Pictures of Sotogrande
Sotogrande, one of Spain's most exclusive resorts, was envisioned in the early 1960s by Joseph McMicking, a naturalized American with Scottish and Filipino roots.
With a vision to create a Mediterranean luxury haven, McMicking enlisted Fredy Melian to scout prime land near the coast. In 1963, McMicking commissioned the celebrated golf course architect Robert Trent Jones to design the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. This prestigious course was followed by another in 1974, originally called Nuevo Sotogrande, later renamed *Valderrama*, now renowned as one of Europe’s finest golf courses.
McMicking, an alumnus of Stanford University, drew inspiration from California’s Pebble Beach, infusing Sotogrande with a sense of exclusivity and harmony with the surrounding landscape.
The development company, Financiera Sotogrande del Guadiaro, S.A., was established on September 19, 1962. The initial land acquisition included Cortijo Paniagua, and in 1964, the Spanish authorities officially approved the resort plan, marking the birth of Sotogrande as a premier Mediterranean destination.
Today, Sotogrande stands as a symbol of elegance and leisure, boasting world-class golf courses, luxurious estates, and a thriving marina—all nestled along the scenic shores of Cadiz in Andalucia.