🎾 Turning Sotogrande into a Tennis Powerhouse | Charlie in Sotogrande Podcast ft. Dan Kieran 🎾Today I sit down with Dan Kieran, Director and Co-Founder of SotoTennis Academy, to explore how Sotogrande has become a hub for high-performance tennis.Dan shares his journey from British No. 1 doubles player to building one of Europe’s most respected tennis academies—where athletes don’t just sharpen their game but also grow as individuals. From the balance of tennis and education, to developing mental strength, and why Sotogrande is the perfect base for future champions, this conversation is packed with insight, passion, and local flavour.🏆 In This Episode:• How SotoTennis Academy grew into an elite training ground• The connection between mental strength & sporting success• Why Sotogrande’s lifestyle and climate attract world-class talent• The US College tennis pathway for young athletes• Balancing sport, school, and wellbeing for junior players

Whether you’re a tennis lover, a parent of an aspiring athlete, or simply curious about life in Sotogrande, you’ll find plenty to inspire here.Follow Dan and the SotoTennis Team below:🔗 Website: https://sototennis.com/📍 About Sotogrande:A luxury enclave in Southern Spain, Sotogrande is famous for its world-class sports, marinas, golf courses, polo fields, and vibrant international community.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with the people shaping Sotogrande’s unique lifestyleCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins#Sotogrande #Tennis #CharlieInSotogrande #SotoTennisAcademy #DanKiernan #LuxuryLifestyle #SportsInSotogrande #USCollegeTennis #MentalStrength #SpanishRiviera

Today I sit down with Marie Aude, the creative force and founder behind Maison Soto, a luxury fragrance house born in the heart of Sotogrande.Discover how Marie translates the essence of this unique place into exclusive perfumes that reflect both luxury and locality. From inspiration and creative process to personal stories and emotional connection to scent, this conversation dives deep into what it means to “bottle a lifestyle.”Whether you're a fragrance lover, creative entrepreneur, or someone passionate about Sotogrande, you won’t want to miss this intimate and inspiring episode.🎙️ Topics Covered:-How Maison Soto was born-What makes a luxury perfume truly personal-The emotional power of scent-Life and inspiration in Sotogrande-Why scent is storytelling0:00 – Welcome to Charlie in Sotogrande – People, passions & places of Sotogrande0:19 – Meet Marie O. Couture – Franco-Swiss perfumer & founder of Mison Sto1:09 – From Paris to Sotogrande – International fragrance career & love for Andalucia3:07 – First Visit in 1997 – Discovering Sotogrande’s plants & flowers in real life4:20 – Why Sotogrande’s Climate is Special – Between the Atlantic & Mediterranean5:54 – Grasse vs Sotogrande – Perfume capitals and hidden natural treasures7:38 – A Perfumer’s Eye for Nature – Spotting rare plants while cycling8:49 – Rock Rose Resin – Andalusian ingredient loved by perfumers worldwide10:49 – Developing the Perfumer’s Nose – Training to recognize 3,000 scents14:09 – Launching Mison Sto in 2022 – A premium Spanish fragrance brand16:43 – Splitting Time Between Geneva & Sotogrande – Staying inspired18:13 – Creating a Brand Identity – Collaboration during the pandemic21:07 – Selling in Sotogrande & Beyond – From Marbella to London and Switzerland22:46 – Made in Spain – Sourcing local materials for sustainable luxury25:32 – Building Without Speaking Spanish – Learning the language while starting up28:56 – Breaking Even After 3 Years – Funding and business growth31:25 – Regulations in Perfumery – Europe’s strict safety standards33:25 – Biggest Challenges in Growing a Brand – From sales to community building35:38 – Where to Find Mison Sto in Sotogrande – Top local shops and partners38:50 – Giving Back to the Community – Future vision for Mison Sto42:16 – What’s Next in 2025 – Focus on home scenting & strategic growth44:32 – Describing Sotogrande in One Sentence – A perfumer’s paradise45:25 – Closing Thoughts – Inspiration, vision, and community spirit👉 Follow Marie and Maison Soto:Instagram: @maison_soto 💬 Leave a comment below — What memory would you turn into a perfume?

Dr. Maria Sancho, founder of MS Psychology Center in Sotogrande, joins the Charlie & Sotogrande Podcast to share her journey from growing up in a family hospitality business to becoming a clinical psychologist and completing a 7-year PhD on adolescent brain development.In this inspiring conversation, Maria talks about her childhood in 1990s Sotogrande, studying and working around the world, building a thriving psychology practice at home, and tackling modern mental health challenges like emotional isolation, parenting, and the impact of technology on children.Whether you’re a parent, educator, mental health professional, or simply curious about personal growth, this episode is packed with insight on wellbeing, community, and living a meaningful life.Timestamps0:00 – Maria’s Biggest Life Achievement – Completing a 7-year PhD on adolescent brain development0:39 – Introducing the Charlie & Sotogrande Podcast – Meet Dr. Maria Sancho1:45 – Growing Up in Sotogrande – Family roots and a strong community connection3:02 – Life Inside K Restaurant – Childhood memories in a hospitality family4:46 – Choosing Psychology Over Hospitality – Following a passion for the mind7:26 – 1990s Sotogrande Childhood – Freedom, safety, and creative schooling8:44 – From Sotogrande to the World – Boarding schools, university, and global experience9:15 – Why Psychology? – A lifelong curiosity about human behavior12:33 – Global Work Experience – From prisons in Uruguay to diverse communities13:57 – Inside the PhD Research – How upbringing shapes mental health17:40 – Building a Practice at Home – Why Maria returned to Sotogrande19:43 – MS Psychology Center Today – Services, growth, and the team22:09 – Future Goals – Teaching, research, and community impact23:28 – Life Beyond Work – Hobbies, nature, and self-care28:28 – Technology, Kids & Mental Health – Balancing risks and connectionKeywords:psychology podcast, mental health, parenting tips, personal growth, emotional wellbeing, work life balance, technology and kids, adolescent brain development, Sotogrande Spain, mental health in Spain, building a psychology practice, mindfulness and journaling, emotional intelligence, expat life Spain, Maria Sancho Sotogrande, K Restaurant Sotogrande history, MS Psychology Center, Sotogrande lifestyle, therapy in Sotogrande, international school Sotogrande, Sotogrande community stories#PsychologyPodcast #MentalHealthMatters #Sotogrande #ParentingTips #Mindfulness #Wellbeing #LifeInSpain #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #TherapyLife #AdolescentDevelopment #ExpatLifeSpainCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

In this episode, I sit down with Paola Zobel, President of Ayala Polo Club and fourth-generation member of one of Sotogrande's founding families.

From polo and hospitality to personal loss and rebuilding, Paola shares her story with heartfelt honesty and insight.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins#Sotogrande#PaolaZobel#AyalaPoloClub#SotograndeLifestyle#PoloLife#LuxuryLiving#RealEstateSpain#CanchaDos#PoloCommunity#SotograndeSpain#LuxuryTravel#EquestrianLife#PoloSeason#WomenInLeadership#SpanishRiviera#BurnToRebuild#RestaurantRebuild#BehindTheScenes#DestinationDining#CharlieInSotograndest

In this episode of Charlie in Sotogrande, we sit down with Ben Bateman, Director of Holmes Sotogrande, to explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s unregulated real estate environment on the Costa del Sol.We discuss the importance of ethical practices, professionalism, and how associations like the LPA (Leading Property Agents of Spain) are paving the way for a more trusted market. Whether you're a real estate veteran, aspiring agent, or simply curious about property in Sotogrande, this is essential listening.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction: Why Real Estate Needs Ethics & Experience03:20 - Ben’s Sotogrande Roots & Early Real Estate Insights06:40 - How Sotogrande Developed Differently From the Coast10:00 - Trust, Community & the Familiar Feel of Sotogrande13:20 - Regulation Challenges on the Costa del Sol16:40 - Raising the Bar: Responsibility of Listing Agents20:00 - Truth, Consistency & The Long-Term View in Sales23:20 - The LPA: Origins of a Peer-Driven Ethical Movement26:40 - Why Self-Regulation May Work Better Than State Control30:00 - Professional Standards: Offices, Insurance & Infrastructure33:20 - Commission Culture & Fair Market Practices36:40 - Scams, Red Flags & Learning Through Experience40:00 - The Need for Industry-Wide Vetting & Client Protection43:20 - Future Vision: Supporting New Agents the Right Way46:40 - Final Thoughts: Join the LPA & Protect the MarketKeywords:Sotogrande real estate, Costa del Sol property, Ethical real estate agents, Real estate podcast Spain, Property regulation Spain, LPA Leading Property Agents, Real estate industry Spain, Buying property Sotogrande, Marbella vs Sotogrande real estate, Professional real estate practicesHashtags:#RealEstate #LuxuryHomes #PropertyMarket #Sotogrande #CostaDelSol #MarbellaProperty#EthicalRealEstate #LPASpain #RealEstateSotogrande #SotograndeLifestyle #RealEstatePodcast #SpainPropertyExpertsCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

This time, I sit down with Alejandro Ponce, managing partner of Triay, one of the oldest law firms in Gibraltar, with a deep legacy in real estate and private client law. Alejandro shares his inspiring story — from Madrid to Granada to Sotogrande — and explains why more families are choosing this amazing community for full-time living.🎙️ In this episode:0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:38 – Living in Sotogrande Full-Time1:40 – Who is Alejandro Ponce?2:18 – A Legal Family Legacy3:32 – Starting His Career4:56 – From Big Law to Real Estate6:56 – Quality of Life & Sotogrande8:00 – How Spain’s Market Works9:57 – Common Mistakes Buyers Make11:35 – The Need for Better Agent Regulation13:32 – Short-Term Rentals & New Rules16:11 – Communities vs. Tourists18:46 – Big Fines for Ignoring the Rules20:40 – Affordable Housing & Tourism23:12 – Community Life & Legal Conflicts26:00 – Installing Solar Panels29:40 – Geopolitics & Real Estate Trends33:00 – Sotogrande vs Marbella35:45 – His Most Memorable Cases39:00 – Does Sotogrande Need Another School?40:20 – Sotogrande in One Sentence “The place to enjoy the rest of your life.”If you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing in Sotogrande, this conversation is packed with real insight you won’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Charlie in Sotogrande for more honest conversations and local insider tips.📩 Have questions? Drop them in the comments — or reach out to us at [Noll Sotogrande].See you in the next episode!

Today I sit down with Colin McLundie, the architect who’s been shaping Sotogrande’s landscape for over 30 years — from iconic villas to community landmarks like the Sotogrande International School.

Discover how Colin fell in love with Andalusian architecture, why he stayed when he only planned for six months, what makes building in Sotogrande unique, and the secrets to creating timeless, elegant homes that blend tradition with modern living.

Whether you’re a resident, planning to build, or simply love hearing the stories that make Sotogrande so special — this episode is for you.

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Today I sit down with Carolina Collado — a brilliant personal coach right here in Sotogrande.Carolina explains how she helps people, teams, and companies strengthen their mindset, break through mental barriers, and grow in ways that really last. She also shares practical insights and simple mindset tools that you can apply to your daily life — whether it’s about personal growth, leading a team, or making better choices in business.I love bringing you these stories and voices from our community — real people making a real impact.If you’re curious about mindset coaching or just need a fresh push to level up your life, this one’s for you.FOF Sotogrande https://fof-sotogrande.com - Women's community created by friends from Sotogrande. By Carolina Collado! ✨ Tune in, get inspired, and let me know in the comments: What’s the next step in your personal growth journey?👉 Don’t forget to subscribe — and if you want to be my next guest, reach out!CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/

Today I sit down with Carolina Collado — a brilliant personal coach right here in Sotogrande.Carolina explains how she helps people, teams, and companies strengthen their mindset, break through mental barriers, and grow in ways that really last. She also shares practical insights and simple mindset tools that you can apply to your daily life — whether it’s about personal growth, leading a team, or making better choices in business.I love bringing you these stories and voices from our community — real people making a real impact.

FOF Sotogrande https://fof-sotogrande.com - Women's community created by friends from Sotogrande. By Carolina Collado! ✨ Tune in, get inspired, and let me know in the comments: What’s the next step in your personal growth journey?👉 Don’t forget to subscribe — and if you want to be my next guest, reach out!CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbinsCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/#CharlieInSotogrande #SotograndeCommunity #SotograndePodcast #SotograndeLife #KarolinaCoyo #Coaching #MindsetCoach #PersonalDevelopment #LifeCoach #ConfidenceCoach #SotograndeLifestyle #ExpatLifeSpain

Thinking of relocating to Sotogrande? In this episode, I sit down with Heike—a mother of three and seasoned expat—who shares her real-life experience of moving from Africa and Germany to Spain.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Sotogrande?

🏫 How the international school shaped their decision

🛬 What it’s like settling in, finding community, and thriving in a new environment

💡 Tips on paperwork, doctors, safety, and finding your tribe

💬 Real talk on what’s missing—and what’s magical—about life in Sotogrande

🎯 Whether you're moving for the school, lifestyle, or safety—this episode gives you the insights you need.

📌 Helpful ResourcesKindred Project at SIS: https://www.sis.ac/education/the-kindred-project

Mothers & Daughters Book: https://www.footprintspress.com/mother-and-daughter-series/

More about Sotogrande real estate: https://www.noll-sotogrande.com/

👍 Like this episode?

📲 Subscribe for more expat stories, lifestyle tips, and real estate insights from Sotogrande.

CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!

📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661

✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/

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#SotograndeLife #ExpatFamily #MovingToSpain #SotograndeSchool #ExpatMom #SpainRelocation #InternationalSchoolSpain #FamilyInSpain #LivingInSotogrande #LifeAbroad #SotograndeCommunity #SpanishLifestyle #WhyMoveToSpain #SpainWithKids #HelicopterSanitario