A place that celebrates heritage and history in beautiful natural settings. Since the early 1960s, Sotogrande has been the playground of the global elite. Visitors and residents include royalty, the famous and the business elite — all attracted by the unique lifestyle.
Sotogrande is a prestigious and expansive residential resort that is part of the San Roque town, in Cadiz, Southern Spain. The whole of Sotogrande’s perimeter is fully secured with 24H security. It is the largest privately owned residential development in Andalucia. Sotogrande is also our home, and the place we love the most.
Sotogrande is a luxury private residential resort located in the southern part of Spain, specifically in the province of Cádiz, within the autonomous community of Andalusia, within the town of San Roque. Sotogrande is known for its upscale amenities, including golf courses and marinas.
The distance to other areas in the southern part of Spain from Sotogrande can vary depending on your destination within the region:
Malaga airport:106 km (about 65 miles)
Marbella: It is roughly 35 km (about 22 miles)
Border of Gibraltar: 25 km (about 15 miles).
Tarifa: 65 km (about 40 miles)
Cádiz: 120 km (about 75 miles)
Sevilla airport: 213 km (about 132 miles)
Jerez airport: 126 Km (about 78 miles)
Sotogrande has a rich and beautiful history. Though brief in its years, very full regarding its information.
The story of Sotogrande began with Joseph McMicking, a Filipino American businessman who served in the United States Army during World War II. McMicking, impressed by the exclusive Forbes Park housing development in Manila, wanted to create a similar community and set out to find the perfect location. Unspoiled beaches and access to an airport were important, and this area of provincial Cádiz fit the Bill perfectly.
Today, Sotogrande is celebrated for its elegant tranquility, and unique lifestyle. It stands as a premier destination, attracting a global audience seeking a harmonious balance between refined living and the pristine beauty of the Andalusian coast.
Sotogrande is famous for its world-class golf courses (including Valderrama Golf), polo fields and tournaments, and marina, which is among the top ten largest in Spain. It is also known for the unique lifestyle it offers its residents, and being a very safe place to live.
Sotogrande has indeed become a popular place to live, particularly noted for its international community. People from all around the world are drawn to the unique lifestyle that Sotogrande offers. This international appeal has been a significant factor in its growing popularity as a residential area, especially since the Corona pandemic which started in 2019.
The allure of Sotogrande also lies in its ability to attract those in search of a distinctive lifestyle. Its luxurious amenities, high-end properties, and exclusive sports facilities such as golf courses and polo fields cater to individuals and families seeking a high-quality living environment. This unique combination of features has made it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy an upscale lifestyle in a beautiful setting.
Moreover, Sotogrande has seen a substantial increase in its population, particularly among families. In the past five years, the population has been estimated to double from approximately 4,000 to 8,000 residents, demonstrating its rising popularity. The community is diverse in age as well, from young families to retirees, creating a vibrant and dynamic community that appeals to all ages. This growth is a testament to Sotogrande’s appeal as a place that offers something for everyone, making it not just a vacation spot but a true home for many.
The residents of Sotogrande vary greatly, from royalty and nobility to notable business people, as well as powerful politicians. The resort guarantees a privacy that few other places are able to provide, hence, most of our VIP/celebrity buyers are kept very confidential, and their identity is rarely revealed. At Open Frontiers we value our clients’ trust, and while the list of famous people residing here is exhaustive, our integrity is of utmost importance. Without a doubt, once you are a resident in Sotogrande, dining next to some of the most respectable and famous is a common occurrence; and the discretion and respect surrounding the matter is part of what makes Sotogrande amazing.
While the resort is incredibly international, a large number of the original residents were Spanish families from great fortunes and titles, hence, the traditional spanish influence is still strong, and partly why Sotogrande is the magical place today.
A lot of people have a notion that Sotogrande is for older people, but more and more young professionals and families are choosing Sotogrande as their home. Hence, in Sotogrande you can find people from all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds – there is never a dull moment at a dinner party, because everyone has a great story!
If you are looking for the ideal location to start, or raise your family, Sotogrande is for you. Our communities are private, secure and tranquil, providing peace of mind to parents or parents-to-be, all in a destination renowned worldwide.
If you want the best amenities and experiences for more than just your vacation time, Sotogrande could well be the answer—its Sotogrande International School is ranked one of the best private schools in Spain. And, should they be needed, all emergency medical aid and health services are available right in Sotogrande with easy access to prime local hospitals and clinics.
Sotogrande has indeed become a popular place to live, particularly noted for its international community. People from all around the world are drawn to the unique lifestyle that Sotogrande offers. This international appeal has been a significant factor in its growing popularity as a residential area, especially since the Corona pandemic which started in 2019.
The allure of Sotogrande also lies in its ability to attract those in search of a distinctive lifestyle. Its luxurious amenities, high-end properties, and exclusive sports facilities such as golf courses and polo fields cater to individuals and families seeking a high-quality living environment. This unique combination of features has made it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy an upscale lifestyle in a beautiful setting.
Moreover, Sotogrande has seen a substantial increase in its population, particularly among families. In the past five years, the population has been estimated to double from approximately 4,000 to 8,000 residents, demonstrating its rising popularity. The community is diverse in age as well, from young families to retirees, creating a vibrant and dynamic community that appeals to all ages. This growth is a testament to Sotogrande’s appeal as a place that offers something for everyone, making it not just a vacation spot but a true home for many.
Sotogrande, on the Costa del Sol, is recognized as one of the most exclusive destinations for golf lovers, home to some of the most prestigious courses in Europe. Below is a selection of the top golf courses in the area: sotogrande.com
The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is considered one of Robert Trent Jones’s masterpieces. He chose this course as one of his five favorites among the more than 500 he designed around the world, as described in his book “GOLF MAGNIFICENT CHALLENGE,” published in 1988.
Opened in 1964, Sotogrande was Trent Jones’s first course in Europe and embodies his design philosophy, which consisted of creating courses perfectly integrated into the natural environment, offering a great challenge for the best players, yet accessible and fun for everyone.
Nothing better describes the course at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, an exciting course for players of all skill levels that preserves all the natural beauty of the estate on which it was built just 150 meters from the Mediterranean Sea.
The 6,492-meter par 72 course features long tees, wide fairways, and elevated, subtly shaped, and fast greens that represent the course’s greatest difficulty. Of the 100 bunkers on the course, 69 are located around the greens, requiring the player to exert maximum precision when hitting the flags. The variety of holes is another characteristic of Sotogrande, not only in shapes and distances, but also in vegetation: the mix of cork oaks, pines, palm trees, and other species gives the course great personality and beauty.
The course at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is very balanced. Holes 4 and 7 stand out on the first round, providing excellent 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 on the second part of the course.
The quality of the course is clearly reflected in the winners it has produced over the years, including Severiano Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Roberto de Vicenzo, Sergio García, Padraig Harrington, and Rory McIlroy.
Green fee 18 holes: €350; Weekend: €385; Caddy: €60; Buggy: €50; Electric trolley: €18; Manual: €7; Club rental: €49
Nestled in the natural landscape of Sotogrande, the golf club has a long history in the world of golf. Known for the design and maintenance of its course, it was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior. Real Club Valderrama has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the 1997 Ryder Cup.
Real Club Valderrama has also hosted the Volvo Masters – the European Tour season finale – 16 times between 1988 and 2008, as well as the inaugural World Golf Championship – American Express Championship in 1999 and 2000, and the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, a key event on the European Tour, between 2010-2011 and 2017-2022.
Today, Valderrama continues to play a pivotal role in showcasing golf’s elite, adding an exciting new chapter by welcoming the LIV Golf League to the first annual LIV Golf Andalucía tournament, a highly anticipated stop for the league and fans, featuring some of the sport’s best players from around the world.
In addition to an impeccable course, our club boasts first-class facilities and exquisite cuisine. Discover the essence of golf at its finest, where passion meets precision and every swing tells a story.
Sotogrande is home to some of Europe’s finest golf courses, and La Reserva Club is ranked among the top 12 in Spain by Golf World magazine. Carved into the hillside with stunning views in every direction, this 18-hole course was designed in 2003 by American architect and course designer Cabell B. Robinson.
With wide fairways, large greens, gentle but challenging undulations, and tricky water hazards, La Reserva is a must-visit for any golfer visiting southern Spain.
The Almenara Sotogrande Golf Club features an 18-hole course, created by renowned British designer Dave Thomas, located next to Los Alcornocales Natural Park, where it blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscapes. Water plays a central role in its design, thanks to its two large lakes surrounded by cork oaks and olive trees, which convey an unparalleled serenity.
The course, with views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains, is a true challenge for golfers of all levels, thanks to its deep bunkers, water hazards, rolling hills, and zigzagging fairways. Plus, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s the ideal place to play golf.
San Roque Golf & Resort, your golf course in Sotogrande. Set in the stunning scenery of the Costa del Sol, San Roque Golf & Resort stands out as an iconic European golf destination, where tradition and innovation intertwine in a spectacular setting. Designed by Perry Dye in collaboration with golf legend Severiano Ballesteros, our course has not only witnessed the evolution of golf, but has also served as the venue for prestigious events such as the 2006 Spanish Open and several European Tour Qualifying School finals.
Sotogrande has been recognized by Golf World by entering the 39th position in the World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts for 2023. This ranking highlights Sotogrande not only as one of the best golf resorts in Spain, but also among the best in all of Europe. The development of the five-star SO/Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort, along with course improvements, have been key to this inclusion.
Thanks to its privileged climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Sotogrande offers ideal conditions for golf year-round. Furthermore, golf and cycling are helping to extend the tourist season beyond the summer, attracting international visitors even outside of peak season.
Sotogrande is home to some of Spain’s finest golf courses, including Valderrama, a Ryder Cup destination. La Reserva Club builds on this tradition with a modern 18-hole championship golf course, home to top-tier events such as the Aramco Team Series. With wide fairways leading to expansive greens, gentle yet challenging undulations, and challenging water features, La Reserva is a must-visit for any golfer visiting southern Spain.
Not only are their sports facilities top-notch, but they also have the best teachers and coaches to help members improve their skills and get the most out of their game.
Since the beginning, Sotogrande has been known for its horse culture and outstanding equestrian facilities. Ayala Polo Club is known the world over and regularly hosts international tournaments.
Dressage, eventing, cross country and show jumping are also important events on the Sotogrande sporting calendar. The two main facilities, Dressage Sotogrande and Endurance Equestrian, provide training for all the main disciplines, for beginners right through to national and international competitors. If you want to learn polo, our concierge service will arrange a lesson at Polo Valley Sotogrande. Located on a ranch just outside the borders of Sotogrande, Polo Valley combines polo tuition with worldclass accommodation for a unique experience in the equestrian field.
The Beach at La Reserva Club surrounds a stunning lagoon populated with large sun loungers and Chambaos with full waiter service. Other amenities include a sports lagoon and adult pool.
If you’re after something more isolated, choose Bunker Beach on Playa Guadalquitón’s quiet five-kilometre stretch just west of Sotogrande. The two-kilometre stretch of Playa Sotogrande is home to the Trocadero Beach Club inspired by colonial Africa, where you can soak up the sun, swim, or enjoy a poolside drink. And for hippy-chic on the beach, Chambao, Bahia Limón and Gigi’s beach are the places to be.
Sotogrande Marina, built in the 1990s, is the heart of Sotogrande vibrant sailing community. There are more than 830 berths here for craft of all shapes and sizes, from sporty powerboats to sleek sailing yachts. The atmosphere is full of life. Catering to the tastes of this nomadic jet set is a diverse collection of restaurants and cafes, offering everything from a simple drink to a gourmet dinner. The marina’s berths are available both on short-and long-term leases and are supported by an extensive range of services from chandlery and boat maintenance to jet ski hire.
Year-round Sotogrande Marina is the perfect place to engage in the wonderful Spanish tradition of socialising over great food and drink.
The berths in Sotogrande port are all lease-hold. The lease is up in 2057. Berths in Sotogrande start at 32,000€ for a 12m and 45,000€ for a 15m located on the islands and range all the way up to 185,000€ for a 25m next to the control tower. We think that owning a berth right outside your marina apartment is a great way to enjoy life!
Nestled among the premier educational institutions in Spain, Sotogrande International School stands as a beacon of excellence. Catering to students aged 3 to 18, it provides a choice between day school or boarding options. This distinguished institution proudly follows the International Baccalaureate program, renowned for nurturing the most brilliant young minds.
Meanwhile, the International Montessori School of Sotogrande caters to the needs of our youngest learners. As a bilingual institution, it welcomes children from as young as 8 months up to 12 years of age. The school’s educational philosophy centers around fostering self-motivated growth across all aspects of development, ultimately empowering children to evolve into well-rounded individuals.
Another school recently set up in Sotogrande is the ‘Alma Forest School’, where education takes on a different form, and the traditional classroom setting is left behind. This school caters to children from 3 to 14 years of age. From cutting edge international education, to a new and outdoor style of education, Sotogrande has something for every child, ensuring they too can find happiness in their school life.
Sotogrande restaurants cater to discerning travellers who know what they like – from refined gastronomy to a flip-flop brunch beside the sea. Dining out in Sotogrande is always served with lashings of local flavour—in the dishes and the surroundings.
Highlights include the SO/Sotogrande hotel restaurant Cortijo Santa María 1962 which offers an artisanal Andalusian vibe and the Society Clubhouse Restaurant which is the place for relaxed breakfasts or more formal meals that take inspiration from all over the world. Marxa Chiringuito is the place to sample delicious barbecue creations and cocktails around the pool and the La Reserva Beach Club has everything from light bites to à la carte choices for all to enjoy. Sotogrande Marina also features a great choice of restaurants.
Annual Events in Sotogrande:
Some of the most notable events include the prestigious International Polo Tournament, which you can read all about here, equestrian competitions, top-notch Golf Tournaments such as the Andalucia Masters. A stylish Concours d’Elegance for classic cars, a diverse Music Festival, lively Beach Parties, Art and Craft Fairs showcasing local and international talents, Charity Events supporting the community, dynamic Summer Festivals, thrilling Regattas on the Mediterranean, and competitive Tennis and Paddle Tournaments.
Why do people buy in sotogrande?
People buy homes in Sotogrande for multiple reasons, but we can safely say that the main one are: the safety; Sotogrande is fully secured, with 24H security, the lifestyle; the amenities, the tranquility, and the international mind-set is unique, and finally, Sotogrande International School; a lot of families move down to provide their children with incredible education.
One of the reasons Sotogrande has risen in popularity over the years is its varied style of homes, making it a perfect fit for everybody. Due to McMicking’s initial vision, many older homes hold an American hacienda style as well as traditional Andalusian influenced homes. Luxury villas are also prominent, usually hidden away behind gates.
The newer development area of La Reserva Club de Sotogrande will be the epitome of the elegance and luxury Sotogrande has to offer, as this zone is being developed as the most exclusive, and final one. Sotogrande offers a diverse range of architectural styles to suit various tastes and preferences.
The cost of a plot in Sotogrande can vary significantly depending on its size, location, and other factors. Prices can range from three hundred thousand to over a million euros.
The zone in which a plot is located gravely affects its price. As the zones were meticulously designed to match each other in terms of features, it is also a good way to judge price points. Different zones also tend to have varying views, so someone who knows Sotogrande well, can instantly tell you more or less plot sizes, potential views, topography and therefore, price.
For example, plots in the A & B zone vary between 1000 – 2000 m2, and rarely provide a view, they have also become extremely rare because it is a very mature and developed area. Plots in La Reserva on the other hand, are 2200m2 or larger, normally provide impressive sea views, but also tend to be slanted. The prices range from 440,000€ to up to 3,000,000€ for a plot on ‘The fifteen’.
The cost of a villa in Sotogrande can vary significantly depending on its size, location, and other factors. Prices can range from eight hundred thousand up to 15 million euros. Again, the zones in which the property is located is a massive factor that affects price, as well as the presence of views, built area, and how well maintained or updated the house is.
Villas in the A & B zone max at around 1.6 million. The more established areas like the D & C zones, that boast larger plot sizes, and therefore villas, start at around 1.2 million, ranging all the way up to 6.5 million. The F zone on the other hand, has a great variation in prices and styles, but average between 1 – 3 million.
Villas in La Reserva start at least 1 million in the rare case, and range to 20 million for the ultra modern, new build villas with breathtaking views. The villas in this zone with impressive views, tend to average around 5 million, however it needs to be noted that there is a huge variation, especially when it comes to build quality, style and presence of views.
This is also where ‘The Seven’ will be built, the most exclusive and largest villas available in Sotogrande, starting at 12 million, and exceeding the 15 million mark. Another extremely exclusive area is ‘Altos de Valderrama’, where all the cork oak mansion villas are located. Properties here average around 4.5 million, and the style is as varying as can be, from traditional villas like the Cartier house, to ultra special developments like the Z Villa.
Finally, an area like ‘Kings and Queens’, officially part of Sotogrande Costa, is an extremely well established and very sought after area. It is where the first Sotogrande Villas were built, and still a favorite. Villas here start at 1.5 million, regardless of their state, and range to about 8 million.
Apartments in Sotogrande need to be divided between lease-hold and free-hold apartments. All the apartments in the original part of Sotogrande Port are lease-hold, and all the rest are free-hold.
The leasehold apartments in Sotogrande port start at around 100,000€ for a studio, 200,000€ for a one bedroom, and around 270,000€ for a 3 bedroom. The prices range again depending on whether or not reforms have been done, the views, the orientation and the height of the apartment. For example, there is one penthouse currently available at just under 2,000,000€, which is a fully reformed penthouse from 3 separate apartments.
Sotogrande is considered a safe and welcoming area, and Spain ranks among the safest countries in the world. Safety measures, including surveillance cameras and security personnel, are common in many residential areas and gated communities, including in Sotogrande. The Sotogrande community is fully gated, with security personnel and barriers at all the entry and exit points, and direct security surveillance throughout the resort. The local police force is highly responsive and has multiple stations throughout the region.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Sotogrande, all you need to do is be aware of the national emergency numbers in case something happens:
The biggest ‘danger’ in Sotogrande is that of too much sun, so be sure to protect yourself and your family from the strong Mediterranean sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to prevent sunburn.
Water and Food Safety: Sotogrande is incredibly safe and food health standards are maintained as well or better than throughout Europe. While tap water is generally safe to drink in Sotogrande, the taste isn’t the greatest, so travelers and locals alike prefer bottled water.
In the event of an emergency in Sotogrande, you can rely on the efficient local services. Dial 112 for general emergencies, 091 for the local police, and 112 for medical emergencies. The region is equipped with medical facilities, and if you require consular assistance as a foreign traveler, your embassy or consulate is just a call away. Enjoy your time in Sotogrande knowing that help is readily accessible when needed.
The local ‘Guardia Civil’, a police authority, that covers the Sotogrande area is located in C. Gredos, 1, 11360 Pueblo Nuevo, Cádiz, and they are reachable on +34 956 794 304. These can be contacted in the case of local incidents that are non-urgent but require police assistance, or to set a date and time in the case of needing to file a police report.
As residents or tourists of Sotogrande, you might find that often your ‘emergency’ is not so grave as to need to call the emergency services, but would like some peace of mind or assistance, in which case we call the security or ‘Prosegur’, the company in charge of securing Sotogrande. ‘Prosegur’, the security service in Sotogrande, is reachable on (+34) 956794191. Typically, the security would be called in the case of noise complaints, a lost dog, a car accident, or any other incidents where they can be of assistance to the residents of Sotogrande. In the case of anything more serious, we recommend calling the police straight away
If you have any questions, need more information, or would like to discuss how we can assist you, please feel free to reach out. Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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