The year-round balmy temperatures of Spain’s Sotogrande, with its beaches, golf, riding and beautiful countryside, offers a welcome boost at this time of year. Relatively undiscovered by UK holidaymakers, sports fans and short break lovers, is the NH Resort-owned Hotel Almenara. To say was impressed would on a par with claiming Lee Westwood is not a bad golfer.MIKE REES

Looking for somewhere to escape for some much-needed winter sun, relaxation and luxury – then I think I have found the place!

Situated on the coast of southern Spain, in the heart of the Mediterranean, the luxury Almenara Golf Hotel and Spa offers a relaxing break in the stunning scenery of Sotogrande.

It is the perfect place to be pampered, try a new sport, enjoy some sun and discover a sunnier world.

The leisure and spa facilities will leave you relaxed and reinvigorated. It has bars, restaurants, two swimming pools, the luxurious Elysium Spa, 27 holes for golf lovers and a full golfing academy.

A 15-minute drive from Gibraltar airport, the hotel has been designed with the use of natural materials to enhance the warm welcome and excellent service and hospitality guests can expect to receive on their arrival.

Each of the hotel’s 148 rooms offers breathtaking views and you can choose from Standard, Superior or Deluxe for the ultimate in comfort.

Nearby Cadiz offers a wealth of ways to while away a leisurely morning or afternoon if you can tear yourself away from the beach and the fairways while for those looking to venture further afield, yuu can enjoy a boat trip to Tangiers on the northern coast of Morocco and explore the souks and markets where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet.

Marbella and neighbouring Puerto Banús are also just 30 minutes away from Almenara by car.

The 27 holes are divided into three separate 9-hole courses – The Pine Trees, Cork Oaks and Lakes. Designed by Dave Thomas, the result is a variety of holes at one resort. As the courses were opened in 1998, they are now well established and offer a tough test to every level of golfer.

Standing on an elevated tee on Los Pinos overlooking the Mediterranean, the first hole is a challenging par 5 which sets the mood for a course that looks gentle enough but closer inspection reveals to be challenging with natural hazards on several holes.

A buggy ride leads to Las Lagos – or the "water course" as the locals call it. A series of lakes comes into play on many of the holes and to score well calls for bravery off the tee.

"Take a few extra balls" is the comment in the pro-shop before setting off for the first time.

Just minutes drive away from Almenara is La Reserva, a spectacular golf project also owned by NH Hotels. A members club with one of the largest clubhouses in Spain, the course is the focal point of a 120-acre site that is basically a hill.

La Reserva has superb views in every direction including out over the entry to the Straits of Gibraltar where a seemingly endless convoy of shipping sets off to or arrives from the Atlantic Ocean.

After a day on the fairways or being pampered in the Elysium Spa – which features a range of treatments and leisure facilities designed to help keep you looking and feeling your best – savour some of the best Mediterranean cuisine in the resort’s Gaia restaurant where the finest dishes are prepared from the freshest local ingredients.

Luxury is certainly par for the course at Almenara Golf Hotel and Spa. But don’t take my word for it, treat yourself to a short break. You won’t be disappointed.

CONTACT DETAILS

NH Hotel Almenara

Phone: +34 95 658 2000

Fax: +34 95 658 2001

Email: almenara@sotogrande.com

HOW TO GET THERE

Low fares airline Monarch flies to Gibraltar from London Luton

For more information or to book flights, visit www.monarch.co.uk

Transfer from Gibraltar airport to NH Hotel Almenara is 15 minutes by car.

Airport transfers are available on request and the hotel offers a car rental service.