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Desert Springs
Serenely located on a stunning plateau above the dry Almanzora River valley, this unique desert resort enjoys some 320 days of annual sunshine, offering an outstanding holiday or golfing experience at any time of the year. The resort’s rustic red and warm ochre tones, surrounded by palms and cacti, sit beautifully within a rugged wild west landscape reminiscent of Arizona or New Mexico, with a range of accommodation to suit all needs. You’ll find colourful markets nearby at the traditional Spanish fishing village of Villaricos and at the precariously perched hilltop town of Mojacar, while a variety of beaches stretching 20 kilometres along the coast offer everything from buzzing beach bars to peaceful seclusion. Besides the strikingly beautiful golf course, there’s a fantastic array of family-friendly facilities here with activities to cater for all tastes and age groups.
Sports and activities at Desert Springs
Golf
The championship Indiana golf course was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona.
More information...
Tennis
The Tennis Academy has two brand new tennis courts and two new paddle courts.
More information...
Gym and fitness
The Sierra Sports and Fitness Club has a fantastic array of modern equipment and facilities.
More information...
Other sports and activities
There are also a number of other inviting sports and activities you may want to try.
More information...
Facilities at Desert Springs
Restaurant and bars
Take your pick from one of the two main restaurants or sip a drink in one of the three bars.
More information...
Shopping
You will find a golf pro shop at Desert Springs, as well as a grocery delivery service.
More information...
Photo gallery of Desert Springs
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Golf
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Whether you are a serious golfer or just starting out, teaching the kids or playing just for fun, the 72 par international championship Indiana golf course provides a test for all levels. Inspired by the top quality desert courses of Arizona, it features bright green fairways which contrast vibrantly with the surrounding arid landscape of cactus, rock and flowering desert. So if you do end up in the rough, at least it will be in visually stunning surroundings!
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Opening times:
Jan - Dec 08:00 - 18:00
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Golf course details:
Golf
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Golf facilities
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Restrictions:
No age restrictions
Open to non residents Charges may be applicable |
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Tennis
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The Desert Springs Tennis Academy is great for all ages and abilities. With a resident LTA Qualified Tennis Professional on site year round, even those at the top of their game have a chance to improve their skills. Groups and teams are most welcome as well!
The Tennis Academy has two brand new tennis courts, two new paddle courts and a beach volley court, approx €6 per hour to hire. The tennis and paddle courts have top quality, 'Cushion Life' surfaces that give high bounce and add to the ease and pleasure of the game. You can put your skills to the test at the regular tournaments and friendly matches that are organised by the Tennis Pro all year round. During the summer, the Tennis Academy hosts regular BBQ Quiz Nights and Celebrity Matches. The friendly and informal 'Tennis Roll Up', held twice a week affords you the opportunity to meet Jim Gordon and fellow players on a social basis. |
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Opening times:
Jan - Dec 10:00 - 18:00
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Tennis facilities:
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Restrictions:
No age restrictions
Open to non residents Charges may be applicable |
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Gym and fitness
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Located beside the Crocodile Club, the Sierra Sports and Fitness Club is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment from Star Trac, including treadmills, steppers, rowers, resistance equipment and weights, with plenty of space for floor work. Light and airy, this is a relaxed and pleasant gymnasium to tone up; the whole front opens up to take advantage of the warm dry climate. The external exercise steps are just outside, as are Boxing Bob and Junior. For those, who prefer to exercise in complete privacy, there is also the aerobically equipped Private Individual Work Out Area in the Private Reserve facilities. There is a charge of approximately €10 to use the gym facilities.
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Opening times:
Jan - Dec 10:00 - 18:00
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Restrictions:
Minimum age is 16
Open to non residents Charges may be applicable |
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Other sports and activities
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Desert Springs offers a fantastic array of sporting activities including aerobics and fitness training and a number of exercise and fitness programs and fun events.
Besides that there are also other organised fun sports activities including Basket Ball, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Golf & Aqua Aerobics. Everything is catered for, you choose what you want! Two spectacular Jogging Track Loops of 1.6 and 2.2 km are available through the landscaped areas of the Resort. Take yourself on a spectacular self-guided bike tour. Ride through to Cuevas del Almanzora, Vera, Garrucha, Mojácar or Turre for an unforgettable, unique sightseeing experience. With hundreds of kilometers of tracks through wild countryside, mountain trails and quiet rural roads, both flat, hilly and some excruciantingly steep, there are rides to suit everyone, from beginners to veterans! Desert Springs has 22 quality sturdy Ventura Mondraker Mountain Bikes available for hire. There is a range of different sizes, suitable for use by all the family and each have independent front suspension and disc brakes. Helmet, bike lock and a route map are included. The Croc Club also provides a range of other diversions; a magnificent external giant chess and draughts board, table tennis, table football, air hockey, pool and a range of exciting video games. Table games of chess, draughts, dominos, backgammon and playing cards are also available in the Rondavel. Football & Cricket pitches with changing facilities are also available for hire. |
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Spa
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Enjoy some well-deserved time out away from the kids and treat yourself to one of the wide range of individual treatments available at the resort’s delightful private Day Spa. From facials and manicures to massages and wraps, the experienced resident therapist provides a truly personal experience using Elemis skincare products to pamper, soothe and de-stress. Treatments should be booked in advance, so the therapist may prescribe and uniquely ensure that treatments are tailor made to suit your needs in an un-hurried and relaxed atmosphere.
The Day Spa may be entirely booked out as a whole for groups of friends or families, for hen parties, baby showers, anniversaries, and boasts a beautiful private garden area with terrace and fountain where guests may relax outdoors. Inside there is also a private gym and lounge area. |
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Opening times:
Jan - Dec |
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Spa facilites:
Spa treatments: Facials:
Massages
Pedicure:
Manicure:
Other treatments:
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Restrictions:
No age restrictions
Open to non residents Pass required Charges may be applicable |
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Shopping
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On site, you will find a gift shop and golf-pro shop, where you can pick up a holiday souvenir. There is also grocery delivery available on request, where you can get your essentials delievered right to you. Alternatively you can find a fully-equipped supermarket within a 15 minute drive of the resort.
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Restaurant and bars
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Desert Springs has a selection of places to eat and drink.
The "Crocodile Club" is the resort centre of Desert Springs and is set on a high point overlooking the resort, with views to the sea and the surrounding mountains. It is housed in an enormous African style thatched long house, built by South African craftsmen. Within the Crocodile Club you will find "The Croc" restaurant, which features an eclectic menu of Mediterranean, Pacific Rim and Thai dishes, along with fresh fish and grills, Pastas and Pizzas and Desert Hamburgers; lots for kids and something special for the adults. The Crocodile Club is open (for food) from 7pm till 1am between 28th July and 2nd September only.
El Torrente is without doubt Cuevas del Almanzora’s premiere restaurant and it is situated at the Golf Club House, within a stunning setting, it looks out over Powder Creek and its cascade. El Torrente is open year round from 8am until midnight and is famous for its fine Spanish dining including several very special local dishes and fresh fish. Serving light lunches and a range of superb healthy fruit punches of the innocent and more grown up variety, the "El Chiringuito" pool bar is a great place to relax. It is open 2nd June until the 9th September. Snacks/light lunches can also be purchased from El Torrente’s "Deck Menu”. If you're looking to get yourself a refreshing drink in the evening, why not stop at the Rosewood Bar within the Crocodile Club? The bar is made of huge trunks of old dried rosewood from the Namibian desert and features a circular sitting out area; an open sided, canvas windowed Rondavel looking out, over the local wildlife at the water holes and in amongst the rocks and sand bunkers, to the surrounding plains and the sea. This is the number one meeting place for early, and indeed not so early, evening drink on the resort and features a delicious, but dangerous, selection of "croctails". The Rosewood Bar is open daily during all school holiday breaks, and over the weekends during the rest of the year from 7pm until midnight. Alternatively, The Cave Bar is an original but refurbished cave which is a really cool bar and offers an extraordinary private meeting room and exclusive and atmospheric private dining facilities in its underground gallery. Discovered during the construction of the golf course, it just happens to be located by the first tees and is believed to be the only one in the world! |
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Kids' club
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The Desert Springs Kids Club has devised a number of fun activities to keep children of all ages actively occupied at the resort’s well-designed Crocodile Club, leaving grown-ups some peaceful time to themselves. This service allows you to escape with the peace of mind that your children are in safe and capable hands of the professionally trained team.
Children can be signed up for anything from a single session (1hr) for approx €10 per child, or a full day (including lunch) for approx €28 per child, through to a 5-day programme for approx €112 per child. Sessions typically include activities such as the Trim Trail, Gator Tractor, 5-A side Football, Paddle Tennis, Junior Golf Clinic, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Drawing, and always finish up in the pool with supervised pool games! There’s an excellent sandy playground complete with slide, wobbly bridge and scrambling net, while the older ones can enjoy everything from football, volleyball and giant chess to table tennis, air hockey and pool. The family orientated main pool is also found here, an ideal place for children to make new friends |
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Kids Club
Ages 6 to 12
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Opening times:
15 Jul - 31 Aug 12 |
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Restrictions: Charges applicable |
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Pool
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The main pool at Desert Springs can be found at the Crocodile Club, although there are also several other pools throughout the resort on each community (however these are generally only for residents of that community).
The large shaped main pool, chilling out pool and Jacuzzi are set within natural rock, cascades and planting and are cooled by an occasional fine mist. The main pool features underwater music and has a contra current to swim against. The fresh “desert springs” water, treated by a saline purification system, is free of eye stinging chlorine and is a delight for young and old. The pools are surrounded by cool grass sun bathing lawns, where families and friends can enjoy relaxed semi-private days at leisure, looked after by the friendly pool bar team. There is a charge of €6pp to use the pool and sunloungers are approx €3 for hire. However, community pools are free of charge to use. |
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Opening times:
2 Jun - 9 Sep 12 11:00 - 19:00
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Pool facilities
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Restrictions:
Minimum age is 14 unless accompanied by an adult.
Open to non residents Charges may be applicable |
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Special offers
Free Sierra Club VIP Pass
Book by the 29 February 2012
Depart between
1 April - 1 June 2012
10 September - 31 October 2012
10 September - 31 October 2012
Book your holiday to Desert Springs and you could take advantage of a free Sierra Club VIP pass entitling all travelling passengers to many on-site benefits. Don't miss out on your chance to enjoy the best this fantastic resort has to offer!
View Terms and Conditions >
View Terms and Conditions >
- Holiday must be booked between 04 October 2011 and 29 February 2012 inclusive
- Holiday must depart between 1 April - 1 June 2012 or 10 September - 31 October 2012 inclusive
- Offer applies to all properties in Desert Springs
- Offer applies to new bookings only
- Offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer
- Offer for Sierra Club VIP Pass entitles all travelling passengers with the following benefits:
- 50% Discount from Residents Rates for use of Tennis Courts
- 50% Discount from Residents Rates for use of Paddle Courts
- Free use of Gymnasium
- Free use of Trim Trail Track
- Rounds of Golf discounted to €50pp including a FREE Golf Buggy (shared between 2 people)
- Standard James Villa Holiday booking conditions apply
- This offer is subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time
- This offer is not transferable and non refundable
Free Sierra Club VIP Pass!
Book by the 29 February 2012
Depart between
2 June - 9 September 2012
Book your holiday to Desert Springs and you could take advantage of a free Sierra Club VIP pass entitling all travelling passengers to many on-site benefits. Don't miss out on your chance to enjoy the best this fantastic resort has to offer!
View Terms and Conditions >
View Terms and Conditions >
- Holiday must be booked between 04 October 2011 and 29 February 2012 inclusive
- Holiday must depart between 2 June - 9 September 2012 inclusive
- Offer applies to all properties in Desert Springs
- Offer applies to new bookings only
- Offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer
- Offer for Sierra Club VIP Pass entitles all travelling passengers with the following benefits:
- 50% Discount from Residents Rates for use of Tennis Courts
- 50% Discount from Residents Rates for use of Paddle Courts
- Free use of Gymnasium
- Free use of Trim Trail Track
- 65% Discount from Residents Rates for access to The Crocodile Club (Children up to 5yrs old FREE OF CHARGE) – Rate includes use of the pools, Sun Lawns, Playa Bunkers, Kick Around, Basket Ball and Volley Ball area, Giant Chess and some Table Games)
- Rounds of Golf discounted to €50pp including a FREE Golf Buggy (shared between 2 people)
- Standard James Villa Holiday booking conditions apply
- This offer is subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time
- This offer is not transferable and non refundable
Accommodation in Desert Springs
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Desert Springs reviews
"This was our 1st time booking a villa holiday and James came recommended by my sister. The choice available was excellent and the customer service team were very helpful advising us what to do and how to do it. This will be the 1st of many villa holidays. Thank you James Villas...job well done"
"It would be useful to have more info in the villa / resort reception which gives you ideas of activities in the area / guide books / leaflets"
"Desert springs resort is a fantastic place with superb staff. I was very impressed and will return."
Read all Desert Springs reviews
* See Essential Information and Booking Conditions for information on availability and restrictions.






