SO/ Sotogrande is the tenth and latest addition to Accor’s SO/ resort model, with fifteen extra scheduled to open. Set in an unique gated group in Sotogrande, this can be a luxurious model however with a distinctly rebellious twist – every SO/ resort has its personal distinctive identification and aptitude, while nonetheless acknowledging its roots. Within the case of SO/ Sotogrande, it occupies the positioning of a former cortijo – a standard Spanish farmhouse – and attracts on its Andalusian heritage in a revolutionary approach.
Accor even employed a designer – as they do with each SO/ resort – to characterize the resort on this regard. Within the case of SO/ Sotogrande, this was ladies’s swimwear designer Dolores Cortés who was tasked with designing a vibrant uniform for the employees. Accor needed one thing new and progressive that may shock the visitor… and Dolores delivered.
We had the nice pleasure of assembly Dolores and listening to the story of her involvement – how she had initially politely declined Accor’s invitation, but how ultimately she was behind not simply the uniform, but additionally paintings on the resort, together with the resort’s emblem that depicts three iconic components of Andalusian tradition: a carnation, a fan and an arch. She additionally needed to precise the joyfulness of Andalucia and the character of the resort.
The welcome
A non-public, air-conditioned switch from Malaga Airport to the resort – a journey of about 1 hour 10 minutes – made my arrival very comfy and seamless. (Flying into Gibraltar is another choice, with a switch that takes about half the time.) On reaching the resort, I used to be greeted with a refreshing drink and towel at reception while the formailities of the paperwork had been shortly sorted and I used to be pushed to my room in a buggy.
A personalised welcome be aware from the Common Supervisor, a bottle of fizz, some recent fruit and a dessert with ‘SO/ Welcome’ inscribed in chocolate had been among the many many treats that greeted me within the room.
The room
I stayed in a SO/ COMFY King room which, dwelling as much as its title, was exceptionally comfy and well-appointed, along with having its personal small balcony.
Beamed ceilings, Moroccan-inspired tiling, detailed fretwork and sweeping arches mix to provide an Andalusican vibe to the resort’s 152 up to date rooms, 36 of that are suites.
The lavatory
An expensive Noken Porcelanosa patio rest room holds additional surprises, providing a superb expertise of consolation and leisure. Fluffy bathrobes and a superb rain bathe are simply a number of the facilities on provide.
Toiletries are from Australian magnificence model Grown Alchemist whose focus is on all-natural, non-toxic components.
The services
The inns is provided with a minimum of six eating places and bars. HI-SO presents a chilled-out, chiringuito-style setting near the pool, while the MIXO VVIP lounge is a good spot for celebrations.
The resort’s Cortijo restaurant is the right spot for Mediterranean delicacies with the choice to dine exterior on the terrace, while the brand new Society restaurant scheduled to open subsequent 12 months is a effective eating possibility with a extra theatrical gastronomic providing.
Taking centre stage inside the resort complicated are two outside swimming pools, among the many terraces and outside gardens, with loads of solar loungers to select from, and even some over-sized floating starfish to provide an added splash of color.
The SO/ Spa well being and wellness membership is a tranquil, enjoyable area with a heated indoor pool in addition to thermal and hydro swimming pools. The eight therapy rooms provide all the things from signature massages to physique therapies, utilizing merchandise from QMS Medicosmetics, ESPA and Charme d’Orient.
Much less mainstream therapies embrace cryotherapty and a flotation expertise. Not having carried out it earlier than, I attempted the latter – it’s imagined to drift you right into a meditative state and clearly labored as a result of I managed to go to sleep within the 25 minutes that I used to be inside! I did come out feeling rejuvenated, I’ve to say.
Additionally on web site on the resort is the 27-hole Almenara golf course. Designed by native architect Dave Thomas, its undulating fairways and deep bunkers will problem even probably the most skillful of golfers.
Location
SO/ Sotogrande is positioned inside a non-public gated group, providing glorious privateness and safety, on the Costa del Sol. It’s near Gibraltar (half-hour), Marbella (45 minutes) and likewise accessible from Malaga Airport (a little bit over one hour away).
Different good touches
Additional particular touches had been plentiful throughout my quick keep, from a bottle of fizz and the SO/ Welcome dessert on arrival, to this chocolate-dipped fig full of hazelnuts that was ready for me within the room.
Assorted GauGin gins had been one other shock supply that got here to the room.
Value
Charges begin from £330 per evening (£297 for Accor members) for the SO/ COMFY King room class, with breakfast included. Suites on the resort begin from £590 (£530 for Accor members), once more together with breakfast.
The very best bit
The sensation of area and tranquillity. Though we stayed at a time of comparatively low occupancy, it didn’t really feel that it will be too busy even when working at near capability as there’s plenty of outside area to take pleasure in, to not point out a number of bars, eating places and different services.
The ultimate verdict
SO/ Sotogrande is a good place for visitors searching for unconventional luxurious, but the perfect of Andalusian type. The resort additionally serves as an excellent place to remain for anybody considering of investing in property in Sotogrande. To be taught extra in regards to the vacation spot, see my different put up right here.
