Southern Spain is still one of Europe’s most popular golfing destinations and if anything it is increasing in popularity again. The area between Malaga and Puerto Banus is the most well known with over 30 golf courses to choose from offering a variety of different types of course at varying costs. Once you have experienced this area and if you are a serious golfer than it may be time to move further along the Coast towards Gibralter and have a look at staying near to the port of Sotogrande.
This area has been developing itself as a more upmarket region and has the advantage of starting from a less developed base than the Resorts nearer to Malaga. Because of that there are less high rise buildings and the area is generally greener and more open. There are five courses close to Sotogrande the most famous being Valderrama home of the Ryder Cup and widely regarded as one of Europe’s top courses. La Reserva Club, La Canada and Real Sotogrande are also in the vicinity and a great place to stay and play is the Hotel Almenara Golf Resort.
It has seen significant improvement in the last two years and has benefited from investment by the resorts new owners. The golf course has three loops of nine holes designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 1998. They all share similar characteristics with undulating narrow fairways, well positioned bunkers and water hazards. Many of the holes are lined with cork or pine trees and there are great views of the surrounding countryside and sea. Its now a golf course that stands in comparison with its more well known neighbours.
On site there are 145 luxurious villa style bungalows and apartments set in an impressive private estate with luxurious gardens and excellent facilities all within 5 minutes walk of the main hotel building. All the rooms have terraces or balconies and are of a good size with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The on site spa offers the most modern of treatments and is extremely well equipped. The cosy bar in the hotel building offers the perfect place for a relaxing drink in the evenings and the excellent restaurant there offers the very best in cuisine using the abundant local ingredients.
The port of Sotogrande, with its recently developed Marina where you can find bars and restaurants, is only six miles away but really you have everything on site for a superb holiday.
Andy Sullivan of Teeuplo is visiting the resort this weekend and you can follow his exploits and review of the course and accommodation on his YouTube channel. He is going to be testing 25 different types of golf balls whilst he is there and the results will appear on his channel over the next few weeks. It should make interesting viewing and be very informative for golfers of all handicaps. He has already produced extensive dry data and is going to use his stay at the resort to produce the physical evidence to back up the laboratory results.
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