Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

2 0 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Title/… La Vida Sotogrande Sotogrande, Andalusia’s largest privately owned Luxury Resort Destination, welcomes The Beach to its shores. b y J u l i a Z a l t z m a n S ituated in Andalusia on the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande occupies an area spanning 20 square kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea to the foothills of the Sierra Almenara. Home to more than 300 businesses and one of Andalusia’s best International Schools, it is one of Europe’s leading sporting destinations for yachting, sail racing, watersports, tennis and international polo. It boasts five championship golf courses with three of the best golf courses in Spain. Easily accessible frommajor European cities and30minutes west ofMarbella, Sotograndewas founded in1962by industrialist and philanthropist Joseph McMicking. High-profile residents (politicians, royalty, sports and show business figures), and international visitors have long been attracted by Sotogrande’s ‘low key’ and discreet yet illustrious lifestyle. Its latest development – La Reserva – seamlessly connects the existing community with a contemporary injection of luxury and lifestyle. La Reserva is poised to become one of the most desirable resort destinations in Andalusia thanks to extensive new investment in leisure and sports amenities, supported by a full-service lifestyle concierge.With a raft of residences set within the exclusive1,154 acre private residential community being designed by some of the world’s leading architects, one of themost sought-after addresses on the Iberian peninsula is the El Mirador collection. Six exquisite modern villas, all nearing completion, make up the El Mirador collection. Priced from €5.8 million, each one has been created to best exploit the unrivalled views across the golf course and down to the Mediterranean. Designed by leading Andalusian architect Manuel Ruiz of ARK architects, each expansive, pavilion-style property has clean, contemporary lines and an abundance of natural light, with floor-to-ceilingwindows, infinity pools and extensive outdoor living space – all with an eye to sweeping sea views. At the heart of the community sits The Club, which will provide both its residents and members with some of Europe’s finest amenities. Located just four kilometres from the seaside is a unique and sophisticated beach club, which officially opened its doors in April 2019, and has a special focus on integrity with nature, interior design and services. Anunexpected oasis offering the ideal place in which to immerse your mind in a state of relaxation, guests can enjoy a tailor-made beach, take a dip in the pool, bask in the sun onwood sunbeds, drift away while receiving amassage or taste cool local cuisinewhile listening to the smooth sounds of selected music. The first and only private inland beach oasis in southern Spain, the beach club facilities will include aworld-class spa andwellness centre focused on holistic wellbeing. Various freshwater lagoons for swimming and watersports will include the first sandy beach swimmable lagoon and its exclusive beach club surrounded by elegant loungers, 13 beach chambaos and full waiter service. An infinity lap pool, an exterior spa cabana, a shop and an optimum food and beverage services are also included, while additional dining facilities and areas dedicated exclusively to the enjoyment of childrenwill complement the existing golf facilities, clubhouse and the new tennis club. Views of theMediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar stretch beyond. And once the sun has set the experience continues into the night with selected music and tasteful theme parties setting the scene within this unique location. The restaurant – with an original kitchen favouring organic and natural ingredients and conveniently open all-day – will offer a welcoming but sophisticated laid-back atmosphere with the aim of creating an intimate haven for Sotogrande local cultural milieu. The covered restaurant will permit all-year diningwith an al fresco style while the bar at La Reserva Beach Club offers the best live music from resident DJs.