October is a perfect time to get away for some sunshine and golf. I’ve just returned from a fantastic 10-day trip to southern Spain, spending most of my time in Sotogrande before finishing with a night in Benalmádena.
Sotogrande sits just 25 km from Gibraltar, while Benalmádena is only 10 km from Málaga Airport — making both incredibly convenient for flights and transfers.
Where to Stay in Sotogrande
The Sotogrande area offers a great range of accommodation to suit different budgets — from the Hotel Encinar de Sotogrande to the luxurious Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol, SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, and MIM Sotogrande Luxury & Spa at the Marina.
A highlight of the trip was visiting the Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol, a brand-new 5-star resort located between the Links and Heathland Courses near Alcaidesa. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle transfers to the clubhouse, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Rock of Gibraltar, and a choice of elegant rooms, suites, and villas. The service and facilities are outstanding — a perfect choice for the discerning golfer.
I also stopped by the Inmood San Roque, which is now open though not 100% complete. Its location is unbeatable — just a short walk from both the San Roque Club (Old Course) and San Roque Golf Resort (New Course), and only 15 minutes’ drive from Sotogrande Marina.
There are seven golf courses within a 15-minute drive of these hotels, with many more stretching along the Costa del Sol, giving golfers endless choice.
Golfing Highlights
On this trip, I played both the La Hacienda Links Golf Resort (Heathland Course) and the San Roque Golf Resort, formerly known as the New Course. Both offer a real challenge, enjoyable layouts, and spectacular views of the region.
Buggies are a must on the Heathland Course, but not strictly necessary at San Roque Golf Resort — though there is one long uphill walk to the 6th tee. If, like me, you prefer the comfort of a buggy while on holiday, I recommend pre-booking one.
I also visited The Alto Golf Club (formerly Almenara) and its new Golf Academy, featuring Toptracer technology for an enhanced practice experience. The academy was created by transforming the old Alcornoques 9-hole course and will offer a 9-hole Par-3 course along with a shot game area, putting green and driving range.
Among all the local options, San Roque Golf Resort offers great value for money — the course may not be as pristine as some of its neighbours, but that’s reflected in the green fee rate.
Local Favourites & New Discoveries
Whenever I’m in the area, I make sure to visit San Roque Club for lunch — it has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and consistently good food.
Another favourite pastime is a walk along Bunker Beach, followed by a glass of wine while taking in the Mediterranean views and the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance.
A new experience this year was visiting the Tribuna Rooftop at Hotel MIM Sotogrande — the panoramic views of the marina and sea are spectacular, and dinner afterwards at a nearby restaurant made for a perfect evening.
A Night in Benalmádena
Since I flew into Málaga this time, I decided to spend a night in Benalmádena at the 4-star Mac Hotel Puerto Marina. The location couldn’t be better — just a minute’s walk from the lively marina’s bars and restaurants and steps from the beach.
For golfers, the Torrequebrada Golf Course is only 4 km away, making Benalmádena an excellent choice for those looking for a vibrant golf holiday with plenty of nightlife and seaside atmosphere.
Plan Your Own Golf Escape
If you’re dreaming of a golf getaway to the Costa del Sol — whether you have a specific resort and date in mind or need some inspiration – contact us. We’ll be delighted to help you create your bespoke golf escape.
