August in Sotogrande – Summer 2016
Shall we kick off with the Polo? It seems a fitting place to start as a Sotogrande Summer would not be complete without a trip down to Los Pinos Polo fields to sip a vast Gin and Tonic and watch the crème de la crème of the Polo world fight out for the prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups.
This year, the 45th International Tournament at the Santa Maria Polo Club was alleviated to the top echelons as the Cartier Gold Cup was raised to a Grand Slam competition. Only two other competitions outside of Argentina have the same status; the US Open Polo Championship at Palm Beach and the UK Open at Cowdray Park.
Well-deserved as this year’s tournament did not disappoint, the quality of the teams and the play was exceptional and the vast crowds at the final on Sunday 28th paid testimony to the fabulous atmosphere. Crowds were further treated to a visit from King Juan-Carlos 1st who was present to present the trophy to the victorious Dubai team among a wave of applause.
Outside of the Polo, a day out to Los Pinos was also a fantastic trip out. Mara Restaurant had popped up to serve delicious fish and cold wines. The Alhambra Gastro Garden thronged with people enjoying pizzas by O’MammaMia, sushi from Moncayo, luxury deserts from Ma Petit Amelie, all washed down with an ice cold 1925 Alhambra beer. People whiled away time perusing the shopping tents, content that their little ones were having a raucous time climbing walls and zip-wiring in the Kids Zone. And then there was the Grey Goose After Polo, a weekend event that had people visiting from all over the coast to dance the night away.
Which leads me rather neatly into the Fiestas of Summer..
August is the month for house-parties.
Where friends and family organise great lavish affairs or small intimate BBQ’s for their loved ones under the stars in the gardens of their luxury villas and apartments. Driving around at dusk, you can hear the laughter and music of hundreds of people having fun. And if they wanted to venture out, well then there was plenty to attract them.
First, the Mercado de Levante opened its doors well, it’s cute food trucks on the 1st July and the crowds poured in to try grilled meats, fresh tuna and Ecolo’s fabulous organic ice cream. Torreguadario cemented its name as the Tapas capital of this part for the coast as the famed Cancha Dos opened its tapas bar next to Inboca and Puratapa. All three of which were heaving with guests sampling the best in Spanish and International inspired dishes.
The Marina was just as popular, as was the Churinguitos. Bahia Limon offered Aerial Circus nights and Chambao took guests from a chilled out afternoon on a bali bed to a full nightclub in the evening, complete with resident DJ. On the other side, Gigi’s Beach offered spectacular grilled fish with equally wonderful views of Gibraltar.
And then there was the Trocadero. The place to be seen this summer as they launched their own Asian Restaurant dedicated to the renowned Japanese elements of their menu. The kids enjoyed their own dedicated pool during the day and in the evening, the adults came out to play. Starting with a cool cocktail at the central bar before wandering into the newly launched Agosto members club. To meander among the beautiful safari-inspired gardens, grab a drink in the desert tents, before hitting the floor inside the grand thatched dance hut. Both the opening and the closing parties were deeply memorable as we danced the night away with friends.
Definitely an August to remember.
Phew, and I haven’t even started on the Sport yet! The golf and the sailing. My next blog will cover all, plus a highlight of sporting events coming up..
