What does the launch of The Alto Club and its new Golf Academy represent for Sotogrande, and how does it strengthen the destination’s appeal for travelling golfers?

The launch of The Alto Club marks an important evolution for Sotogrande. It builds on the destination’s long-established golfing heritage while introducing a more contemporary and inclusive vision of the sport.

This reflects what modern travellers are looking for today - not only outstanding courses but a more rounded experience that combines performance, recovery and lifestyle. The new Golf Academy broadens the appeal to players of different levels, from those refining their game to families and younger golfers coming into the sport.

It’s also a great addition to the wider SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort experience, giving guests staying at the hotel direct access to high-level practice and coaching facilities nearby. We’re working with respected names in the game, with Suzann Pettersen as our global ambassador and directly involved in the Academy programmes, while LPGA player Mimi Rhodes - who grew up in Sotogrande - uses the facilities to prepare for her international tournaments.

SO/ Sotogrande offers a distinctive setting within the wider Sotogrande estate. What makes the hotel a particularly attractive base for golfers and international travelers visiting the region?

Our hotel is more than a five-star resort, it’s a destination where world-class golf meets contemporary lifestyle. Our property offers a unique sense of space and privacy, blending Andalusian authenticity with avant-garde style and the vibrant energy of the Mediterranean.

For golfers, SO/ Sotogrande becomes the ultimate base: immediate access to some of Europe’s most celebrated courses, combined with the comfort of a resort designed for relaxation after a day on the fairways.

Beyond the game, guests immerse themselves in a curated lifestyle experience; from panoramic rooms and bold interiors to exceptional dining and a wellness club that redefines the art of wellbeing. Here, sport and sophistication coexist effortlessly, allowing travellers to flow between the challenge of our courses, the serenity of our pools and gardens, and the social buzz of Sotogrande’s coast.

Wellness is becoming an increasingly important part of any golf trip. How does your Spa & Wellness contribute to the overall experience for guests staying at the hotel?

Wellness is now a key part of the golf travel experience, especially for golfers who increasingly want their stay to include not only enjoyment on the course, but also meaningful recovery afterwards - and at SO/ Sotogrande, wellness plays a central role in that.

Our spa forms a natural part of the overall guest experience, rather than simply being an added facility. Shaped by the Cádiz landscape, it offers a ritual that connects body and mind with the rhythm of the sea and the strength of the land, by using locally sourced, natural products. These include sea salt from the Bay of Cadiz, combined with everlasting flower - a resilient plant from the dunes of Cádiz - and the aromatic and wild rockrose flower, enveloping each treatment in a warm and deeply Mediterranean aroma.

For golfers, this experience provides an important element of post round recovery, while for other guests it offers balance, and time to fully unwind during their stay with us.

Additionally, we understand that improving golf performance requires more than time on the course. It involves physical conditioning, mobility, and overall wellbeing. For this reason, we have developed specialised Golf Fitness Programmes that address these key areas in a structured and comprehensive way.

The programmes include options such as Start & Swing, focused on improving handicap through mobility and strength work; Body & Swing Balance, designed to increase distance by optimising body mechanics; and Private Golf Lessons, offering personalised sessions to prepare players for competition. Each programme combines specific physical training with complementary activities and targeted therapies, aiming to enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, and support faster recovery.

Gastronomy plays a key role in any resort experience. Can you talk us through the different dining concepts available at SO/ Sotogrande?

We see gastronomy as a centrally important part of the guest experience, rather than something separate from the stay. It’s one of the ways guests connect with the place and with the rhythm of southern Spain.

Cortijo Santa María 1962, by Michelin Star Chef Nicolas Isnard, offers a more refined take on Andalusian flavors; MARXA Chiringuito brings a more relaxed and social energy thanks to the rich grill flavors and sunset DJs; IXO Tapas & Cocktail Bar is the perfect place to enjoy an evening with live music while tasting avant-garde tapas and delicious signature cocktails; while SoCiety Clubhouse provides an informal all-day setting with beautiful Mediterranean landscape views. Together, these facilities give guests different ways to experience the resort throughout the day.

From long, relaxed lunches to more refined evening dining, gastronomy becomes part of the wider rhythm of the stay rather than simply another hotel offering.

How does SO/ Sotogrande approach the Easter period and what can guests expect during the holidays?

Easter is always a special time at SO/ Sotogrande, and this year we have focused particularly on creating experiences that bring together golf, nature, and family time.

One of the highlights is the Easter Kids Golf Camp at The Alto Club Golf Academy, which adds a strong family dimension to the programme. Taking place from 30 March to 3 April, it gives children and teenagers aged 6 to 16 the opportunity to discover or develop their game in a fun and engaging environment. Other family competitions including Closest to the Pin, Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Longest Drive Tournaments, and the Juniors’ Points Tournament will also be run at The Alto Academy.

More broadly, Easter is a wonderful time to experience Sotogrande, as the spring season brings the landscape to life and allows guests to enjoy the destination at a slower pace.