A Mediterranean masterpiece: Golf, glamour and game-changing tuition at SO/ Sotogrande
SO/ Sotogrande is changing the European and world golf scene forever.
Perched above the sun-drenched coastline of southern Spain, SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort isn't just a luxury hotel - it's a curated experience that blends Andalusian spirit with contemporary flair, championship level golf and serious wellness credentials.
Express Sport visited the resort for the launch of its new Alto Club Golf Academy, a collaboration with former LPGA star and Solheim Cup captain Suzann Pettersen, and found a world-class escape where design, sport and soul collide - all beautifually packaged and tucked into one of Europe's most desirable enclaves.
The Arrival; Sophisticated yet playful
From the moment of arrival, SO/ Sotogrande felt different. There's a casual coolness to the place, think Ibiza energy meets Marbella elegance but with a uniquely curated edge. Set within a private estate near the Mediterranean, the hotel is awash with terracotta tones, palm-lined walkways, and cutting-edge art installations.
LIV Golf is hosting its Spain event of the tour at the nearby Real Club Valderrama, and a scattering of some of the most storied names in the world of professional golf are strolling back and forth, taking in the tranquility of this most unique of settings.
Staff in designer uniforms greet you like an old friend, and the check-in experience is more like entering a private villa than a resort. You're handed a welcome drink as local music hums through the open-air lobby - a first taste of the hotel's identity: bold, vibrant, and effortlessly relaxed.
Rooms come with a view, and bespoke vibe
The rooms at SO/ Sotogrande strike the perfect balance between laid-back luxury and high-end design. Natural textures - wood, rattan, linen - blend with playful modern accents: bold wall art, funky lighting, and oversized daybeds that invite you to unwind with a book or a glass of something chilled.
A selection of the rooms peer over the rolling fairways of The Alto Club and the distant shimmer of the Med, framed by citrus trees and wildflowers. Each morning, the terrace is bathed in golden light with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of pine and jasmine. It's hard to overstate how tranquil this place feels, even in high season.
Gourmet dining with a southern Spanish Soul
The hotel's dining scene is a highlight in itself. From relaxed poolside bites to refined Mediterranean cuisine, SO/ Sotogrande's culinary philosophy revolves around freshness, regional produce, and a surprising twist or two.
Breakfast at SoCiety - the hotel's clubhouse restaurant overlooking the Alto Club - was a sunlit celebration of colour and flavour. Think local cheeses, jamón ibérico, just-baked breads, and eggs made to order, all served on a breezy terrace.
Evenings are reserved for a table at Cortijo Santa Maria 1962, where signature cocktails and sharing plates were accompanied by panoramic views and a DJ spinning chilled beats until late. The menu offers everything from seared tuna tataki to grilled octopus - bold yet simple and always beautifully plated.
Getting further afield and exploring the local area is also very much encouraged. Sotogrande doesn't simply restrict guests and residents alike to certain zones due to convenience. Sure, there is plenty to do in each individual pocket around the property, but getting out to discover more of the estate is a rewarding experience.
Shifting the gears a little and opting for drinks and dining beside the sea, a relaxing and romantic dinner at Trocadero Beach Club very much sets the scene. Timing is important however, as this culinary gem is only open only during the summer months, and specialises in a mixture of Thai and Japanese cuisine which coexists to perfection.
Elite level golf - The Alto and La Reserva Club Courses
Sotogrande is no stranger to world-class golf. Express Sport took on both The Alto Club, which lies directly adjacent to the hotel, and the nearby La Reserva Club - each offering its own personality and challenges.
The Alto Club is a beautifully maintained parkland course with sweeping views of the Andalusian countryside and Mediterranean Sea. Strategic bunkering, large undulating greens, and elevation changes make for a demanding but rewarding round. Fairways are generous but misjudge your approach and you'll be scrambling to save par. The opening holes are friendly, but by the time you reach the back nine, the layout starts to show its teeth - particularly with swirling winds in play.
A short drive away, La Reserva Club offered a different flavour entirely - tighter, more technical, and framed by palm trees and rocky outcrops. It's a course that demands accuracy off the tee and rewards creativity around the greens. Playing both in quick succession gives a fantastic contrast, showing off the region's variety and sheer golfing pedigree.
The delicately presented condition of La Reserva Club - with an ornate clubhouse, stunning practice facilities and a heart-raising pathway down to the first tee - makes players feel immersed in a competition of PGA Tour proportions. Concluding a good round or a bad one ultimately makes little difference when the dust has settled, as this is an experience which sticks with all.
A Game-changing Academy with Suzann Pettersen
A major highlight of SO/ Sotogrande, and something that will come to define the property for years to come, is the new Alto Club Golf Academy under the leadership of Suzann Pettersen.
The Alto Club Golf Academy is a seriously competitive facility, blending high-end tech with hands-on coaching in a sleek, modern environment. Toptracer bays, short-game areas with real tour-standard conditioning, and teaching philosophies rooted in years of elite experience. There's a particular focus on female and junior development, a reflection of Pettersen's passion for widening access to the game.
Watching Pettersen interact with students was a reminder of how valuable it is to learn from someone who's been at the absolute top of the sport. She brings not just knowledge but presence - and a no-nonsense approach that's both empowering and effective.
The Alto Club Golf Academy isn't an add-on; it's a core part of the SO/ Sotogrande golf experience. Whether you're a total beginner or chasing low single digits, the structure is there to help you improve. And, to showcase the full array of it's intention, the academy is already securing some of the best players on the planet.
A partnership has been struck with leading Ladies European Tour star, Mimi Rhodes, who will represent the destination as its official touring professional ambassador.
Currently sitting at No.1 on the Ladies European Tour rankings, Rhodes has already secured three victories on tour this season and is firmly in contention for the prestigious Order of Merit title.
The exciting link-up sees Rhodes return to her roots, with a significant personal connection to Sotogrande. Having grown up playing and practicing in the region as a resident, she is very familiar with the world-class golf facilities and peacful, zen-like environment that have long made Sotogrande a home for elite athletes and discerning travellers alike.
As part of the agreement, Rhodes will base her ongoing training and preparation at La Reserva Club Sotogrande and the brand-new Alto Club Golf Academy.
Beyond Golf: Relaxing, rebalancing and reconnecting
What sets SO/ Sotogrande apart from many golf resorts is its deep commitment to wellbeing and slow living. The SO/Spa & Wellness Club is a destination in its own right. Hydrotherapy pools, hammams, open-air yoga decks, and personalised treatments - all curated to the backdrop of birdsong and sea air.
Fitness lovers can dive into sunrise spin classes or trail runs around the estate, while those seeking stillness can simply lounge by the infinity pool, cocktail in hand, listening to the gentle rustle of palms.
There's also a boutique beach club nearby for guests wanting to dip their toes into a slightly different setting. The sandy in-land beach club at La Reserva Club, called The Beach, allows for a seamless switch to a different setting at the click of a finger, without having to make the journey down to the coastline. Staff are attentive, the beats are mellow and a host of different water-based activities are on offer.
Lasting thoughts
Stylish, soulful, and seriously good golf. SO/ Sotogrande is many things; a luxury retreat, a golfer's paradise and design-led escape. Yet above all, it's a place that understands balance. It's very high-end but not pretentious. It's focused on sport, but never at the expense of relaxation. It's youthful, fresh, and full of flair - a blueprint for the future of golf resorts and a flagship model for all others to follow.
Whether you're here to play, train, or simply unplug in sun-drenched serenity, this Mediterranean gem delivers on every promise.
Need to know information:
Location: Av. Almenara, s/n, 11360 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
Courses Played: The Alto Club (on-site), La Reserva Club (nearby)
Academy: Led by LPGA legend Suzann Pettersen - full coaching and junior programs available. Full details for The Alto Academy lesson prices can be found here:
https://altogolfclub.com/the-
Hotel style: 5-star lifestyle luxury with a wellness and golf focus
Website: www.so-sotogrande.com
Bookings: reservation.sotogrande@so-
