Charlie in Sotogrande

Charles Gubbins
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"Sotogrande isn't just a destination—it's a way of life. Join Charlie Gubbins, co-owner of Noll Sotogrande, as he shares the vibrant world of Spain's most exclusive coastal community. From real estate and investment tips to the best dining spots, golf courses, and insider stories from Sotogrande's most influential figures, this podcast is your all-access pass to the lifestyle you've been dreaming of. Whether you're a long-time resident or considering making Sotogrande your home, tune in to Charlie in Sotogrande and discover what makes this place truly special."

  1. 1h ago

    The Sotogrande You Never Knew — with Candida Taylor

    What was Sotogrande really like before La Reserva, today’s marina lifestyle and the international community we know now? In this episode, Candida Taylor joins Charlie to share a firsthand account of how Sotogrande evolved through the 1990s and became the place it is today. Candida arrived in Sotogrande professionally in the early 1990s and witnessed one of the most important periods in the resort’s development. She remembers a much more exclusive and conservative Sotogrande, with huge summer parties, an almost empty marina and a social scene very different from the one we know today. Charlie and Candida discuss how Sotogrande gradually opened up to new families and residents, the development of the marina, golf and residential areas, and why improving the local school became such an important part of attracting a younger generation to the area. The episode is also full of stories from old Sotogrande — including residents who tried to have bikinis banned, the culture around El Cucurucho, and the extraordinary social life of the 1990s. They also explore how luxury homes have changed over the decades, why open-plan kitchens were once controversial, and how the expectations of families buying in Sotogrande have evolved. Finally, Candida explains why she still believes Sotogrande stands apart from Marbella: lower density, greater privacy, sport, family life, a strong school and a sense of community that remains difficult to reproduce elsewhere. In this episode: What Sotogrande was like in the early 1990s The social scene and huge summer parties How the marina and residential areas developed Why Sotogrande International School changed the community The famous bikini-ban story The Ryder Cup era How luxury property in Sotogrande evolved Why open-plan kitchens were once revolutionary Old Sotogrande vs modern Sotogrande Why families choose Sotogrande over Marbella What Sotogrande needs to preserve for the future 🎙️ Guest: Candida Taylor 📍 Charlie in Sotogrande Charlie in Sotogrande explores the people, stories, businesses and ideas that make Sotogrande what it is — helping residents, newcomers and anyone considering a move understand the community from the people who know it best.

  2. 13h ago

    Sotogrande Property Market: €24M Villas, New Developments & Why Buyers Move Here Copy title

    What's happening in the Sotogrande property market, and why are buyers moving to Sotogrande instead of Marbella? Explore new developments in La Reserva, from Village Verde apartments to a €24 million villa in The Seven, and discover what this growth means for living in Sotogrande.In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, Charlie speaks with Agustín La Rocca, Commercial Director of Sotogrande S.A., about the future of Sotogrande real estate. They discuss Village Verde, The Collection, The Fifteen and The Seven; demand for luxury villas and apartments; why privacy, security and a genuine community matter to buyers; and the role of golf, polo, La Reserva Club and Sotogrande International School. They also explore post-COVID home design, buyers relocating from Marbella, local restaurants and the challenge of managing development around Sotogrande.CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Sotogrande S.A.'s Commercial Director00:30 From Argentina to Spain's golf resorts04:54 How developers decide what to build06:14 La Reserva apartments and luxury villas07:01 From €2M homes to €24M estates08:26 Why €10M+ villas are hard to sell09:09 How Sotogrande's community drives demand10:24 Sotogrande vs La Zagaleta: different lifestyles11:43 What property buyers want in Sotogrande13:01 Why the lifestyle comes before the house14:31 New par-3 golf and future expansion16:29 Why the international school matters17:20 Village Verde's success and natural setting18:27 What happened to the planned village centre?19:48 From holiday resort to year-round home21:16 How remote work changed home design22:30 Restaurants, services and everyday life25:46 Why some Marbella owners are moving here26:17 Low-density living and limited land supply28:44 Refurbishment and Sotogrande's futureFounded in 1962 as a carefully planned coastal community in Cádiz, Sotogrande has long been shaped by space, greenery and a sporting lifestyle. Its golf courses, polo facilities, marina and international community make it more than a collection of luxury properties.La Reserva brings together Village Verde, The Collection, The Fifteen and The Seven with the 18-hole La Reserva Club golf course, designed by Cabell B. Robinson in 2003, plus tennis, padel and The Beach inland lagoon. Nearby Sotogrande International School offers an International Baccalaureate education, supporting families who want to live here all year. Property prices, availability and future plans mentioned in the conversation reflect the time of recording and may change.LINKS & MORE INFORMATIONSotogrande S.A. developments: www.sotogrande.com/real-estate-sotogrande/La Reserva Club: www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com/la-reserva-club/CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

  3. Oct 24

    Can You Become a Pro Footballer in Spain? Inside Sotogrande's Football Academy

    Can a football academy in Sotogrande help young players become professional footballers in Spain? Charlie visits VIA Sport Experience and VIA FC to explore professional football pathways, elite football training and the growing sports community in Sotogrande.In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, Charlie meets VIA Sport Experience co-founders José and Jack to discover how their international football academy helps aspiring players develop the skills, mentality and experience needed to pursue professional football careers. José, a former Atlético Madrid player who has competed across 17 countries, and Jack, a former Villarreal CF player whose career was cut short by a medical condition, share their journeys from professional football to coaching and player development. They explain VIA FC's nine-month football gap year programme, VIA Pro summer showcases, football trials, scouting opportunities, sports psychology, physical conditioning and life at their Sotogrande training base. They also reveal how approximately 11 of their first 22 players secured paid football contracts.⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to VIA Sport Experience in Sotogrande00:36 – Meet the founders of VIA FC01:50 – José's journey from Atlético Madrid to 17 countries04:20 – Jack's journey from the USA to Villarreal CF05:56 – Overcoming health challenges and early retirement08:37 – The mission behind VIA FC's football academy10:05 – Helping young players secure professional contracts11:23 – VIA FC programmes, gap years and team immersion12:43 – How 11 players secured paid football contracts13:45 – Football academy costs and the VIA business model15:02 – The future of VIA Sport Experience16:38 – Why mentality matters more than talent18:33 – Measuring success beyond professional contracts20:22 – A typical day at the Sotogrande football academy23:34 – Player accommodation and life in Sotogrande24:38 – International training camps and professional teams25:52 – Supporting young footballers in the local community27:06 – Why Sotogrande is an ideal place for sport and lifestyle29:24 – Raising a family and living in Sotogrande30:42 – The next professional football success story⚽ FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT IN SOTOGRANDESotogrande, on Spain's Costa del Sol near Gibraltar, is internationally recognised for its golf courses, polo facilities, tennis, padel and outdoor lifestyle. Football development is another part of this sporting environment, with VIA FC providing an international training experience for ambitious young players.VIA FC combines technical and tactical football coaching with video analysis, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and personal development. Its nine-month programme brings together players from different nationalities, offering an opportunity to experience professional-style training while exploring potential football careers in Spain and abroad. VIA Sport Experience also organises shorter professional showcases and international team training experiences.For families considering moving to Sotogrande, the episode also offers an insight into the area's active lifestyle, international community, local sporting connections and opportunities for young athletes.🔗 FIND OUT MOREVIA Sport Experience / VIA FC: viasportsexperiences.comVIA FC Instagram: viasports.xCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

  4. Oct 18

    What Parents Should Know About Their Child’s Teeth | Dr. Ignacio Jiménez

    What should parents know about their children’s teeth, breathing and jaw development? In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, Charlie speaks with Dr. Ignacio Jiménez, orthodontist and medical director of his clinic in Sotogrande, about children’s dental health, early orthodontics and why prevention can make such a difference. Ignacio explains why orthodontics is about much more than simply straightening teeth. They discuss mouth breathing in children, nasal breathing, tongue position, sleep, palate and jaw development, and some of the signs parents can look out for from an early age. They also explore why the years between roughly six and ten can be particularly valuable when dealing with certain developmental issues, including narrow palates and lack of space for teeth. The conversation then moves into adult orthodontics, Invisalign and clear aligners, traditional braces, changing attitudes towards our smiles and the effect social media has had on dental aesthetics. Charlie and Ignacio also discuss everyday oral-health habits, brushing, sugar and diet, the importance of educating children early and how attitudes towards dental prevention differ between countries. Beyond dentistry, Ignacio shares his connection with Sotogrande, why he has chosen it as the place to raise his family, what he values about its international community, nature and lifestyle, and what he hopes to build through his clinic over the coming years. In this episode: Mouth breathing and why parents should pay attention Early orthodontics and prevention Jaw and palate development in children Why ages 6–10 can be important Tongue position, breathing and sleep Invisalign and clear aligners Braces for teenagers and adults Brushing, diet and everyday oral-health habits Social media and the modern smile Raising a family in Sotogrande Building a trusted local family dental clinic Guest: Dr. Ignacio Jiménez Podcast: Charlie in Sotogrande Charlie in Sotogrande explores the people, businesses, ideas and lifestyles that make Sotogrande what it is — giving residents, newcomers and those considering a move a closer look at the community through the people who live and work here.

  5. Oct 10

    Why Sotogrande Is Changing — And What It Must Never Lose | Restaurants, Community & the Future

    What makes Sotogrande one of the most distinctive places to live on the Costa del Sol, and how can it grow without losing what makes it special? From Sotogrande restaurants and the Marina to polo, quality of life, security and future development, this conversation explores the past, present and future of the Sotogrande community.I sit down with Juan Moncayo at Don Diego in the Marina de Sotogrande. Born and raised in the area, Juan shares his family's history in local hospitality, the story behind Casa Moncayo and Don Diego, how the Marina has evolved, the influence of polo and international residents, and why Sotogrande now needs to think carefully about infrastructure, hotels and controlled growth.CHAPTERS00:00 Life in Sotogrande01:03 Why quality of life and security matter01:39 Growing up in a Sotogrande hospitality family02:21 Diego Moncayo and the early days of Sotogrande04:31 How Casa Moncayo began05:13 Why Moncayo became a local meeting point06:11 María Moncayo and traditional Andalusian cooking07:35 The story behind Don Diego08:17 How the Sotogrande Marina developed11:04 From traditional food to Japanese-Peruvian fusion14:18 Don Diego and the Q de Calidad15:01 Why customers keep coming back18:11 Polo, international visitors and Sotogrande's community23:40 What's next for Don Diego?24:56 How should Sotogrande grow?26:18 Does the area need more hotels?27:49 The original vision for Pueblo Nuevo28:41 Infrastructure and the pressure of growth30:01 Why younger generations want to stay in Sotogrande31:41 Why Sotogrande is about more than golf and polo33:23 The two words that define Sotogrande36:12 Juan's wish for Sotogrande in 20 yearsThe Moncayo family's story runs alongside the development of modern Sotogrande. Juan recalls his father Diego working in some of the area's emblematic venues before the family established Casa Moncayo in Pueblo Nuevo. Today, Don Diego continues that hospitality tradition from the Marina, combining international influences with local Andalusian produce.But this episode is also about what comes next. Juan argues that growth needs to be accompanied by better infrastructure and additional capacity outside the urbanisation while protecting the qualities that attract people in the first place. His ambition for the next 20 years is simple: modernise Sotogrande without destroying the character, quality of life and security that make it different.MORE INFORMATIONDon Diego Sotogrande:dondiegosotogrande.comCasa Moncayo:restaurantecasamoncayo.comCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins#Sotogrande #SotograndeLifestyle #SotograndeRestaurants #CostaDelSol #SotograndeMarinaCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

  6. Oct 3

    Inside Pro Golf: Money, Mindset & Coaching in Sotogrande

    What does it really take to succeed in professional golf — and why has Sotogrande become such an important destination for elite players and coaches? We explore DP World Tour golf, golf coaching, the mental side of the game, TrackMan technology and the realities of building a career in professional golf.Charlie sits down with former DP World Tour player and now golf coach Jordi García del Moral, based at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. Jordi shares his journey from an elite amateur career into professional golf, the injuries that changed his career, coaching DP World Tour winner Ángel Hidalgo, why statistics and technology matter at the highest level, the financial pressures facing tour professionals and why Sotogrande offers such a strong environment for golfers looking to improve.⛳ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Welcome & meeting Jordi García del Moral00:47 – Growing up playing golf in Spain01:34 – Why golf became Jordi's life01:42 – Why he chose Sotogrande02:40 – Life on the DP World Tour04:02 – Winning Spanish & French amateur championships04:49 – Turning professional at 2105:03 – How injuries changed Jordi's career08:15 – Coaching elite professional golfers09:30 – Does being a Tour player make you a better coach?10:36 – The mental side of professional golf13:00 – Playing alongside Colin Montgomerie14:02 – How professional golfers have changed15:57 – How difficult is it to make a living from golf?17:00 – The hidden costs of playing professional golf17:17 – How the DP World Tour now supports players18:25 – Why Ryder Cup team golf feels different20:41 – Coaching Ángel Hidalgo21:50 – TrackMan, statistics & modern golf coaching25:22 – How Jordi would improve an amateur golfer28:10 – Golf lessons in SotograndeSotogrande has developed into one of Europe's best-known golf destinations, with Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Real Club Valderrama, La Reserva Club and other leading courses concentrated within a small area. Real Club de Golf Sotogrande opened in 1964 and was the first European course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., while nearby Valderrama famously hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup.The professional game has changed too. The DP World Tour's Earnings Assurance Programme provides eligible players meeting its participation requirements with minimum season earnings, helping reduce some of the financial uncertainty Jordi discusses in the episode. His perspective gives an unusual look at both sides of elite golf: competing on Tour and now helping professionals and amateurs improve from Sotogrande.MORE INFORMATION:Jordi Garcia Golf Coach Instagram: @jgmgolfcoachReal Club de Golf Sotogrande: www.golfsotogrande.comCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbinsSotogrande golf, professional golf, DP World Tour, golf coaching, golf coach Sotogrande

  7. Sep 26

    Sotogrande Is Changing: Local Media, AI, Community Growth & the Future of Grupo HCP

    How is Sotogrande changing, and what role will local media, digital content and AI play in its future? This episode explores Sotogrande news, community life, Grupo HCP, El Periódico de Sotogrande, digitalisation and the changing way residents and businesses communicate.Charlie sits down with Curro Espinar, the new owner of Grupo HCP Sotogrande, to discuss the acquisition of one of the area’s best-known media groups and what comes next. They talk about preserving the value of print, growing Sotogrande Digital, balancing advertising with useful community content, how AI may change the way people discover local businesses, water and infrastructure concerns, the growth of Sotogrande as a year-round community, and why personal brands and podcasts are becoming increasingly important.00:00 Summer in Sotogrande and what has changed01:35 Heat, rainfall and Sotogrande’s water concerns03:54 Community responsibility as Sotogrande grows04:33 The acquisition of Grupo HCP06:24 How the deal came together07:09 From marketing agency to local media owner09:21 What should change — and what should be preserved12:06 Why print still matters in Sotogrande13:52 The three-year vision for the media group16:36 Free local media and the advertising model17:24 Branded content without losing community value19:15 Why good communication is about being understood21:33 AI and how people will discover restaurants and businesses23:14 Why premium print can still feel valuable25:33 AI, SEO and the future of Sotogrande Digital27:25 Curro turns the interview on Charlie28:28 Why Charlie built a personal brand around Sotogrande30:47 How the podcast became a community platform36:23 Future formats: panels, debates and Spanish episodes38:11 Could live community events be next?Grupo HCP has been part of Sotogrande’s media landscape for decades, with publications including El Periódico de Sotogrande, La Revista Sotogrande, Polo by La Bocha and Absolute Sotogrande. Its acquisition in 2026 marks a new phase focused on preserving the group’s established print presence while expanding its digital reach.That wider shift reflects something happening across Sotogrande itself: the community is becoming more active year-round, more international and more digitally connected, while still valuing the physical spaces, publications and institutions that create a sense of belonging. The challenge — and opportunity — is to modernise without losing the character that makes Sotogrande distinctive.MORE INFORMATIONGrupo HCP — Official websiteSotogrande Digital — Local news and publications8Directo — Campo de Gibraltar newsCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

  8. Sep 19

    Inside Luxury Villa Dining in Sotogrande | Privilege Chefs

    What does it really take to cook for Sotogrande’s private villas, yachts and polo families? Charlie sits down with Alex Manastirean, founder and head chef of Privilege Chefs, to explore the world of private dining in Sotogrande. Alex shares his journey from cooking with his grandmother and taking his first kitchen job at 16 to training in Gibraltar and London before returning to the Costa del Sol. He explains how his team creates personalised menus, manages extended villa stays and delivers restaurant-quality food in the privacy of a client’s home. The conversation also covers cooking aboard yachts, the importance of polo season, sourcing local ingredients and the challenge of organising a villa celebration for 100 guests with less than five hours’ notice. Alex and Charlie discuss the differences between Sotogrande and Marbella, why discretion matters when working with private families and how seasonal visitors are increasingly choosing to make Sotogrande their permanent home. A fascinating look behind the kitchen door—and at one of the local businesses helping shape Sotogrande’s luxury lifestyle. Find Privilege Chefs: Website: https://www.privilegechefs.com Email: info@privilegechefs.comTelephone: +34 643 229 740

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"Sotogrande isn't just a destination—it's a way of life. Join Charlie Gubbins, co-owner of Noll Sotogrande, as he shares the vibrant world of Spain's most exclusive coastal community. From real estate and investment tips to the best dining spots, golf courses, and insider stories from Sotogrande's most influential figures, this podcast is your all-access pass to the lifestyle you've been dreaming of. Whether you're a long-time resident or considering making Sotogrande your home, tune in to Charlie in Sotogrande and discover what makes this place truly special."

Information

  • Creator
    Charles Gubbins
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charles Gubbins
  • Show Website
    Charlie in Sotogrande