Charlie in Sotogrande

Charles Gubbins

"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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. Sep 12

    Cómo Tener una Piscina Más Saludable y Eficiente en Sotogrande

    ¿Cuánta agua y energía debería consumir realmente una piscina en Sotogrande? En este episodio hablamos de piscinas eficientes, mantenimiento, filtración, cloración salina, climatización y de cómo reducir el consumo sin renunciar a una piscina de máxima calidad.Charlie conversa con Jorge, de Tecniclore, especialista en instalaciones y tratamiento de agua, sobre los problemas que encuentra en piscinas de villas, comunidades y proyectos premium de Sotogrande. Tras 18 años trabajando en Finca Cortesín, Jorge explica por qué una buena piscina empieza mucho antes de añadir cloro: hidráulica, filtración, bombas correctamente dimensionadas y un control adecuado de la química del agua.🎯 Si tienes una piscina en Sotogrande, estás reformando una villa o estás pensando en comprar una propiedad con piscina, esta conversación ofrece información práctica para entender cómo mantenerla de forma más eficiente.🔗 ChaptersUse the timestamps to jump to what matters most to you.00:00 – Piscinas y agua en Sotogrande: ¿por qué importa tanto la eficiencia?01:26 – De Secadero a Finca Cortesín: la trayectoria de Jorge02:17 – 18 años de exigencia y eficiencia en Finca Cortesín03:07 – ¿Qué diferencia una piscina de lujo en Sotogrande?03:35 – El problema: piscinas modernas con instalaciones de hace 50 años04:48 – Cómo nació Tecniclore05:18 – Problemas de piel y el comienzo de su obsesión por la química del agua06:07 – Formación internacional en piscinas premium06:59 – ¿Echar más cloro arregla una piscina verde?07:28 – Una piscina clara no siempre es una piscina saludable07:34 – La filtración: la verdadera base de una buena piscina08:36 – Cómo dimensionar correctamente filtros, bombas y tuberías09:54 – ¿Se puede reducir hasta un 80% el consumo energético?11:37 – Los errores más habituales de los propietarios de piscinas11:57 – El problema de contratar personal no cualificado13:37 – ¿Cuántas veces por semana hay que revisar una piscina?14:20 – Piscinas públicas, comunidades y normativa16:43 – Qué ocurre cuando una piscina comunitaria debe cerrarse17:13 – Piscina de cloro vs piscina de sal: ¿cuál es mejor?17:49 – La verdad sobre la cloración salina19:44 – Sequía y restricciones: cómo conservar mejor el agua21:14 – Por qué una sequía hace todavía más importante cuidar la piscina22:02 – Sistemas para reutilizar el agua de los lavados de filtro23:16 – Cubiertas de piscina: evaporación, temperatura y seguridad24:45 – Domótica e inteligencia aplicada al mantenimiento de piscinas25:17 – Cómo controlar una piscina a distancia desde el móvil27:02 – ¿Se puede disfrutar de una piscina en Sotogrande todo el año?28:27 – Cómo añadir climatización a una piscina existente29:14 – Piscinas premium y nuevos proyectos en Sotogrande31:11 – El problema de las piscinas infinity mal dimensionadas31:47 – Por qué las piscinas desbordantes pueden ser más limpias33:00 – ¿Qué hace especial a Sotogrande para Jorge?34:32 – La importancia de formar correctamente al personal de mantenimiento📌 Helpful ResourcesTecniclore:tecniclore.esMore about Sotogrande real estate:https://www.noll-sotogrande.com/Charlie in Sotogrande:https://charlesgubbins.com/👍 Like this episode?📲 Subscribe for more practical advice, local businesses and conversations with the people shaping life in Sotogrande.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile: +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: /charlieinsotogrande👤 Facebook: /charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: /nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: /charliegubbins📱 TikTok: /charlesgubbins#Sotogrande #Piscinas #PiscinasSotogrande #PiscinaSalina #AhorroDeAgua #EficienciaEnergetica #SotograndeLifestyle #VillasSotogrande #MantenimientoPiscinas #PiscinasDeLujo #CloracionSalina #Domotica #SotograndeLife

  4. Sep 5

    Inside La Oficina: More Than a Sports Bar in Sotogrande

    La Oficina Sotogrande: The Bar Bringing the Community TogetherWhere do you actually meet people when you move to Sotogrande? This episode explores La Oficina Sotogrande, Plaza Blanca, the local social scene and how newcomers become part of the Sotogrande community.I speak with La Oficina manager Francesco Nardini about leaving corporate communications behind, discovering Sotogrande and eventually becoming part of one of Plaza Blanca’s community meeting places. They discuss the Sotogrande lifestyle, sports bars, family-friendly events, watching rugby and football, meeting people as a newcomer, running a hospitality business year-round and why Francesco describes Sotogrande as a “melting pot.”👥 How newcomers actually meet people in Sotogrande🍻 Why La Oficina is more than a sports bar👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Creating somewhere families, friends and solo visitors can mix🏉 Watching rugby, football and major sporting events🎲 Backgammon, quizzes, painting and community events🌍 Why Sotogrande feels so welcoming to international residents☀️ The surprising reality of running a bar during the Sotogrande summer🔗 Chapters00:00 – Meet Francesco & La Oficina Sotogrande00:52 – From Italy and Switzerland to Sotogrande01:18 – Why Sotogrande became a “sticky” place02:18 – Sport, salsa & discovering the local community02:51 – How Francesco joined La Oficina03:33 – Running hospitality in Switzerland vs Sotogrande05:21 – Leaving a desk job for a customer-facing business07:28 – Creating real connections through hospitality08:51 – Why settling into Sotogrande felt surprisingly easy09:28 – Why it’s called “La Oficina” — and no briefcases are allowed10:03 – Building a bar around the local community11:03 – Why La Oficina is much more than a sports bar11:35 – Quizzes, painting, games & activities for families12:45 – How Plaza Blanca businesses collaborate14:24 – Football, rugby & watching live sport in Sotogrande16:14 – The surprising reality of Sotogrande’s summer season17:54 – What running La Oficina actually involves19:10 – The biggest surprise about living in Sotogrande19:57 – How newcomers integrate into the community21:03 – Why a bar can help people make new friends22:21 – Events and the future of La Oficina & Plaza Blanca23:19 – Sotogrande in one phrase: “A melting pot”24:25 – What could Sotogrande improve?25:32 – Why newcomers should visit La OficinaSotogrande’s community is increasingly international and year-round, which makes informal meeting places particularly important for people arriving without an established social circle. Francesco’s experience shows that integration does not only happen through golf, polo, school or padel—it can begin with something as simple as sitting down for a drink and starting a conversation.La Oficina is located in Plaza Blanca, Galerías Paniagua, and combines live sport with pool, darts, board games, community events and social gatherings. Its location also allows guests to combine drinks at La Oficina with food from neighbouring Plaza Blanca businesses, reinforcing the wider community atmosphere Francesco describes in the episode.📌 Helpful ResourcesLa Oficina Instagram:@laoficinabardeportivoPlaza Blanca Sotogrande:www.plazablancasotogrande.comMore about Sotogrande real estate:www.noll-sotogrande.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

  5. Aug 29

    Managing Events & Canal Boat Tours in Sotogrande

    Discover one of the most unique things to do in Sotogrande: exploring the Sotogrande Marina and canals by boat. This episode also looks at family activities in Sotogrande, corporate events, tourism, seasonality and how the community is changing.Charlie speaks with Rafael Calvo of Ikebana Eventos and Jugarnia Nautic about how his family first discovered Sotogrande through an events project in 2015, why they decided to make the area home, and how that experience eventually led to a boat business in Puerto Sotogrande. They discuss Sotogrande boat tours and rentals, the canals and marina, team-building and corporate events, family entertainment, the difference between summer and the quieter months, and what Rafael believes Sotogrande still needs for families.CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Rafael and Ikebana Eventos01:25 A young entrepreneur between Madrid and Sotogrande02:02 From Russia and Peru to Spain, Miami and Gibraltar03:03 How work first brought Rafael to Sotogrande03:26 The 2015 family theme park project04:23 Why his family chose to stay in Sotogrande04:48 What makes Sotogrande different06:10 Learning the events business from the ground up08:47 From government events to private experiences10:15 Events, team-building and company culture12:12 What a CFO does in event production13:25 Budgeting for large events15:14 Team-building on the water in Sotogrande15:53 The idea behind Jugarnia Nautic16:48 The Sotogrande Canal Tour18:12 Growing demand for boat experiences19:02 How Sotogrande has changed since 201520:15 Why September and October are growing21:02 How AI is changing the events industry22:37 What Sotogrande still needs for familiesMORE INFORMATIONJugarnia Nautic — jugarnianautic.comIkebana Eventos — ikebanaeventos.comCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram:   / charlieinsotogrande  👤 Facebook:   / charlieinsotogrande  👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube:    / nollsotogrande  🐦 Twitter:   / charliegubbins  📱 TikTok:   / charlesgubbins

  6. Aug 22

    From Introvert to Confident Communicator: Finding Your Voice in Sotogrande

    What does it really take to go from being an introvert to becoming a confident communicator and leader — and how can the people, places and experiences around us shape that journey?In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, Charles Gubbins sits down with Silvina Hood, communication, persuasion and leadership mentor, to discuss finding your voice, overcoming personal blocks and learning to communicate with confidence and authenticity. Having previously lived and worked in Sotogrande, Silvina also reflects on her connection to the area, the local business community and why Sotogrande became an important part of both her personal and professional journey.Silvina shares her path from industrial design in Argentina to marketing, including how she established herself professionally in Sotogrande before eventually moving to Málaga. She explains how her own experience as an introvert led her to challenge her comfort zone, develop her presence and ultimately build a career helping other people communicate and lead more effectively.Charles and Silvina also discuss how marketing has evolved in Sotogrande and the real estate industry, the growing importance of personal branding, podcasts and visibility, and why businesses increasingly need to adapt the way they communicate.In this episode:00:00 – Introducing Silvina Hood: marketing, mindset and finding your voice00:33 – Who is Silvina Hood? Communication, persuasion and leadership01:16 – Why Silvina moved from Sotogrande to Málaga03:02 – From industrial design in Argentina to marketing04:22 – How marketing has changed over the last decade06:14 – How Silvina started working in Sotogrande07:07 – Innovation, marketing and working with Charles Gubbins09:11 – The biggest marketing mistakes in Sotogrande real estate10:20 – Personal branding, podcasts and becoming ready to be visible13:12 – Adapt or die: how people consume information today14:21 – Silvina’s career shift from marketing to communication and leadership15:03 – What does it mean to be of service to others?16:34 – Introversion, extroversion and learning to step outside your comfort zone18:09 – Silvina’s personal journey from introvert to communicator19:17 – One-to-one coaching vs group coaching20:48 – Mind, body and soul: Silvina’s approach to communication22:04 – Why your energy speaks louder than your words23:39 – Body language, presence and projecting confidence24:15 – How to overcome blocks through micro-steps25:13 – Coaching women, entrepreneurs and professionals27:54 – Why personal development matters in leadership28:23 – What dog training taught Silvina about energy and communication29:37 – What Sotogrande means to Silvina30:03 – Why Sotogrande made her feel safe30:46 – Would Silvina move back to Sotogrande?32:59 – Where to connect with Silvina HoodHer experience also offers another perspective on living and working in Sotogrande. From building professional relationships within the local community to experiencing the sense of safety and connection that the area can offer, Silvina reflects on why Sotogrande continues to hold significance for her even after moving to Málaga.The conversation also looks at how communication and marketing are evolving within businesses and real estate, why personal brands matter more than ever, and why simply being visible isn’t enough — your message, your presence and your purpose need to be aligned.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile: +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: charlesgubbins.comSTAY 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

  7. Aug 15

    Vivir en Sotogrande Todo el Año: Cómo Está Cambiando la Comunidad

    Vivir en Sotogrande todo el año ya no es una excepción. En este episodio hablamos de cómo ha cambiado la vida en Sotogrande, por qué cada vez más familias se instalan de forma permanente y qué diferencia hoy a la comunidad frente a destinos como Marbella.Charles Gubbins conversa con Manu Gil, periodista y cofundador de LIVE! SOTO, sobre la evolución de Sotogrande desde una urbanización muy estacional hasta una comunidad internacional activa durante los 12 meses. Hablan del impacto del teletrabajo y el Sotogrande International School, del crecimiento de nuevos residentes, la transformación de las viviendas, la comparación Sotogrande vs Marbella, el futuro de la comunicación local y el papel de LIVE!SOTO para conectar a residentes, empresas, deporte, gastronomía y lifestyle.00:00 – Manu Gil: conectar personas y poner en valor Sotogrande01:17 – De periodista en Algeciras a 15 años comunicando Sotogrande03:57 – Cómo era Sotogrande hace 15 años04:35 – De destino estacional a comunidad activa todo el año05:50 – Teletrabajo, nuevas familias y crecimiento del colegio internacional07:32 – Cómo el COVID aceleró el cambio08:02 – Sotogrande vs Marbella: tranquilidad, privacidad y estilo de vida10:21 – El potencial de Sotogrande y el futuro de sus viviendas11:19 – Kings & Queens: reformar casas de los 70 y 80 para vivir todo el año12:28 – Por qué nació LIVE!SOTO14:02 – Qué hacer, dónde comer, golf, eventos y servicios en Sotogrande15:03 – El lanzamiento de LIVE!SOTO en Don Diego16:01 – Por qué LIVE!SOTO no quiere ser un periódico tradicional17:35 – Cómo comunicar noticias sin dañar la imagen de la comunidad19:55 – ¿Puede haber demasiada información sobre Sotogrande?21:27 – El alcance global de los medios digitales22:44 – Casi un millón de visualizaciones y el interés fuera de Sotogrande24:12 – Por qué las historias funcionan mejor cuando tienen una cara25:49 – Historias y curiosidades del antiguo Sotogrande27:19 – La visión urbanística que todavía define Sotogrande29:21 – Los rincones favoritos de Manu en SotograndeSotogrande nació en los años 60 como una comunidad planificada alrededor de la privacidad, el espacio, la naturaleza y una infraestructura poco habitual para su época. Esa baja densidad y visión a largo plazo siguen formando parte de su identidad, mientras la comunidad evoluciona hacia una vida más internacional y permanente.Hoy, deporte, colegios, restauración, trabajo remoto y servicios durante todo el año están cambiando la forma en que residentes y futuros compradores entienden Sotogrande. Este episodio analiza esa evolución desde dentro, con la perspectiva de alguien que lleva años contando las historias y las personas que forman la comunidad.Más información:LIVE!SOTO: livesoto.comInstagram LIVE!SOTO: live.sotoCONNECT 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

About

"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."