Guest: Eugene Marais, a South African dentist and healthcare professional.
Sotogrande has a particular way of attracting people from all over the world. Some come for the golf. Some come for the schools. Some come for the climate, the peace, the space and the lifestyle.
For Eugene Marais, a South African dentist with practices in Sotogrande and London, the first attraction was simple: sunshine, golf and a better quality of life.
I spoke with Eugene about his journey from South Africa to London and eventually to Sotogrande, where he has lived for more than 20 years, raised his children, built a dental practice and become part of the local community.
From London to a place in the sun
After many years living in England, Eugene and his family began looking for a European alternative to South Africa, somewhere sunny, accessible from London and easy to reach by direct flight.
They explored Portugal, the Costa del Sol and the South of France, but Sotogrande stood out.
They bought their first home here in the early 2000s and moved in around 2004. At the time, Sotogrande was quieter, more seasonal and less developed than it is today. But even then, the appeal was clear: space, climate, security, beaches, sport and a lifestyle that felt much closer to South Africa than London.
Golf, sunshine and the Sotogrande lifestyle
For Eugene, golf was one of the main attractions. Within a short distance, Sotogrande offers some of the best golf in Europe: Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Valderrama, La Reserva, San Roque and Hacienda links.
That concentration of high-quality courses is part of what makes the area so special. For active people who enjoy being outdoors, Sotogrande offers an almost effortless lifestyle: golf, padel, tennis, beach walks, swimming, cycling, riding and social sport.
As Eugene put it, after big city life, the quietness and peace of this area are almost mind-blowing.
Raising a family in Sotogrande
Eugene’s three children all went through Sotogrande International School, and he speaks very warmly about the experience. The school helped them access international university opportunities, with one daughter studying business in London, another studying film production in Los Angeles, and his son graduating as a mechanical engineer from Newcastle.
For international families, this is one of Sotogrande’s great strengths. The IB system gives children a global academic platform, while the community around the school helps parents settle socially as well.
Sport also played a major role in family life. Eugene’s daughters competed in rhythmic gymnastics, while his son played football locally and represented Great Britain at junior padel level. This reflects something many families discover quickly: Sotogrande and the surrounding towns offer children a wide range of sporting opportunities, often in a healthy, accessible and community-driven environment.
A community that has changed
One of Eugene’s most interesting observations is how much Sotogrande has evolved over the last 20 years.
Years ago, it was more seasonal. Many people came and went. Restaurants closed outside peak months, and the winter atmosphere could feel quiet.
Today, that has changed. More people live here year-round. Restaurants stay open longer. New hotels, better dining options and the growth of nearby areas such as Alcaidesa have helped create more energy throughout the year.
Sotogrande is no longer just a summer or second-home destination. It is becoming a real international community.
Dentistry, wellness and ageing gracefully
Eugene has been a dentist for more than 37 years, with a strong background in orthodontics, implants and oral surgery. He has taught implant dentistry in the UK and internationally, and now divides his time between his London work and his clinic in Sotogrande.
He also explained how dentistry has changed. Today, many patients are looking for non-invasive treatments: teeth whitening, aligners, composite bonding, hygiene and smile improvements that do not involve pain, injections or major procedures.
In his words, people increasingly want lighter, whiter and straighter teeth, and modern dentistry can often provide that in a gentle, practical way.
What luxury really means here
A recurring theme in our conversation was the meaning of luxury in Sotogrande.
For many people, luxury here is not about showing off. It is not necessarily the biggest car, the largest yacht or the most visible lifestyle. It is the peace, low density, clean air, safety, friendships, sport, outdoor living and the ability to enjoy life without the stress of a large city.
Eugene made a wonderful observation: between Torreguadiaro and La Línea, there is barely a traffic light. Coming from London, that says everything. Less traffic, less noise, less pressure, and more time to live.
Advice for newcomers
Eugene’s advice for anyone moving to Sotogrande is simple: get involved.
Join a golf club, padel club, tennis club, riding club or community sports group. If you have children, the school becomes a natural entry point into local life. If possible, rent first and understand the different areas before buying.
Sotogrande rewards people who participate. The more you engage with the community, the quicker it starts to feel like home.
What could improve?
No place is perfect. Eugene mentioned two practical points: golf has become expensive for regular members bringing guests, and it would be helpful to have better Sunday shopping options locally, particularly for fresh food.
These are small criticisms, but they reflect a wider truth: as Sotogrande becomes more year-round and international, expectations are rising.
Eugene’s perfect Sotogrande day
His ideal day says a lot about the lifestyle here.
Walk the dog to the beach. Swim in the sea. Have breakfast. Play a round of golf. Finish the day with a South African braai.
Simple, healthy, outdoor and social.
That, in many ways, is Sotogrande at its best.
Final thoughts
Eugene’s story is one many international residents will recognise. He came looking for sunshine and golf, but found much more: a place to raise a family, build a business, enjoy sport, make friends and live with a sense of calm that is increasingly rare.
Sotogrande continues to evolve, but its core appeal remains the same.
Space. Sport. Community. Peace. And a quality of life that is hard to beat.
🎙️ This post draws from insights shared in one of our episodes, available on YouTube and Spotify. For more on Sotogrande’s insider tips, tune in and explore other episodes too.
To discuss areas, schools, and commuting options, or to see a short list of homes that fit your brief, reach out to Noll Sotogrande Real Estate, our incredible Sponsor co-owned with Stephanie Noll, without whom none of this would be possible.
Thank you, Charlie.
