Sotogrande®, Europe’s premier golf, residential, and lifestyle destination, is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a special calendar of events for residents that celebrates everything that has made the destination so revered over the past 60 years.
Located in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, Sotogrande is a unique and picturesque area known for its natural beauty, breathtaking setting, world-class offering, and rich cultural history.
Founded in the 1960s by Joseph McMicking, a Filipino-American businessman who was inspired by the beauty of the Andalusian coastline. He saw the potential to create a unique resort that would offer the perfect blend of scenic views, exceptional facilities, and an exclusive lifestyle.
Since its inception, Sotogrande has become one of the most elite and sought-after destinations in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Today, Sotogrande® is home to more than 7000 private properties spread over more than 2000 hectares of extension. A renowned destination for exclusive living, boasting beautiful beaches, legendary golf courses, and a vibrant social scene.
In addition to the stunning homes, the development offers a range of amenities and services to enhance residents’ lifestyles. These include access to exclusive sports clubs, marinas, and beach club.
Sotogrande® is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special calendar of events that highlights everything that has made the destination so revered over the past 60 years. In addition to a 60’s themed party at La Reserva Club’s The Beach, the plentiful calendar will include an outdoor cinema festival that pays homage to six decades of film and entertainment, and a dinner concert lit up by thousands of candles, bringing the Candlelight concept to Sotogrande for the very first time in a magical evening at The Beach. Sports will also take centre stage in the celebrations with an exhibition polo match organised with Ayala Polo Club and Iberian Polo to take place in July, while August will see golfers from La Reserva Club, Real Club Valderrama, Real Club Sotogrande, and Almenara Golf take part in a golf tournament inspired by the 60’s at La Reserva Club. The Sotogrande Regatta will also make its return in August as sailing enthusiasts take to the sea to compete for the Sotogrande Cup, with more events scheduled throughout the year.
Sotogrande® is home to some of continental Europe’s finest golf courses, which between them have hosted the Ryder Cup, World Golf Championships, European Tour (DP World Tour) events, and Ladies European Tour events – including the recent Aramco Team Series. Within just a few kilometres radius, there are four championship golf courses: Real Club Valderrama, Real Club Sotogrande, La Reserva Club, and the recently refurbished Almenara Golf – making it a must-visit destination for traveling golfers.
Sotogrande® is also one of the world’s most renowned international polo destinations, with five clubs in the area. Each year, Sotogrande® is home to the International Polo Tournament. In 2023, this important event within the international polo calendar, organised by Ayala Polo Club, is celebrating its 52nd edition. Sotogrande® will be sponsoring the Gold Cup as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Rita Jordao, Director of Sales and Marketing for developer and brand owner, Sotogrande S.A., commented: “Since acquiring four fincas (farms) and merging them to create the largest private estate in Spain in 1962, Sotogrande S.A. has been the original integrated lifestyle residential resort. We are committed to continually yet tastefully developing this spectacular stretch of the Costa del Sol into a premier residential resort that is focused on a family-centred, healthy lifestyle.
“Sotogrande® is a place where residents can relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the plethora of exceptional amenities on offer. This year, we want to celebrate the journey that Sotogrande® has been on, and everything that makes the lifestyle here so unique and attractive.”
The brainchild behind the concept of Sotogrande® was Joseph McMicking, a Filipino American businessman who served in the United States Army during World War II. His idea was to create a similar community to the exclusive Forbes Park development in his hometown, Manila. Unspoiled beaches and access to airports were important, and this area of the Cadiz province was a perfect fit.
A key element of the Sotogrande® lifestyle is its residential offering and the private communities situated within the confines of La Reserva Club. These communities are aimed at clients with varying budgets, from the most premium, The Seven (plot prices starting from €7,600,000), to Village Verde, a collection of luxury penthouses and apartments (prices starting from €990,000).
The most recent development within La Reserva, Village Verde, is comprised of 121 apartments that are nestled within La Reserva’s six hectares of parkland, offering residents a unique sense of modern community. It also benefits from a plethora of amenities, including swimming pools, gym, spa, jogging trails, and gardens – all of which are included in ownership packages.
Sotogrande® is home to an internationally acclaimed school. It also boasts a bustling marina catering for its popular sailing community, and it has recently opened a new five-star hotel, SO/ Sotogrande.
To find out more about the golf, residential, and lifestyle offering in Sotogrande®, head online to https://sotogrande.com/.
