With sunshine all year round, The Costa del Sol is the most popular leisure destination in Europe.

The history of the Costa del Sol dates back over 20,000 years and each civilisation; the Phoenicians, Iberians, Romans, Muslims and Christians, have left visible traces of their architecture and culture.

Add to this cultural diversity more than 30 years of intense investment and development in the tourism sector and the result is today's Costa del Sol, efficiently connected to the rest of the world by its International airport, motorways, railway system and harbour.


Its climate, with an average of 325 sun filled days a year, is considered the best in Europe, making the enjoyment of sports, outdoor activities and entertainment a way of life - virtually free of disappointment!

With such a large selection of deluxe hotels, modern conference facilities, exciting activities, exquisite restaurants and sophisticated nightlife, it is the perfect setting for any conference or incentive.

Protocol has chosen two event and conference destinations along this coast, namely Sotogrande and Marbella.

As they are not capital cities, Sotogrande and Marbella are reasonably priced and offer the perfect setting for those who would like to celebrate their event outside of a city atmosphere.

Sotogrande, (Cádiz)

Sotogrande, Spain’s ‘Golden Golfing Triangle’ has become one of Europe’s most exclusive resorts. The luxury villas, wide boulevards and immaculate lawns are not dissimilar to Palm Beach in the USA. It is home to some of the World’s finest golf courses, most notably Valderrama, host to the Ryder Cup in 1997 and the World Golf Championships in 1999 and 2000.

Besides golf, Sotogrande has the most breathtaking countryside with a wide variety of exciting activities to choose from. It is not surprising that Sotogrande is the most popular choice for event organisers Worldwide as it is the most exclusive and beautiful in Spain, attracting the most sophisticated of international visitors.

Sotogrande is a world class destination with all the vital ingredients to host a conference, special event or to enjoy a luxury golfing vacation.

Marbella

Ideally located, Marbella is only half an hour from Málaga International Airport and a few hours drive from some of Spain’s most historic cities Seville, Granada and Cordoba.

While keeping its Spanish charm, Marbella is also a modern and lively town with beautiful parks and boulevards, designer boutiques, stylish restaurants, ‘tapas bars’ and traditional craft shops.

Just 5 minutes from Marbella is the leisure port of Puerto Banús where you will find Europe’s most luxurious yachts. This famous port has a sophisticated atmosphere with waterfront bars and restaurants that stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Often referred to as the international playground of Europe, Marbella is the ideal choice for those who enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and nightlife.


Communication

Malaga's airport, with flights coming in from all over the world, is one of the largest in Spain and the second busiest during the summer season.
There is also a high speed train which joins Madrid with Málaga in only five hours.


Hotel Facilities

More than 4,000 beds are available in four and five star hotels in Marbella and Sotogrande, many of them close to the beach and all of them offering very exclusive accommodation with leisure and sporting facilities on-site.


Conference Facilities

The Costa del Sol has a very good infrastructure dedicated to congresses and conventions. The Congress and Exhibition Centre in Torremolinos has an auditorium for 900 people along with a large exhibition area and the recently renovated Congress Palace in Marbella is an excellent alternative to celebrate International Meetings, Congresses and all kind of events.


Special Venues

The Costa del Sol, due to its unbeatable climate and wide range of exclusive venues, is the perfect place to organise theme parties. Arabian Nights in luxury mansions and palaces on the "Golden Mile", Andalusian parties in private manor houses, Gala Dinners in deluxe restaurants or private parties on a yacht – Protocol will provide the perfect setting.
With the advantage of living in Spain we are constantly seeking new and impressive venues. From menu and wine selection to entertainment, our recommendations will be tailored to suit your client profile and ensure the most memorable evening for your guests.



Sightseeing

No other destination offers such a wide range of day trips so close by as the Costa del Sol. All are unique and full of charm, ensuring a memorable day for everyone. To name but a few:

· Ronda : One hour away from Marbella and Sotogrande is the most beautiful town of Ronda. Perched in the Sierra de Ronda, with very important Roman ruins, this town is also famous for being the birthplace of famous bullfighters and "bandoleros".
· Mijas : Only a half hour from Marbella, Mijas is one of the most beautiful typical Andalusian white villages in Spain with an abundance of local craft shops and quaint restaurants.
· Granada: Simply a must. You will visit the Alhambra Palace, one of the very few places in the world where reality exceeds your expectations.
· Seville : Its old quarter of Santa Cruz, together with the Cathedral, Alcázar, Torre del Oro and immaculate parks make Seville an ideal city to stroll around.
· Gibraltar : The famous Rock, still a British colony, is only 20 minutes away from Sotogrande and one hour from Marbella.


Activities

Both Sotogrande and Marbella offer the most extensive range of outdoor sports and activities in Spain. Due to its excellent climate, one can enjoy watersports, jeep safari’s, team building activities, horseback riding and sailing, not to mention Golf, all year round.

All of our Special Activities can be enjoyed in Marbella and Sotogrande.


Where to Stay in Sotogrande?

Although there are hundreds of hotels along the Costa del sol, Protocol only recommends the most exclusive to ensure the complete satisfaction of our clients.

The Almenara Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Located high within the Sotogrande estate, the views from the Almenara Hotel are quite simply breathtaking. This superb hotel is built in traditional rustic style and is complete with an Elysium Health Club and Spa, a 27-hole golf course and one of the finest golf academies in Europe.

The hotel consists of 150 luxurious rooms and suites set in individual villas and surrounded by lush gardens. The Almenara Hotel has modern conference facilities for up to 250 people with the most advanced technology.

The high standard of accommodation, together with their exemplary level of service makes this hotel a firm favourite of our regular clients.

Hotel Details

Rooms
Deluxe Rooms 140, 10 Suites.

Facilities
24 hour dry cleaning service, 24 hour room service, alarm call service, Individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, safe (in room and at reception), Private terrace or balcony, Mini-bar, Hairdryer, Direct dial telephone, Satellite TV, Pay TV, Shuttle service to and from the beach, picnics, baby sitting service.
Concierge, Business Centre with full secretarial services, conference facilities, Elysium Health & Beauty Spa, Hairdressing salon, Outdoor swimming pool, Indoor heated pool, Tennis, Paddle Tennis, Gym, 27 Hole Golf Course with pro shop, Golf Academy and state of the art driving range, Paddle and Tennis Courts, Library, Indoor and Out door dining, Vein Tee Ocho: Golf Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, Gaia Restaurant; Pacific rim evening menu, Pentegrama; Piano bar, Money exchange, golf reservations, Television Room, Billiards Room, Taxis, parking.

Dining
The Gaia Restaurant, The VeinTeeOcho.

Conference Room Capacity (Theatre Style)
San Roque 40, Barbésula 110, Conference Centre 250.

Voltage 220 V (adapters available).

Credit cards – AMEX, Diners Club, Eurocard, Mastercard, Visa.

Check-In: 15.00 Check-Out: 12.00


The Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Set in subtropical gardens, The Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, features accommodation of the highest standard. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this hotel has a service and standard of accommodation that sets it apart from other luxury hotels.

The hotel is comprised of 132 bedrooms, suites and villas, a private 18-hole golf course and a beachfront Thalasso Spa. The Marbella Club Hotel is particularly suitable for small corporate groups.

Hotel Details

Rooms
Superior Double Rooms 24, Deluxe Double Rooms 40, Beachfront Deluxe Rooms 9, Executive Double Rooms 11, Superior Suites 15, Executive Suites 9, Grand Suites 10, Beachfront Suites 3, Private 2-3 bedroom Villas 11.

Services
24-hour dry cleaning service, 24-hour room service, alarm call service, fire detector, central heating and air-conditioning, safe (in room and at reception), private terrace or balcony, mini-bar, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, satellite TV, pay TV.

Dining
The Marbella Club Grill, The Winter Garden and the Beach Club.

Additional Services
24-hour baby sitting service, medical service, 24-hour security, bi-lingual secretary service, hairdressing salon, shopping gallery, art gallery, parking, money exchange, car hire, golf reservations and golf club hire.

Sports
Two outdoor pools, One indoor seawater pool, Beach club, Thalasso Spa, Golf reservations office, Thalosotherapy Health & Beauty Spa, Marbella Club Golf Resort, Equestrian Centre, 27 golf courses nearby, Watersports (seasonal), Tennis, Gym, Sauna, Aerobic and Paddle in the Puente Romano Tennis & Fitness Club, Polo (nearby).

Conference Room Capacity (Banquet Style)
Buganvilla 120 people, Winter Garden Room 50 people, Magnolia Room 40 people, Beach Club 200 people.

Transport
Taxi stop within the hotel, public bus every 15 minutes to Marbella centre, Limousine Service.

Voltage - 220 V (adapters available).

Credit cards - AMEX, Diners Club, Eurocard, Mastercard, Visa.

Members of
The Leading Hotels of the World, Johansens, Honeymoon Special, Club Best Hotels of the World, American Express.

Check-In: 15.00 Check-Out: 12.00


The Puente Romano Hotel

The Puente Romano Hotel is located on a superb beachfront property in the heart of Marbella’s famous “Golden Mile” and has been voted one of Spain’s top hotels. The 234 spacious guest rooms and suites are set in a relaxing subtropical oasis of fountains, waterfalls and mature gardens of flowers, rare plants and trees.

In addition to several meeting rooms within The Puente Romano Hotel, their new convention centre caters for up to 500 people, making it the ideal choice for small to medium sized conferences and events.


Hotel details

Rooms

Single Rooms – 4 (30 sq. m), Double/Twin Rooms 141 (45 sq. m), Junior Suites 66 (50 sq. m), One Bedroom Suites 1 (55 sq. m), Two Bedroom Suites 21 (90 sq. m), Imperial Suite 1.

Room Features


Air-conditioning, marble flooring, private terrace, mini-bar, remote control radio, colour television with satellite channels, electronic personal safe (no charge), hairdryers (on request), clothes stand, direct dial telephones, bathrobes, basket of toiletries, twice daily maid service including turndown, 24 hour dry cleaning service, fire detector, satellite TV and pay TV.

Dining
Café El Puente, Bar La Picina, Beach Club Restaurant, Café del Mar, La Plaza Restaurant, Roberto Ristorante, Puente Romano Tennis Club Bar.

Additional Services
24-hour baby sitting service, medical service, 24-hour security, bi-lingual secretary service, hairdressing salon, shopping gallery, art gallery, parking, money exchange, car hire, bank, golf reservations and golf club hire.

Sports
Three landscaped pools (one heated), Beach club, Thalasso spa (of the Marbella Club), Golf reservations office, The Marbella Club Golf Club and Equestrian Centre, 27 golf courses nearby, Watersports (seasonal), 10 Tennis courts, 4 Paddle courts, Gym, Sauna, Aerobics, Polo (nearby).

Conference Room Capacity (Banquet Style)
Conference Centre – 500 people, La Plaza – 180, Plaza Romana 280, La Tasca 100, Alcazaba 30, Picasso 30, Alhambra 110, Giralda 90, Chiringuito 130.

Transport
Taxi stop within the hotel, public bus every 15 minutes to Marbella centre, Limousine Service.

Voltage - 220 V (adapters available).

Credit cards - AMEX, Diners Club, Eurocard, Mastercard, Visa, Access, JCB.

Members of
The Leading Hotels of the World

Check-In
: 15.00 Check-Out: 12.00

Protocol Destination Management Spain
Madrid - Barcelona - Costa del Sol - Sevilla - Jerez
Edificio Mercurio 1ª pl. Ofic. M-2, Paseo Cerrado de Calderón
29018 Málaga (HEAD OFFICE) , SPAIN
Tel.: (34) 952 20 71 39 - Fax: (34) 952 20 12 70
info@dmcspain.com
http://www.dmcspain.com/ - http://www.golf-spain.com/