The Insider’s Guide to Sotogrande — the finest golf destination in Europe
Sotogrande, Andalucia in Southern Spain
Sotogrande isn’t just a golf destination it’s a mood. A place where manicured fairways meet the Mediterranean, where cypress and cork oak lend shade to winding lanes, and where golf, dining, and design all blend into wondrous rhythm. And the golf...It’s world class with ten beautiful courses; of which I rate six as among the best I’ve played in Europe and beyond. We’ve known and loved this blessed corner of southern Spain for years, and it remains Europe’s most refined golfing enclave. Here, days move at their own pace — rounds are followed by long lunches, afternoons drift into sea views, poolside siestas and slow evenings. In this guide, we share our insider’s view on the golf courses, hotels, and touches that make Sotogrande the quintessential Andalusian escape.
Sotogrande
Sotogrande—Practical Information
Sotogrande enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, with the best golf seasons typically from early March to late June and again from early September to November. Some of the more private courses are busy with visiting members during the summer months, but the winter months provide a welcome warmth and good course conditioning as well as superb value.
Gibraltar Airport is just 25 minutes away, while Málaga Airport, with more flights, is 75 minutes by car. Depending on your needs and itinerary, we can either book a suitable hire car or private transfers. Or enjoy both we’ll arrange transfers and you can book a hire car on a daily basis from the hotels or the marina.
The 1400-berth marina (from 8m on length to 70m) boasts restaurants ranging from Spanish to Argentinian BBQ, fusion and Mediterranean as well as several casual spots. You can rent a boat or take sailing lessons or enjoy an excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar. There’s a Sunday morning market and a small but
smart selection of boutiques and art galleries.
Between rounds, you can unwind by the pool or seaside, visit the beach clubs, or enjoy tapas in the port. The interior landscape is breathtaking and we have a great list of fine-dining, wine bars and countryside inns. Evenings lend themselves to unhurried dining and good conversation — the essence of Andalusia.
Flights & Travel Information
There are direct flights to Malaga from up to 27 airports in the UK and Ireland and there are direct flights to Gibraltar from Gatwick, Heathrow, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. Flights take between 3 and 3 1/2 hours.
Call us for attractive (and ATOL Protected) flight costs with a variety of top-rated airlines: 0207 8701258
Weather
Sotogrande—the golf courses
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, Real Sotogrande is Andalucia’s original masterpiece. It’s a course of quiet authority: generous fairways framed by ancient pines, greens that seem to float above subtle contours, and bunkers placed with frustratingly accurate precision. Real Club de Golf Sotogrande demands thoughtful golf — one must shape shots and manage angles to score well, but its fair and never over-difficult. The clubs sits close to the Mediterranean and carries a gently perfumed salt air. Fully restored in 2016, it remains the purest expression of Trent Jones’ philosophy in Europe. Opened: 1964. Par 72
Real Club Valderrama
Valderrama needs little introduction. For those of us who’ve walked its fairways, the experience is both humbling and exhilarating. This is a course that rewards absolute control among tight corridors of cork oaks and lightning-fast greens, And, all the time, there’s a sense of history at every turn.
Host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, numerous DP World Tour and LIV events, Valderrama remains the gold standard for championship golf on the continent. The presentation is immaculate: fairways trimmed like carpet, staff attentive, and atmosphere full of class and fun.
Valderrama is tough to score well on but hugely rewarding. Swallow your ego and enjoy, and perhaps consider playing off one set of tees ahead.
A Fore Caddie is obligatory @ €70 + tip per tee-time and they are well worth the price as they give you an insight into how to better play the course and keep the speed of play to an ideal pace…Slow enough to savour the experience, fast enough to keep your rhythm. Opened: 1974
La Reserva Club de Sotogrande
A younger sibling to the classics, La Reserva is the modern heart of Sotogrande golf. Designed by Cabell Robinson, it flows over rolling terrain with panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
Wide fairways offer generosity off the tee, yet clever bunkering and rolling green complexes ensure every shot still counts. In fact, the first time I played the course, I had a shortish birdie putt on the first and walked off with a quadruple bogey the greens were that fast! (but so true that you soon get to trust them).
La Reserva is a course that invites creativity and, with six sets of
tees, suits groups of mixed abilities. The clubhouse, elegant and relaxed, is one of the finest in Spain — an afternoon on its terrace is a reward in itself. Opened 2003
Alto Golf Club
Formerly known as Almenara, Alto is the improved 18-hole version of the old 27-hole course, with a terrific new practice facility replacing the remaining holes.
Set amid the forests above Sotogrande, Alto provides tranquil, natural golf at excellent value –particularly if staying at the on-site SO Sotogrande hotel. The Dave Thomas’ design folds beautifully into the landscape with lakes, elevation changes, and fragrant Mediterranean flora. It’s the sort of course where you feel at peace and enjoy putting a half-decent score
together. Enjoy the lush fairways, true greens, and impeccable service from the Starter’s hut to the 19th. Opened: 1998
The
San Roque Club Old
The Old Course, crafted by Dave Thomas with Seve Ballesteros’ input, is tree-lined, strategic, and full of charm — ideal for purists. The course demands precision and is maintained to impeccable tournament standard, with a fabulous clubhouse too. San Roque is yet another example of why Sotogrande became Europe’s heartland for quality golf. Opened: 1991
San Roque New
The New Course, by Perry Dye, is a more American affair with regular changes of direction and difficulty, elevated greens, water hazards and great views. The experience is simpler than the Old course but so is the green fee.
Opened: 2003
La Hacienda Links & Heathland (formerly Alcaidesa)
Where the mountains meet the sea, La Hacienda Links offers a memorable seaside golf experience. The redesigned Links course, by Kurtis Bowman, hugs the coastline with expansive fairways and rolling dunes that look out to Gibraltar and Africa beyond.
Opened in 2023, the Links was short-listed for Best New Course (World) that year. It’s an inventive and beautiful design, adjacent to the sparkling Fairmont Hotel and the Heathland course.
The Heathland Course, originally laid out by Dave Thomas and cleverly tweaked over recent years, winds through valleys and natural grassland. It’s a design that is relatively straightforward but clever, with the challenge increasing as the round progresses. Easy-on-the-eye and with generous fairways, it’s the perfect
complement to the Links. Ask about our great-value two -course ticket which provides rare value given the quality.
25 minutes from Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin is pure theatre — expansive, immaculate, and refined in every sense. Cabell Robinson’s design unfolds over rolling Andalusian terrain, with broad fairways, sculpted bunkers, and manicured greens framed by mountain and sea views. The resort’s attention-to-detail is extraordinary: from the caddie service to the conditioning, every
element feels deliberately focused on providing a “wow”. Having hosted the Solheim Cup, Finca Cortesin stands as the modern benchmark for luxury golf in southern Spain. The on-site hotel is among the finest boutique properties I’ve visited anywhere in the world. Opened: 2007
La Cañada Golf Club
La Cañada has long been the course the locals love. It may lack the exclusivity of its neighbours, but it compensates with charm and an unpretentious sense of relaxed fun. The first nine, designed by Robert Trent Jones, weave gently through trees. The back nine, by Dave Thomas, climb onto higher ground with open views. The 18th, plunging towards a ravine with the Mediterranean beyond, is among the most photogenic holes in Andalusia. Service is friendly, prices extremely fair, and the golf consistently satisfying.
Finca Cortesin
Sotogrande—the hotels
Fairmont La Hacienda *****
Standing above the Mediterranean with the Rock of Gibraltar in view, Fairmont La Hacienda represents Spanish coastal luxury.
The design blends Andalusian heritage with modern ease — whitewashed walls, terracotta roofs, olive trees, and cool stone interiors. Rooms are huge and calming, with terraces facing the pool, sea or fairways.
Dining here is refined but unpretentious: from the relaxed El Faro to the elegant Dalmar, each restaurant draws on local produce with Fairmont polish. The resort’s spa and pools are equally impressive, and of course, the two golf courses — the Links and Heathland — are just beyond the lobby with free shuttle service from the hotel to the clubhouse. It’s the perfect base for upmarket golfers who like everything within a few steps, yet value serenity and space.
• Rooms & Suites: 153 + 47 villas
• On-site golf: Links & Heathland courses
• Dining: El Faro, Dalmar, Pool Bar
• Location: San Roque, 10 minutes from Sotogrande
SO Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort *****
SO Sotogrande has reimagined what a golf resort can be with a funky, bold design, playful art, and a feeling of gentle wellness.
Perched above the Alto golf course, the resort offers sweeping views to the coast and a tranquil setting among ancient woodland. Rooms and suites are dotted around the grounds and layered in natural textures and Andalusian colours, while the gardens flow around pools, terraces, and shaded corners perfect for long lunches. With so much imagination and fun, it’s a favourite of ours for couples and small groups who value service, style and substance in equal measure.
The spa is superb, and the restaurants including HI-SO and Cortijo — capture a balance of creativity and authenticity.
• Rooms: 152 including 36 suites
• On-site golf: Alto course
• Dining: Cortijo, HI-SO
• Setting: 10 minutes above Sotogrande
MIM Sotogrande *****
Down by the marina, MIM Sotogrande is the chic, nautical counterpart to the inland resorts. Now owned by Lionel Messi’s hotel group, it’s a small, contemporary property that appeals to holidaymakers who prefer boutique style and the most convenient of locations.
First opened in the 1990’s, the hotel has reopened after a twoyear and complete renovation. Now the interiors are crisp and elegant — white marble, soft fabrics, maritime blues — with balconies overlooking yachts and the Mediterranean. And for football fans, the lobby includes one of Messi’s Ballon d’Or.
The rooftop pool bar captures the evening light and marina activity, making it an easy choice for an afternoon tipple or predinner cocktail. The promenade-side restaurant, led by one of Spain’s most prominent Chefs, is a favourite with locals for lunch and dinner. One of my most enjoyable days in Spain was an early round at Valderrama, “refreshment” on the clubhouse terrace and then a long lunch in MIM’s marina-side brasserie...I can’t remember how I played but the score keeps on getting better!
MIM has always had the best location in town and it’s now got the style and comfort to be a worthy host to discerning tourists. Within fifteen minutes of most of the area’s finest golf
courses, it’s the ideal base for golf by day, and style and a choice of the restaurants for the afternoon and evening.
• Rooms: 45
• Location: Sotogrande Marina
• Dining: rooftop and waterfront options
Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa *****
A few minutes east of Sotogrande lies Finca Cortesin a renowned haven of Andalusian grace and hospitality that sets the standard for golf and comfort in southern Spain.
From the moment you arrive through its jasmine-lined courtyards and terracotta colonnades, there’s a sense that time slows down here. The architecture draws on traditional finca design shaded arcades, cool marble floors and courtyards filled with lavender.
Suites are large, many with private terraces overlooking the gardens or golf course, and each furnished with custom-made pieces. Service is a perfect balance of warmth and professionalism to be found only in the very best hotels. Dining is a high-
light: REI by Finca Cortesin delivers Michelin-starred JapaneseMediterranean fusion under the direction of chef Luis Olarra, while El Jardín de Lutz celebrates classic Spanish dishes with local ingredients and sea views. There’s also the Beach Club (reached by the hotel’s free shuttle service) set on a quiet stretch of Mediterranean coastline with an infinity pool and daybeds.
The Spa is among the most beautiful in Europe, complete with snow cave and thermal baths. There’s a championship tennis centre, fitness studio, and of course the renowned Finca Cortesin Golf Course, host of the 2023 Solheim Cup.
Secluded yet within easy reach of Marbella, Estepona and Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin is an exceptional place to stay, whether for golf, gastronomy or simply a few days of quiet indulgence under the Andalusian sun.
Hacienda del Mar, Estepona *****
Allow us a little geographic licence here as the newly-renovated Hacienda del Mar (formerly the Kempinski) is a serious contender. Just 25 minutes up the coast from Sotogrande, the seafront hotel is set among mature palms, whitewashed archways and terracotta paths. Spacious bedrooms and suites decorated in sandy tones, and many with terraces that open onto gardens.
Dining is centred around fresh Andalusian produce and Mediterranean flavours. Spiler Beach Club, the hotel’s signature restaurant, sits just steps from the water and serves grilled meats
and light, coastal dishes. The main restaurant offers a more refined evening atmosphere. And breakfast on the terrace shaded by palms with views of the sea is a highlight in itself.
Three outdoor pools are set in the landscaped gardens, and there’s well-equipped spa and direct access to the beach, which is quieter and more natural than the busier stretches further east. Secluded yet close to bustling Estepona, Hacienda del Mar is a great choice if you want the attractions of the great Sotogrande golf courses by day and a choice of bars, restaurants and activities in the evening.
• Location: Beachfront and halfway between Sotogrande & Marbella
• Rooms & Suites: 200+ (spacious, many with sea-view terraces)
• Dining: Spiler Beach Club, Mediterranean restaurant, lobby bar
• Facilities: Spa with sauna/steam/indoor pool, three outdoor pools, beachfront access, gym, landscaped gardens
Example Itineraries for Sotogrande
Here are a selection of example itineraries for the five hotels we feature in our Sotogrande programme. As with all our holidays, we can tailor-make according to your ideal requirements and add or subtract the number of room nights, type of bedroom, rounds of golf and choice of golf courses and add your preferred travel arrangements too. So the prices below are to give you a flavour of what’s possible but give us a call on 0207 8701258 or email us on info@golfhbm.com to discuss your prefect Sotogrande holiday.
SO Sotogrande A
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Five nights’ bed and breakfast in SO Comfy twin/double bedrooms
Access to leisure facilities
Two rounds at Alto
One round each at Hacienda Heathland and San Roque New
Four days access to the Alto Golf Academy
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£895 per person in Jan, Feb & Dec, £985 March & Nov 16-30, £1120 in Apr, May, June, Sep, Oct & Nov 1-15, £1575 in Jul & Aug
SO Sotogrande B
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in SO Comfy twin/double bedrooms
Access to leisure facilities
Three rounds at Alto including buggy
Two rounds at La Reserva including buggy
Four days access to the Alto Golf Academy
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£1370 per person in Jan, Feb & Dec, £1480 March & Nov 16-30, £1725 in Apr, May, June, Sep, Oct & Nov 1-15, £2369 in Jul & Aug
SO Sotogrande C
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in SO Comfy twin/double bedrooms
Access to leisure facilities
One round each at Finca Cortesin (including buggy), Alto, La Reserva, Hacienda Links, San Roque Old
Five days access to the Alto Golf Academy
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£1665 per person in Jan, Feb & Dec, £1859 March & Nov 16-30, £2050 in Apr, May, June, Sep, Oct & Nov 1-15, £2675 in Jul & Aug
MIM Sotogrande D
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Five nights’ bed and breakfast in Cosy twin/double bedrooms
One round each at Finca Cortesin (including buggy), San Roque Old, Hacienda Links, Hacienda Heathland
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£1515 per person in Jan & Feb, £1820 in Mar & Apr, £1999 in May
Fairmont La Hacienda E
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Five nights’ bed and breakfast in Golf View twin/double bedrooms
One round each at Hacienda Links, San Roque Old, Finca Cortesin
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£1595 per person Jan 3-Feb 28, Mar 27-Apr 1 & Dec 1-18, £1799 Sep 14-Oct 25, Dec 19-30,
£1725 Mar 1-26, Apr 6-May 29 & Oct 26-Nov 11, £1915 May 30-Jun 26, Aug 23-Sep 13,
£1839 Jun 27-Jul 9, £1979 Jul 10-Aug 22
Prices based on bookings made by February 28. Deduct £100 per person if you book by December 31
Fairmont La Hacienda F
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in Golf View twin/double bedrooms
Three rounds including buggies at Hacienda Links
Two rounds including buggy at Hacienda Heathland
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£1810 per person Jan 3-Feb 28, Mar 27-Apr 1 & Dec 1-18, £1999 Sep 14-Oct 25 & Dec 1930, £2039 Mar 1-26, Apr 6-May 29 & Oct 26-Nov 11, £2369 May 30-Jun 26, Aug 23-Sep 13, £2179 Jun 27-Jul 9, £2315 Jul 10-Aug 22
Prices based on bookings made by February 28. Deduct £50 per person if you book by December 31
Finca Cortesin G
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Seven nights’ bed and A La Carte breakfast in Junior Suite twin/double bedrooms
Welcome drink and tapas, fruit, water and flowers in your bedroom, spa & thermal
baths access, beach club with free shuttle, free bedroom upgrade in low-season
Two rounds including buggies at Finca Cortesin
One round with buggy at La Reserva and one round at Real Sotogrande
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£3675 per person from Mar 1-28 & Nov 2-Dec 22, £3865 Apr 6-30 & Oct 14-Nov 1, £ 4250 May 1-May 20, Sep 28-Oct 13, £ 4775 Mar 29-Apr 5, May 21-Sep 27
Hacienda del Mar H
Flights to Malaga or Gibraltar (not yet included in the holiday cost)
Large SUV automatic hirecar including CDW and Excess Refund Insurance
Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast in Superior twin/double bedrooms
Welcome drink
Golf at Valderrama, Real Sotogrande, La Hacienda Links, La Reserva and Finca Cortesin
Supplier Failure Insurances & Morgan’s Ticket App
£ 2845 per person from May 1-27, £2910 May 28-Jul 1, £3009 Jul 2-15, £2899 Sep 20-Oct 12, £2780 Oct 13-31
Prices based on bookings made by February 28
Price Tips
The guidelines below give you an idea of when to go, where to stay and which courses to play to suit the particular budget for your Sotogrande golf holiday.
Hotel rates
SO Sotogrande £££
MIM £££
Fairmont La Hacienda ££££
Hacienda del Mar ££££
Finca Cortesin £££££
Low season: January, February & December
Mid season: March, April, May, October, November
High season: June, July, August, September
Golf rates
La Canada ££
Alto ££
San Roque New ££
Hacienda Heathland ££
Hacienda Links £££
San Roque Old £££
La Reserva ££££
Finca Cortesin ££££
Real Sotogrande ££££
Valderrama £££££
Low season: January, February & December
Mid season: Rest of year
Back page: Fairmont La Hacienda and Hacienda Links Golf
