Discover why Sotogrande could be Spain's best golf resort. We explore its championship golf courses, luxury accommodation, outstanding dining, spa and wellness facilities, activities, nearby attractions and much more to find out what makes this famous Spanish destination so special.
Quick links: Area | Hotel & Accommodation | Food & Drink | Spa & Wellness | Activities | Golf | Real Estate | Summary
For many golfers, the idea of jumping on a flight and heading south for some early or late winter sun in places such as Spain and Portugal is something to look forward to, offering an escape from the harsh UK winter.
Both countries, along with several other popular destinations, are home to resorts with impressive golf courses, luxurious hotels, excellent food and, if you’re lucky, a beautiful beach too.
I have been fortunate enough to visit a number of these types of resorts over the years, but I’m not sure any tick as many boxes as Sotogrande on the Costa del Sol in Spain.
Area
Sotogrande is just a short flight from the UK. Various airlines operate services to Málaga from most UK airports, with the journey taking around three hours.
From Málaga Airport, Sotogrande is just over an hour’s transfer south, towards Gibraltar if you’re looking at a map. Most tour operators, such as Golfbreaks, will naturally include this transfer in the cost of your trip.
Being so far south, temperatures in Sotogrande during April and May can reach as high as 23°C. In the middle of summer, highs can exceed 30°C. October can also bring temperatures of around 24°C, making it an ideal destination for much of the year.
According to historical records, even in December temperatures average around 15°C. With the local beach just a short journey away, Sotogrande offers plenty of activities beyond the golf course, although the game naturally plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors to the area.
Hotel / Accommodation
The hotel at Sotogrande is hidden away in the beautiful Andalusian countryside, embracing the philosophy of 'living life the Spanish way' in the western part of the Costa del Sol. Featuring on-site golf, a spa, exceptional dining and luxurious accommodation, it's a five-star lifestyle and wellness retreat.
With four different pools, plenty of dining options, a spa and wellness centre, a gym offering a variety of fitness classes, five golf courses and an academy, Sotogrande has left no stone unturned in creating a resort with something for everyone. Even children are well catered for thanks to the kids' club and family activities. Or perhaps you'd prefer a relaxing day with some sand between your toes at The Beach at La Reserva Club.
The rooms themselves - whether it's the 'Cosy', 'Comfy' or 'Together' category - are spacious, comfortable and, in most cases, feature a private balcony or terrace. Never too far away from everything you need, they're all furnished with, as a minimum, a king-size bed, walk-in shower, USB charging points, Bluetooth speaker, television and much more.
Each room also features either a large walk-in shower, a bath or, in some cases, both, in a typically Spanish-style patio bathroom. Air-conditioned throughout, every room also includes an iron, hair dryer, mini bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for a little more luxury, there's also an impressive selection of suites available, starting with the 'Studio' and working all the way up to the VIP Suite El Cortijo.
Offering more space, added luxury and, in some cases, an upstairs terrace, they're ideal for couples wanting that little extra or groups looking to relax together after a memorable day on the golf course.
Food
There are four different dining options on site at Sotogrande.
The Society Clubhouse is probably the venue most frequently used by visiting golfers. Located beside the golf shop, it features a terrace overlooking the first tee and ninth green, with views stretching towards the Mediterranean in the distance.
Open from 7am for breakfast and serving throughout the day until dinner finishes at 10.30pm, Society caters for everything from an early coffee to an evening meal.
Whether it's comfort food from the bar menu or a quick bite to eat, Society serves classic Spanish dishes, pasta, salads and sandwiches, gourmet burgers, plus an excellent selection of meat and fish.
The IXO Tapas Bar - open every day from 6pm until 1am - offers a stylish yet relaxed dining experience, complete with Spanish guitar music and flamenco performances.
Designed to resemble a traditional Spanish square, with the bar taking centre stage, the arches and décor create a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. Alongside an excellent cocktail menu, there are local and regional wines, a great selection of Spanish beers and, of course, an extensive tapas menu.
Enjoy your food and drinks either on the indoor patio or the outside terrace while soaking up the atmosphere.
If you're looking for something a little more substantial than tapas, then The Marxa Chiringuito could be just what you're after.
Summer vibes and a vibrant atmosphere are complemented by a five-metre barbecue taking centre stage, with both indoor and outdoor dining available. Freshly prepared catch of the day, premium cuts of meat, flavourful skewers and vegetarian dishes all feature on the menu. And don't forget those with a sweet tooth - even the desserts are prepared on the grill, adding a unique twist.
Lastly, but by no means least, Cortijo Santa María 1962 is a tribute to Andalusian gastronomy, located on the historic site of the original farmhouse that stood before Sotogrande was established in 1962.
Hosted by Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Isnard, the restaurant's menu pays tribute to the spirit of the Cortijo.
Like the other dining venues, both indoor and outdoor seating is available, while guests can also experience the variety and depth of Andalusia's liquid gold through olive oil tastings.
Locally sourced tuna, fresh seafood and the finest cuts of meat all feature on the à la carte menu, with ingredients carefully sourced from nearby producers. Local cheeses and wines also play a starring role, while diners can choose between three-course and seven-course tasting menus.
To summarise, dining is clearly a major part of the overall Sotogrande experience, and with four very different restaurants to choose from, there's something to suit every taste
Spa / Gym
Boasting more than 3,500sqm, Sotogrande Spa & Wellness is another feather in the resort's cap and another reason behind its growing popularity.
The spa features eight tranquil treatment rooms where massages and therapies are available in a peaceful setting. Alternatively, you can ease away any tension in the hydrothermal circuit or enjoy specialist treatment cabins offering cryotherapy and floatation therapy. The beauty boutique is also a great place to treat yourself, whether it's your hands, feet or both that need a little attention.
The fitness club and state-of-the-art gym are open 24 hours a day, allowing you to stay active at your own pace or under the guidance of one of the resort's dedicated personal trainers. There's also a daily programme of complimentary classes, including sunrise yoga, Pilates, spin and core strength sessions. Or perhaps a gentle swim in the 20-metre indoor lap pool is more your style.
Whether you're looking to work up a sweat or simply relax, unwind and recharge, Sotogrande has everything you could ask for and more, with both memberships and day passes available.
Activities
The Beach at La Reserva is a stunning spot. A man-made beach in the middle of the hills might sound unusual, but it really works.
With a full-service restaurant and bar, adult and children's pools, plus a kids' club, it has everything needed for a relaxing day away from the golf course.
On top of this, there's a separate sports lagoon, which provides the perfect setting for water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding and electric surfboarding.
It really is tranquillity in abundance.
If you'd rather have a racquet in your hand, why not take advantage of the clay tennis court or one of the five padel courts? Equipment hire and professional coaching are both available, with the courts conveniently located next to The Beach at La Reserva.
Other activities include horse riding and polo, while there are also plenty of cycling routes to explore.
If a more relaxed pace is your thing, and a bit of retail therapy appeals, then once again Sotogrande has you covered.
Andalusian treasures, luxury brands and unique souvenirs are all available in a variety of shops and boutiques within the resort, as well as nearby.
The Alma Andalusian Store, located within the Society Clubhouse, the boutique in the Spa & Wellness centre and, of course, the golf shop all offer the opportunity to pick up gifts or keepsakes, whether for friends and family or simply as a reminder of your own stay.
Sotogrande also offers a personal shopping experience with the experts from El Corte Inglés in Marbella.
Golf
During my recent visit, I was lucky enough to play both La Reserva Club and The Alto Club, the course located on-site at the hotel. I also had the chance to experience the impressive new golf academy and sample the brand-new par-three course.
Below is a brief introduction to each course, with more in-depth reviews of both La Reserva Club and The Alto coming soon.
La Reserva Club
Around a 10-minute drive from the hotel, La Reserva Club is a stunning par-72 layout that features water on many of its holes and offers a fantastic golfing experience.
The newest course within the Sotogrande collection, it also boasts excellent practice facilities, a driving range and everything you'd expect from a championship-standard venue.
I'll also be taking a much closer look at La Reserva Club in a dedicated feature, coming soon.
The Alto Club
Located on-site at the resort, The Alto Club offers a stunning par-71 layout and provides a fair but enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities.
The course is complemented by the resort's impressive new academy, along with the recently created par-three course, making it an excellent place to practise, improve your game or simply enjoy another memorable round during your stay.
Keep an eye out for my full review of The Alto Club, coming soon.
Real Club Valderrama
Real Club Valderrama is undoubtedly the best-known course in the area, having hosted many of the world's biggest tournaments over the years. Most famously, it staged the 1997 Ryder Cup.
This Robert Trent Jones-designed masterpiece remains one of Europe's most exclusive golfing experiences and is firmly on the bucket list for golfers around the world.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Around a 12-minute drive from the hotel, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande was the first golf course in Europe designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Opened in 1964, it features wide fairways, elevated tees and subtle changes in elevation, providing another memorable test of golf in a spectacular setting.
La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links
Just 15 minutes from the hotel, La Hacienda Alcaidesa offers something completely different from the other courses within the Sotogrande area.
With two excellent layouts - a links course and a heathland course - plus a recently redesigned practice facility, it's the perfect place to mix up your golf itinerary and experience another side of golf on the Costa del Sol.
Real Estate
One aspect of Sotogrande that perhaps doesn't receive the attention it deserves is the impressive range of homes throughout the resort.
From stylish apartments and contemporary townhouses to spectacular villas overlooking the golf courses and Mediterranean coastline, there's a property to suit almost every lifestyle and budget.
It's easy to understand why so many people choose to make Sotogrande their permanent home or purchase a holiday property here. The combination of world-class golf, outstanding facilities, a relaxed lifestyle and more than 300 days of sunshine each year creates a truly enviable place to live.
To find out more visit: sotogrande.com/real-estate-sotogrande/
Summary
Before visiting Sotogrande, I'd heard plenty about its world-class golf courses, but I hadn't appreciated just how much the resort has to offer away from the fairways.
Whether you're planning a golf holiday with friends, a couples' getaway, a family break or simply somewhere to relax in the Spanish sunshine, Sotogrande genuinely caters for everyone.
From championship golf and outstanding practice facilities to luxury accommodation, first-class dining, a superb spa and a wide range of activities, everything is designed to create a memorable experience.
Having spent a few days exploring everything the resort has to offer, it's easy to see why so many golfers return year after year.
If you're thinking about your next golf holiday, Sotogrande deserves to be right near the top of your list.
To find out more about staying at SO/ Sotogrande or to browse golf holiday packages across the region, visit the Golfbreaks SO/ Sotogrande page or explore the wider Golfbreaks Sotogrande golf break guide.
