The beach at The Reserva Club |
|
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 children's 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. Unfortunately the gas burner was removed for the 2021 season and the pit re-designated 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 chill-out 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 Chiringa 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, a San Juan festival and Ronqueo de Atun.
Restaurant Ancala The indoor and outdoor terrace restaurant re-branded 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 Beach. It is a peaceful place to unwind and enjoy snacks, burgers and poke bowls. It is an alternative to the more formal Alcalá Restaurant. With no dress code, it is ideal for families with young children. You can also come in and drink or eat at Chiringa without a table or sunbed reservation. This is a no-fuss way to visit the beach personally and decide whether to make a reservation for another day.
The 'Spa and Wellness centre' is only treatment rooms. A full facility with pool, car park and gardens was announced 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 has a wooden structure with an open-plan glass closure. One could easily mistake it for an Aman resort in Asia rather than the Costa del Sol. The lagoons are equally impressive, and the staff are attentive. Another striking feature is the separation between the sunbeds and restaurant tables, which is designed to enhance the guest experience.
ENTRANCE
Sunbeds on the beach cost from 45€ to 105€ for the day depending on month.
Sunbeds by the adult swimming pool cost 30€ to 90€ for the day depending on month.
Two person Chambao cost from 90€ to 300€ for the day depending on month.
Four person Chambao cost from 220€ to 720€ for the day depending on month.
OPENING
Summer - Open 6th April to 13 December 2026.
Pool & Beach 2026
April - Wednesday to Sunday - 11.00 to 18.00 hrs (Pool open, Beach Zone closed)
May - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 11.00 to 19.00 hrs
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 - Friday to Sunday - 11.00 to 18.00 hrs (Pool open, Beach Zone closed)
November to 13th December - Saturday & Sunday - 11.00 to 18.00 hrs (Pool open, Beach Zone closed)
Due to popularity all reservations have to be booked and paid in advance the La Reserva Club website or App or at the Club.
Ancala Restaurant: Breakfast 11.00 to 12.30, Lunch 12.30 to 16.30 open until 19.00 hrs on days that the beach is open (see above).
Bar: 11.00 - 02.00 hrs.
Chiringa Beach Bar open 12.30 to 17.30 June to September.
Free ample parking at the La Reserva Golf Club House. Valet Parking 15€.
Ancala Restaurant recommends making a reservation for lunch. Chiringa Beach Bar does not require a reservation. Neither requires the reservation of beach or pool sunbeds.
La Reserva Beach Club Sotogrande |
|
.
2018 Opening promotional video
Hotels in Sotogrande
Book Hotels in Sotogrande
Contact
Tel: 956 791 006
LOCATION
Avenida la Reserva s/n, La Reserva, Sotogrande Alta, San Roque, (Cadiz)