Lifestyle
The Costa de Almeria represents Spain at its finest. With a blend of the traditional Spanish way of life, mixed with an ever increasing cosmopolitan style, the pace here can be tempered to your energy levels.
The regions bohemian beach bars are very much a central part of life. Dont expect food in a hurry. Paella is usually ordered in advance and will come when it is ready. The copious jugs of Tinto de Verano coupled with the breeze off the Mediterranean makes the wait that more pleasurable.
Lunch takes 3 hours, with the Spaniards still realizing that family and lifestyle are a fundamental fact of life!
Leisure activities are as you would expect - Golf, tennis, horse riding, sailing, waterskiing, scuba diving etc. What most people are not aware of is that the outstanding ski slopes of Sierra Nevada are just 2 hours drive from Almeria. The resort is one of the highest in Europe and on a clear day skiers can see Africa. If you have the inclination, skiing in the morning and going to the beach in the afternoon is feasible.
Golf is taking off in Almeria in a very big way. Being the warmest and sunniest region in the whole of Europe and experiencing just a quarter of the rainfall which spoils the Costa de Sol, the area almost guarantees you a quality golfing experience in the winter as well as the summer. It is for this reason that many professional and amateur golfing organisations are affiliating with local courses to provide winter training grounds for their players.
Reportedly there are some 20 new golf courses with planning approval for the Almeria region. It is therefore not surprising that with this introduction of new courses, coupled with the superb climate, the Almeria coast will become a haven for Northern European golfers looking to escape harsh winters.
Valle del Este is arguably the finest and most enjoyable golf course in the region. Set amidst a stunning landscape of riveens, waterfalls and mountains the course is extremely interesting and fun to play. Designed by Jose Canales. Valle del Este was opened in 2002. The construction of the resorts hotel, commercial centre and sports facilities will see have seen the resort establish itself as one of Spains finest - this will be further improved with the construction of another 27 holes.
Since opening in 2001, Desert Springs Golf Resort has hosted many prestigious tournaments including the Spanish Amateur Open. As Europes only desert golf course, Desert Springs resembles courses more likely to be found in the Arizona desert than in Europe and is therefore a unique experience for many golfers who have not played in the States.
Designed by ex-Walker Cup Captain and Amateur Champion, Peter McEvoy, to USPGA standards the golf course, the golf course caters to all levels. It is perhaps the breathtaking plantation, natural springs and landscaping that make Desert Springs so special. The colours achieved through the creative plantation alongside the manicured greens and fairways makes Desert Springs a visual sensation as well as an extremely enjoyable golf experience.
As the resort continues to grow Desert Springs is advancing its status as one of Europes premier leisure resorts. With the opening of the clubhouse, The Crocodile Club, practice and additional sporting facilities, the resorts social side is beginning to take off.
So whether you are a keen player or not, Desert Springs is quite a unique place that should be experienced by everyone.
