The beach at The Reserva Club |
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Beach at La Reserva Club
by Chris Chaplow
Located in the La Reserva area of Sotogrande Alta near the La Reserva Golf Club House, the Beach Club features a unique artificial 2.800 m2 beach (sand imported from Punta Paloma Tarifa) and sandy based artificial lagoon, combined with a 17.000 m2 water-sport lagoon set in a natural valley in Sotogrande hillside.
The entrance is equally impressive. One descends 80 steps, down to the holistic water feature to a walkway across to the beach club facilities. A golf buggy ride service is available if needed.
The Beach club has 200 modern single and double sun-beds and ‘chambaos' (gazebos) for hire with full waiter service on the beach and half a dozen doubles on the terrace by the traditional ‘adult' swimming pool.
The restaurant is open for à la carte lunch-time and for high season evening dining for both beach club clients and others by prior reservation. A less formal (and less expensive) menu including burger and pizza is available at 'CHEAT' bar near the childrens pool, or served to sunbeds from the online 'Cheat' menu.
In the evenings a large fire pit in the Californian style was lit, these are reminiscent of those found at Pebble Beach, California which we suggest was Joseph McMicking's inspiration for Sotogrande. These very sociable fire-pits are surprisingly rarely seen in Spain. Unfortunatelty the gas burner was removed for the 2021 season and the pit redesignated as the 'smokers area' with an ornamental fire bowl in the centre. it is let for some special events.
La Reserva claimed that this is the first and only private beach in Spain. It is certainly not the first (Baños del Carmen, Malaga 1918 was modeled on those in San Sebastian and Santander), but perhaps one of the first since 1982 when Costas (Direction General de Puertos y Costas) ruled that all beaches in Spain should be public and removed the concept of a private beach on the Spanish coast.
It is the first and only man-made lagoon with a full sandy bottom in Europe. Actually there very few artificial lagoons or beaches in Spain. Nearby La Alcazaba Lagoon in Casares (access from Estepona Golf), initially was private to residents and their guests, however in 2022 they opened the lagoon and small beach to visitors renting sunbeds for the day. Australia and the Americas have experimented with lagoons for years due to concerns with sharks and jellyfish.
The water temperature in the swimming lagoon is a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius in April and October and 27 degrees Celsius in July and August. The 18 pairs of individual sun loungers are in front of the water, next to fixed wooden and thatched parasols. These sunbeds are lightweight and easy to move, but lack adjustable headrests for reading. The second and third rows have wooden double mattresses with orange canvas umbrellas which can be moved by an assistant on request. There is no DJ but a good beach chillout playlist..
The 17,000 square metre sports lagoon that borders the beach club is a sea-green man-made lake surrounded by small shrubs and bedding plants. It is possible to walk right round the sports lagoon an a path made up of part boardwalk and part compacted earth. This lagoon is for water sports including kayaks, single and family size SUP paddle boards and electric powered paddle boards. No motor boats nor jet skis are allowed on the lake. Swimming is only permitted in the beach lagoon and swimming pool. In 2022 the shallower smaller family lagoon pool opened again. It is located next to the supervised Kids club, near the family snack bar (beefburgers, sandwiches etc) bar and an ice cream food truck.
There are a few special events during the summer season such as BBQ and Flamenco evenings, Full Moon parties, San Juan festival and Ronqueo de Atun.
Restaurant AncalaThe indoor and outdoor terrace restaurant rebranded in 2024 is particularly known for Ancala's specialities are dishes with Andalucian and Nikkei fusion dishes, including fine Paella and Rice by Executive Chef Alberto Sarmiento.
Chiringuito Chiringa is the 'beach bar' next to the family pool at the Playa. It is a quiet area to relax and enjoy snacks, burgers and poke bowls. For most is is an alternative to the more formal Alcala. With no dress code is ideal for family with young children. It is also posible to visit the Chiringa without a Sunbed or table reservations.
The 'Spa and Wellness centre' is only treatment rooms. A full facility with pool, car park and gardens was anounced for 2019 but has presumably been shelved. Since 2022 the massage treatments are managed by the nearby SO/ Sotogrande Spa team. Pre-reservation is necessary.
The Beach boutique offers a range of fashionable beachwear and accessories. In 2022 leading swimwear designer Dolores Cortés took over the outlet for her stunning bikinis, swimsuits and apparel. it features her Lola Collection, which is young, fresh and fun, with bright colours, bold prints and fun styles. The DC Kids collection is swimsuits for babies, girls, boys and teens. WIN Men is the men's collection.
Summary
The Beach at la Reserva Club opened in July 2018 and is impressive. The restaurant's structure is wooden and open plan glass closure. One would be forgiven for mistaking it for an Aman resort in Asia rather than Costa del Sol. The lagoons are no less formidable and the staff attentive. Another striking feature is the space, the sunbed and restaurant table separation designed to enhance guest experience.
ENTRANCE
Sunbeds on the beach cost 30€ to 70€ for the day depending on month.
Sunbeds by the adult swimming pool cost 35€ to 75€ for the day depending on month.
Two person Chambao cost from 150€ to 250€ for the day depending on month.
Four person Chambao cost from 200€ to 420€ for the day depending on month.
OPENING
Summer - Open April 16th to October 2025.
Pool & Beach 2025
Semana Santa - (Wed 16th to Sun 20th April 2025) 11.00 to 19.00 hrs
April - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11.00 to 19.00 hrs
May - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11.00 to 19.00 hrs (Pool open, Beach Zone closed)
June - Wednesday to Sunday - 11.00 to 19.00 hrs
July & August - Monday to Sunday - 11.00 to 20.00 hrs.
September - Wednesday to Sunday - 11.00 to 19.00 hrs
October - to be determined, see Winter opening below.
Since 2018 the opening has been extended to late October.
Due to popularity all reservations have to be booked and paid in advance the La Reserva Club website or App or at the Club.
Restaurant: Noon - 18.00 hrs all season and also in the evenings July and August
Bar: 11.00 - 02.00 hrs
Free ample parking at the La Reserva Golf Club House. Valet Parking 15€.
November to March
The Autumn-Winter Season was from 4th November 2024 to 13th April 2025 open Saturdays & Sundays from 10.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs for the restaurant Ancala and the 25m climatised swimming pool. Sunbeds 25€. Single Sunbed are 25€ for the day and double sunbeds are 60€ for the day. The sandy beach lagoon is closed. The sports lagoon is open, by pre-booking activities. Non-motorised aquatic sports equiptment such as eFoils, kayaks and SUP paddle boards can hired with or without tuition. Restaurant Ancala is open in the winter to serve a breakfast and a brunch as well as the á la carte lunch menu.
 La Reserva Beach Club Sotogrande |
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2018 Opening promotional video
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Contact
Tel: 956 791 006
LOCATION
Avenida la Reserva s/n, La Reserva, Sotogrande Alta, San Roque, (Cadiz)