The South's most established address

Laid out in 1962, Sotogrande is the Costa del Sol's original master-planned luxury community — and still its most discreet. Set just west of Marbella in the province of Cádiz, it trades the buzz of the marina towns for space, privacy and a deeply rooted sporting life.

This is the home of polo at Santa María Polo Club and of championship golf at Real Club Valderrama, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup. Add a working marina at Puerto Sotogrande, sailing, and one of Europe's leading international schools, and you have a year-round community rather than a summer resort.

The neighbourhood divides into clear characters: Sotogrande Alto, the elevated golf enclaves with large villas and long views; Sotogrande Costa, closer to the beach and marina; and the modern La Reserva de Sotogrande, with its golf course, racquet club and private beach.

Why buyers choose Sotogrande

• Polo and championship golf — Valderrama, La Reserva and Santa María Polo Club
• Exceptionally large plots and a low-density, private feel
• A genuine marina and sailing community at Puerto Sotogrande
• Sotogrande International School on the doorstep
• Quieter and more value-rich than central Marbella, an easy drive away