Corporation in Manila, to look for land in Spain. Taking advantage of invitations from Swiss Air, Melian traveled to the Peninsula, but not to enjoy a vacation, but with the task of finding a suitable estate for the ambitious project. The conditions were clear: it had to be a large property, with at least one kilometer of coastline, good access to water and easy communication.

Finally, Melián found the Paniagua estate, which met all of McMicking's requirements. This estate, in the Guadiaro River basin, was close to the Gibraltar airport, which facilitated access for international residents, and offered the possibility of expanding the development by purchasing adjacent estates, including Sotogrande and Valderrama. With these initial acquisitions, totaling some 1,317 hectares, the project took shape and Sotogrande, named after one of the cortijos on the original estate, was born.

One of the initial obstacles McMicking had to overcome was Spanish legislation, which at the time prevented foreigners from buying land without the approval of the military authorities. Despite these restrictive regulations, the Sotogrande project was declared a Center of National Tourist Interest, which allowed McMicking to go ahead unhindered, with the support of Francisco Franco's regime.

From there, McMicking focused on building not just a development, but a community. He wanted Sotogrande to be a place where families could live and enjoy life together. In fact, in its early years, Sotogrande was almost like a small international village, where families of diverse nationalities lived together, including Filipinos, Belgians, French and Austrians. Spanish families were less common, although some, such as the Vallejo-Nájera, Álvarez Guerra and Benjumea families, did form part of the select group of residents.

One of the key elements in the creation of this community was golf. McMicking commissioned the design of the Sotogrande golf course from Robert Trent Jones, a famous golf course architect, with the intention that the club would become the center of the social life of the development. Real Club de Golf Sotogrande opened in 1964 and quickly established itself as one of the best golf courses in Europe.

For many years, the club was the meeting point for the residents of Sotogrande, who enjoyed not only the sport, but also a lively social life around the club. Parties and social events were frequent, and it became a tradition for families to organize unforgettable evenings in their villas.

polo sotogrande

Another milestone in Sotogrande's history was the introduction of polo, a sport that Enrique Zóbel, McMicking's nephew, brought from the Philippines. A field was built on the beach, and the sport soon became another of the distinctive elements of the development. Polo matches became a social event attended by all the residents, and this was the beginning of what is today one of the most prestigious polo clubs in the world.

Over time, Sotogrande has established itself as an international reference in polo, organizing tournaments such as the Sotogrande Gold Cup, which has been held since 1971 and attracts players and spectators from all over the world. Sotogrande is one of the few places in the world where polo can be played all year round, and this has contributed to its global prestige.

As Sotogrande grew, its founders realized that it was necessary to open the resort to new residents in order to maintain its financial viability. By 1977, Sotogrande's development company was losing more than two million dollars a year, which led to a new development strategy. Together with businessman Villar Mir, the company Puerto de Sotogrande was founded, which promoted the construction of apartments at the mouth of the Guadiaro River and in front of the beach, opening the doors to a professional middle class that included lawyers, architects and notaries.

In addition, in 1978, Sotogrande took another important step by creating the International School, which offered a multicultural and bilingual education, which was especially attractive to new families arriving in the area.

Over the years, Sotogrande has maintained its essence of exclusivity and luxury, avoiding massive constructions and preserving its unique character. Today, it is a reference destination not only for those looking for a place to live or spend their vacations, but also for lovers of elite sports, especially golf and polo.

With more than fifty years of history, Sotogrande is still committed to the values that brought it to life: family, sport and exclusivity. What began as the dream of a visionary colonel, has become a symbol of elegance and distinction on the Costa del Sol, a legacy that will last for many years to come.

3.- Exploring Sotogrande

Sotogrande is divided into several areas offering different types of properties and lifestyles:

  • Sotogrande Costa and Kings & Queens: This is the oldest and most exclusive area of Sotogrande. Here, the properties are spacious villas with lush gardens, located in quiet and wide streets. The Kings & Queens sector, in particular, is famous for its mansions on large plots close to the beach.
  • Sotogrande Marina and Marina: This is a vibrant area that combines social life and luxury. Here, apartments and townhouses have direct access to the sea, with many offering private moorings. This area is the social heart of Sotogrande, with a wide range of restaurants, bars and high-end stores.
  • Sotogrande Alto: Located further inland, this area is known for its large plots and elevated views of the sea and Gibraltar. It is home to some of Europe's most prestigious golf courses, such as the Real Club Valderrama.
  • La Reserva: This new luxury development in Sotogrande offers larger plots and modern villas with state-of-the-art facilities. The area stands out for its focus on low-density living, with a strong connection to nature.

4.- The Port of Sotogrande

Puerto Sotogrande, considered one of the most exclusive marinas in Europe, stands as the epicenter of luxury on the Mediterranean coast. This iconic marina, located in the heart of Sotogrande, stands out for its imposing infrastructure, with 1,382 moorings and 1,426 luxury homes. Along its navigable canals, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled offer of designer stores, art galleries and fine dining restaurants, making a stroll along the marina an unforgettable experience.

As if that were not enough, it has the Blue Flag award and the Marina Safe qualification.

A stroll through this exclusive marina is always an unforgettable experience. Among its dozens of navigable channels, artificial islands and banks, boats of all lengths and categories rest.

The complementary offer is more than remarkable, the marina has dozens of restaurants with Mediterranean and international cuisine, fashion stores and art galleries, among other resources.

Sotogrande port

Within the port are the facilities of the Real Club Marítimo de Sotogrande. The brand of the social entity RCMS, as well as its symbols, are recognized nationally and internationally as they are linked to the history of Sotogrande and form an indissoluble part of its international prestige. The RCMS has successfully organized major sailing competitions at the highest level worldwide and its school has trained hundreds of athletes and sailing enthusiasts. Likewise, the RCMS has acted for decades, through the activities it develops and the people who represent it, as a melting pot and meeting point for Sotogrande society, as well as its institutions and public and private entities.

5.- Sotogrande: the Land of golf

Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande

Real Club Valderrama, known initially as Las Aves (Sotogrande Nuevo), was built in 1974 under the architectural direction of Robert Trent Jones Senior, a visionary among golf course designers. In 1984, the golf course became the property of Mr Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, who embarked on a mission to elevate it to an unprecedented level of excellence, setting a new benchmark for European golf.

Valderrama's rise was palpable as early as 1988, when it took on the role of host of the inaugural Volvo Masters, a flagship event within the PGA European Tour calendar, a role it maintained until 2009. The pinnacle of Valderrama's legacy came in 1997, when the Club had the honour of hosting the 32nd Ryder Cup, an event of great significance in the world of golf, culminating in the captivating victory of Europe with the remembered Seve Ballesteros as captain.

Sotogrande valderrama golf

Valderrama continues to build on its prestigious legacy, hosting the World Golf Championships – the American Express Championship – in 1999 and 2000, as well as the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, a long-standing fixture on the European Tour.

Following these milestones, Valderrama’s greatness continued. In 1999 and 2000, it was the distinguished host of the inaugural two editions of the World Golf Championships – the American Express Championship, which were triumphantly won by Tiger Woods and Mike Weir respectively.

In recent years, Valderrama’s illustrious legacy has been perpetuated with the staging of eight editions of the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, a tournament of considerable prestige in Spanish golf organised by the European Tour.

Valderrama continues to consolidate its status as a premier destination for the sport’s elite, betting on a new era of golf by hosting the inaugural LIV Golf Andalucía tournament in 2023.

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is considered one of the masterpieces of Robert Trent Jones, who chose this course as one of his five favorites among the more than 500 he designed around the world, as stated in his book “GOLF MAGNIFICENT CHALLENGE” published in 1988.

Opened in 1964, Sotogrande was Trent Jones' first course in Europe and treasures all his design philosophy, which was to make courses perfectly integrated into the natural environment, which were a great challenge for the best players, but affordable and fun for everyone.

Nothing better describes the course at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, an exciting course for players of any level that preserves all the natural beauty of the estate where it was built just 150 meters from the Mediterranean Sea.

The course, a par 72 of 6,492 meters, has long tees, wide fairways, and elevated greens, subtly shaped and fast that contain the greatest difficulty of the course. Of the hundred or so bunkers on the course, 69 are located around the greens, which requires maximum precision from the player when attacking the flags. The variety of the holes is another of the characteristics of Sotogrande, variety not only in shapes and distances, but also in vegetation: the mixture of cork oaks, pines, palm trees and other species, give the course a great personality and beauty.

Sotogrande valderrama

The course of the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is very balanced. In the first round, holes 4 and 7 stand out, good examples of the risk-reward concept coined by Trent Jones, according to which a hole should be a difficult par and an easy bogey, something that can also be said of holes 13 and 15 in the second part of the course.

The quality of the course is well reflected in the winners it has had over the years, among others, Severiano Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Roberto de Vicenzo, Sergio García, Padraig Harrington or Rory McIlroy.

6.- Gastronomic treasures in Sotogrande

We present a selection of recommendations of restaurants in Sotogrande for you to live a route of exclusivity and gastronomy. These options reflect a perfect blend of tradition and avant-garde, top quality ingredients and culinary fusions that delight the most demanding palates.

SO Sotogrande

SO Sotogrande stands out for its cuisine that celebrates the flavors of Andalusia. Under the direction of chef Leandro Caballero, this gastronomic space offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Chef Caballero, known for his passion for local produce and his ability to fuse tradition with culinary innovations, presents dishes that pay homage to Andalusia's rich gastronomic culture. From avant-garde tapas options to traditional recipes, each dish is a reflection of the chef's commitment to excellence.

Trocadero Sotogrande

Trocadero Sotogrande offers a beachfront experience with Mediterranean cuisine that incorporates exotic touches, this restaurant is renowned for its careful selection of ingredients and its ability to create dishes that are both classic and innovative. Trocadero's proposal is a perfect balance between Mediterranean tradition and the exploration of flavors from around the world, in an ambiance designed by master chef Lorenzo Queipo de Llano, which perfectly complements the culinary experience.

Don Diego Sotogrande

The fusion of Japan and Peru finds expression in Don Diego Sotogrande, a restaurant that celebrates culinary diversity in a Mediterranean setting. The quality and creativity of the dishes speak of a professional who masters both Japanese and Peruvian techniques, offering a unique gastronomic experience that transcends borders. This place is a testament to how cuisine can be a bridge between cultures.

Sotogrande

Chambao Beach Club

It is synonymous with summer, offering the great classics of the area that are perfect to enjoy by the sea. Chambao's gastronomic offerings are a reflection of an adaptive cuisine that seeks to satisfy everyone, combining the best of local ingredients with impeccable presentation and flavors that evoke sunny days and sea breezes.

Rosatti Ristorante

Located in Estepona Marina, Rosatti Ristorante focuses on quality, meticulously selecting the best ingredients for each dish. The restaurant's philosophy suggests a deep respect for the products and a passion for authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant becomes a must-visit destination for those who value authenticity and excellence in every bite.

7.- Hotels in Sotogrande

Sotogrande Spa&Golf Resort

The SO Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel, located in Sotogrande, is a 5-star resort with a golf course with 3 18-hole combinations and several restaurants. It features a 2,800 m² spa with hot tub, gym, sauna and fitness and wellness center.

Rooms at the SO Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel are spacious and decorated in natural tones. All have air conditioning, spectacular views of the golf course or gardens, coffee maker, bathrobe, slippers and free mineral water.

The property also features 2 outdoor swimming pools, 1 heated pool in the spa area, a horseback riding center and the Sotogrande golf academy.

There are 5 restaurants and bars serving Andalusian and international cuisine, such as the Cortijo Santa Maria 1962 and the Society Clubhouse. Guests can dine on the outdoor terraces or relax with a drink at IXO Tapas & Bar and MARXA Chiringuito.

8.- Polo and Sotogrande, a history of love

Sotogrande is one of the most exclusive and luxurious places in the world, where excellence is measured by the car you drive, the watch you wear, the pedigree of your dog, or the box you occupy to enjoy one of the sports and social spectacles of the summer: the Sotogrande International Polo Tournament.

The journey to make Sotogrande the world capital of polo in summer has been extended. The creation of Sotogrande is linked to Joseph Rafael McMicking, an American entrepreneur of Filipino origin who, in the early 1960s, found the ideal place in Sotogrande to build a luxury complex with golf courses and a polo field. What began as friendly polo matches on the mythical La Playa field became, starting in 1971, the Sotogrande Gold Cup. The Mora Figueroa and Zobel families (descendants of McMicking) have made polo the hallmark of Sotogrande through the Santa María Polo Club and the Ayala Polo Club, which, with nine fields, is one of the largest in Europe.

polo sotogrande

From July 23 to August 31, the Ayala Polo Club hosts the Andalucía International Polo Tournament, consisting of three cups: the Bronze Sotogrande Cup (July 23-28), the Silver Terralpa Cup (July 30-August 17), and the Gold Turkish Airlines Cup (August 19-31). This tournament is held across the three fields of Ayala Polo Club and the four fields of Ayala Los Pinos, being the most significant event in Continental Europe, comparable to tournaments in Argentina, the United States, and England.

The tournament features three polo categories:

  • High Handicap: Teams between 20 and 22 goals.
  • Medium Handicap: Teams between 12 and 14 goals.
  • Low Handicap: Teams between 6 and 8 goals.
Sotogrande polo

The Andalucía International Polo Tournament featured the world's top players, including Bartolomé and Camilo Castagnola, Adolfo Cambiaso "Poroto," and his legendary father Adolfo Cambiaso. Other notable players like Pablo Mac Donough, Facundo Pieres, and Juan Martín Nero participated, especially in the High Handicap category, which had seven teams. The Medium Handicap featured five strong teams, and the Low Handicap had ten teams competing for glory.

9.- Hiking in Sotogrande: tour the unique jungle in Spain that is half an hour away from Sotogrande

The province of Cadiz, in the extreme south of Spain, is home to amazing landscapes that combine history, nature and biodiversity. One of the most unique routes is the trail that runs through the surroundings of the Miel river and the Bujeo mountain range, near Algeciras. This trail offers a privileged window into the laurel forest, a subtropical ecosystem of great ecological value, and takes hikers through impressive landscapes of mountains and valleys, accompanied by the constant murmur of the river's waters.

The laurel forest is a rarity in the Iberian Peninsula, and in this particular environment of the mountains of Algeciras and Tarifa, one of the last strongholds of this ecosystem in southern Europe is preserved. This type of vegetation, which predominated millions of years ago, is characteristic of humid and temperate climates. The rains that come from the Atlantic favor the conservation of this humid forest, allowing the growth of species such as gall oaks, rhododendrons (ojaranzos), laurels, holly trees and various types of ferns.

The starting point for this route is the Cobre neighborhood in Algeciras. To get there, visitors must take exit 103 of the Mediterranean Highway (A-7), from where a signposted forest track guides hikers to the trail. The path begins next to a gate that marks the access to the natural environment, with an informative sign that offers details about the route.

Sotogrande rio de la miel

After a few hundred meters, the trail enters a ravine through which flows the Miel River, one of the most beautiful streams in the area. Here, the landscape begins to reveal its natural treasures. The river is surrounded by lush vegetation and crossing it over a medieval stone bridge is one of the most photogenic moments of the route.

One of the first stops is the Aguila mill, an imposing ruin that recalls the importance of water in the region's economy for centuries. These mills, now in disuse, were located along the rivers and streams of the area, using the power of water to move their gears and grind grain. Although today they are only vestiges, these structures are a testimony of the old rural life in the region.

After passing the Aguila mill, the trail rises up the hillside, offering impressive views of the canyon through which the river flows. This section of the route is especially interesting for botany lovers, as it allows us to cross moss-covered gall oak forests, where the air is impregnated with the damp fragrance of ferns.

The path continues ascending until it connects with the well-known “senda de los presidiarios”, a historic trail built by Republican prisoners after the Spanish Civil War. This section of the route was created as part of a project to reinforce the defenses in the Campo de Gibraltar, and walking it is also a tribute to the recent history of Spain.

Sotogrande rio de la miel

Upon reaching the highest part of the route, the trail offers panoramic views over the canute of the Miel River, wedged between the Algarrobo mountain range and the Las Esclarecidas hill. From here, the path descends gently to the Higuera pass, the highest point of the route, to finally return to the starting point.

The route of the Miel river and the Bujeo mountain range is ideal for those seeking a close contact with nature. The beauty of its landscapes, the serenity of its forests and the opportunity to discover rare species make this hike a unique experience. In addition, the combination of nature and history gives it an added value that distinguishes it from other routes in the region.

10.- Schools in Sotogrande

Sotogrande International School (SiS)

With over forty years of experience, Sotogrande International School (SIS) has established itself as one of the most prestigious educational centers in the international arena. Located in the exclusive urbanization of Sotogrande, the school offers a comprehensive education to more than 1,300 students from 6 months to 18 years of age, combining academic excellence with a focus on development.

SIS is a state-of-the-art educational institution that stands out for its innovative International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, covering PYP (Primary), MPY (Secondary) and DP (Baccalaureate) levels. These programs are designed to provide students with not only solid academic knowledge, but also essential skills for the modern world.

The school has created an inclusive and diverse environment that attracts students of different nationalities, fostering a culture of respect and cooperation. In addition, SIS prepares its students to continue their education at prestigious international universities, including Ivy League institutions in the United States and Oxbridge and the Russell Group in the United Kingdom. SIS's academic programs are carefully structured to ensure that students have the best opportunities both academically and academically.

The school's commitment to high-level sport is also a cornerstone of its educational offerings. SIS has specialized sports programs in golf, tennis and swimming, giving students the opportunity to combine their education with the practice of elite sports, with first class facilities and expert coaches.

Sotogrande International School also offers a modern boarding option that complements its day program. The new residential facilities, which have been designed with the needs of the student in mind, are designed with the needs of the student in mind.

The SIS campus is a true educational joy, with ample indoor and outdoor spaces designed to foster interactive and collaborative learning. The constant expansion of its facilities reflects the school's commitment to educational innovation. Recently, the institution has launched an ambitious expansion project to respond to the growth of its community and further enhance its academic and recreational infrastructures.

With a focus on personalized education, the school prides itself on supporting each student in their development, helping them identify and achieve their goals and dreams. In this sense, SIS not only trains academically successful students, but also instills values in them.

11.- Sotogrande is looking for a new owner: Orion Capital Managers is negotiating its sale

Sotogrande, one of the most exclusive tourist and residential destinations in Spain could be about to change hands. The French investment fund Orion Capital Managers is moving forward in its desire to divest Sotogrande, the luxury urbanization located in San Roque. The sale process would include land, a five-star hotel, high-end housing, two golf courses, an equestrian center and a marina, among other assets. It is expected that, if negotiations continue, the internationally renowned development could have a new owner in the coming months.

The Orion Capital Managers fund took control of Sotogrande in 2014, in a deal valued at €225 million, together with its partner Cerberus. However, in 2017, Orion bought the remaining stake and took 100% of the company. Since then, it has executed a series of improvements and real estate projects, such as the refurbishment of the SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort hotel and the development of new luxury developments such as La Reserva, which offers exclusive villas that can exceed €10 million.

In addition to the homes, the complex includes first-class sports infrastructures. The two golf courses, designed by the famed architect Robert Trent Jones, have made Sotogrande a world reference in this sport, hosting international tournaments and attracting thousands of fans. It also has the Real Club Marítimo de Sotogrande, which is the epicenter for lovers of nautical and water sports. Polo, another of the pillars of the enclave, attracts an international elite that, in many cases, has ended up establishing permanent residence in this paradise in the Campo del Gibraltar.

Sotogrande port

Despite its recent success, the Orion fund has been looking for a buyer for some time. The company has received several offers, the most advanced coming from Saudi Arabia, although the identity of the buyer has not been disclosed. Orion could close the deal if it receives a “reasonable” offer, as they consider it a good time to capitalize on the investment.

The transfer would include a number of high-value assets, such as the ongoing real estate developments and others already consolidated, such as Village Verde, one of the most recent ones. This residential development offers luxury apartments and penthouses with prices starting at 990,000 euros, within a setting of six hectares of green areas. In addition, Sotogrande has two exclusive beach clubs, the Marina and the Marina, a tennis and paddle tennis club, and an equestrian center.

Orion Capital Managers, which has been a key player in the Spanish real estate market, is now looking to close this stage in Sotogrande. With an accumulated investment in Spain of 2.7 billion euros, the fund has been responsible for major projects, such as the creation and sale of emblematic shopping centers like Plenilunio in Madrid or Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza. However, everything suggests that its next move will be the sale of one of the most coveted enclaves in Europe.

12.- Situation of the real estate market in Sotogrande

One of the most outstanding features of Sotogrande is its low building density, which contributes to its quieter atmosphere. Properties here are spacious, and the large gardens and green areas provide an ideal setting for those seeking privacy. Prices in Sotogrande, although high, tend to be more affordable compared to Marbella. Luxury apartments can range from €450,000 to €2.8 million, while villas range from €1 million to €15 million, depending on location and amenities.

More extensively:

  • Apartments: Prices range from €250,000 for a standard apartment in the marina area to more than €5 million for luxurious penthouses with panoramic views.
  • Townhouses: entry-level townhouses start around €300,000, while beachfront or marina townhouses can cost up to €1,400,000 or more, depending on location and amenities.
  • Villas: Prices for villas in Sotogrande start at around €1,000,000 and can go up to over €15,000,000 for the larger and more luxurious properties. The area of Kings & Queens and La Reserva are known for their spacious high-end villas.
  • Plots: For those looking to build their own home, there are plots available with prices ranging from 3,800 € to 4,600 € per square meter depending on the location within Sotogrande.

Examples of new real estate developments in Sotogrande:

Village Verde

Village Verde is a project developed by La Reserva Club in Sotogrande. It is an exclusive community of luxury apartments located in the heart of Sotogrande, nestled among beautiful parks, within La Reserva and just steps away from the club's state-of-the-art facilities.

Village Verde consists of 124 apartments situated within six hectares of parkland, with sizes ranging from 181 to 524 square meters. Each property features terraces of at least 65 square meters, with ground-floor apartments boasting private gardens. All properties come with two private garage spaces and spacious storage rooms.

All apartments from the first phase have been sold, and half of the second phase units are already sold.

Sotogrande

Sphere Sotogrande

Sphere Sotogrande, a distinguished luxury residential complex, is also located in La Reserva de Sotogrande. It offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and the African coast. It consists of 33 residences distributed in six low-rise blocks, offering two-, three- and four-bedroom options. These homes are designed to maximize space, with sizes ranging from 200 m² for two-bedroom units to 330 m² for four-bedroom or three-bedroom penthouses. Homes in this development are being sold at prices ranging from €1.4 million to €3.3 million.