Polo Valley's New Venture
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Since its establishment a decade ago in Casares, Malaga, Polo Valley has consistently sought to redefine the equestrian lifestyle on the Costa del Sol, Spain's golden coastal jewel. Now, under the visionary leadership of founder Christian Byrne, the club is embarking on two groundbreaking developments—The Owners Club in Casares and The Hills by Polo Valley in San Roque, Cadiz—with a combined investment exceeding $345 million. These projects are poised to establish the Guadiaro Valley as the leading European hub for polo tourism and luxury living.
These initiatives have garnered strong institutional support from local municipalities. Driven by a powerful public-private collaboration and a firm commitment to diversifying the local economy without compromising the region’s unique identity, the developments are expected to create over 750 direct and indirect jobs. This investment marks a significant milestone for a sector that already generates more than $32 million annually for Andalusia.
“I arrived in this land when I was seven years old and immediately knew it was a special place,” Byrne highlighted during a recent outdoor investment event in Sotogrande. “What started as a simple polo lesson my father enrolled me in ignited a passion that has grown over decades. We’ve always been clear about wanting to build something extraordinary, and I am thrilled to present these new projects here at Polo Valley, where it all began.”
The Owners Club: A Sanctuary for the Sport
Adjacent to the existing Polo Valley facilities, The Owners Club will feature six private stables housing 72 spacious boxes, a year-round regulation-size polo field, and a world-class equestrian exercise track. This development will become the largest polo-dedicated facility in Southern Europe, creating 25 permanent jobs managed by specialized personnel year-round.
“This is more than a development; it’s a sanctuary for the sport,” added Byrne.
The Hills: A Five-Star Resort Experience
Just a few kilometers away in San Roque, The Hills project offers a comprehensive reinterpretation of polo-related tourism. Located steps from the Sotogrande marina and overlooking Gibraltar and North Africa, the 34-hectare development will include a beachfront polo field, a five-star hotel with a wellness center, a beach club, a spa, and high-end dining options.
The resort will also feature 16 uniquely designed villas and a commercial area, The Boulevard, inspired by an Andalusian village with boutiques, cafés, and luxury apartments. A state-of-the-art private hospital and an underground parking facility for 500 vehicles round out the offering.
The development of The Hills will be executed in two phases and is expected to generate over 750 direct and indirect jobs, providing a monumental boost to the economy of San Roque and the broader Campo de Gibraltar region.
Mayor Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix stated that The Hills will solidify the municipality as Europe’s premier polo destination, confirming that the sports-tourism project “meets the necessary conditions to be declared of social interest.” This official designation has been requested from the Andalusian government to streamline the urban planning approvals.
Founded in 2015, Polo Valley has established itself as a benchmark in international equestrian tourism, boasting three polo fields, 180 stables, luxury accommodations, and a premier event area. This new chapter cements its ambition to become a global destination for the sport.
