Severiano Ballesteros once said of Montenmedio – located near one of Andalucía’s most stunning white villages, Vejer de la Frontera – that it is a course no golfer should fail to visit at least once in their lives. And no one who has made that trip would disagree with the legendary Spaniard. This course is truly one-of-a-kind, set in the midst of a spectacular plot of land where numerous animals in semi-freedom accompany players during their round.

T    he clubhouse is also exceptional: built in a new-classic Andalucian style, although featuring a refined and exquisite décor – cosy, welcoming and functional.

As for the course, at times the actual round of golf plays a secondary role because, on most of the holes, stunning views over Vejer village in the background on a large hill or the Atlantic Ocean constantly impress and excite players unaccustomed to such sights.

Club manager Miguel López does, of course, share Seve’s opinion and expresses his pride in the resort where the course is located.

“Montenmedio,” he says, “is a very different course to the normal type. I would describe it as ‘natural’, obviously with no surrounding construction, peaceful and built on the best country estate that anyone could imagine.

“It stands out from others. There are very few courses where golf in itself is the foundation of the resort. Most are developed to justify other real estate initiatives, and that doesn’t happen here.”

 

Tell us about the estate…

It’s exceptional. There is no other one like it in southern Europe with so much natural space, or wild to put it one way. There are 500 hectares in total, situated between the La Breña nature park and the Barbate marshlands… Two areas that represent the concept of a nature reserve. We have huge pine and olive tree forests.

 

There are animals roaming free within the property…

In semi-freedom… We have mouflons (wild sheep), deer, rabbits, etc., roaming around extensive fenced areas and able to be observed when playing golf – although, of course, they are not within the golf course itself. What you can find on the fairway is our hermit ibis, one of the most endangered birds in the world – it was raised here in Montenmedio.

 

The resort also has a charming rural hotel…

Yes, it’s an old Andalucian farmhouse with 27 beautiful rooms, all decorated in a distinctive way: paintings, furniture, etc. It’s extremely attractive accommodation, often also in demand for events.

 

Another major feature of the resort is its equestrian activities…

We hold the Hípico del Sol equestrian circuit here, one of the most important in the world. Between February and March, more than 1,500 horses from several countries take part in competitions during a fantastic two months. Both the riders and the owners of the horses, as well as their companions, are a very cosmopolitan and fun-loving group, and they have a great time.

 

Can guests go horse-riding through the many tracks on the property?

 

Riding no, but in a cart or buggy yes – we can organise that for clients.