Sotogrande Living – A Secluded Haven For The Elite

In the early 1960s, Joseph McMicking, a successful American businessman living in the Philippines, and his wife wanted to invest in the Mediterranean coast with the intention of building an elegant elite development.

They discovered this beautiful spot facing Morocco and Gibraltar, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. And in this ideal place, McMicking conceived a luxury development. Subsequently, he sold individual plots of land to wealthy families and entrusted the administration of what later became the Sotogrande Residential Complex to Carmen Guerrendiain. With this philosophy, what is considered to be the most exclusive private resort in all of Europe was born.

The cheerful playground for the crème de la crème of domestic and foreign jet set, Sotogrande combines maximum luxury and glamour with much sought after privacy and seclusion.

Let us discover what this secluded haven for many an influential figure from half the world is all about.

The Marina – The Very Heart Of Sotogrande

Let us start with its Marina, which is considered the number one port in the Mediterranean, not so much because of its age, but rather because it is truly number one in terms of quality, beauty and picturesqueness.

It is best to walk to the Marina. In it—among dozens of canals, as if it were a little Venice—boats of all lengths and categories rest docked at a total of almost 1,400 berths, along with luxury homes, designer stores, art galleries and fine restaurants.

On clear days Gibraltar and the silhouette of neighbouring Morocco in the background can be easily seen from the Port of Sotogrande – so close that one’s fingertips can almost graze it.

Among a total of 9 piers, sailing enthusiasts get their boats ready for an outing or to participate in a regatta. On sunny days, more than 300 a year, the panorama is impressive.

The Real Club Maritimo de Sotogrande sits comfortably among sailboats and luxury yachts. Along with its sailing school, it organises countless national and international championships and regattas, which attract flocks of fans from all over the world to the area.

Socialising In One Of The Best Beach Clubs

Let us now focus on the beaches—after all we are in a seaside town. Sotogrande does not skimp on luxuries either: 17 kilometres of coastline and three Blue Flag beaches are living proof of the area’s excellence. To enjoy them, what better than heading to some of its famous beach clubs?

A pleasant stroll will take you to its two famous beach clubs: classic El Octogono and Trocadero Sotogrande.

Trocadero—with premises also in Marbella, Benalmadena and Estepona—, has been livening up the day of regulars for years. The establishment is absolutely exceptional and boasts comfortable sun loungers next to its two well-tended beachfront swimming pools, a spectacular and friendly customer service, two restaurants serving the very best produce and a cocktail-bar space in every corner.
The chill out area is reserved for afternoon drinks to the rhythm of the best DJs. As the sun goes down, decorative fairy lights and lanterns add a cheerful, holiday feeling and look particularly spellbinding in the dark. Trocadero is then transformed into a clubhouse where you and your guests can party ’til you drop.

Another option, just five minutes from Sphere, is La Reserva Club, a luxurious beach club among the hills of Sotogrande. This is the largest artificial lagoon in Spain, where everything that a coastal location can offer with the utmost luxury is recreated in detail. Simply spectacular.

Sunset Is Synonymous With Polo

If there is an inseparable word to the name of Sotogrande, that is without a doubt polo. The first polo club was built here in 1965.

The Santa Maria Polo Club has become one of the most important clubs in the world and has held 48 editions of the MANSION International Polo Tournament. An annual event—of the 25 taking place every year—that is a long-established tradition on summer afternoons.

And after your typical game of polo, there is no shortage of reasons to socialise. And the best part is that you do not need to leave the premises. A giant marquee holds immaculate stands of the most prestigious firms, while the Shopping Village adds a lively feeling in the rear manicured gardens. The White Summer festival brings together an endless number of bars, food trucks, concerts and leisure pursuits which invite visitors to continue celebrating life in a most welcoming environment under a starlit sky.

Sotogrande is, indeed, a place like no other; it is a benchmark of quintessential Spanish excellence.