Sotogrande's Southern Charm

Nestled right in the cusp of Mediterranean breeze and sunshine is this southern Spanish golfing paradise.

- BENNY TEO

“I’ve just seen the Rock of Gibraltar!” This may mean nothing to some but for those born and bred in the UK, it is the last territory in continental Europe that is still a living vestige of its past colonial glory. Large, and very eye-catching, countless bloody battles had been fought for its possession three centuries ago. Today, the Rock is still a bone of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations due to its strategic location dominating the narrow Straits of Gibraltar, which is the entrance and exit to the Mediterranean. And so, the story goes.

On the golfing front though, this is where the victorious European Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas was born more than half a century ago and one may add that the uniting factor of the Cup and her heritage as a ‘born-in-Spain, bredin-England’ leader has in some part, soothed the embers of discord between the two great nations. Although, one really needn’t go that far -Sotogrande is already a well-travelled hotspot for golf enthusiasts across Europe, including Britain.

And so, to the beautiful city of San Roque less than 20 kilometres south on the main A-7 road, where the ubiquitous sight of Gibraltar awaits. After savouring the aforementioned emotive view, there are countless other reasons to stay here. The historic Bull Ring, opened in 1853, comes to mind, where bullfights still rage on twice a year and open-air concerts play throughout to lighten the mood.