SO/ Sotogrande Resort and Almenara Golf Course
Poised at the sun-drenched westernmost edge of Spain's famed Costa del Sol, within the exclusive and discreet enclave of Sotogrande, lies the SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel and Almenara Golf Course. This 5-star establishment presents itself not merely as a hotel, but as a vibrant lifestyle and wellness retreat, offering a sophisticated blend of luxurious accommodation, comprehensive spa facilities, diverse gastronomic adventures, and championship golf integrated into its very fabric.Opened in August 2021, SO/ Sotogrande injects a fresh, contemporary energy into this prestigious Andalusian locale, reimagining the traditional Spanish farmhouse, or cortijo, for the modern discerning traveler. Its commitment to excellence is already recognized through accolades such as the Condé Nast Traveller Award for Best Health, Sport & Wellness Resort in 2023 and listings within the respected Forbes Travel Guide and Michelin Guide, affirming its position among Spain's leading luxury destinations. The resort occupies a privileged position at Avenida Almenara S/N, 11310 Sotogrande, within the municipality of San Roque in Cádiz province. It is strategically nestled in the rolling hills of the Andalusian countryside, offering panoramic vistas that sweep down towards the Mediterranean Sea. This location places it firmly within what is sometimes referred to as the "Golden Triangle of Sotogrande," an area renowned globally for its concentration of world-class golf courses, several of which are immediate neighbours to the resort.
Tee Time in Paradise: Almenara Golf Course
Integrated directly into the resort grounds is the Almenara Golf Course, a significant asset for golf enthusiasts staying at SO/ Sotogrande.
Design Pedigree: The course boasts a notable design lineage. It was originally laid out by the respected British designer Dave Thomas in the late 1990s. More recently, it underwent a comprehensive remodeling led by Spanish Ryder Cup player and course designer Manuel Piñero, known for his work at La Quinta.
Current Layout (18 Holes): While originally a 27-hole facility with three 9-hole loops (Los Pinos, Los Lagos, Los Alcornoques), a major transformation is underway. The Los Alcornoques loop is currently being converted into a state-of-the-art Golf Academy. Therefore, the current playable course consists of 18 holes, combining the remaining two loops:
Los Pinos (Pines): Characterized as the tighter of the two loops, demanding accuracy through its tree-lined, potentially narrow fairways. It likely features changes in elevation and culminates in a testing par-3.Approximate length is around 2,394 meters (yellow tees) to 3,169 meters (white tees).
Los Lagos (Lakes): This loop incorporates water hazards, featuring two significant lakes. It tends to offer wider fairways, especially on the opening holes, before potentially tightening. It presents picturesque scenery around the water features. Approximate length is around 2,469 meters (yellow tees) to 3,108 meters (white tees).
Almenara Golf Course plays over undulating, hilly terrain, making buggy use highly recommended. The design emphasizes strategic play and positional accuracy rather than sheer length. Players can expect narrow, rolling fairways on Los Pinos, small, fast, and undulating greens across both loops, and strategically placed hazards including bunkers (some potentially deep or high-lipped) and the water features on Los Lagos. The course offers stunning views over the Mediterranean and the adjacent Los Alcornocales natural park. While accessible to various skill levels, it presents a solid challenge requiring thoughtful course management.
Proximity to Elite Courses: A major advantage of SO/ Sotogrande is its location amidst some of Europe's most revered golf courses. It offers easy access to Real Club Valderrama (approx. 3km / 6 min drive), La Reserva Club (approx. 2.7km / 12 min drive), Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (approx. 7km / 12 min drive), Finca Cortesin Golf Club (approx. 19km / 20-35 min drive), The San Roque Club (approx. 10 min drive), and La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort (approx. 11km / 16 min drive). This proximity makes the resort an ideal luxury base for golfers planning a tour of the region's elite venues. The resort's strategy appears to leverage both its improving on-site facilities (especially the upcoming academy) and its prime location within this golfing mecca. While Almenara provides convenient play, the academy investment aims to make it a destination feature in its own right, complementing its role as a luxurious hub for accessing nearby world-class courses.
Almenara Golf Club
Culinary Journeys: Restaurants and Bars
SO/ Sotogrande presents a vibrant culinary landscape across its four distinct restaurants and bars, primarily celebrating Mediterranean and Spanish gastronomy with a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dining concepts aim to provide varied and memorable experiences:
Cortijo Santa María 1962: Positioned as the resort's signature fine-dining venue, Cortijo offers classic Andalusian cuisine elevated with modern techniques. Collaborations with high-profile chefs, such as Michelin-starred Nicolas Isnard, and themed culinary events like the Bluefin Tuna experience, underscore its gastronomic ambition. The ambiance is expectedly refined.
IXO Tapas & Bar: This venue likely offers a stylish and social setting for enjoying creative tapas and expertly crafted cocktails, reflecting a modern Spanish approach.
MARXA Chiringuito: A standout concept, MARXA reimagines the traditional Spanish beach bar (chiringuito) in a sophisticated poolside setting with expansive views. Its focal point is a large wood-fired grill preparing fresh fish, premium meats, and classic espetos (skewered sardines). The atmosphere is decidedly casual, convivial, and vibrant, particularly in the evenings when regular DJ sets and live music transform it into a glamorous social hub. It operates seasonally, typically from late spring through autumn (April/May to October).
Society Clubhouse: Serving as the resort's all-day dining venue, Society likely provides a more relaxed atmosphere, possibly overlooking the golf course. It features an innovative "pop-up" concept, hosting a rotation of guest chefs and restaurant brands, ensuring variety.
Rocío Garden: Mentioned as an elegant space, potentially outdoors, offering sophisticated light bites and beverages.
This diverse array of dining outlets, particularly the unique MARXA concept and the dynamic programming at Cortijo and Society, indicates a focus on creating destination-worthy culinary experiences. This strategy likely aims to maximize guest engagement and capture revenue within the resort, while also positioning SO/ Sotogrande as a desirable dining destination for the wider Sotogrande community and visitors.
Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel
SO/ Sotogrande offers a total of 152 keys, comprising 116 rooms and 36 suites, each designed to embody laidback luxury infused with artisanal Andalusian details and contemporary comforts. A signature feature across all accommodation types is the provision of private outdoor space – be it a furnished balcony, terrace, or patio – allowing guests to connect with the lush garden setting or enjoy views stretching towards the golf course, pools, or the Mediterranean Sea.
The interior design across all rooms and suites reflects the resort's modern bohemian aesthetic, utilizing natural tones, locally crafted elements, and contemporary art pieces to create a stylish yet comfortable ambiance. Standard amenities expected in a 5-star property are present, including air conditioning, complimentary high-speed WiFi, large flat-screen satellite televisions (55-inch mentioned ), Nespresso coffee machines and kettles, minibars or mini-refrigerators, personal safes, and well-appointed bathrooms with hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Premium bedding and potentially pillow menus contribute to guest comfort
