AREAGUIDE COSTA DEL SOL - SOTOGRANDE

Sotogrande is an exclusive residential development, has its own luxurious yachting marina and is home to the Valderrama golf club which hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, the World Golf Championships in November 2000 and annually the Volvo Masters.

Within the municipality of San Roque it is one of the most luxurious sports and residential developments in Europe. Going to Sotogrande is simply entering another world. Its 2,500 hectares (6,178 acres) encompass all the amenities you could imagine as a complement to the Polo Club. As well as golf, beach, marina and incredible bars, restaurants and even leisure centres, its situation and fabulous all year round weather, makes it a unique experience.

Although technically it is located on the Costa de la Luz it borders the Costa del Sol, natural surroundings and sheer comfort and ease incorporated into all the facilities makes it exceptional.

Road access to Marbella, Malaga, Jerez, Cadiz and Seville and all along the Costa del Sol is easy by the motorway or new Toll Road. Gibraltar is the nearest international airport at just 15 minutes away and Malaga is 45 minutes.

Sotogrande is home to the Santa Maria Polo Club and four golf courses to choose from; Valderrama (host to Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup), Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande (Founded in 1964, designed by Robert Trent Jones), La Cañada and Almenara, to say nothing of the further vast choice of courses along the coast, at just 30 to 45 minutes drive away.

The marina, with around 550 moorings, has an impressive sailing club and for paddle tennis enthusiasts, there are two clubs in Sotogrande to choose from.

Sotogrande is located near the Straits of Gibraltar whose quiet beaches are only moments away. Thanks to its particular geographic situation, the offer available is most varied, with a choice of dramatic Atlantic beaches and tranquil Mediterranean coves. If you would rather enjoy sun, sea and sand on a large commercial beach offering all of the services you can imagine, don't forget that the most beaches of the Costa del Sol are only a short drive away.

It's hard to imagine how different the land looked back in 1964, when the American Joseph McMicking had the foresight to develop what is now the Sotogrande Urbanization. Back in the 1970's there was practically no one living in Sotogrande. It was a large landed estate with a few country homes on it. When McMicking saw the enormous potential of this beautiful area, realising that he could offer the tranquillity of the countryside and surroundings, with close access to the buzz of the Costa del Sol.
Within Sotogrande lies the Guadiario estuary, a protected natural area of 27 hectare of marshland on the west bank of the estuary at the mouth of the River Guadiaro. It is of particular interest to birdwatchers but anybody can enjoy a stroll along the wooden walkways.

Sotogrande has something for everyone. For some it's a sport, sailing, golfing, tennis or polo paradise and for others it's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the fabulous surroundings. Either way, it deserves a visit to see it for yourself.