• From: José Ignacio Olea, Golf Operations Manager at Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club
  • Date: Monday 13th August, 2012
  • Subject: Reporting on the visit of UD Almería 'B' Team for their official 2012 Pre-Season Football Training Camp

 

UD Almería 'B' Team Manager, Francisco Rodríguez

I met with the UD Almería 'B' Team Manager, Francisco Rodríguez, for an informal meeting to receive his views and opinion on how he felt the team´s first visit to the Desert Springs Football Academy had gone to get as much feedback as possible.

 
Unión Deportiva Almería 'B' Team (Almeria Football Club 'B') selected the Football Academy at the Desert Springs Resort to be host to their official Pre-Season Football Training Camp between Wednesday 1st – Friday 3rd August, 2012.
 
 
UD Almería 'B' Team 2012 Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs Football Academy 
 
A squad of 23 players and 8 officials from UD Almería 'B' – which currently competes in 2ª División B (Spanish Division Three) also benefited from access to and use of the 18-hole Indiana golf course and golf academy. They enjoyed the opportunity to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, padel tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also had access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema, which was used on several occasions as a conference and meeting room to further visualise videos as part of the training camp. Accommodation for the players and officials was in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. The resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s two restaurants – the award-winning El Torrente and the Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club.
 
UD Almería 'B' Manager, Francisco Rodríguez, commented; 
 
Accommodation
The Apartments where we stayed were absolutely fine; the community pools were used very often by the players after training and the quiet atmosphere at Las Sierras was quite convenient for resting purposes. We didn't miss a Hotel operation at all. 
 
Food and Beverage
The F&B meals and service were absolutely spotless; I couldn't find any weaknesses or make any suggestions. The Menus were superb, as well as the quality of the food which was always served on time. All the staff were very accessible and polite with the players, rapidly attending every request.
 
Resort Staff
Everyone at the Resort has shown interest to assist our team, and I´m very grateful for the assistancereceived. Even at the Football Pitch we have had a member of the Staff at every session, to attend any irrigation or maintenance requests!
 
Football Pitch

The Pitch was kept in immaculate condition for us; I have already provided a very positive feedback to the UD Almeria President, as the Pitch is as good as it can get. This is obviously the most important facility for us and I would grade it as a perfect 10!
 
Sierra Sports & Fitness Club Facilities
During our short stay we haven't made much use of those facilities but they are sufficient and well maintained. 
 
2013 Preseason Camp
Each Manager has his ownviews, but I would definitely like to come back to Desert Springs for Pre-season Training. The players are very comfortable here and it has been easy for them to concentrate and work hard. No doubt I will be requesting the use of thisResort in 2013. 
 
Summary
I'm certainly happy with our Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs. Before being a manager, I have played football professionally for 15 years, and out of all the Resorts where I have travelled for Pre-Season Training Camps, Desert Springs is second to none. I´m sure that Desert Springs has all the ingredients to attract many other teams and I´m surprised not to see them already! 
UD Almeria could help spreading the word within the spanish football network as it is quite recommendable.
  • From: Andrew Perry
  • Date: Monday 13th August, 2012
  • Subject: Andrew's comments on his family holiday in a 2 bedroom Country Cottage at Desert Springs between 4th – 11th August, 2012

 

Hello Jennie,
 
Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our week’s holiday in Desert Springs; I wish 11 La Rosa had been available for another week as 7 days is not enough. 
 
The accommodation was lovely; the villa had everything that you need. 
 
I especially loved the outside area with the easy chairs for the evening and the hammock for the early mornings (too hot once the sun was on you). 
 
The satellite TV was great for the BBC Olympic coverage too!
 
Please pass my thanks on to the owners; the extra touches were really appreciated.
 
Andrew, Natalie, James and Rose Perry.
  • From: John Crosby
  • Date: Wednesday 8th August, 2012
  • Subject: Email from John & Helen Crosby, the new owners of 18 Desert Gold, a new 3 Bedroom Buenaventura Country Cottage at The Desert Springs Resort

 

Julia,
 
We would like to take this opportunity to thank yourself, Paul and all the staff at Desert Springs for making the buying process of our new cottage at Desert Gold smooth and professional from the signing of the reservation form to the handover and completion of the property.  
 
 
John & Helen Crosby, the happy owners of 18 Desert Gold, a new Buenaventura Cottage at Desert Springs
 
The house was perfect for our arrival just as you had said it would be.
 
Paul recommended using Paloma as our lawyer and we are grateful of this, as her professionalism and character were second to none.
 
We would like to invite yourself and Paul to join us and our family next week for a drink to celebrate our new home in Spain.
 
Many thanks again,
 
John & Helen Crosby
  • From: José Ignacio Olea, Golf Operations Manager at Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club
  • Date: Wednesday 1st August, 2012
  • Subject: Reporting on the visit of UD Almería for their official 2012 Pre-Season Football Training Camp.

 

 
UD Almería Manager, Javi Gracia
 
Returning to Desert Springs for the second consecutive year, and having exceeded the team expectations last summer, I was interested in hearing the comments from Javi Gracia, the new coach of UD Almería, and what the players had to say about their Pre-Season Camp at the Desert Springs Football Academy.
 
Unión Deportiva Almería (Almeria Football Club) selected the Football Academy at the Desert Springs Resort to be host to their official Pre-Season Football Training Camp between Monday 23rd – Tuesday 31st July, 2012.
 

 
UD Almería Team 2012 Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs Football Academy 
 
A squad of 25 players and 13 officials from UD Almería – which currently competes in La Liga Adelante (Spanish Division Two) also benefited from access to and use of the 18-hole Indiana golf course and golf academy. They enjoyed the opportunity to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, padel tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also had access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema, which was used on several occasions as a conference and meeting room to further visualize videos as part of the training camp. Accommodation for the players and officials was in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. The resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s two restaurants – the award-winning El Torrente and the Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club.
 
 
UD Almería Manager, Javi Gracia, commented; 
 
Accommodation
The community of Las Sierras was very quiet and convenient for us, providing a lot of privacy and no disruptions.
 
Food and Beverage
Everything was perfect; all of the dietary requirements were followed strictly and the food was ready on time every day. 
Players hate to wait for their food, especially after training, and this never happened during our stay. The quality was phenomenal and all staff members were on hand.
 
Resort Staff
Fantastic, we have felt very well attended. When we made any request, like the use of a Conference Room, it was organised within minutes and we were able to use it on several occasions. Nobody in my team has commented anything negative to me, so it must be a good sign! 
 
Football Pitch
We have worked carefully on the Pitch trying to avoid any damage from traffic, and it has actually worked out well. 
The playing surface and thickness of the grass was just perfect, and also the daily assistance of the Maintenance Crew has made a difference.  
 
Sierra Sports & Fitness Club Facilities
I have visited the gym, and although it is not huge, it has all of the necessary machines for workouts.  
 
2013 Preseason Camp
I have been very comfortable at Desert Springs and would certainly consider it for a future Pre-Season Training Camp. Other Resorts may have more pitches, but at Desert Springs we are not forced to train at certain times and we feel very welcome.
 
Summary
I knew that UD Almería had already used Desert Springs last year, and if we have repeated as we have, then something must be working well!
The players seem to be very comfortable and they take for granted that we will be back! 
I have personally felt very well attended and everything has assisted to provide a good Pre-Season training camp.
  • From: Angela McGinn
  • Date: Wednesday 11th July, 2012
  • Subject: Angela McGinn comments on her two week family holiday  in a 4 bedroom Country Villa at Desert Springs between 23rd June – 7th July, 2012

 

Dear Sandra,
 
Thank you for your email. 
 
We had a lovely holiday at Desert Springs and would love to return in the future. 
 
We found the accommodation to be of the highest standard and Desert Springs is certainly one of the nicest resorts we have stayed in. 
 
All the staff were excellent and helpful, especially the gentleman who met us in the middle of the night when we arrived.
 
If I had any suggestions, it would be maybe some activities for older children, 12 –16 in the mid season, I understand it is not possible to provide a full programme early in the summer, due to lack of demand, but it would be great if there was something for them to learn or do.
 
Anyway, thank you again, from a very rainy and not so warm Ireland
 
Angela
 
  • From: Raymond Irving
  • Date: Tuesday 10th July, 2012
  • Subject: A regular holiday maker at Desert Springs commenting on his latest visit to the resort between 26th – 30th June, 2012

 

Hi Sandra,
 
Many thanks for your contact.
 
As we have been coming to Desert Springs for over 5 years, I would like to thank all the staff involved with the course and management, as we have been many different times of the year and have found the course to be in immaculate condition.
 
Also the staff are very helpful, no problems, that is the main reason we keep coming back to Desert Springs.
 
Once again many thanks to all involved with Desert Springs.
It's a pleasure to drive over 200 km's to play and be welcomed at your resort.
 
Regards
 
Ray Irving
  • From: John Duncombe
  • Date: Tuesday 26th June, 2012
  • Subject: John Duncombe commenting on his party of 8 group break at the Desert Springs Resort between 21st-25th June, 2012

 

 

Hi Jennie,
 
First of all can I thank you for sorting us out at Desert Springs. We got back last night after a terrific few days and loved every minute.
 
The house was perfect, with so many balconies and outdoor areas that we could have all had one each. 
 
The staff were so friendly and the restaurant proved to be great value and good food.
 
Our golf day went well, (meaning I only lost one ball)… It was tough but beautifully designed and maintained, a great experience which I think they call 'challenging' nowadays.
 
Many thanks.
 
John
 
  • From: Justin Clark
  • Date: Monday 18th June, 2012
  • Subject: Justin Clark comments on his family holiday at the Desert Springs Resort between 5th – 12th June, 2012

 

Hi Sandra

 

Just a short note to say we really enjoyed our time over all at Desert Springs, the golf course was in great condition and the staff were superb in the clubhouse, at reception and at the caddymaster.  

 

The staff overall where so helpful and attentive throughout the resort.

 

We would return in the future and look forward to it.

 

Kind regards

Justin Clark

Director

 

 

  • From: Martin Sandin
  • Date: Wednesday 6th June, 2012
  • Subject: Martin Sandin´s message of thanks for his 4 day golfing break at the Desert Springs Resort between 31st May – 4th June, 2012

 

Hi Jennie, 

 

Now I'm back in Sweden again after a wonderful weekend at Desert Springs. 

Golf, food and living was great for us.

 
Kind regards
 
Martin Sandin

 

  • From: Simon Piers
  • Date: Wednesday 6th June, 2012
  • Subject: Simon Piers comments on his group of 8 golfers 3 day golfing break at the Desert Springs Resort between 27th – 31st May, 2012

Sandra,

 

Thank you for your message.

 

I confirm we had an excellent time and I wish to thank all your staff at the resort for the attentive and pleasant service, which I have to say provided one of my more pleasurable experiences in Spain. 

 

I wish your resort all the best in the future and have no hesitation in recommending to others.

 

Regards,

 

A. Simon Peers FRICS

 

  • From: Yvonne Alford
  • Date: Thursday 31st May, 2012
  • Subject: Yvonne Alford reporting on her groups golfing break at Desert Springs with accommodation at the Villaricos Fishing Village between 21st – 28th May, 2012.

Hi Jennie

Just a quick email to say we had a great time in Villaricos – the apartment was lovely and had everything you could possibly want and the village was also lovely. It was “more” Spanish than we had thought which was brilliant, as we like to experience the culture when we visit abroad. It was also quiet and suited us.

The golf club were very good as we had to cancel the second game of golf and they rearranged for another day for us.

Thanks for all your help and we hope to go back at some point.

Regards
Yvonne

  • From: Stuart Pain
  • Date: Thursday 31st May, 2012
  • Subject: Stuart Pain reporting on his leisure & golf break at the Desert Springs Resort with accommodation in the Colonial Apartments and golf on The Indiana course between 23rd – 27th May, 2012

Hi Jose,
 
Hope your well.
 
Just wanted to say I had a great time at your resort last week with Glen Nash and wish I could have stayed longer but was short and sweet!!
 
I have to say I thought the golf course was in superb condition and the greens were amazing. The greens were like carpet and the ball rolled true every time. Please pass my comments onto the owner and green keeping staff; I had a great golfing experience!!
 
Upon my return at work I have been singing praises to my colleagues about the resort and hope to venture to you in the near future. I may even be looking at week commencing 18th June 2012 with my dad and his 2 friends. Do you know how busy the resort is then for say a week’s stay?
 
Thanks again Jose!!
Kind Regards
Stuart Pain

  • From: Debbie Kupferberg
  • Date: Monday 21st May, 2012
  • Subject: Email of thanks from Debbie Kupferberg following a meal with friends at El Torrente Restaurant

Hello Ellie,

Thank you for your email. We took a chance and came over on Friday evening anyway, had a lovely meal with some friends, food was excellent and the service was superb, credit to you.

Thanks for the info. and look forward to our next visit.

Regards,

Debbie

  • From: Andy Palmer
  • Date: Monday 14th May, 2012
  • Subject: Andy Palmer reporting on his group of 8 golfers break at the Desert Springs Resort with accommodation in the Colonial Apartments and golf on The Indiana course between 10th – 13th May, 2012

Sandra

Thank you.

My guests & I all had a fantastic time. All the staff were extremely friendly & helpful. 

We all enjoyed the golf course, though most of us failed to do it justice.

I think we were all surprised at just how good the food was in the restaurant, so I would certainly recommend the resort to others.

Thanks

Andy

  • From: Carolyn Hall
  • Date: Saturday 5th May, 2012
  • Subject: Carolyn Hall reporting on her group of 4 golfers break at the Desert Springs Resort with accommodation in the Colonial Apartments and golf on The Indiana course between 23rd – 30th April, 2012

Jennie and Sandra
 
Thank you for your letter/email.
 
This was our second visit to Desert Springs and we were once again impressed by the high quality of the accommodation and services offered at the resort.
The extended clubhouse hours allowing us to take evening meals as well as daytime drinks and snacks in the El Torrente Restaurant was a welcome addition to this splendid facility. The quality and price of the food were both excellent.
 
The golf course maintenance was as good if not better than we remembered and the Caddy Master staff were helpful and friendly.
 
We expressed an interest in seeing some of the available properties and Paul Gutierrez was most helpful in showing us the properties and advising on various purchase options. He also offered a 2-night break for us to visit the resort if we are considering a purchase.
 
We shall certainly be returning to Desert Springs in the future and your offer of a 5% discount for former guests booking a return visit is much appreciated.
 
All the staff at Desert Springs could not have been more helpful and are to be congratulated on their attitude and commitment to the welfare of the guests.
 
The initial booking and reservations procedure before our visit was made very easy with the help and cooperation between the UK and Desert Springs staff and I should be very happy to deal directly with the Almanzora Group for any future bookings.
 
We look forward to our next visit.
 
Kind regards
Carolyn Hall

  • From: Henley Smith
  • Date: Tuesday 24th April, 2012
  • Subject: Henley Smith reporting on his group of 8 golfers break at the Desert Springs Resort with accommodation in one of the resorts villas and golf on The Indiana course between 20th – 23rd April, 2012

Dear Steve and Tania,
 
Where do I start? So many thankyous.
 
Desert Springs more than exceeded my expectation and also the expectations of the motley crew who came with me.

Thank you both so much for looking after us all so much, it was truly appreciated by everyone.
 
Loved the villa, the course, the food, the wine, (we did have wine didn’t we?) and especially the very friendly and attentive staff, they were all lovely and everyone one of them seem to go the extra mile, please convey our sincere thanks to them all.

Loved the Cave and that incredible bar-b-cue you put on for us, I don’t think my stomach and I will ever forget it.

Thank you too for showing us round and organising that amazing Paella lunch on Sunday.
 
It was sad to leave but I know we will be back, bad luck!

Roy spoke with Simon about a golf tour, he is a member of two societies, so no doubt spin offs will occur, I don’t think you’ve seen the last of us, so sorry.
 
I only hope both you and Steve got some fun out of us too and didn’t feel it was too much entertaining.

Wouldn’t advise you came back to the UK just yet, the weather is appalling, very jealous!
 
All the best, and thanks again for everything,      
 
Regards

Henley Smith

  • From: Scott Boswell
  • Date: Thursday 19th April, 2012
  • Subject: Scott Boswell, Trent College Cricket Coach, reporting on the Trent College Cricket Winter Training Camp hosted at the Desert Springs Resort between 14th - 18th April, 2012.


Hi Sandra

Thank you again for your first class hospitality during our recent stay. The food facilities and accommodation were all very good and perfect for our cricket preparation.

We will definitely be trying to come back in 2014.

Thank you again

Kind regards
Scott
Click here to find out more about Trent College: Trent College Logo 

  • From: Jose Ignacio Olea, Golf Operations Manager at Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club.
  • Date: Thursday 19th April, 2012
  • Subject: Trent College Pre-season cricket training in Spain, Saturday 14th - Wednesday 18th April, 2012

Trent College Cricket Camp at Desert Springs

Trent College Cricket Squad pictured during pre-season training at Desert Springs in south – east Spain

 

Trent College Cricket Camp Training at Desert Springs

Trent College Cricket Camp at Desert Springs

Trent College Training at Desert Springs

 

A cricket squad of 20 players aged between 16 – 18 years and two officials from Trent College – followed in the footsteps of other teams such as Cheltenham College, by enjoying the facilities of the Cricket Academy established at Desert Springs for their pre–season training camp between Saturday 14th – Wednesday 18th April.

During their four-night stay, the Trent College players and officials were accommodated in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s award-winning El Torrente restaurant.

 

Scott Boswell commenting on the Trent College Cricket Training Camp at Desert Springs

Scott Boswell, Cricket Coach, Trent College

 

I met with Scott Boswell, Head of Cricket at Trent College, for an informal interview to receive his feed-back on the whole experience at Desert Springs Resort.

(Jose) This is your first time at Desert Springs; after spending some days at the Resort what is your overall impression?

(Scott) I´m very happy with our stay so far. Initially the Cricket Camp was going to take place at a different Resort; however, at the very last minute the venue had to be rescheduled and I was quite apprehensive about going elsewhere. After speaking to Kim Parsley from Cheltenham School I was more confident and thought that Desert Springs would be the right choice.

(Jose) How do you rate the cricket facilities at Desert Springs?

(Scott) The cricket facilities are definitely a strength at Desert Springs. I didn’t expect such high a quality wicket, which thanks to Anthony and his team was superb. Also, weather conditions have enabled us to practice intensively every day which is the purpose of this trip.

(Jose) A group of 22 people can provide us with helpful feedback about other important matters such as accommodation and meals. Moreover, resting and eating properly is vital to any athlete.

(Scott) The resort accommodation was lovely. All of the Apartments at Desert Springs are nicely furnished. The food was actually fantastic and considering that the boys eat a lot, both the quantity and quality were superb.

(Jose) Considering your positive feedback concerning the Camp, is there an opportunity to see Trent College back at Desert Springs?

(Scott) Definitely. Every aspect of the Training Camp has surpassed my expectations and we have been able to do a lot of productive work. We shall be back in 2014 and maybe next year as well!

(Jose) Is there anything else that you would like to comment?

(Scott) Actually the staff at Desert Springs deserve to be mentioned. The service received from the departments was great; everyone offered assistance and we communicated with the managers frequently.

Click here to find out more about Trent College: Trent College Logo 

  • From: Kate Dymoke
  • Date: Friday 13th April, 2012
  • Subject: Kate Dymoke reporting on her family break in a Colonial Townhouse at the Desert Springs Resort between 7th – 11th April, 2012.

Hi Tania

Just a quick line to say how much we enjoyed our trip out to Desert Springs.  

So relaxing, great staff – Daniel was lovely – fab weather, beautiful golf course, just perfect for a quick break.  

Will definitely go again – probably with girlies as we didn’t get into the spa at all!!!  

Your evening menu is such fantastic value at 17 euros – and good food.  

Please thank Jennie for her help and advice.

Speak soon and thanks again. xxx

Kate Dymoke

  • From: Jose Ignacio Olea, Golf Operations Manager at Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club
  • Date: Thursday 12th April, 2012
  • Subject: Cheltenham School Pre-season cricket training in Spain, Saturday 7th - Wednesday 11th April, 2012

 

Cheltenham School Cricket Squad pictured during pre-season training at Desert Springs in south - east Spain

Cheltenham School Cricket Squad pictured during pre-season training at Desert Springs in south – east Spain

 

Cheltenham School Training at Desert Springs

Cheltenham School Training at Desert Springs

 

A cricket squad of 27 players aged between 10 – 13 years, accompanied by seven officials from Cheltenham College Junior School – enjoyed their seventh cricket pre-season training camp at the facilities of the Cricket Academy established at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 7th – Wednesday 11th April.

During their four-night stay, the Cheltenham School players and officials were accommodated in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s award-winning El Torrente restaurant.

I met with Kim Parsley, Director of the Cheltenham College Cricket Team, and one of the attending students Will Hardie, for an informal interview to receive their feed-back on the whole experience at Desert Springs Resort.

Interview with Kim Parsley:

(Jose) This is now your seventh cricket pre-season training camp held at Desert Springs, how would you rate this years visit?

(Kim) Being back at Desert Springs is always a pleasure. I can rest assured that the facilities and service are always great. Because we schedule various training sessions each day, we get a lot done and the work becomes very effective.

(Jose) In previous years the Team was accommodated in a Hotel, how would you compare that with the apartments that the team now stay in on the Desert Springs Resort?

(Kim) Accommodation has never been an issue on our trips. I must say that staying at Desert Springs has been far better than any other choice; I have realised that the time saved in commuting in and out of the Resort every day can be used to program our training more effectively.

(Jose) At Desert Springs we aim to provide schools and clubs with “value for money” packages, coupled with the highest standards of quality for both service and facilities. I´m aware that your son has attended the Pre-Season Training Camp before; as a father, how would you rate the cost of the trip for your son?

(Kim) On a value for money ranking, it´s definitely a 10/10. The service is great, facilities are awesome and the cricket pitch together with mild temperatures are all we can ask for. The quality of the food was brilliant and always on time.

Interview with Will Hardie:

(Jose) It must be lovely to train in short sleeves whilst it´s raining at home in the UK, and I´m aware that some of you have used the swimming pools located in Las Sierras.

(Will) That’s correct. The weather has been fantastic throughout the camp and we have also enjoyed the swimming pool in the evenings. Water was a bit cold, but still great compared to the UK!
(Jose) As other activities on top of cricket, you have had an “Introduction to Golf” session at the Golf Academy and also a night out at the nearby village Garrucha.

(Will) I´m happy that we did those. Golf was loads of fun and all the boys loved it; actually next year there could be more golf sessions added to the Camp or an optional golf round. Also, I liked the visit to the spanish village whilst we were here in Spain.

(Jose) Talking about cricket, this is your second year attending the Cheltenham College Training Camp at Desert Springs. Why do you think that it´s so important to attend in order to improve your cricket skills?

(Will) In the UK we only get about 2 hours of proper cricket training per week and sometimes we have to do indoor training due to the weather. However, here we have 2 full sessions per day and the intensive training scheduled in 4 days equals the training of months at home!

Click here to find out about Cheltenham College Junior School:Cheltenham College Junior School Logo

 

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