Everything about Sotogrande – Andalusia’s largest privately owned residential development
– exudes an air of exclusivity. This is not an area for brash displays of wealth (head 45km
along the coast to Puerto Banús, if that’s more your style). Instead, Sotogrande is all about
quiet refinement and elegance – something that its property market certainly reflects.
From villas dotted between the languorously rolling hills to outstanding apartments
occupying prime marina-front positions, property buyers in Sotogrande have a wealth of
choices. The marina is a focal point for those who love to be close to the water, with a sailing
school and the Real Club Maritimo Sotogrande providing a range of water sports
opportunities, from sailing and boating to kayaking, kitesurfing, and diving. It’s also home to
a helipad for those who prefer to arrive by air rather than sailing into Sotogrande.
Occupying a prime, frontline position on the marina is Pier 1 from Taylor Wimpey España. A
private, gated development of just four homes, it encapsulates the sophistication of the
Sotogrande property market. The ground-floor apartment, which comes with a large,
southeast-facing terrace with its own private pool, is on the market for €1,829,000 plus
VAT. The home’s kitchen and living space are open plans, with quality finishes throughout
the home and huge windows that flood the property with light. It comes with underground
garage parking and a storeroom, along with pretty landscaped gardens and a communal
pool that residents are welcome to use, in addition to the private pool on their
terrace. There’s a show home open every Sunday for those who are passing and fancy a
peek.
Located at the Sotogrande marina, the property is ideally placed to access the stunning beaches along the local coastline. The area is home to Spain’s only private beach at
La Reserva was created and opened in 2018 after the Reserva Club imported soft white sands
from Tarifa’s Punta Paloma. Sotogrande beach is also outstanding. With no facilities other
than toilets and lifeguards, and backed by a large expanse of greenery, it is the ultimate
escape from modern life. Paseo del Mar, Torreguadiaro beach, and Guadalquiton beach,
one of the most peaceful beaches in all of Andalusia, are also easily
accessible to those spending time in Sotogrande.
The luxury of the area carries through to its gastronomic offering, with the local cuisine
making the best of Andalusia’s bounty. The area is dotted with beachfront chiringuitos if
you’re looking for a quick drink and a tapa, while Bokana Restaurant at Sotogrande Marina
is another favourite for tapas. The marina is home to a cluster of impressive eateries, from
the family-friendly Foodisiac to the local stalwart Ké. La Quinta is famous for its Argentinian
steaks, while L’Olive at La Reserva is a great place to stop for a glass of wine and a light
meal. For seafood, nowhere beats Casa Mané.
When it comes to burning off all those gourmet calories, Sotogrande delivers once more.
The area is famous for its equestrian sports – most notably the Santa María Polo Club – as
well as for golf, tennis, and padel. The incredible natural beauty of the area makes it popular
with runners and cyclists, as well as being home to a number of excellent fishing spots.
Sotogrande serves well as a base for those looking to explore Andalusia, with the beautiful
and ancient cities of Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and Cádiz all less than three hours away by
road. Gibraltar, Estepona, Tarifa (a veritable surfer’s paradise), Marbella, the stunning
Natural Park Los Alcornocales and national park Doñana, the Guadiaro River Estuary, San
Roque and Jerez de la Frontera, which are famous for their delicious sherry, are also easily
accessible from Sotogrande. This wealth of destinations means that those holidaying in
Sotogrande can choose to pack their time with activities, should they so wish, or to indulge
in the serenity of the local area, if they prefer a break focused on relaxation and restoration
(in which case a trip to the Full Vitality Spa should definitely be on the agenda).
Those looking to Sotogrande for a more permanent base can also find what they seek.
Sotogrande International School delivers a premium education experience for children aged
eight months to 18 years old, with pupils from 45 countries, for truly intercultural schooling.
The local area also has a number of medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, with a
30-minute drive. Being accessible from both Málaga and Gibraltar airports, Sotogrande also
enjoys excellent international connections.
Ultimately, Sotogrande is a place to step back and enjoy a more refined lifestyle. The natural
environment delivers beauty at every turn, while everything from the local gastronomic
offering Sotogrande’s wealth of leisure and sports facilities to its elegant homes seem
designed to deliver the very best.
