World Polo Tour Grand Slam returns to Sotogrande

Action from a previous edition of the annual International Polo Tournament in Sotogrande.

Today marks the start of the 47th International Polo Tournament at Santa María Polo Club in Sotogrande. The prestigious event, which runs from today all the way through the month of August until 1st September, promises to enthrall crowds of champagne-sipping, elegantly-dressed polo enthusiasts all summer long…

Last year’s edition attracted around 95,000 spectators during the four-week event, which represented a 15% increase in attendance compared to the previous year, and a robust advertising campaign for this year’s edition aims to increase numbers at the turnstiles yet again.

The former King of Spain, Juan Carlos, presented last year’s “Gold Cup” – the most prestigious title on offer – while television presenters, models and other famous faces of the international glitterati also make an appearance at the event year after year.

The backdrop of Santa María Polo Club is quite stunning. Located a stone’s throw from Sotogrande marina and with one end of its three polo fields overlooking the crystalline waters of the River Guadiaro flowing out to the Mediterranean, the club is located close to the quaint beachside town of Torreguadiaro and the golden sands of its Blue Flag beach.

Sotogrande is an area synonymous with elite living and exclusive property ownership. Luxury apartments and spacious traditional villas occupy much of the sought-after real estate near the marina and the coast, while more modern – yet no less opulent and extravagant – villas and residential estates can be found in the hills overlooking the various world-renowned golf courses the immediate area has to offer.

These include the most famous club in Spain, Real Club Valderrama, which has been consistently voted the number one course in continental Europe, as well as San Roque Golf Club, La Reserva de Sotogrande and Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, which in 2014 celebrated half a century on the Coast.

As always, let us know if you are going to the polo and, if so, what your experience was like. If you have any questions about this blog – or indeed any other post – leave a comment below!