We bid farewell to 2023, the year of celebrating our diamond anniversary, taking a moment to reflect on the extraordinary season of events we’ve had at “home” and on the unity of the Sotogrande community.
We began the year by unveiling our comprehensive calendar of events, carefully curated to showcase the qualities that have earned our destination its revered reputation over the past six decades.
The Cinema Festival series was one of the mainstays of our summer, paying tribute to each decade since Sotogrande’s inception, by featuring a film from every era. Starting in the 70s, it began with the screening of ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’, following by an 80s classic, ‘E.T.’, starring Drew Barrymore. The 90s and 2000s were represented with, ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ and ‘A Simple Wish’. The festival concluded with more recent films, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and the animated hit, ‘Zootopia’.
Throughout the year, The Beach served as the venue for the Cinema Festival, and we express our gratitude for the team’s dedication in making outdoor cinema a reality. Families of all ages enjoyed these cinematic evenings, strengthening their bonds and creating lasting memories.
The Beach also played host to a lively paddle surfing competition. Set on the sports lagoon, children of all ages enthusiastically raced through a variety of courses, crisscrossing the lagoon. After the races, the young participants reconvened with their parents and families at The Beach’s restaurant, where they shared aperitifs and non-alcoholic cocktails. It was a fantastic day filled with enjoyable activities and it provided parents with a well-deserved opportunity to unwind and savour quality time over delicious food and drinks.
In June, The Beach played host to an incredible Candlelight Dinner and Concert which featured some of the world’s most skilful musicians performing in a spectacular candlelit setting. This was the first event of its kind in Sotogrande, and attendees enjoyed a tribute to music written and performed by Coldplay, in addition to an exquisite dining experience, surrounded by charming candlelight, and served up by the La Reserva Club team.
Our summer of celebrations featured more dynamic outdoor activities, such as the Father & Son polo tournament held at the esteemed Santa Maria Polo Club. Dozens of families joined us to play a sport that has been incredibly engrained in the Sotogrande lifestyle since its inception. Whilst friendly matches were being played, younger children could enjoy colouring activities and spectators enjoyed the warm Spanish sunshine and drinks while overlooking the pitches. After the matches were finished, we served up an Argentinian barbeque which was accompanied by a live band – creating the perfect relaxing atmosphere.
As the summer reached its peak, it was time for our charming, themed evening, transporting guests back to the 1960s at The Beach. The venue, guests, and cuisine embraced the spirit of that era. Attendees donned fantastic 1960s-inspired attire to complement the classic 60s menu that featured dishes like gazpacho and white chocolate pavlova. The evening was a resounding success, marked by lively conversations, entertainment, and a captivating drone show that provided a fitting conclusion to a splendid night.
Of course, Sotogrande’s reputation for world-class golf was not overlooked. To celebrate this renowned asset, we organised a one-day golf tournament inspired by the 60s. Golfers from La Reserva Club, Real Club Valderrama, Real Club Sotogrande, and Almenara Golf were invited to gather for this unique celebration at La Reserva Club in August. More than 100 golfers were in attendance on the day, where the golf tournament combined with delectable food, music, and exciting prizes.
Following their rounds, players had the opportunity to sample a selection of traditional rice dishes and desserts, while a live band provided a delightful backdrop on the lawn outside the clubhouse. The prize-giving ceremony marked the event’s closure, after which, participants could engage with and learn from the legendary Spanish golfer, Manuel Piñero, who shared both his expertise and captivating stories. Additionally, a long drive competition, hosted by PING, was held on the driving range, allowing participants to showcase their skills.
At the end of September, the final event of our 60th anniversary celebrations took place at La Reserva Club. It was an emotional event, in which we reminisced about the most important milestones of the last 60 years and demonstrated how we are approaching the future with a clear commitment to sustainability and infrastructure, as well as a strong dedication to providing residents and visitors with an excellent quality of life.
The event received support from the Andalusian Regional Government and the San Roque City Council. It was attended by influential figures from the public and business sectors, in addition to representatives from sectoral associations, media, and prominent members of the community.
Throughout the year, we’ve experienced a remarkable journey, filled with exciting events that have forged enduring memories within our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the Sotogrande community who joined us this summer – we sincerely hope you enjoyed your time and can’t wait to celebrate more anniversaries together.