Thirteen (13) members of the ECB England Women’s Senior Academy Squad, accompanied by seven (7) Management, staff and coaches are now back in England having completed a successful 7-day strength & conditioning and fielding training camp between Thursday 19^th – Thursday 26^th October at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Ground & Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Jonathan Finch, Women’s High Performance Manager remarked of Desert Springs Resort and the training camp;

“It was a great way for us to start our winter programme and plan for 2018. The opportunity to train outdoors, combined with a lot of gym work, allowed us to maximize the value of the trip, and the staff at Desert Springs were excellent”

The focus of the training camp was to provide an opportunity for the players to both work seriously on their fielding skills as well as their fitness levels, through a specific strength and conditioning programme, to ensure that the players are in the best possible shape, whilst at the same time having the opportunity to benefit from the extensive resort facilities.

Players mobilisation around the resort via mountain bikes, team meetings, catering provided at the Crocodile Club restaurant and a training session held on the nearby beach were all on the agenda.

John Stanworth, Head Coach remarked of his experience;

“It was an excellent trip for us, and we’re grateful to everyone at Desert Springs for making us so welcome.”

Anna Warren, Physiotherapist commented of the training camp;

“A sensational training camp, perfect for everything that we required for the visit!”

Some of the players views of the training camp were;

“Fantastic resort” Emma Lamb, “Everything great, perfect camp!” Ellie Threlkeld, “Everything sensational, thank you!” Bryony Smith, “Everything perfect, what a beautiful place for a training camp!” Freya Davies, “Everything brilliant, thank you” Georgie Boyce, “Sensational resort for our training camp, thank you” Sarah Glenn, “Quality food and service, perfect place for our camp, thank you”, Hollie Armitage, “Thank you for such a sensational visit, everything was perfect!” Alice Davidson Richards

EVEN BETTER SECOND TIME AROUND!

Even better second time around!

Fabulous weather, villa as good as before, lovely people, delicious food in the club house.

Everyone so welcoming and helpful… planning on trip 3!

This time we flew to Murcia, a little bit further transfer to the resort but actually an easier journey and the airport was incredibly clean and well laid out.

We hired a car through Centauro which was very good value and efficient.

Neil the golf coach was excellent and so encouraging for the children and the tennis coach was incredibly good value.

Evening out in Vera was well worth doing and a trip to the beaches nearby was great fun.

Room Tip: BUENA VISTA 9 is on the second green, lovely walk to the club house.

Golf weekend 

Beautiful location an hour away from the Almería airport
Views are stunning
Complex very spacious there are villas apartments to choose from
Very clean and tidy
Club house offers a nice restaurant very good menu
Then there is the golf
Tough course for a novice fabulous course for a decent player course is long but amazing tough but rewarding

My stay has been fantastic.

Every time I have been here, this is my third time, twice with the England team on a cricket camp, and this is my first time as sort of a holiday with my partner, I have always enjoyed it, always been treated very well, the food is great and the resort, although beforehand I thought it was a golf resort, this time I found it more of a family resort. A lot of families here, a lot of children, and you get that family feeling in which everyone is eating together, kids playing, etc.

The gym facilities have been top draw, that’s one of the pluses of coming here. I spoke to the England Physio, Ben Langley and he suggested I come here because I can do my gym work and he knows you have all the facilities, I can jump in the pool and I can get on the bike!

The gym itself is top draw, I can do my weights program and exercises.

At the minute, I have a bit of a bruised heel, so I can do anything apart from bowling, so I played some golf, which is pleasing. The golf was fantastic, although I saw a bit more of the golf course than I would have liked. Fantastic facilities for those who want to play golf, particularly once you go over the back of the course and you see the backdrop of the hills and mountains with some great views and the course is well kept. Overall this is a top draw facility all round, just great!

Accommodation was top draw, could not have asked for any more. Stay was fantastic, facilities were fantastic and people just as good!

Great weekend golfing with friends

From the first minute we arrived we were warmly welcomed, and that continued throughout our stay.

The apartment had everything we needed, and was in a perfect location to access the crocodile club, which offered a lovely outside pool and evening dining.

For us as a group the golfing was the most important part of our holiday, and we were not disappointed.

The course was in a perfect condition and great fun to play, with the caddy master great at organizing our clubs and tee off times.

All in all we all had a great trip and look forward to returning soon.

Great Golf Resort

Fifteen (15) members of the England Cricket Squad, accompanied by twelve (12) Management, staff and coaches are now back in England having completed a successful 4-day pre-series bonding and training camp between Tuesday 16^th – Friday 19^th May in the build up to the Champions Trophy at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Trevor Bayliss, ECB Head Coach remarked of Desert Springs Resort and the training camp;

“An environment full of opportunities to do not much at all or work as hard as we did these 4 days! Thanks for the hospitality.”

The focus of the training camp was to ensure that Eoin Morgan’s side are in the best possible shape – not just for the Champions Trophy, but also for the three-match series against South Africa beginning at Headingley on May 24th.

The camp was designed to be a relaxed affair, to provide an opportunity for the players to both work seriously on their fielding skills and fitness levels, whilst at the same time having the opportunity to benefit from the extensive resort facilities with planned bonding activities.

Players mobilisation around the resort via mountain bikes, a couple of rounds of golf on the highly acclaimed championship Indiana course, team meetings and social evenings at the Crocodile Club restaurant were all par for the course!

England ODI Captain Eoin Morgan remarked of his experience;

“What an amazing time we have had here. Everything from the service to the facilities has been as good as we get anywhere in the world!

I would like to thank everyone who played a part in making our camp the best!”

England Captain Joe Root commented;

“It’s been an outstanding few days. Everything has been run extremely well, great facilities, weather and golf course!

Thanks for a very enjoyable and beneficial trip!”

Jos Buttler remarked of his experience;

“Thanks to everyone at Desert Springs, another fantastic stay with the service to match, everyone has been so accommodating of our every need.

The facilities and villas have been awesome, as is the golf course and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!”

Dr. Mark Wotherspoon, ECB Team Doctor commented:

“Another fantastic few days. Excellent hospitality, facilities & food etc.

People were available, willing and able to help whenever needed, a really great few days!”

Phil Neale, England Team Operations Manager remarked;

“Once again a really enjoyable stay, great hospitality and training facilities and excellent food!”

We had the most exceptional time. The villa was sensational, so clean and in great order. The staff were incredibly helpful and willing to do anything that was asked. We took a 10 and 8 yr old boy who both had a great time. Neil the golf coach was outstanding and the tennis coach was top class. We also took a 6 yr old girl who happily walked around the course with us, played in the playground for hours and was generally happy to hang out. The breakfast in the golf club was far too good with exceptional service.

This was our first trip but certainly not our last. I could not recommend somewhere more for an active family holiday. The weather in March was ideal, sunny but not too hot. (not really swimming in the unheated pool weather unless you had played 18 stressful holes!)

The local markets were really quaint and some good bargains to be found. Delicious fruit and veg as well as some good fakes!

GIVE IT A GO!

Whitgift School players are now back in England having completed a successful four (4) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 03rd – Friday 07^th April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Neil Kendrick and Paul Hindmarch, Whitgift School ‘Head of Cricket Performance’ and ‘Head of the Cricket Academy’ respectively, supported by eight (8) staff, accompanied seventy (70) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions and matches, as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2017 season.

Neil Kendrick ‘Head of Cricket Performance’ commented: “Having visited Desert Springs for the last few years with our Golf Team and experienced all that the resort has to offer, I was very excited at now bringing a large group of students for a Cricket Training Camp. Desert Springs has delivered on every aspect, the service levels are just sensational and nothing is left to chance. The children have all had an unforgettable week and we look forward to returning next year!”

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Whitgift School players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

“Great facilities, great food, great place!” Theo Saitch

Amazing Cricket Academy, great food & great staff!” Haydn Rees

“Absolutely amazing place with such happy and helpful staff!” Ben Cleaver

“The Cricket Academy is awesome, there is so much space and things to do!” Harvey Stedman

“Great place, awesome cricket facilities and they even have English TV!”  Nathaniel Fitzpatrick

“The facilities are fantastic and the weather is just out of this world!” James Orakwe

“I have had so much fun and am so happy that I came!” Felix Curson

“The Cricket Academy facilities are unbelievable, and so is the Wi-Fi!” Archie Wait

“The facilities at the resort are great, I loved the swimming pool and the beds also!” Matthew Shalless

“We received great hospitality and the cricket wickets are wicked!” Jos Heaver

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments and pueblo villas 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 Crocodile Club Restaurant.

A Whitgift education is unique and exceptionally tailor-made, offering a variety of pathways to qualifications, including A Level, Pre U, the IB and BTEC, with a bilingual section for native French or Spanish speakers.

Whitgift’s sport is at the forefront of achievement, with over 120 national titles won in the past five years. More than 40 sports are available, including modern pentathlon, golf, cricket, judo and cycling. Many boys represent their country in a wide variety of sports, or go on to pursue a career at the highest level.

“Perfect for mixed age sporty family break”

The villa was spotless and extremely comfortable with its own swimming pool and a healthy walk to the club house for an excellent breakfast each morning. It was unusually chilly the first couple of days but once out and about this was soon forgotten. Tennis courts were extremely kind to the older slower members of the group and the golf course was in excellent condition and a definite plus if the golfers can keep straight! The neighbouring area is full of interest and good places to eat and there is an excellent supermarket about ten minutes away by car. Made you realise how expensive English supermarkets have become.

The 2014 World Amateur Team Disabled Golf Champions, The Swedish National Amateur Disabled Golf Team, are now back in Sweden having completed a successful seven (7) days of warm weather training between Sunday 26^th March & Sunday 2^nd April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

During their time at the resort the players utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Championship Indiana course.

Daniel Stark, Coach to The Swedish National Amateur Disabled Golf Team remarked:

“We have been coming to Desert Springs for some years now and we love the resort, the golf course and the weather, which is much better than in Sweden currently!

The service we receive is first-class and the course was in even better shape than last year and we are very much looking forward to returning next year!”

Squad members commented of their experience at Desert Springs Resort;

 “The resort is perfect for our needs; a great course in great condition, a fantastic villa for our resort accommodation and great service!” Niklas Viktor

“It’s great to be under the sun and playing on some smooth and quick greens!” Kristoffer Eklund

“It’s great to be back at Desert Springs Resort. The course is fantastic and in great shape!” Joakim Bjorkman

The players and officials where accommodated in one of the privately owned Country Villas 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 award-winning El Torrente Restaurant.

Somerset County Cricket Club players are now back in England having completed a successful ten (10) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 6th – Thursday 16th March at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Seven Somerset CCC coaching staff accompanied twenty-two (22) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2017 season.

Somerset CCC Director of Cricket Matt Maynard commented:  “Another top class training camp, most importantly the playing surfaces are improving year on year which is our number one priority. Thank you to all the staff for looking after us so well.”

Jamie Thorpe, Somerset CCC Lead Physiotherapist remarked; “Another sensational trip to Desert Springs. Excellent facilities, food, and Golf Course. Thank you!” 
The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity that included golf on the championship Indiana course as well as a mountain bike ride!

Somerset CCC players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

“Yet again a great training camp at Desert Springs. Constantly fantastic facilities, alongside a great golf course. Once again leaving Spain fit and ready to go. Many thanks to all staff.” Peter Trego

“I had a fantastic time at Desert Springs. The facilities are superb and I would love to be back next year!” James Hildreth

“Excellent facilities. The net surface was fantastic and the golf sensational. Very welcoming staff and quality food, thank you!” Josh Davey

“A great 10 days. The Resort keeps on improving every year we visit!” Jim Allenby 

“The net surfaces have really, really improved! Very friendly staff. Many thanks to all staff for another great visit!” Johan Myburgh

“A very enjoyable 10 days. Great facilities, friendly staff!” Max Waller

“This was my first time at Desert Springs. Lovely facilities with great hospitality. Very good food and welcoming staff.” Dom Bess

It took us a while to research and find a quality golf resort with an English speaking golf pro and we found Desert Springs and Neil Evans. We only started golf a year and a half ago and had taken some lessons but we really felt we needed a boost. So we were looking for daily lessons and a game in the afternoons.

Neil organises not only the golf for you but also the accommodation and received us with a big smile when we first arrived at the resort.

The resort is really nice, spacious well maintained and so is the golf course. A bit tricky for beginners but nothing we were not able to deal with. While we very much appreciated the quality of the resort, first and foremost we would come back for Neil.

We can highly recommend him for anyone who is looking for a patient and calm way of teaching, and especially his skill in explaining movements in multiple ways. He helps client prefect their setup so as to increase the chance of hitting the ball exactly right, and covers all areas that one might need to perfect ones swings and techniques.

Thank you, Neil for seven days of intense improvement to be repeated asap.

Warm regards and hasta la vista
Eileen and Roelof