The Levante coast – Almería, Vera, Garrucha, Mojácar… where it is always spring, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year – is home to one of southern Spain’s most attractive resorts; Valle del Este, Golf, Hotel & Spa. And it’s a new Valle del Este, because the complex has been completely renovated and improved over the past three years.

The resort,” says owner Pedro Lope, “comprises four main pillars, four ‘legs’ that give it meaning and complement each other. One would be the commercial centre, with numerous shopping, leisure and gastronomy options; another is the 18-hole golf course, with an excellent practice range and a completely renovated shop; the third is the hotel, with 142 rooms, also revamped; and finally, the fourth would be the beach club, which we are going to reclaim from its current tenant and position it at the highest level in the Mediterranean area. At the same level as in Ibiza, the Costa del Sol…

“Since 2013, the year when the new ownership took over the resort, we have undertaken a series of major investments to improve the course, the hotel, our amenities and the pro shop, which is now truly an exceptional outlet, so we can claim to have a first-class product.”

“Different kinds of clients visit our complex,” says golf manager Nacho Olea, “and they can all find and create a different and personal programme which suits them, but I will allow myself to outline what could be a ‘Valle del Este Experience’ for a golfer over a full day:

“We would recommend, of course, that they start with a buffet breakfast on the hotel terrace, with views over the golf course and sea, follow that with some practice on the driving range, then head out for a round of golf on our 18-hole course.

“The layout,” explains Olea, “was designed by José Canales and opened for play in 2003. Canales based his work on a great knowledge of courses located in desert areas in the United States, such as Nevada, to transfer this experience here. He respected the desert fringe natural surroundings, and preserved the natural contours of the original plot of land. It’s a technical and fun course. Difficult to forget thanks to its unique features, including a contrast between the greenness of its fairways and the adjoining desert fringe. An exceptional landscape in Almería province.

“After the round it wouldn’t be a bad idea to continue with lunch at one of our restaurants, where we would probably recommend our menu speciality, rice (or paella) dishes. And, after a restorative and well-deserved Spanish siesta, you could use our gymnasium and spa, which are free for those staying at the hotel.”

“And for the climax, we recommend attending an entertaining post-dinner show.”

 

Exceptional Setting

As it is not only about golf, Pedro Lope suggests other tourist options that are very – very – attractive in this part of Almería. “The Valle del Este setting is, without a doubt, privileged. There are such renowned villages in the area as Mojácar, Garrucha and others which offer superb cuisine at the highest level, and an absolutely translucent and tranquil sea.

“We have,” he adds, “and this is what I would highlight most, an exceptional climate that enables us to be in shirt sleeves in January and February. That truly is exclusive to here. Our year-long climate doesn’t exist anywhere else in Europe. So that’s why, to the golf experience at Valle del Este, I would add the climate experience at Valle del Este.”