Inspired by tropical beaches of the Caribbean the brief was to transmit the essence whilst intertwining it with the ecological character of rolling Andalusian hills. Scape Design was first appointed to masterplan the site to provide a strategic design and sustainability narrative for developing the valley next to an established member’s golf club. The first phase of our involvement entailed the extension of existing sports courts by adding a Multi-Use Games Area and 5 additional paddle tennis courts with a viewing stand and improved direct access route to a club house through an area of restored native planting.
The biggest draw of this multiphase project is a 3000m2 beach pool with its sand entry and associated kids pool. The main south facing beach is designed as a setting for a modern-day beach club sloping gently into the water from the feature piece of architecture. Beach Club is a hub for both day and night-time activity including an open bar and restaurant. The poolside offers entertainment in the way of fire side sitting, a DJ booth and the possibility of a night-time cinema screen located to face the beach.
At the opposite side Beach Club terraces would open towards the 1.7ha sports lagoon created within the valley to offer a calming backdrop for the buzzing oasis. 25 m infinity lap pool and a surrounding terrace complete the design. The existing stream along the valley is re-routed and one can wander along beautifully restored native landscape whether for a quiet walk or daily dose of running along the whole perimeter of the lagoon. The hillside and lagoon edges are perfect for secluded sunbathing, quiet contemplation in a native setting or a secluded picnic on the island accessible by narrow bridges.
Within the next couple of years follow up phases are envisioned including further extension of pool decks, a kid’s club, purpose-built resort entry and parking facilities, destination spa as well as organic farm and a 6-hole golf course. The Beach is truly unique offering located unconventionally in the hills rather than next to the open water of the ocean and addressing the all-important aspects of landscape restoration whilst allowing the guests to connect with a landscape in a completely different manner.
Simeon Halstead Associates (design architect), DPA (lighting), Rocio Sainz de Rozas (Planting consultant), Bm2 (local architect and engineer), Hill International (Project manager), Arkitecnia (local architect Phase 4), HGM (local engineer Phase 4), P+D Sostenibles (Environmental consultant).
Project location: Avenida La Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
Design year: 2016-2018
Year Built: 2018
