Almenara

The Almenara and the La Reserva areas are the highest points in Sotogrande, but the Almenara area is unsurprisingly located near to, or adjoining the Almenara Hotel, Golf and Spa . The Almenara Hotel has a full Spa with all of the facilities that you would expect, three 9 hole golf courses (27 holes in total) , the Gaia Restaurant and the Veinteeocho terrace bar and restaurant, which is a lovely setting for some drinks after a round of golf, or simply a nice way to have a relaxed lunch in the sun whilst watching the golf buggies and players amble by.

As you turn in to the Sotogrande Estate leaving the Sotogrande International School behind you and pass through security, you will drive towards the larger of the two lakes on the Sotogrande Estate. In the summer, don’t be alarmed if you see a fire dousing helicopter drop its water bag to refill from these lakes and head back to dampening out a forest fire.

Before you get to the lake you will pass a number of large villas to your left and then come to the Los Gazules golf apartments on your right, which sit on the edge of the golf course and lake. Just after this and beyond the lake, you will come to the Los Carmenes townhouses with their communal pools, golf views and proximity to the Almenara Hotel facilities.

If you head on up past the Hotel on your left you will come towards the G Zone of Sotogrande where you will find Calle Gaucín. Las Cimas de Almenara I is found to the left, and Las Cimas de Almenara II is found to the right, at the very top of this road.

Both developments are private and gated communities with modern and contemporary houses, private pools and stunning views.

As you travel further down Calle Gaucín, the houses get larger and more impressive and these are just the ones that you can see from the road. Some amazing houses are hidden behind large gates leading off of Calle Gaucín. All houses on Calle Gaucín have stunning views, most of them to the sea and to the second lake on the Sotogrande Estate.

If you head back to Avenida Almenara which circles the perimeter of the Almenara Hotel and Spa and follow this around, once again the houses get larger, more striking and impressive, with views to die for. As this turns around towards the horseshoe shaped Calle Granada, the panoramic views on offer are something to behold. For anyone who is an early riser, a walk along Calle Granada on a clear day as the sun is rising turning the sea and sky blood red in colour, with the mountains looming dark and moody behind, is highly recommended.

The Almenara area of Sotogrande is a perfect choice for anyone who is looking to rent a holiday home in a private and peaceful location where views are paramount. A car is an absolute must, but having the Almenara Hotel and all of its facilities on your doorstep, along with the beach and other amenities being just a 10 minute drive away, means that you will never feel completely out of touch with the lifestyle that is on offer in Sotogrande.