Luxury Golf Break: Almenara & La Reserva at SO/ Sotogrande

This post explores what SO/ Sotogrande has to offer, particularly for those seeking a luxurious stay and play experience. We'll provide details about the resort's amenities, its proximity to renowned courses, and the potential for a well-rounded golfing vacation. Whether you're a seasoned player aiming to conquer challenging greens or a casual golfer looking for a relaxing escape punctuated by scenic rounds, SO/ Sotogrande may be a destination worth considering for your next trip.

Sotogrande, a luxurious residential development on Spain's southern coast, was founded in the early 1960s by Joseph McMicking. The project began with the acquisition of four farms (fincas) and has since grown into one of Spain's largest private properties. Sotogrande S.A. pioneered the concept of an integrated lifestyle residential resort, blending luxury living with top-notch recreational facilities.

The area is renowned for its exceptional golf courses, which rank among the finest in Europe. These courses have hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including events on the European Tour, Ladies tournaments, and even the Ryder Cup. Within a 15-minute drive from the SO/ Sotogrande hotel, golf enthusiasts can access four premier courses:

• La Reserva: Known for its stunning layout and challenging design.
• Real Club de Golf Sotogrande: One of the earliest and most prestigious courses in the area.
• Real Club Valderrama: A world-famous course that has hosted the Ryder Cup and numerous other major tournaments.
• Almenara Golf Club: Featuring three loops of nine holes, offering a diverse and enjoyable golfing experience.

Sotogrande's unique combination of luxury accommodations, world-class golf, and picturesque surroundings makes it a premier destination for those seeking an exclusive lifestyle.

The SO/ Sotogrande Hotel stands out as the first and only five-star hotel in Sotogrande, offering a luxurious and welcoming retreat for international guests. Despite its five-star status, the hotel exudes a relaxed resort atmosphere, with accommodations designed to feel like individual private houses. 

Adjacent to the hotel, guests can enjoy 27 holes of golf at Almenara Golf Club, along with a variety of other amenities, including: Family and adult-only pools, four restaurants, A spa and Fitness facilities.

These features make the SO/ Sotogrande Hotel is a destination where guests are tempted to extend their stay. The hotel’s reception can conveniently arrange bookings for the nearby world-class golf courses.

In 2024, nine holes of the Almenara Golf Club will be repurposed to create a state-of-the-art driving range and comprehensive practice facilities. These enhancements will include chipping and putting greens, a ball flight tracking system, and three full-size practice holes. This development ensures that hotel guests can still enjoy playing 9 or 18 holes of golf while also having access to top-notch practice amenities to warm up before heading out to one of the other renowned courses in the area.

Almenara Golf Club is located on-site at the SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort Hotel, with the first tee just walking distance from hotel bedrooms. The original Dave Thomas design has recently undergone an extensive remodelling by legendary local golfer, Manuel Piñero. There are three loops of 9 holes available to play named Pinos, Lagos and Alcornoques.

The first tee at the Pinos course is right next to the golf clubhouse. The course is routed through mature pine trees and any balls hit offline will need to be navigated around or through the trees. Always exciting. 

The Lagos course offers plenty of water hazards and a few exciting risk and reward holes such as the par 4 fifth and sixth holes. The hole that sticks most to the mind is the beautiful par 3 seventh hole picture above. A beautiful sight to behold. 

The Alcornoques course is the most open course of the three loops available at Almenara Golf Club. As this loop will soon be rebuilt to new practice facilities as mentioned above, make sure to still play it while you can. Especially the drop shot par 3 second hole is especially worth a play!

La Reserva, designed by the renowned golf course architect Cabell B. Robinson, is a standout among golf courses, offering a perfect blend of beauty, playability, and challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The Clubhouse, strategically positioned, provides a stunning view of the spacious driving range and exceptional practice facilities. The club's strong branding, featuring an 8-pointed star with an 'R' inside, is prominently displayed throughout, adding a touch of elegance and identity to the venue.

The course's topography is remarkable, with elevated tee shots that offer breathtaking views. Each hole is distinct and separate, providing golfers with a sense of seclusion and intimacy, as if playing exclusively with their group. The bunkers are not only visually appealing but also of high quality, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Just outside La Reserva, guests can unwind at The Beach, La Reserva Club, which features a lagoon beach with sunbeds, a restaurant, and nearly 3000m² of sandy beach. The Beach Club is known for its excellent food and can be booked directly or through the reception at SO/ Sotogrande, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience for visitors.

There are a variety of restaurants available at SO/ Sotogrande Hotel. The Society Clubhouse is open all day and serves everything from breakfast, lunch or even quick snacks during the day. The MARXA serves fresh fish, premium cuts of meat and a variety of salads. Andalusien cuisine is served at the Cortijo restaurant. And if you are looking for cocktails and tapas, then the IXO bar is a great choice. 

Next to golf there is literally everything you could wish for available at SO/ Sotogrande Hotel. A 3500 sqm Spa with a variety of treatment options, hot pools, cold pools and saunas. The gym is open all day. There are also two adult only pools available and an additional very spacy pool for kids.