Sotogrande area guide: swanky and exclusive
Is it all polo, swanky yachts, golfing in the sun and fancy clothing boutiques? Does Sotogrande somehow combine the glamour of Puerto Banús with its very own stamp of sophistication? It can certainly seem this way – residents of Sotogrande are somehow detached from the often-frenetic madness of the coast, yet still play an integral part in its social scene. The resort's swish port receives almost none of the tourist trade that so swells the coffers of Banús' bars and restaurants each summer, yet there's rarely a hint of panic at falling profits.
Sotogrande seems like it is on a higher plane, both socially and economically. The almost-clinical whiteness of the architecture in and around the resort is almost too pristine, too unlived-in. Whereas Banús and Marbella have an authenticity to them that is visible once the tourist sheen has worn off, Sotogrande can often come across as something of a prototype; a whitewashed model village torn straight from some property developer's boardroom, blown up and plonked into the real world.
While certainly nowhere near as popular, vibrant or varied as most of its eastern neighbours, Sotogrande isn't completely lacking in charm. Firstly, this isn't a great place for a family holiday – facilities and attractions for children are almost non-existent, unless your children are the type to enjoy lounging about on the beach all day or partaking in the very-occasional game of tennis. if so, Sotogrande is perfect.
Sotogrande is great for golfers; it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and polo players; lovers of fine dining will be mightily impressed by the restaurants here; and shopaholics have some reassuringly exclusive boutiques to swan around in. The leisure pursuits offered by Sotogrande all require a fair amount of cash. This is a resort for the moneyed classes, as evidenced by the beautiful yachts in the harbour, the gorgeous villas, apartments and townhouses that ring the marina, and the awesome executive and super cars that cruise the perfect streets.
Still, there is some affordable property in the region that surrounds Sotogrande (such as San Roque and Sabanillas), while its location at the extreme west of the Costa del Sol makes it ideal for visiting Gibraltar, the lovely resort of Tarifa and the relatively undiscovered Costa de La Luz on Spain's southwestern Atlantic coast.
'Discreet' is perhaps the best way to describe life in Sotogrande. At a guess, perhaps 80% of daily life in the town is lived out behind the confines of some intercom-controlled gate: tucked behind palm trees and at the end of sweeping drives, happy and wealthy families enjoy their own pools, throw barbecues for friends and host sophisticated dinner parties. Alternatively, the pastel-shaded properties that front the marina have a kind of shared back garden, where life is a little more open but still rather exclusive.
Even the beach feels like private property; in fact, some sections of it are. Regardless, the suburban atmosphere that pervades over the town extends to the beach and into the sea, where the waves almost apologetically break the serenity of the place and the beach clubs of El Octógono and Cucurucho inject Spanish style and jet-set glamour into the surroundings in the most understated manner possible. There are tennis and padel courts galore in Sotogrande, but the resort's most famous sporting facilities are its polo courses, which are considered some of the finest in Europe, as are the San Roque and Valderrama Equestrian centres. Additionally, the local Valderrama golf course is the home of the Volvo Masters, which is the final leg of the European PGA Tour and attracts thousands of spectators every autumn. In between, the beautiful climate makes for perfect golfing conditions pretty much all year round.
At the marina, the 500 or so moorings are home to a sleek selection of yachts. While not as viscerally impressive as those found in Puerto Banús, Sotogrande's collection is, nevertheless, one to swoon over. While doing so, why not enjoy a spot of shopping in one of the many designer boutiques and stores that line the harbour, or grab a cappuchino and spot of lunch at one of the port's superb restaurants?
In terms of living space, the modern urbanisations that comprise most of Sotogrande all offer spacious and modern properties that might not be the most affordable on the coast, but are certainly among the most stylish. Expat families will be interested to note that the Sotogrande International School admits 3-18 year olds, and the Centro de Salud Hospital is just a short drive away in Estepona.
The portside restaurants that are so plentiful in Sotogrande also form the social hub of the town, lending it an impossibly cool and cosmopolitan atmosphere each evening. The shimmering water, the gently bobbing yachts, the hum of background chatter and cutlery clatter, and the warm, fragrant air wafting over from North Africa combine to create a wonderfully romantic setting; the delicious food and excellent service offered by most restaurants becoming merely an afterthought to your evening.
There are a couple of late night spots in Sotogrande, but largely evenings are spent in the warm embrace of friends and family – at barbecues and dinner parties, on private terraces, around pools and in hot tubs. You wouldn't visit Sotogrande for this, but if you live there, then there are few better ways to while away yet another balmy evening in Southern Spain than with the company of friends and family in the comfort of your very own dream home in the sun.