Charlie in Sotogrande

Is Sotogrande becoming the smarter alternative to Marbella for luxury property buyers on the Costa del Sol? In this episode, Charlie speaks with Pippa Jones about Marbella vs Sotogrande, the changing property market, buyer behaviour, personal branding, real estate trust and what people moving to Spain should understand before choosing an agent. Pippa Jones, founder of Jones in Marbella, has worked...

What does a true smart home in Sotogrande actually look like today? In this episode, Charlie explores luxury villa technology, home automation, lighting design, security, energy efficiency and the rise of “quiet luxury” in high-end homes. Today I am joined by Victor from Illusion, a specialist in smart home integration, lighting, audio visual systems, security, home automation and luxury villa tec...

What does the new Gibraltar treaty mean for Sotogrande, La Línea, cross-border workers, property buyers, and Gibraltar residents? In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, we explore how the Gibraltar-Spain border agreement could change daily life, travel, investment, residency, and the wider Sotogrande community. I am joined by cross-border lawyer Cayetano Caparros, known as “The Lawyer of the Ro...

Discover horse riding and dressage in Sotogrande, from beginner riding lessons and children’s classes to advanced horse training and international competition. This episode explores how to start riding, what dressage involves and why Sotogrande has become an important destination for equestrian sport in southern Spain. Charlie visits Sotogrande Dress in San Enrique and speaks with founder and trai...

Cycling in Sotogrande is one of the best ways to explore the area, from the marina and beaches to e-bike routes, family bike experiences, and nearby nature trails. In this episode, Charlie speaks with Pino and David about e-bike rentals in Sotogrande, cycling experiences in La Almoraima, and why bikes are becoming part of the outdoor lifestyle on the Costa del Sol. Pino and David are behind Serend...

Jorge Espada has worked in the Sotogrande and Gibraltar area for more than 20 years, helping patients recover from injuries, surgery, joint problems, and sports-related conditions. In this conversation, Jorge explains how physiotherapy has changed, why recovery depends on the patient as much as the treatment, what modern technology such as ultrasound scanning and AI-assisted imaging can do, and wh...

Peter and Andrea, the team behind Nonna Monda, to hear how a holiday home in Sotogrande turned into a new hospitality venture. We discuss the story behind the deli, Andrea’s Italian food background, Peter’s long connection with Sotogrande, the private dining table concept, sourcing authentic Italian products, the challenges of opening a business in Spain, and why Plaza Blanca has become such an im...

Today I sit down and speak with Nick Feeney, a coach, mentor and strategist who works with high-performing individuals on longevity, peak span, health, resilience and sustainable performance. The conversation covers Nick’s personal journey, why he moved to Sotogrande, the difference between coaching, mentoring and strategy, the health blind spots many successful people face, and how Sotogrande’s l...

Today I sit down with Gus from PLU Financial to talk about what people should consider before moving to Sotogrande or the Costa del Sol. The conversation covers why financial planning should happen before you arrive in Spain, what happens to UK ISAs when you become Spanish tax resident, how pension planning can change after Brexit, why timing matters for Beckham Law, and why succession planning is...

Thinking of moving to Sotogrande? Today I speak with Tom Petersen, about family life in Sotogrande, Sotogrande International School, building a home, the marina lifestyle, and why this quiet luxury community attracts international families. We breakdown his journey from Denmark through Asia, Dubai and beyond before settling in Sotogrande with his family. The conversation covers choosing Sotogrande...

If you’re searching for luxury villas in Sotogrande insight into the future of Sotogrande real estate, this episode breaks down what is changing at the top end of the market. We explore why fully finished, design-led, turnkey homes are attracting buyers who want privacy, family lifestyle, quality, and long-term value. Today I speak with the developer behind a new wave of high-end homes in La Reser...

Today I sit down with Chris Dyson, founder of The NLS, to talk about how the real estate industry works in Spain compared with the US, why inaccurate property portals create friction for buyers and sellers, and what a more regulated, verified listing model could look like. We discuss luxury real estate, MLS-style systems, agent accountability, AI in real estate, open houses, lead qualification, an...

What is Messi’s restaurant in Sotogrande really like? Today I sit down with chef Pau Eche, the head chef behind Hincha and Tribuna at MiM Sotogrande, to explore the food, luxury hospitality, Mediterranean cuisine, and guest experience inside one of Sotogrande’s most talked-about hotel restaurants. Pau shares his journey from Barcelona to top kitchens across Spain, Singapore, and Four Seasons Madri...

Today I sit down with Olimpia Tarda, the founder of Nanitos Montessori School in Sotogrande to talk about her journey from opening her first nursery school in 1999 to building a bilingual Montessori environment for children, from babies to 12 years old. We discuss how Montessori education works in practice, why the early years matter so much, how children develop independence and emotional intelli...

Today I sit down with David Morales to talk about property administration in Sotogrande, the role of community presidents and administrators, the biggest issues owners face, and how decisions made inside a community can directly affect quality of life and property value. The conversation covers community budgets, reserve funds, supplier shortages, legal processes for unpaid debts, short-term renta...

Thinking about buying property in Spain, moving to Sotogrande, or trying to understand Spanish property tax, non-resident tax, wills, and inheritance rules? In this episode, we break down the key legal and financial issues that foreign buyers, expats, and property owners need to know before making a decision. Today I sit down with Patricia Larrain, CEO of Grupo Consult and SOD Legal Services, to d...

Sotogrande history, Sotogrande real estate, polo in Sotogrande, golf in Sotogrande, and what life in Sotogrande was really like decades ago. This episode covers how one of southern Spain’s most unique communities evolved over time. If you want to understand why people move to Sotogrande, how the lifestyle has changed, and what still makes it different today, this conversation gives rare first-hand...

Moving to Spain or buying property in Sotogrande? In this episode we break down Spanish tax residency, non-lucrative visas, digital nomad visas, Beckham Law, inheritance tax in Andalusia, and the legal checks you must do before buying property in Spain. Charlie speaks with Joaquin; a partner at González Sánchez & Partners, one of the leading law firms serving Sotogrande, about the most common...

Plazablanca is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about restaurants in Sotogrande, combining modern Spanish cuisine, strong hospitality, and a vibrant community atmosphere. In this episode we explore how a new restaurant becomes a meeting point for locals, residents, and visitors in Sotogrande. I sit down with Haby Zongo, the co-owner of Plazablanca restaurant in Sotogrande to talk about her...

<p>Moving to Spain (or Sotogrande) and unsure how <b>private health insurance</b> really works for expats — especially for <b>visa applications (NLV)</b>? In this episode we break down <b>network vs reimbursement</b> policies, <b>pre-existing condition</b> traps, and the mistakes that lead to rejected visas or unexpected bills.</p><p&g...

Sotogrande is evolving fast—new luxury developments, stronger year-round community energy, and major upgrades at La Reserva’s Alto Club golf. In this episode we break down what’s changed in Sotogrande real estate and lifestyle over the last 12 months. Rita Hordau (Marketing Director at Sotogrande S.A.) returns to share the latest on The Seven, The Fifteen, Village Verde, upcoming villa launches, a...

If you’ve seen someone silently flying above the sea in Sotogrande, you’ve probably seen an e-foil in action. In this episode we break down e-foiling in Sotogrande, electric jetboards, how easy it is to learn, what it costs, and where you can try it at La Reserva (and soon near the Fairmont).I sit down with a leading electric watersports operator to talk about jetboards vs e-foils, who it’s for (f...

<p></p><p>In this episode we explore <b>real estate marketing on the Costa del Sol</b>, how to <b>attract international buyers</b>, and what’s changing with <b>Meta ads, Google Ads, SEO, and AI</b>—with a special focus on <b>Sotogrande vs Marbella</b>.</p><p>Charlie sits down with a senior leader from a long-established...

Casares food lovers + Sotogrande locals: this episode is a deep dive into Sarmiento Brasa Andaluza—a MICHELIN Guide-listed destination restaurant near Sotogrande, built on local Andalusian gastronomy, seasonal produce, and the art of cooking over fire (brasa). I sit down with the owner Miguel Hernández Sarmiento to unpack the real story behind building a restaurant in the hills of Casares: from ho...

Thinking about building your own home in Sotogrande instead of buying an existing villa? In this solo episode, I walk you through the step-by-step process of designing and building in Sotogrande, from first meeting your architect to securing your building license and first occupation license (LPO). If you’re looking for plots in Sotogrande or planning a self-build in Spain, this is for you. We bre...