Newsflash

Please be advised of the Restaurant opening times for September 2010:

El Torrente Restaurant
Tel: 0034 950 548 403 / 0034 637 861 590
Monday to Sunday: 08.00hrs - 20.00hrs
Breakfast: 08.00hrs - 12.00hrs
Deck Menu: 12.00hrs - 17.00hrs
Menu del Día: 13.00hrs - 17.00hrs

The Crocodile Club
Tel: 0034 950 548 404 / 0034 678 746 706
Monday to Sunday: 19.00hrs - 00.00hrs
The Croc’s Menu: 19.00hrs - 22.30hrs
Takeaway service available.

El Chiringuito
Tel: 0034 950 548 405 / 0034 678 746 706
Monday to Sunday: 11.00hrs - 19.00hrs
Cold Snacks available.

EL CHIRINGUITO AND THE POOL WILL BE CLOSED AS OF THE 4TH OF OCTOBER 2010.

The Marquee - Micro Stores
Monday to Sunday: 10.00hrs - 14.00hrs
Outside of these hours freshly baked bread and bottled water may be purchased at El Torrente Restaurant.

All schedules are subject to change during bank holidays and fiestas; please check with the Restaurants.

For further information contact: Ellie Hunter
Email: hosterleria@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 678 746 618

Karen our therapist at The Day Spa, who already offers pedicures and luxury pedicures, has introduced two new specialized but very different treatments for your feet at Desert Springs.

Our resident podiatrist, Helen Lavis, is now available for appointments at The Day Spa. A podiatrist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats all foot health problems.

Helen has 30 years experience in this area of medicine, and has worked at teaching hospitals in the UK, as well as having a successful private practice in South Oxfordshire for 25 years. Now semi-retired at Desert Springs she is able to offer treatment and foot care advice for anyone who has a problem with their feet.

Reflexology a holistic treatment, performed by experienced therapist Lorri Mathews, is also now available at The Day Spa @ Desert Springs. Reflexologists use their thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to the client's feet.

Lorri has over 10 years experience in her field and believes that the feet mirror the body and that all organs, systems and glands of the body can be mapped onto areas of the feet called reflex points.

The cost of a podiatry treatment is €30 and one hour reflexology treatment is €35. Advance booking is essential and subject to availability.

Helen’s Footnote for the summer months:-

Our feet naturally sweat to help cool us down. When the feet are enclosed in golf shoes /trainers the sweat is absorbed in the sole and uppers of the shoe. It is important to remove the shoes as soon as possible. Wear sandals and let the sports shoes dry out over 24hours (so 2 pairs are a good idea). Fungal spores love damp dark conditions and this is often the cause of "Athletes Foot" -Tinear Pedis. Give your feet some air and they will love you for it!

To reserve a treatment or for further information please contact Karen on (00 34) 610 944 494 or ask for Karen at the Golf Reception

For further information contact: Karen Kelliher
Email: kk@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 610 944 494

Please be advised of the current summer season Restaurant opening/closing times:

El Torrente Restaurant
Tel: 0034 950 548 403 / 0034 637 861 590
Monday to Sunday: 08.00hrs - 22.00hrs
Breakfast: 08.00hrs - 12.00hrs
Deck Menu: 12.00hrs - 17.00hrs
Menu del Día: 13.00hrs - 21.00hrs
(17.00hrs on Friday Buffet evenings)
Friday Buffet evenings 23/07/10 – 27/08/10 inclusive: 19.30hrs - 23.00hrs

The Crocodile Club
Tel: 0034 950 548 404 / 0034 678 746 706
Monday to Sunday: 18.00hrs - 01.00hrs
The Croc’s Menu: 18.00hrs - 23.00hrs
Takeaway service available.

El Chiringuito
Tel: 0034 950 548 405 / 0034 678 746 706
Monday to Sunday: 11.00hrs - 19.00hrs
Chiringuito Light Bites: 12.00hrs - 19.00hrs
The Marquee - Micro Stores
Monday to Sunday: 10.00hrs - 14.00hrs

Outside of these hours freshly baked bread and bottled water may be purchased at El Torrente Restaurant.

All schedules are subject to change during bank holidays and fiestas; please check with the Restaurants.

For further information contact: Ellie Hunter
Email: hosterleria@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 678 746 618

Desert Springs is pleased to announce our summer 2010 Soccer School. The first session is on Wednesday the 21st of July, thereafter every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until Friday the 27th of August from 9am to midday on the Desert Springs Football Pitch.

Open to boys and girls from the age of 6 years up to 13 years. The activities will take the attendees through all aspects of the game. From basic ball control, passing skills, shooting, dribbling and heading practice. There will also be 5-A-Side game and skill competitions held every session.

The soccer school is coached by Jim Gordon the Sierra Sports & Fitness Club Manager at Desert Springs. Jim is an ex professional footballer and was capped for England schoolboys having played at Wembley twice. His football career included playing for a host of clubs such as Man United Youth Squad, Blackpool, Luton Town, Lincoln City, Reading and Scunthorpe.

Jim is qualified as a Football Association Coach and holds his F.A. goalkeeping badge. Before residing in Spain he assisted at the goalkeeping academy for Lincoln City Football Club.

Participants are required to wear shorts (no “Bermudas”), T-shirt, baseball cap, sun cream and mould studded football boots or trainers. Unlimited pitch-side water is included and available throughout each session.

The cost of each soccer school training session is €20 per child, by pre-booking in advance only (minimum numbers are required).

To book a place or for further information about the soccer school and any of the other fantastic sports facilities at The Sierra Sports and Fitness Club please contact Jim Gordon.

For further information contact: Jim Gordon
Email: jsg@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 687 599 115

Desert Springs has been selected to host the inaugural ‘Millfield Family Golf Open’ between Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd October 2010.

Widely recognised as a school with one of the most extensive range of sporting facilities in Britain – including two 18-hole golf courses and a driving range – Millfield, the independent school in Street, Somerset, established its golf academy in 1998.

In 2009 Millfield named the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club in the Almeria region of south-east Spain as the official Spanish home for its golf academy.

Karen Nicholls, Millfield School Director of Golf remarked, “The aim of this event is to raise the awareness to both parents and children of the outstanding coaching programme in place at Millfied School for its academy students. The event provides an opportunity for parents and children to meet personally with Millfield School’s Headmaster, staff, the PGA Professionals responsible for their golfing education, current Millfield golf academy pupils who will be in attendance at the resort training and to introduce them to the superb training facilities available at Desert Springs.”

Commenting on the importance and value of golf in schools, and the benefits it brings to the education of pupils, Millfield’s headmaster Craig Considine who will be in attendance for the event said: “Golf is a signature sport at Millfield. It provides challenges for our most able and a ‘life skill’ for those who wish to play recreationally. The self discipline and self regulation required for success on the golf course provides a model of behaviour that underpins success in all facets of life.”

The event package for the ‘Millfield Family Golf Open’ costs £395 per pair and comprises the following:

• 2 Nights resort accommodation at Desert Springs
• Breakfast each morning at ‘El Torrente Restaurant’
• Coaching each day from Millfield Golf Academy PGA Professionals
• Two rounds of competitive golf on the Indiana course (4 Ball-Better-Ball format)
• Welcome Party and presentation from Craig Considine, Millfield School Headmaster
• Prize presentation and party at ‘The Crocodile Club’

If you would like to join in the inaugural ‘Millfield Family Golf Open’ then please contact Karen Nicholls, Director of Golf at Millfield School for further information.

For further information contact: Karen Nicholls
Email: kln@millfieldschool.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 1458 444 201

Desert Springs official Facebook Page is now available to view here.

The resort’s property owners, golf club members, guests as well as the general public, are invited to join our community and become a Fan, post their comments, suggestions and tell us about their best experiences at the Desert Springs Resort.

It’s nearly impossible in this day and age not to know about Facebook. Starting out as a social network site strictly for college students and available by invitation only, once registration became open to the public it soon become a cultural phenomenon stretching across the globe, and has now taken hold as the undisputed leader amongst social networking sites.

Though social networking is about finding newer ways to distribute and share and exchange opinions, information, resources, amongst other things, with other people using the Internet as the medium of choice, it is also considered as a great way to establish identity and create brand awareness.

The introduction of Desert Springs official Facebook Page is further intended to provide an additional communication channel with the latest news on properties, holidays, golf and other facilities as well as last minute and special offers available at Europe’s only award-winning luxury desert resort and golf course in the Almeria region of south-east Spain, which will be of interest to its ‘Fans’.

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group
Email: tag@almanzora.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1242 680 116

In 2004 Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club was officially appointed as the Spanish Home for the warm weather winter training of the National squad members of the Welsh Ladies Golf Union.

Following the merger of the Welsh Ladies Golf Union and the Welsh Golfing Union, The Golf Union of Wales was established on 1st January 2007 with the affiliation of 158 clubs.

At this time Richard Dixon CEO of the Golf Union of Wales and Simon Coaker, Director of Golf at Desert Springs signed the official agreement for Desert Springs to be appointed the Spanish Home for the warm weather winter training of the Women’s Elite Squads of the Golf Union of Wales through to 2010.

This contract has now been renewed through to 2013.

Nigel Edwards, Director of Player Development and Coaching for the Golf Union of Wales remarked: -

“The facilities at Desert Springs; the Indiana Golf Course, the Academy of Golf and Lodge Accommodation are wonderful. The Golf Union of Wales is delighted to continue the long standing association with Desert Springs. Having spent time at Desert Springs with our Ladies Squad earlier this year and experienced the wonderful facilities first hand, the continuation of our agreement with Desert Springs is an easy choice. Everyone appreciates the quality of the facility and the hospitality of all the staff. The golf course and practice facilities provide our Ladies and Girls with everything they need to prepare for the tournament season.”

Speaking of the renewal of the agreement, CEO of the Golf Union of Wales Richard Dixon said: -

"The Golf Union of Wales are delighted to continue the relationship with Desert Springs established in 2004. The facilities the resort offers are fantastic and the Women’s Elite Squads have gained greatly from their time spent over the last 6 years warm weather training at the venue and they will be back in action training at Desert Springs this winter."

Simon Coaker, Director of Golf at Desert Springs commented,

“The Women’s Elite squads of the Golf Union of Wales represent the very best amateur women golfers in Wales and we are obviously delighted to continue to be host to such an elite group of young players.”

For further information contact: Simon Coaker
Email: scc@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 678 235 716

Martin Symington officially took office as Club Captain at Desert Springs for the period 1st April 2008 – 31st March 2009.

In his position as newly elected Club Captain, Martin, in selecting the charity he wished to support during his year, had decided to continue in the theme set by previous Club Captain’s Freddie Beames and Pat Craig by supporting the local charity ‘Asociación de Minusválidos de Cuevas del Almanzora’ (A.M.C.A.L.) however, he also added a second Charity which has close ties to Desert Springs, Leukaemia Research Foundation (LRF).

Martin commented; “Through previous years considerable funds have been raised for the A.M.C.A.L by the members and guests at Desert Springs. This support has made a huge difference to the Asociación and has provided amazing benefits and opportunities for the charity; as such I had decided to continue supporting this very worthwhile and local charity. The volunteer run charity does invaluable work, helping local children with mental and physical disabilities lead better and happier lives. As residents of Desert Springs we should all feel proud that the sum of 4.283,38 Euros was raised, and a donation of 2.283,38 Euros has officially been presented to A.M.C.A.L.

Furthermore, it is my pleasure to inform you that a donation of 2.000 Euros had been made to LRF. Leukaemia Research was established in 1960 and is the only national research charity solely devoted to Leukaemia and related blood disorders in both adults and children. The charity is committed to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's and other lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders, which are diagnosed in 24,500 people in the UK every year. Its work depends entirely on voluntary donations.

Thank you to you all for your generous support!

For further information contact: Jóse Ignacio Olea
Email: joiz@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 670 613 900

The Day Spa @ Desert Springs is pleased to introduce our special World Cup Offer for World Cup widows or warriors – those who just can’t wait for the World Cup and those who just can’t wait for it to end!

This offer running throughout the World Cup Tournament applies to the relaxing Indian Head massage treatment suitable for all.

Indian Head massage is an ancient massage technique which provides benefits including relief from headaches and releasing muscular tension in your neck and shoulders. The additional benefits of this massage include rebalancing your body’s energy. Massage is gently applied to the top of your back, shoulders, neck, upper arms, head, face & ears.

Simply unwind from the stresses of the game or any World Cup 'widows' looking to get away from the matches can do so with a treatment at The Day Spa @ Desert Springs. Escape the madness of the World Cup and enter a World of tranquility.

Our Return to Glory Bubbles & Bubbles spa treat includes private use of the sauna & Jacuzzi and a 30 minute relaxing massage with our resident therapist Karen. Cava & fruit platter, included, is served in the Zen Garden.

Normally priced at €40 the relaxing Indian Head massage treatment is available during the World Cup for just €30 per person. The Return to Glory Bubbles & Bubbles spa treat is €50 per person. (Minimum of two people applies to both offers)

So hurry and book to escape the Fever Pitch and make the most of these World Cup special limited offers at The Day Spa.

The Day Spa is located in the tranquil setting of the Herencia Show Home at No 4 Desert Drive next to the Golf Club House.

For further information please contact Karen on (00 34) 610 944 494 or enquire at the Golf Reception.

For further information contact: Karen Kelliher
Email: kk@almanzora.com
Telephone: +34 610 944 494

The Good Safari Guide Awards were announced on the 7th May, 2010 at the Durban Hilton, South Africa, prior to Africa’s largest travel trade show, INDABA 2010, showcasing the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracting international visitors and media from across the world.

Elsa’s Kopje in Kenya was elected as the Best Safari Property, not merely in East Africa, but in the whole of Africa, beating over 60 nominees from all over the sub Saharan countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. It is owned by Kenyan safari operators, Stefano Cheli & Liz Peacock and Stephen & Tania Hitchins.

Also voted Best Safari Accommodation Group in Africa was Cheli & Peacock Ltd - African Safari Holidays. They manage Elsa’s Kopje, Joy’s Camp, Tortilis Camp and Kitich Camp, all owned jointly with Stephen and Tania Hitchins, as well as Cottars Camp, Loisaba and Lewa Safari Camp amongst others. For their part, Cheli & Peacock beat well known safari operators, including Sanctuary Retreats (Abercrombie & Kent), Wilderness Safaris, andBeyond (Conservation Corporation) and Kerr & Downey. Cheli & Peacock operate up-market, exclusive and bespoke safaris, for clients who want a real safari and wild game viewing experience in the best range of top quality safari lodges & camps in Africa.

The Good Safari Guide is the travel industry’s definitive selection of the most professionally run, independently selected and vetted safari lodges, camps and hotels. The Good Safari Guide Awards are nominated and voted for by hotel, lodge, safari and tour operators, travel agents and guides from all over the world; the awards reflect peer group recognition of outstanding achievements in the safari travel industry.

Elsa’s Kopje, is named after Elsa the lioness, made famous by the film “Born Free” about the lives and work of George and Joy Adamson. It was Stephen’ inspiration for the design of The Crocodile Club at Desert Springs.

The Crocodile Club, Desert Springs Resort, Spain		Elsa’s Kopje, Meru National Park, Kenya

For a good idea of what its all about, click here.

For further information contact: Tania Hitchins
Email: info@knollhill.com
Telephone: +44 7971 141 104