About Sotogrande, an oasis in South Spain.
Sotogrande, a luxury hideaway on the Southern coast of Spain, is one of Europe’s most exclusive coastal resort destinations. Since the early 1960’s the area has been well-known as the summer residence of the global elite and nowadays an ever growing real estate complex.
This secret gem of “La Costa del Sol”, is a secret epicenter of polo and home to historic polo clubs such as Santa Maria Polo Club and Ayala Polo Club, some of the most exclusive clubs in Spain and the world. With over 20 polo fields in the area, just minutes from the beaches and some of the best equine facilities in the world, it’s no wonder why over 2000 ponies and the biggest names in polo flock to Sotogrande in Summer to compete on the international stage.
The area is also home to high-end luxury properties, a wide variety of high quality cuisine and restaurants as well as endless activities to see and do. Sotogrande is renowned for being a fantastic golfing and sailing location where you’ll also find tennis, water sports, excellent beach clubs and more.
If it couldn’t get any better, the area also boasts having over 300 days of sunshine, making it ideal for those looking for all-year-round grass polo, perfect climate and endless outdoor activities. All of this just a 25 minute drive from Gibraltar airport and one hour from Malaga airport.
What to do in Sotogrande
1. BEACH CLUBS:
If there is one thing you cannot miss on La Costa del Sol it’s spending a nice day on a beach club, and Sotogrande counts with one of the best ones.
Enjoy and relax at the beach Trocadero Beach Club, Gigi’s Beach or lifelong Chambao. If you want to live a more exclusive experience, try The Beach, the biggest interior lagoon in all Europe located in the hills of La Reserva Club.
2. POLO:
The perfect weather & conditions, makes Sotogrande a European polo hub for clubs and organisations who want to plan all year round. During the summer season, the historic clubs (Santa Maria Polo Club, Ayala & Dos Lunas,) host the big tournaments attracting the best players in the world and the glamorous summer crowds, open entry for everyone.
But for those motivated individuals about trying the sport, Polo Valley offers a whole new concept to those who want to experience the authentic polo lifestyle. Either if you are a complete novice or advanced player, we have many lessons, experiences and programmes made for you at our beautiful private finca.
3. GOLF:
For golf lovers, some of courses here are listed among the twelve best in Spain as ranked by the prestigious Golf World Magazine, so whether you’re a beginner, an advance player, or simply an enthusiast, Sotogrande is the perfect place for you. For experienced players, the landscapes will make your game even better, and for the newers, most of the golf clubs here include competitions and coaching for all ages and skills.
Try with the Real Club Golf Sotogrande, San Roque Club, Valderrama Golf Club or La Reserva Club.
4. WATER SPORTS: sailing is extremely popular in Sotogrande, but there are many other activities you can do in the area, such as kitesurfing, kayaking, fishing or diving. Enjoy the beautiful mediterranean sea while you overwiew Gibraltar and Africa just in front of you.
If you have to have fun, check Jet Board Limited shop in la Marina, where you can find all sort of equipment and products.
5. TENNIS & PADEL: the Racquet Centre, La Reserva Club or the Octógono, are some of the places where you can learn or improve your game. Most of them also offer “mixings”, which consist of 2 hour sessions playing with different people, sometimes celebrating the game with a cold drink afterwards and nice people to chat to.
6. THE MARINA:
Sotogrande’s vibrant marina is home to a plethora of boutiques and high-end bars and restaurants. It’s the heart of Sotogrande, both for residents and visitors. From breakfast to dinner, you can always find people on the terraces, shopping around or just taking a walk. Also, during Summer months, you can’t miss the popular Sunday market.
7. NATURE:
If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, Sotogrande has everything to offer, from clear-water beaches to protected nature areas and rivers. Try to swim at La Sardina for a more rocky beach or Bunkers beach for sandy kilometers. For the restless, tour around Estuario del Guadiaro or go up to the Guadiaro river.
Where to eat in Sotogrande
If there is an immeasurable pleasurable thing to do in Sotogrande it is sampling the local gastronomy. You can find a wide variety of restaurants in La Marina, both for foodies and world-class chefs, that count with the freshest local products grown and produced in the sorroundings.
1. BOKANA:
Cool cocktails, tasty tapas and an impressive view of the port, Bokana is a real favourite with locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by a host of exquisite restaurants in the Blue Marina, it stands out for its buzzing atmosphere and live music.
+34 956 77 26 47 @bokanasotogrande
2. DON DIEGO:
Fantastic japanese & peruan fusion food located in front of the port ribera. With special theme nights (Japanese, Peruvian, Thai nights, etc.) to discover new dishes or even learn how to cook sushi in their workshops that they regularly schedule.
+34 666 551 989 @dondiegosotogrande
3. TROCADERO:
Located on the beach with views of the Mediterranean, Trocadero is rated one of the top beach clubs in Europe. With a huge variety on the menu, Trocadero is a great place to sit back and relax for lunch, dinner and an afternoon in the sun.
+34 956 795 012 @trocaderosotogrande
4. GIGI’S. BEACH:
Gigi’s offers a tranquil setting for a relaxed lunch or sunset supper on the beachfront. Renowned for its fresh food and quality service, on the menu you can always find a brilliant selection of fish as well as an all-day barbecue.
+34 696 674 753 @gigisbeachsotogrande
5. CHAMBAO:
Located on Torreguadiaro beach, Chambao will turn your days into nights. Have lunch in front of the ocean and when the sun goes down enjoy moonlight tapas, live DJ sets and a party until dawn.
+34 657 80 03 33 @chambaosotogrande
6. KE BAR:
In the centre of the Marina, Ke is the place to see people and be seen. With a buzzing atmosphere, it attracts both locals and holidaymakers meeting for a catch-up drink or a three-course meal.
+34 956 79 03 33 @kesotogrande
7. ECCOLO GELATO:
Fresh artisan ice creams made from carefully selected natural ingredients and organic dairy products.
+34 680 50 05 00 @eccologelato
8. OCTOGONO BEACH CLUB:
Located on Sotogrande beach with view of Gibraltar, Octógono has 4 swimming pools and an outstanding chef. A short walk away from the restaurant, you will find tenis and padel facilities.
+ 34 956 615 614
9. ASADOR CANCHA II:
Set within the stunning grounds of Ayala Polo Club, Cancha II adds a fine dining twist to the traditional Argentinian asado making for an unforgettable experience
+34 618 568 368 @canchadosasador
Where to stay in Sotogrande
Polo Valley has own private accommodation: the Polo Valley Guest House, if you’d like to stay just steps away from the polo fields. Or as an alternative, if you want to soak in the Sotogrande Marina, check out our luxurious Marina Penthouse.
We also have accommodation Partners, considered some of the best options around the area and recognised world-wide. We highly recommend Finca Cortesín, SO/ Sotogrande, Hotel Marítimo de Sotogrande and IKOS Andalucía in Estepona. Book a flight and book your experience at Polo Valley during your stay and get a bespoke service.
Don’t hesitate to contact our concierge team, who will be more than happy to help you with any need during your stay here.