In 1962 Joseph McMicking instructed Alfredo Melian to buy five farms that today are the resort of Sotogrande. His plan always was to create and build a luxurious residential area in which one can enjoy not only the warm climate and the Mediterranean Sea but also a range of facilities and services.
The name Sotogrande was the name of one of the former farms that were located here. The immense beauty and natural surroundings of this part of the coast was and still is reason why nationalities from all around the world find the resort so appealing. The wonderful area has improved even more due to the landscaped gardens, the palm trees and green areas that have been planted and created. However, the most important feature will always be the sports facilities that can be found here. Sotogrande provides the most varied offering in terms of sport in Europe. There are for example two excellent golf courses available: the Sotogrande Old Course and the Valderrama course which was host to the Ryder Cup in 1997. Additional there are tennis and fronton courts, polo fields, riding stables and of course the port available where water sports, yachts, shops and more can be found.
The Sotogrande International School Inaugurated in 1978, the International Shool of Sotogrande counts to one of the best day and boarding schools in the area. Children between the age of 3 and 18 will be able to enjoy a high quality education along with a challenging yet stimulating learning environment. Since a short time, the Sotogrande International School (SIS) is housed within a new high technology campus which was built only for this reason. For more information about the Sotogrande International School visit their website: www.sis.ac
Sotogrande Marina The marina in Sotogrande is providing about 600 berths which can cater for vessels or yachts up to 72 metres. Those stopping at the port will have access to services such as satellite and television. Also available is staff on 24 hours a day. There is a sailing school located in the port for those wanting to learn windsurfing, sailing and other water sports. All facilities are provided for both beginners and more advanced sailors.
Santa Maria Polo Club Another sport Sotogrande is famous for is polo. At the Santa Maria Polo Club one can enjoy excellent facilities and a great setting. Stables as well as horses are for hire. Each August there is an international tournament taking place which makes Sotogrande to the hub of Spanish polo.
General Activities Everyone who likes outdoor sports but is not into either polo or sailing can practise tennis, golf, fronton and much more. Supervised sports activities for children are also available and give parents the freedom to lie on the beach, go for a meal or practise sports themselves. Shopping facilities can be found nearly everywhere in Sotogrande and after a stroll throw the town one can sit down in one of the cafés or restaurants for a drink or a meal.
