Refuge of the elite on the Cadiz coast
As much as we have a prodigious imagination, that we have seen it in magazines and on television a thousand times and that we know that Sotogrande is an exceptional destination where there are (and by exceptional we mean luxurious, excellent, select and all the synonyms that come to mind and that, most likely, we will repeat ad nauseam throughout this article), probably we will not be able to draw in our minds something even remotely similar to this exclusive enclave (hey, yet another synonym!) .
Because we are talking about a corner of the south that, located on the border between the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga and camouflaged in the landscape that flanks the N-340 , has been nothing less than a lifetime serving as a refuge for influential personalities from half the world.
Specifically: in Sotogrande maximum luxury and glamor are combined with something that every profile of this caliber wants for their private life: discretion.
Boats of all lengths and categories
With this philosophy was born back in the 60s, the result of chance, which is considered the most select private resort in all of Europe. A long story that we summarize in a couple of sentences: Joseph McMikking, great tycoon and businessman of Filipino origin, he wanted to invest on the Mediterranean coast with the intention of building an elegant elite development.
He entrusted the task of taking a look at possible land to his cousin, Freddy Melian, who during his vacations touring Spain on a motorcycle, had it clear: this beautiful space facing Morocco, facing Gibraltar and with the Mediterranean as a backdrop, was the ideal place.
And so it was created sotogrande , the closest thing to a huge playground for the crème de la crème of the domestic and foreign jet set in which happiness is the predominant state.
Sotogrande, an exceptional destination where they exist
THE MARINA, THE HEART OF SOTOGRANDE
It is true that many of us do not belong to that select part of the population that can afford to sleep in the heart of Sotogrande, but taking a walk through the most exclusive urbanization in Europe will always be a pleasure.
The easiest – and most practical – is start with its marina, also considered the first port in the Mediterranean. And no, we are not referring to the fact that it is the oldest, but that it is truly number one: in terms of quality –and beauty, it must be said–, none beats Sotogrande.
After leaving the car in one of the car parks on the other side of the security control, the ideal is walk to the Marina.
In it, among dozens of canals reminiscent of a little Venice, rest boats of all lengths and categories , a total of 1,380 berths, up to 1,426 luxury homes, designer shops, art galleries and the most distinguished restaurants.
Shall we take a walk through the most exclusive urbanization in Europe?
Also a hotel, the ** Club Marítimo de Sotogrande **, located in the heart of the port, is pure elegance. It was renovated in 2005 according to the guidelines of the interior designer Easter Ortega and has 41 spectacular rooms divided into suites, doubles and penthouses.
Its breakfasts and its restaurant, Midas, are famous. with a proposal of Mediterranean cuisine that satisfies the most exquisite palates.
On clear days you don't have to make any effort: Gibraltar can be seen from the Port of Sotogrande , which seems almost to touch us, and the silhouette of neighboring Morocco in the background.
Between pontoons – 9 in total – sailing enthusiasts get their boats ready before going on excursions or taking part in a regatta. On sunny days the panorama is spectacular.
Sotogrande Maritime Club, in the heart of the port
The Royal Maritime Club of Sotogrande It is another of the buildings that stands between sailboats and luxury yachts. Together with his sailing school he organizes innumerable national and international championships and regattas –note: it has hosted the Spanish Cup at cruise level up to 10 times–. Something that draws up the area to fans come from all corners of the world.
And among so much exclusivity and luxury, a charming detail: the little Vaporetto, free to use , transports the users and regulars of Sotogrande by water from one end of the Marina – where the el Ke, a cafeteria with a sea of atmosphere in which to stop at any time of the day – until the Catamarans Beach , where is the beach bar Gigi's Beach. A great way to see the port and the Marina from a different perspective.
LET'S SOCIALIZE... AT A BEACH CLUB
And it's time for the beach, because we're on the coast for a reason. And in this aspect, Sotogrande does not skimp on luxuries either: 17 kilometers of coastline and three Blue Flag beaches claim, once again, excellence. To enjoy them, what better way than to get closer to some of its famous beach clubs ?
To do this, you have to leave the Marina along the Puerto de Sotogrande road, either in our car or in one of the fun vintage buggies that they rent at The Jolly Mile –take a look at them because they are wonderful–. This is how they are reached its two famous beach clubs: the classic El Octógono and Trocadero Sotogrande. We, we can not help it, we fall exhausted before the second.
Belonging to the luxurious Trocadero chain –with premises also in Marbella, Benalmádena or Estepona–, in Sotogrande this business took over from the old Cucurucho Club and It has been animating the days of regulars in the area for six years. The facilities are absolutely exceptional: comfortable hammocks next to its two well-kept swimming pools on the very first line of the beach , spectacular service, two restaurants where the best products are served, and a cocktail-bar area in every corner.
Do you find it amazing? Well, there is even more: a huge children's area with a swimming pool and continuous entertainment entertains the little ones, while a chill out section is reserved for the afternoon to the rhythm of the punctures of the best djs. At nightfall, the light of the lanterns governs the space and Trocadero transforms: here the party lasts as long as the body lasts.
The best? The glamorous atmosphere that is breathed in its facilities, inspired by African lines designed by the prestigious decorator Queipo de Llano and to which an equally select or more select clientele attends. Entering the world of Trocadero makes you feel someone special. And the place is.
One last option is located a little further from the coast: ** La Reserva Club ** is the youngest club in Sotogrande and in it sophistication reaches unprecedented levels: private golf course, tennis and paddle courts, restaurant, spa, swimming pools... And a set of high luxury and contemporary style homes designed by the world's most renowned architecture studios. Absolutely spectacular.
POLE AT SUNSET
But if there is a word inseparable from the name of Sotogrande, that is, without a doubt, polo. The first field of this sport was built here in 1965 and, although it has rained a lot since then, it has done so with enough force to make the love for this elite sport grow.
The Santa María Polo Club has become one of the most important clubs in the world and up to 48 editions of the MANSION International Polo Tournament. An annual event –of the 25 that there is a year– that is already a tradition of summer evenings in the area.
By the way, a note: we leave the hat thing better for the movies or for polo seen on British fields. in Sotogrande the atmosphere is relaxed, summer afternoon. And the dress code, too. In case anyone doubted...
If there is a word inseparable from Sotogrande, that is POLO
And after the game on duty, every day, the party –or the reasons to socialize– continue. We are in Sotogrande, what did you think? And the best: you don't have to leave the Santa María Polo Club facilities to do it.
In a huge marquee, the most prestigious firms meet in their immaculate stands, while the Shopping Village sets one of the rear gardens. The WhiteSummer It is a festival that has been released this year adding, next to the fields, endless bars, foodtrucks, concerts and proposals which, under the shelter of the stars, invites you to continue celebrating life in a most welcoming atmosphere.
For the most partying, one last alternative: on the Afterpolo summer terrace you can enjoy the night party until 5 in the morning. Let it not be said that in Sotogrande someone can get bored.
In the Gastro Garden you can find multiple proposals to eat
SHALL WE TAKE A FEW HOLES?
No, we weren't forgetting golf, not at all: we had only left it for last. Another of the key sports in this world reference of luxury and exquisiteness had to have its space. And it is not for less: Sotogrande welcomes in its territory up to nine different fields. And among them, the legendary ** Valderrama Golf Club **, which has held, since 1988, the title of best course in all of continental Europe.
And if there is something to be highlighted about him, it is not only his quality: also his history. Already in 1997 it was part of a historical milestone as it was the first continental European club to host the Ryder Cup, which was then celebrating its 32nd edition –and in which a very young Tiger Woods participated for the first time–. events like the Volvo Masters or the Andalucia Valderrama Masters expand the list of tournaments of the club that has earned the title of "mecca of golf" for all lovers of this sport.
Of course: access to this exclusive club is only possible upon request. One more detail that shows that, when talking about Sotogrande, we are not really talking about just any place. Here excellence acquires all its meaning. Absolutely everything.