It’s more glitzy cousin down the road might dominate most of the glamour headlines but Sotogrande arguably leads the way against Marbella when it comes to ultra-refined living. This renowned macro-urbanisation extends from the luxurious surroundings of a picturesque marina – the first Mediterranean port-of-call for yachts and other ocean-going vessels entering through the Straits of Gibraltar – through tree-lined avenues resplendent with palatial mansions partly concealed behind imposing gates, and inland to cutting-edge contemporary homes in the nature-embraced heights of the residential estate. Located at the eastern end of Cádiz province, in San Roque municipality, Sotogrande is – apart from a popular holiday area for the crème de la crème of Spanish society as well as visiting global aristocracy and A-list celebrities – home to some of Europe’s finest golfing amenities. Valderrama is the showpiece course, as host of the 1997 Ryder Cup and numerous other major international championships over the past three decades, but golfers have a wealth of top options at other championship clubs in the area: Royal Sotogrande, San Roque Club Old and New, Alcaidesa Links and Alcaidesa Heathland, La Cañada (Spain’s premier public, or municipal, club), Almenara and La Reserva de Sotogrande.