Desert Springs, Almanzora, Almería

A Luxurious Oasis of Nature, Sport, Fun, Relaxation and Comfort in Southeast Spain

Desert Springs Resort is a unique luxury destination located in the Cuevas del Almanzora and Vera area of the Almería region in Andalucía, southeast Spain. It is Europe’s only award-winning desert resort, combining championship golf with world-class accommodations and facilities. With its distinctive desert climate, Mediterranean charm, and high-end amenities, Desert Springs offers an unparalleled experience for people seeking both relaxation and adventure.

A One-of-a-Kind Destination

Nestled in the province of Almería, Desert Springs Resort is known for its breathtaking arid landscapes and luxurious accommodations. The resort is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Almanzora Valley and the nearby Mediterranean coast, creating a harmonious blend of desert scenery and coastal living. The resort’s design draws inspiration from the natural desert environment while incorporating the serenity and elegance of Mediterranean architecture. Desert Springs is particularly famous for its championship golf course, elegant housing, and diverse facilities that cater to relaxation, sports, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Climate: Year-Round Sunshine

One of the resort’s most significant attractions is its exceptional climate. With more than 320 days of sunshine each year, Desert Springs and the broader Almería region boast one of the driest and sunniest climates in Europe. Summers are typically hot, with temperatures ranging between 30-35°C, while winters are mild and ideal for outdoor activities. The Almanzora Valley enjoys a true desert climate, offering the warmest, driest winters in Europe. Visitors and residents can enjoy sun-soaked family holidays and golfing year-round, including warm weather well into the autumn and spring months.

Easy Access to an Idyllic Location

Despite its serene desert setting, Desert Springs is easily accessible from major airports. It’s only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Northern Europe, followed by a quiet, scenic 50-minute drive from Almería International Airport. For those seeking additional travel options, Alicante and Murcia airports offer alternative routes with easy drives to the resort. The location provides visitors with a perfect blend of natural beauty, sandy beaches, rich culture, and a variety of recreational activities. Whether it's a relaxing holiday, a golf getaway, or to live all year round, Desert Springs has it all.

Variety of Amenities and Activities

Desert Springs offers an extensive array of activities and amenities to suit guests and residents of all ages and interests. From world-class golfing to fitness facilities, outdoor sports, and opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty, the resort ensures there is something for everyone. The laid-back rhythm of life, combined with traditional Spanish culture, makes it an inviting destination for relaxation and adventure.

The Indiana Course: At the heart of Desert Springs is its 18-hole, par-72 Indiana Course, the only desert-style championship golf course in Europe. Designed by former Ryder Cup player Peter McEvoy, the course is inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California. It seamlessly integrates the rugged desert landscape with lush fairways, dry riverbeds, cacti, and stunning views of the Sierra de las Estancias and Sierra Cabrera mountains. The course has hosted prestigious tournaments, including the European Tour Qualifying School, and is renowned for its challenging design and pristine condition.

Sierra Sports & Fitness Club: Perfect for both casual fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes, the Sierra Sports & Fitness Club offers top-notch indoor and outdoor facilities. The club includes a state-of-the-art aerobics gym, tennis and padel courts, jogging tracks, a football pitch, a beach volleyball court, a trim trail with equipped exercise stations, swimming pool with counter-current and mountain biking:

The gymnasium at Desert Springs is a relaxed, airy space designed for a comfortable workout experience, unlike traditional gym settings. The front can be fully opened to enjoy the pleasant climate, and it’s equipped with advanced Star Trac machines, including treadmills, steppers, rowers, and weights, with ample room for floor exercises. Outdoor exercise options include steps, Boxing Bob, and Junior stations. For privacy, there's an Individual Work Out Area with a Private Sauna and Jacuzzi.

Jogging Tracks & Trim Trail feature two loops (1.6 and 2.2 km) with 16+ exercise stations set through scenic resort landscapes.

Mountain Bikes are available for self-guided tours, offering routes through Cuevas del Almanzora, Vera, and Mojácar. With a range of trails, from easy to challenging, there's something for all riders.

The Tennis Academy has two tennis courts, two padel courts and a beach volley court. The tennis and padel courts have top quality Cushion Life surfaces that give high bounce and add to the ease and pleasure of the game.

Cricket Academy: Desert Springs caters to cricket fans with professional-grade facilities. The Desert Springs Cricket Ground, built to ECB standards, is available year-round and attracts teams from all over Europe for training camps, making it a popular destination for professional athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

The Day Spa at Desert Springs, nestled within the resort’s Private Reserve, offers a serene environment for personalized health and beauty treatments, tailored to meet individual needs. The Private Reserve Facilities elevate the experience with a range of exclusive, luxurious amenities, including a Private Beauty and Massage Suite, a relaxing Sauna and Jacuzzi Suite, and a Personal Fitness and Workout Room. For leisure, guests can unwind in the Billiards and Pool Room, complete with an adjoining bar, or enjoy a movie in the Private Screening Room, equipped with a home cinema and audiovisual system. For intimate gatherings, the Bodega offers a cozy Private Meeting and Tapas Room as well as a Dining Room, while the Residencia Outside Private Dining Terrace provides a sophisticated setting for elegant al fresco dining.

A Culinary Haven: Dining at Desert Springs

Dining at Desert Springs is a highlight of the resort experience, with a range of dining options that cater to all tastes. From casual poolside bites to gourmet meals, the resort’s restaurants showcase the best of Mediterranean and international cuisine.

El Torrente Restaurant: Situated at the Golf Clubhouse, El Torrente offers a gourmet dining experience with stunning views of the 18th hole of the Indiana Course. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, particularly fresh seafood from the region. The elegant terrace provides a perfect spot for al fresco dining, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Crocodile Club: Perched above the resort, the Crocodile Club offers a more relaxed atmosphere with panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Known for its grilled meats and fresh seafood, the restaurant is perfect for casual family dining. Its African-inspired décor and outdoor barbecue make it a favourite among visitors.

El Chiringuito Pool Bar: For those looking to cool off by the pool, El Chiringuito offers a vibrant menu with global flavours, from hearty dishes to light bites. It’s a great spot for a quick snack or a leisurely meal in the sun.

Private Dining at The Cave Bar: For a truly unique experience, The Cave Bar, located in an original but refurbished cave, provides an intimate setting for private dining and exclusive gatherings. Its underground gallery adds an extra touch of charm to any event or dinner.

Explore the Surrounding Region

Desert Springs is ideally located for exploring the diverse and dramatic landscapes of Almería. Known for its arid, desert-like environment, the region is home to some of Spain’s most stunning natural wonders and cultural heritage sites.

Villaricos

Villaricos is a charming fishing village, nestled between the Sierra Almagrera and the sea, bordered by the Almanzora River. This village, with roots tracing back to Neolithic times, was once a bustling Phoenician port before becoming a silver mining boomtown in the 19th century. Today, it has returned to its simple origins as a quiet fishing village with a unique identity. Every Sunday, the village square hosts a lively market, adding vibrancy to its tranquil setting. 

The beaches near Villaricos, such as La Fabrica del Duro, La Boca del Rio, Las Brisas Beach, and Cala Verde, each offer a different experience, from serene, sandy bays to rocky spots perfect for snorkelling.

Cuevas del Almanzora

This historic town, named after its caves and the river that runs through it, is rich in cultural and archaeological significance. Key sites include the Marqués de Vélez Castle, housing the Antonio Manuel Campoy Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Archaeology.

Vera

The town of Vera offers a blend of picturesque streets and historical landmarks such as the Church of Our lady of the Incarnation, that was built in the 16th Century as a fortress inside the fortified walls of the town. The town has a beautiful promenade and 3 beaches, with fine sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day at the seaside.

Garrucha

Garrucha's main attraction lies in its rich history as an 18th-century port for the Levante mines, earning it the nickname "little San Sebastián." It became a popular holiday destination for affluent families and was home to the vice-consuls of ten countries. A walk through town leads to the El Malecón promenade, offering stunning views of Garrucha Beach and Jesús de Nazareno Castle. Garrucha has three notable ports: the marina, popular for water sports; the commercial port, formerly used for transporting minerals; and the fishing port, the second largest in Almería, where fresh fish is auctioned daily. The calm harbour beach is ideal for families, with table tennis, a children's play area, and numerous restaurants and bars along the promenade.

Mojácar

Mojácar is a stunning whitewashed hillside village with a history spanning over 4,000 years. The village has retained its Moorish charm, with narrow, winding streets leading to spectacular views. Mojácar’s beaches and coves stretch along 17km, which includes Playa Marina de la Torre, one of the 3 blue flagged beaches in Mojácar, offering a variety of water sports, Playa la Rumina, Playa Descargador, the 2^nd beach to have the blue flag, Playa Piedra Villazar, the 3^rd beach with a blue flag, Playa Vista de los Angeles, Playa del Cantal, with many chiringuitos, Playa del Lance Nuevo which is ideal for children, Playa Cueva del Lobo, Playa de las Ventanicas which is the longest and calmest sandy beach in Mojacar, Playa Macenas, a 1,400m long natural beach in the southernmost part of Mojácar, especially popular among locals who seek more seclusion, and Playa del Sombrerico.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this impressive park is just a short drive from Desert Springs, and is Andalucía's largest coastal protected area, offering a stunning mix of volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, including Los Muertos and Monsul. Known for its rugged terrain and diverse habitats, the park shelters rare plant species and a rich variety of wildlife, including flamingos and other migratory birds. The park’s hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and are perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Los Muertos and Monsul Beaches 

Los Muertos beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pebble shoreline, though the steep access makes it challenging. Meanwhile, Monsul, famous for its lava formations and pristine condition, has appeared in many films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The closest beach to the resort is El Playazo, the grand beach of Almanzora, that stretches a total of 7 Km down from the mouth of the Rio Almanzora, and Boca del Rio Beach in Villaricos, as far as the harbour town of Garrucha.  

These locations, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, create an unforgettable experience in this unique region of Spain.

Things to Do 

Land-Based Activities

Go-Karts in Garrucha: Enjoy an exhilarating day of karting in the stunning desert surroundings of Garrucha. Compete with friends and family for an unforgettable racing experience.

Horse Riding: Several riding centers, including Club Hípico Vera, are located near Desert Springs. They offer riding lessons, one-on-one coaching, and cross-country rides. The facilities include ample parking and guest-changing rooms, making it a convenient choice for riders of all levels.

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort: Famous for allowing you to ski in the morning and sunbathe by the coast in the afternoon, Sierra Nevada is Andalucía’s only ski resort. With 110 km of pistes, it offers first-class facilities and has hosted many international events. In summer, the resort also opens for mountain biking. It’s located 30 km from Granada and makes for a perfect day trip, especially when combined with a visit to the Alhambra Palace.

Indoor Swimming Pool - Mariana Pineda: Situated in Vera, just 10 minutes from the resort, this indoor pool offers swimming lessons for all ages and Aqua Gym courses. It is particularly well-suited for triathletes and training groups, with six lanes, group-changing rooms, and a gym.

Water Park in Vera: A short 10-minute drive from Desert Springs, this family-friendly water park features pools, slides, wave machines, picnic areas, bars, and restaurants. Tickets can be purchased at the resort’s Clubhouse to skip the lines.

Tabernas Desert - Wild West Adventures

Texas Hollywood: Located near Tabernas, this Western-themed park was built in the 1970s as a film set and later transformed into a tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy mock shootouts, barroom brawls, and guided tours of the working film set.

Oasys Mini Hollywood: Originally built for Sergio Leone’s For a Few Dollars More in 1965, Oasys now operates as a theme park with daily cowboy stunt shows, a swimming complex, a zoo, and children's activities. It’s a must-visit for fans of classic Westerns like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Western Leone: This is the smallest of the three Western theme parks in the Tabernas Desert, originally built for Once Upon a Time in the West. It features the iconic red house from the film and other spaghetti Western sets. Though the nearby fortress has fallen into disrepair, the park remains an attraction for film buffs.

Sea-Based Activities

Fishing in Villaricos: Enjoy a fantastic morning of fishing suitable for all ages and skill levels, whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler. Local fishermen, with years of expertise, will not only guide you but also teach you how to prepare your catch the traditional Spanish way. Fishing in this region is still a growing sport, making it an exciting and less crowded experience with plenty of fish to catch.

Scuba Diving in Villaricos: Villaricos is home to two scuba diving centers, offering exceptional diving conditions with clear, warm waters that provide excellent visibility. Divers can explore a variety of underwater wonders, including unique species and fascinating structures like the La Catedral cavern and remenants of Villaricos’s old mining loading platforms, now submerged. Molasub, based in Esperanza Harbour, is affiliated with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and offers a range of diving experiences, from beginner discovery dives to advanced open water and dive master courses.

Properties

Desert Springs offers a wide range of property options, from luxurious villas and townhouses to traditional “Spanish-Moorish” style apartments. Each property is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, using natural materials and colours that reflect the beauty of the desert. Many villas feature private pools, landscaped gardens, and spacious terraces with stunning views of the golf course or the desert beyond. For those looking to invest, Desert Springs also offers a Property Management Service, which includes not only everything you need to care for your new home, such as gardening, swimming pool cleaning, property maintenance, laundry, and a 24 hour emergency assistance, but also they can deal with holiday rentals, making your purchase an excellent investment. 

Please see the types of properties available below and feel free to contact us letting us know what you are looking for and one of our commercial team will help you with every step of buying your dream home under the sun.

Desert Springs is more than just a luxury resort—it's a gateway to exploring the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant lifestyle of southeastern Spain. With its desert-inspired architecture, world-class golf, top-tier amenities, and proximity to natural and cultural attractions, Desert Springs provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking luxury, adventure, and tranquillity in one of Spain's most distinctive regions. Whether you're a golfer, nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Desert Springs offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature, making it an ideal choice for your new home.