Almenara

Urbanizaci?n Sotogrande
Avenida Almenara, s/n 11310
Sotogrande
Spain

1998

David Thomas

6,755 yards

72

Parkland

A New Gem in the golden triangle of Sotogrande. Dave Thomas designed and opened this now 27 hole course in the Spring of 1998 and it has rapidly become one of the most popular courses in the area. Almenara Hotel-Golf, located in the upper part of Sotogrande a little over 500 yards from Club de Golf Valderrama and five minutes from the beach is surrounded by cork oak trees and wild pines and several streams as well as a natural lake, making it a haven for the golf enthusiast and providing fantastic golf in one of the most beautiful settings in Europe.



Of the course, 9 holes are set around two lakes and 9 over rolling hills offering spectacular views and a true test of golf. The large greens, accepted as being of tournament quality are protected by fine sanded bunkers. The Almenara course, considered to be a well built course where maintenance is good. It has been built over very hilly terrain and the Dave Thomas layout adds even more difficulties with narrow fairways and typical high lipped fairway bunkers, which catch any thing hit off target. With the third nine holes added in 2001, Almenara offers the perfect balance between its opening holes which wind down then up through cork oaks and the second nine which start high up before cutting down to the central lakes before rising to the eighteenth green and the clubhouse which is also part of the hotel.



Almenara Hotel-Golf is a bungalow-style establishment with a central reception, bar, restaurant area in addition to separate apartments that can be rented out. The Golf restaurant is adjacent and has a terrace looking out over the first nine holes and the Sotogrande Estate towards the sea. Almenara is second to none when it comes to facilities. Services include buggy and golf car rental, both a pitching and a putting green, a Pro Shop, a driving range, caddies and a golf school which offers both individual and group lessons. The course provides changing rooms, a gym and sauna and even a nursery.

From either Marbella or Algeciras turn off the N-340 at Km 131 and take the exit marked Sotogrande-Guadiaro-Castellar.

Valderrama Restaurant, Apertado 1, Ctra de Cadiz Km. 132.2, Sotogrande. Tel:(34) 956 791 200. The restaurant at the Valderrama club house is open for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings and for the Buffet Lunch on Sundays.

El Gaucho, Galerias Paniagua, 4. Sotogrande, 11310 San Roque, Cadiz. Tel: (34) 956 795 528. This Argentinean grill offers some of the best barbecued meats on the Coast. The mixed grill is excellent value.

Barbesula (Cortijo los Canos). Tel: (34) 956 695 114. This spectacular venue situated in Sotogrande, is a Spanish Country Manor which has been luxuriously reformed. Serving the most exquisite international cuisine, Barbesula has quaint patios for ?al fresco' dining and an elite piano bar for after-dinner entertainment.

Zaldia, Edificio Hotel Club Marítimo, Local n?-3, Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, 11310 Sotogrande. Tel: (34) 956 790 121. This is an excellent place to have dinner. Decorated with old equestrian and polo photographs, it has a rather colonial ambience. Fish and meat are cooked in front of you on the grill.

Venta Toledo, Guadiaro. Tel: 956 614 248. Situated in the town of Guadiaro, this restaurant serves excellent fresh seafood.

Kamakura, San Roque Club, N340 Km 127. Tel: (34) 956 613 030. This authentic Japanese restaurant offers the freshest sushi and sashimi, tempura and teppanyaki dishes.