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Located just 20 minutes away from Gibraltar and 50 minutes from Malaga, Sotogrande has become an exclusive and luxurious residential urbanization set in beautiful lush surroundings with breathtaking views of Gibraltar, the Straits and on a clear day, the Rif Mountains on the northwest coast of Africa.
A golfers haven, Sotogrande has five internationally renowned golf courses: Valderrama, 1997 host of the Ryder cup and the yearly Volvo Masters; the Real Club of Sotogrande, resembling a US golf course with wide fairways and greens; Almenara Golf Course, a favourite of local residents, complete with a four star hotel and outstanding spa facilities; La Cañada, a municipal course located on the outskirts of the urbanization, and the new ‘La Reserva’ with stunning Mediterranean views and an unbeatable 6,000m2 clubhouse. San Roque’s two golf courses and Alcaidesa are both within a ten minutes drive and are excellent alternatives. Those wishing to practise their much-loved sport can also venture out of Sotogrande and play on the sixty-something golf courses dispersed along the Costa del Sol.
The hub of the estate is located in the boating marina and attracts not only residents but also passers-by wishing to enjoy a light refreshment in an idyllic setting. A variety of establishments cater for all pallets and offer a choice of national and international cuisine with dining on the terraces, ‘al fresco’.
The marina also has a selection of shops, boutiques, a small international supermarket, a gymnasium, banks and other facilities to suit all needs. A chemist, a video club, numerous hairdressers, doctors and newsagents can all be found in the area or at a short distance. Boat chartering and game fishing can also be arranged in the marina and have become popular amongst holidaymakers. On Sunday’s, the marina also hosts a quaint, little antique’s market selling original knick-knacks.
Sotogrande’s beaches are clean, well maintained and secure for adults and children alike. The local beach can be accessed from the lateral side of the harbour and during the summer period, a water-taxi ferries residents free of charge to the beach on the other side of Sotogrande. Both beaches have bars ‘chiringuitos’ selling soft drinks, ice creams and light snacks, and have changing facilities, showers and toilets.
Two ‘member’ beach clubs in Sotogrande offer you that extra something special: swimming pools, restaurants, sun-loungers set on the shore with waiter service, tennis and paddle courts. Supervised activities for children are also available to give parents a well-deserved rest, leaving them to relax by the pool or bar.
As far as sporting entertainment goes, Sotogrande is also one Europe’s top venues for year-round polo events and yachting competitions. International sporting events are staged during the summer months and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.
The prestigious, International School at Sotogrande teaches all students in English under the British National Curriculum. Foreign pupils of all ages are able to take Spanish as a second language from nursery level right through to IGCSE’s. The day and boarding school has an excellent reputation not only in Spain but also in Europe. An impressive 25% of all results being A* and 70% of all students achieved A*-C grades at IGCSE level in the year 2003. Residents are no longer afraid that their children are not going to receive the same quality of education (if not better) than they would in their home country as the international schools on the coast are living up to their high expectations. This private international school also stages summer courses and activities for children ranging from arts and crafts, to languages and sports. Overall, the level of education, facilities and teaching at the International School of Sotogrande are considered some of the best in Spain.
Living in Sotogrande
Sotogrande maintains a warm friendly and family atmosphere all year round. With twenty-four hour security, the area is a safe place to settle in, buy property and bring up young children. With vast facilities, services and establishments, Sotogrande is complete. This luxurious and exclusive estate has all the essential qualities that an international resident requires for all year round satisfaction. Sotogrande has earned a name for itself not only nationally but also internationally and lives up to the expectation of its inhabitants. Nothing on the Coast is quite like it. Come and see for yourself!
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