Set in the leafy Sotogrande estate on Spain's Costa del Sol, the four-star Hotel Encinar de Sotogrande is a cracking base if your main plan is simple: play great golf, eat well, then unwind by the pool. You're around 25 minutes from Gibraltar Airport and roughly 90 minutes from Málaga, which makes arrival day refreshingly painless.
Course-wise, you're spoiled for choice. Real Sotogrande, La Reserva and the 1997 Ryder Cup host Valderrama are all close enough that you can build a proper Sotogrande tick-list without spending your holiday sat in a transfer. The hotel is also right by La Cañada, a handy option if you fancy something more relaxed between the big-ticket rounds.
When you're not chasing fairways, the Mediterranean is within easy reach, so it's a strong shout for groups who want to mix golf with beach time. On-site you've got an outdoor pool and terrace, plus an indoor pool, solarium and a tennis court. There's also a pool bar for that post-round drink when the scorecard needs "reviewing".
Who is this for?
Golf groups as well as couples and families who want a quieter, low-fuss base near Sotogrande's headline courses.
Who is it best for?
Anyone building a trip around Valderrama, Real Sotogrande and La Reserva and wanting short drives and a laid-back hotel to come back to.
