Charlie in Sotogrande

Thinking about living in Sotogrande? This episode explores schools (SIS), golf, safety, healthcare, and day-to-day lifestyle through a first-hand story from 1998 to today — perfect for families and relocators. We compare Sotogrande vs. Marbella, how newcomers integrate, and what’s changed: infrastructure, community, and education. Lars shares how he discovered Sotogrande in the late 90s, built a h...

Simple, honest, delicious food in Sotogrande. In this episode we explore the one-dish-a-day bistro model at Plaza Blanca — an approach focused on freshness, community, and great value for a €15 lunch. If you’re searching for Sotogrande restaurants, Plaza Blanca lunch, or how to open a restaurant in Spain, this is for you. We sit down with a 26-year-old chef who moved from Sweden to Sotogrande and...

Thinking about life or property in Sotogrande? Here’s a clear, resident-level breakdown of Sotogrande’s community fees (EUC), what they fund—security, gardening, street maintenance, green zones—and how the 2026 EUC budget shapes day-to-day quality of life. Charlie walks through the three recurring charges owners face (IBI/property tax, waste collection, and the EUC community fee), and explains how...

Thinking about a destination wedding in Sotogrande or the Costa del Sol? This episode we dive into real costs, best months, venue types, logistics, and how to plan an unforgettable Spanish celebration with fewer stress points. We cover budgets, guest travel, legalities, timelines, and supplier choices—plus practical tips that save money and headaches on the day. Wedding planner Tara Chapman (found...

Hear from a Sotogrande dentist who's lived on the Costa del Sol for 20+ years, sharing honest insights about expat life, raising children at Sotogrande International School, and building a dental practice serving this unique international community. Perfect for anyone considering moving to Sotogrande or the Costa del Sol area. Eugene Marais, a South African dentist who established his practice...

San Roque Rugby Club is one of the most energetic community sports projects near Sotogrande, offering kids and families an alternative to football through rugby, values and club culture. If you are looking for rugby in Sotogrande, community sport in San Roque or a club for your children, this episode will help you understand how it works. I sit down with David Arias , president of San Roque Rugby...

Buying property in Spain? This episode breaks down the Spanish mortgage process step-by-step—what banks ask for, how to get approved, and how to avoid deal-killers—using real examples from Sotogrande. Everything international buyers need to know about getting a mortgage in Spain , loan-to-value limits , fixed vs variable rates , bank fees , and the best way to prepare before you make an offer. Our...

Plaza Blanca Sotogrande is back on the map. In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande , we explore how a once-derelict complex became a thriving community hub—covering licences, parking, tenant mix, events, and future plans. If you’re searching for Plaza Blanca Sotogrande or considering a move, this is your deep dive. We unpack the acquisition story, legal hurdles, and the strategy behind curating...

Discover how luxury real estate photography and videography drive faster, higher-value sales in Sotogrande. We unpack hero shots, AI in property marketing, and why this community’s quiet luxury stands out. In this episode, we explore the craft and strategy behind selling high-end homes through professional photography and cinematic villa films. Our guest is a Marbella-born creator shooting golf-fr...

<p><strong>Sotogrande nightlife, restaurants and events</strong> take center stage in this episode with <strong>Agora Sotogrande</strong>, the community-first restaurant and club in the Marina Marisol that blends quality food, music and service with a strong local ethos.</p> <p>Our guest is <strong>Adolfo Aldana Jr.</strong> We cover building a...

Sotogrande golf, San Roque Club renovation, membership options, course strategy, and sustainable design in Spain. Director Stephen Dundas shares how San Roque modernized an iconic club—improving playability, protecting neighbors with smarter routing, and cutting water/chemicals by ~30%—while keeping the challenge on the greens. We compare San Roque with Valderrama, Real Club Sotogrande, La Reserva...

Today I sit down with Mike Nicholls, founder of Chesterton’s Gibraltar, to dive into the future of Gibraltar and Sotogrande real estate. From his early career at Ocean Village to building one of Gibraltar’s leading agencies, Mike shares his unique perspective on how the new Gibraltar Treaty could transform the region — from easier border crossings to major tax advantages for residents. In this epi...

🌟 Today I sit down with Simon & Ana, the founders of Collect Corner — Sotogrande’s innovative delivery and concierge hub. They share their journey of moving to Sotogrande, why they chose it for their family, and how they built a business that’s solving everyday frustrations with online shopping, customs, and parcel deliveries. We explore:✔️ Why Sotogrande offers a unique lifestyle for familie...

In this episode, I sit down with Ricardo, a second-generation veterinarian raised in Sotogrande/La Línea, to talk about caring for pets in our community. From the polo season and horse care to everyday dog & cat health, we cover what new and longtime residents should know: leishmaniasis vaccines, pine processionary season, heat-stroke safety, travel requirements (EU/UK), dog-friendly tips, and...

How did a computer science student become a creative force in Sotogrande? Curro Espinar reveals his journey from nightlife to media, polo, and business marketing in one of Europe’s most exclusive luxury communities. In this episode, I sit down with Curro Espinar — creative entrepreneur, storyteller, and community connector. Curro is the founder of Singular, a marketing agency supporting local busi...

Meet Felix Petersen, a former Sotogrande International School (SIS) student who, after graduating from King’s College London, made the bold choice to return to Sotogrande to launch his business. As co-founder of AlltimeMedia and co-creator of DeAntonio Yachts Club, Felix shares how his international upbringing in Dubai, education at SIS, and studies in London shaped his vision as an entrepreneur....

Welcome to another episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, where we explore the people, passions, and places that make Sotogrande one of Europe’s most desirable luxury destinations. In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Guilbaud, legendary restaurateur behind Ireland’s first and only two Michelin-star restaurant, and a Sotogrande resident for over 30 years. Patrick shares his remarkable journey from...

🎾 Turning Sotogrande into a Tennis Powerhouse | Charlie in Sotogrande Podcast ft. Dan Kieran 🎾Today I sit down with Dan Kieran, Director and Co-Founder of SotoTennis Academy, to explore how Sotogrande has become a hub for high-performance tennis. Dan shares his journey from British No. 1 doubles player to building one of Europe’s most respected tennis academies—where athletes don’t just sharpen...

Today I sit down with Marie Aude, the creative force and founder behind Maison Soto, a luxury fragrance house born in the heart of Sotogrande. Discover how Marie translates the essence of this unique place into exclusive perfumes that reflect both luxury and locality. From inspiration and creative process to personal stories and emotional connection to scent, this conversation dives deep into what...

Dr. Maria Sancho, founder of MS Psychology Center in Sotogrande, joins the Charlie & Sotogrande Podcast to share her journey from growing up in a family hospitality business to becoming a clinical psychologist and completing a 7-year PhD on adolescent brain development. In this inspiring conversation, Maria talks about her childhood in 1990s Sotogrande, studying and working around the world, b...

In this episode, I sit down with Paola Zobel, President of Ayala Polo Club and fourth-generation member of one of Sotogrande's founding families. From polo and hospitality to personal loss and rebuilding, Paola shares her story with heartfelt honesty and insight. CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!...

In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, we sit down with Ben Bateman, Director of Holmes Sotogrande, to explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s unregulated real estate environment on the Costa del Sol. We discuss the importance of ethical practices, professionalism, and how associations like the LPA (Leading Property Agents of Spain) are paving the way for a more trusted market. Whet...

This time, I sit down with Alejandro Ponce, managing partner of Triay, one of the oldest law firms in Gibraltar, with a deep legacy in real estate and private client law. Alejandro shares his inspiring story — from Madrid to Granada to Sotogrande — and explains why more families are choosing this amazing community for full-time living.🎙️ In this episode:0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:38 – Livi...

Today I sit down with Colin McLundie, the architect who’s been shaping Sotogrande’s landscape for over 30 years — from iconic villas to community landmarks like the Sotogrande International School. Discover how Colin fell in love with Andalusian architecture, why he stayed when he only planned for six months, what makes building in Sotogrande unique, and the secrets to creating timeless, elegant h...

Today I sit down with Carolina Collado — a brilliant personal coach right here in Sotogrande. Carolina explains how she helps people, teams, and companies strengthen their mindset, break through mental barriers, and grow in ways that really last. She also shares practical insights and simple mindset tools that you can apply to your daily life — whether it’s about personal growth, leading a team, o...