Sotogrande – Sotogrande, S.A. has been recognised as the “Company with the Best ESG Progress” at the ASPRIMA-SIMA Awards 2026 – considered the most prestigious awards in the Spanish real estate sector.
The ceremony took place on 21 May at the Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid, during a gala attended by the leading companies, institutions, and professionals from the national real estate industry.
The award for Sotogrande, S.A. was collected by Marketing Director, Rita Jordão, who commented: “This recognition highlights Sotogrande’s progress in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into our management model.
“Sustainability has been part of Sotogrande’s essence since its creation, and today we are consolidating a strategy focused on sustainable development, transparency, and the generation of long-term value.”
A pioneering philosophy for more than six decades
Sustainability has been woven into Sotogrande’s identity from the very beginning. Under the vision of its founder, Joseph McMicking, the project was created more than 60 years ago, based on concepts that were then virtually unknown in urban planning and real estate development: low density, landscape integration, and respect for the natural environment.
That historic legacy has now evolved into a more structured and measurable model aligned with the major global sustainability challenges, while maintaining the company’s commitment to preserving the balance between development, landscape, and quality of life.
A sustainable management model with a vision for the future
The main progress began in August 2024, when Sotogrande started developing its ESG Sustainability Strategic Plan with a 2030 vision. Since then, sustainability has ceased to be viewed merely as a reporting exercise and has become a cross-cutting pillar of management and decision-making.
From there, the company has strengthened its governance, monitoring, and control systems, progressing towards management aligned with international frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), the European regulation on corporate sustainability reporting, and the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards), which establish common ESG reporting criteria for European companies.
At the same time, Sotogrande has promoted initiatives aimed at significantly improving energy efficiency, intelligent water management, and the circular economy, as well as training and wellbeing initiatives for people, and a range of actions with territorial and social impact.
“At Sotogrande, we believe that building better also means building responsibly; preserving the balance between development, landscape, and quality of life,” added Jordão.
With this national recognition, Sotogrande strengthens its position as one of Europe’s leading real estate and residential benchmarks, demonstrating that sustainability, excellence, and vision for the future can progress hand in hand.
About the ASPRIMA-SIMA Awards
The ASPRIMA-SIMA Awards are the leading benchmark and most prestigious accolades within the real estate sector in Spain, publicly recognising the industry’s best initiatives and promoting innovation, sustainability, excellence and best practices in construction and urban development.
The company consolidates its leadership in sustainability within the real estate sector through a distinction that recognises excellence in environmental, social and governance criteria.
About Sotogrande S.A.
Sotogrande S.A., founded in 1962, is the developer behind the “Sotogrande®️, Andalucía” brand.
Located in the province of Cádiz around the Guadiaro River, it covers an area of 20 km² stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the foothills of the Sierra Almenara.
This residential and leisure destination is home to a community of 2,500 permanent international households and approximately 8,000 during the high season. It hosts more than 300 businesses and one of the best international schools in Spain, Sotogrande International School.
It is also one of Europe’s leading sporting destinations, offering water sports, tennis, polo and, of course, golf, with four championship golf courses.
Easily accessible from major European cities (via Gibraltar and Málaga airports) and located 30 minutes west of Marbella, it was founded in 1962 by businessman and philanthropist Colonel Joseph McMicking.
https://sotogrande.com/the-developer/
The destination has come a long way since its new owners took over in 2014. The first step taken as part of the investment project was the repair of roads and the improvement of the resort’s infrastructure and gardens. The iconic Sotogrande® marina was revitalised through a new programme of activities and the opening of new restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
La Reserva Club is the next chapter in the story of the renowned Sotogrande®, a residential and leisure club covering 600 hectares and featuring an 18-hole golf course, one of the best in Spain, two restaurants, tennis and padel courts, a beach club with a sandy beach, an adults-only semi-Olympic swimming pool and a lagoon for water sports such as paddle surfing, kayaking and jet boarding, as well as a wellness area and children’s club.
https://www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com/es/el-club/
Nature and sophistication play an important role, as does the low-density development with construction on only 25% of the land. Residents benefit from vast green views and live surrounded by a natural environment. This private enclave is a place where residents can live and enjoy special moments with family and friends, offering what truly matters: security, privacy, a family atmosphere and first-class amenities thanks to the outstanding lifestyle and numerous activities available throughout the year.
For more information, contact:
Leonardo Izzi
Head of Destinations
GMS Agency
E: leo@gmagency.com
T: +44 (0) 1438 718 399
M: +351 96 840 3811
@_GMSAgency_
GMS Agency
