Sotogrande

Sotogrande is the largest resort and privately owned residential development in Andalusia. The resort is administered by NH Hotels and is considered part of the NH World. It is located in the municipality of San Roque, Spain, southern Europe and is composed of a 20 square kilometres (8 sq mi) stretch from the Mediterranean Sea 25 km east of Gibraltar, back into the foothills of Sierra Almenara, providing contrasting views of sea, hills, cork forests and green fairways, including the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco.

History

Sotogrande was established by Joseph McMicking [ [http://mcmickingfoundation.org/ Joseph R. McMicking Foundation ] ] who, in 1962, bought five neighbouring farms, with the idea of creating a luxurious residential development by the Mediterranean. McMicking succeeded in creating what has become one of the most luxurious urbanizations in Europe, in May 2006 it was featured in the Times as having the most expensive homes in Spain. [ [http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article701586.ece Spanish gold - Times Online ] ] The jet set appeal of Sotogrande, lies in the natural beauty of the site, enhanced by the early landscaping, planting of avenues of palm and conifer trees, underground infrastructure and wide, two-lane roads. There is an artifical lake and 5 golf courses, including the world-famous Valderrama and San Roque courses.

Architecture

Sotogrande is well known as an arhcitectural showcase on the Costa del Sol, with styles varying from the traditional Andalucian to mid century modern, all the way through 21st century design and even more unusual designs, including moorish/mudejar style homes and even a swiss chalet. In 2008 the local government declared three buildings as of cultural interest, protecting them from reform or demolition. These architectural gems were the Biddle House, by Francisco Javier Carvajal, the Zóbel house by José Antonio Coderch, and the Real Club de Golf by Luis Gutierrez Soto. [ [http://issuu.com/hcpgroup/docs/psg_187?mode=embed&documentId=080529150841-417b1780c04f491995936201404d5f34&layout=white El Periódico de Sotogrande ] ]

port

Today, Sotogrande is renowned for its varied sporting facilities. It has five of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, Valderrama Golf Club host to the European Tour's Volvo Masters and the 1997 Ryder Cup, the Club Real de Golf, Almenara, La Reserva, La Cañada and a Golf Academy; two world famous Polo fields owned by the Santa María Polo Club; two Tennis and Padel Tennis Clubs; the Raquet Centre which specializes in padel tennis and the Octogano which specializes in tennis; two Beach Clubs(Cucurucho,Octogano); a Kayak / Sailing Club, Riding stables and a busy marina, the first on entering the Mediterranean.

Nature

River Guadiaro and Estuary, Sotogrande, a natural area of 27 hectares and the only marshland on this part of the coast, has been designated as an Andalusian National Park, Wildlife and Nature Reserve. A series of pathways has been constructed, with information boards explaining the natural area, enabling nature lovers unobstructed views of the estuary, its wildlife and in particular the migratory birds, on their route to and from Africa.

External links

* [http://www.sotogrande.es/ Sotogrande SA Officia Website]
* [http://www.sotogrande.to/ Sotogrande Website]
* [http://www.sotogrande.co.uk/ Sotogrande Holidays]

References