Just returned from a peaceful and relaxing two weeks stay at the Old Stables. We would like to thank Mick and Pirkko very much for their great attention to detail in preparing and equipping the villa with everything you need for an easy stay. In particular providing beach towels (saves on luggage weight), shopping bags, having a reliable internet and UK TV (life saver for the World Cup!) are all nice touches. Combined with the tranquillity of the gardens and pool area, we really enjoyed our time here, the villa is clean, comfortable and as regular renters in Spain, lacking nothing in our opinion. Having fresh hen’s eggs and home produced Olive Oil are also nice bonuses. Although we chose to stay in the Stables, having viewed the Orange Grove during our stay, we would recommend either place for quality and attention to detail.
Mick and Pirkko are always available for local advice, information and general chat, especially for football banter!
If you are planning a trip to this area, just book here, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. There are many places of interest within a one hour drive, superb beaches and lots of quality restaurants in surrounding towns and villages. We will definitely return to book either property when next in this area.
Thanks again to you both for a wonderful stay! C&L Manchester. 2/7/2018
My Wife and I have just enjoyed a wonderful holiday at Finca Arboleda, in the Old Stables.
Our thanks to Pirkko & Mick for your wonderful hospitality. The villa was excellent, the pool delightful and the weather perfect. There is so much to do in the area, we will return, but the trip into the mountains, a day relaxing on the wonderful Playa Des Carolinas beach (recommended by Pirkko), Murcia Cathedral and Cartagena are highlights that will live long in the memory. But, relaxing in the peace and quiet, by the pool, was exactly what we both needed. See you again, all the best, Mike.
Not being golfers the beautiful restaurant at Desert Springs doesn’t normally feature when we are recommending a venue. This week we were guests of good friends celebrating their wedding anniversary.
Desert Springs offers a lot more than Golf, there is a Cricket Academy, conveniently located within the resort, within walking distance from team accommodations, comprising an international size world-class quality grass pitch complemented with floodlights, shower and changing facilities. A number of County teams use it for winter and pre-season training camps. They also host Football, Cycling and Tennis camps, have a fully equipped fitness centre and there is the Gym, developed in consultation with Daley Thompson. Ian Botham has a villa here and can often be seen in and around the area.
There is a good choice of places to eat. The Deck at the Club House offers a wide choice of light lunch time food available through daylight hours, including tasty soups, tapas, salads, burgers, pasta, wraps and filled ciabattas.
The Crocodile Club Restaurant & Rosewood Bar. The ‘Croc’ features an eclectic menu of Mediterranean, Pacific Rim and Thai dishes, along with fresh fish and grills, Pastas and Pizzas and Desert Hamburgers; lots for kids and something special for the adults. Tables are available in the restaurant around the open fire or on the terraces or outside in the semi-secluded terraced garden. The restaurant is open for lunch and/or dinner according to the season.
El Chiringuito Pool Bar, serves light lunches and a range of superb healthy fruit punches of the innocent and more grown up variety, the pool bar is a great place to lounge and shoot the breeze.
The Cave Bar, known as La Cueva del Almanzora, this original but refurbished cave has a really cool bar and offers an extraordinary private meeting room and exclusive and atmospheric private dining facilities in its underground gallery.
We went to the El Torrente Restaurant, it is known for its fine Spanish dining including several very special local dishes and fresh fish. It is in a beautiful setting with a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The main restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also provides a Bar and Deck Menu with a wide choice of light lunch time food available through daylight hours, including tasty soups, tapas, salads, burgers, pasta, wraps and filled ciabattas. We ate from the Chef’s Selection Menu..
CHEF´S SELECTION MENU
STARTERS
Chilled Cream of Almond Soup with Honeyed Croutons and Sweet Tomatoes
Raf Tomato Salad with Longfin Tuna and a Garlic and Parsley Oil
Lightly Battered Pickled Fish with a Carrot Dressing
Iberian Pork Cheek and Goat´s Cheese Vol au Vent
MAIN COURSES
Slow Roasted Pork Shank with a Black Pepper Sauce
Accompanied by Hassleback Potatoes and a Courgette and Yellow Pepper Ratatouille
Baked Swordfish Steak in a Tamarind and Ginger Sauce
Accompanied by Vegetable Basmati Rice
Creamy Rice with Squid, Prawns and Tarragon
Vegetarian Dish – Pasta with a Creamy Wild Mushroom Sauce
CHEF´S SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Pan Fried Iberian Pork End Loin with Sautéed Garlic and Apple Vinegar
Accompanied by Hassleback Potatoes and a Courgette and Yellow Pepper Ratatouille
Pan Fried Fillet of Norwegian Salmon with a Dijon and Maple Syrup Sauce
Accompanied by Vegetable Basmati Rice
Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce
Accompanied by Hassleback Potatoes and a Courgette and Yellow Pepper Ratatouille
Grilled Fillet Steak 200g / 250g
Accompanied by Chips and Salad
Sunday Roast- Please ask the waiting team for further details
Accompanied by Roast Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
DESSERTS
Chilled Coconut Custard
Apple Crumble with Ice Cream
Orange and Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries
Fresh Fruit Salad
Starter, Main Course, Dessert and Coffee
A couple of the “Big Boys” opted for the large steaks and the clean plates told their story. I had the tasty Pork Shank. The ladies had the Cod and Duck and all were very nice. The Muga was a good choice of wine and the “special” chocolate brownies and coffees rounded off a lovely evening.
Desert Springs is well worth a visit for a celebration with friends or a special meal for two.
I can’t comment on price as we were guests but we found it very reasonable! Check out their web site here for lots of information, as we haven’t been to the other restaurants I have used some of their text but I’m sure Desert Springs won’t mind the publicity and we intend to visit the Croc bar soon..
This video gives a “taste” of the restaurant, the sound is not essential!
A secluded private piece of paradise. If you want peace and quiet and to be surrounded by nature this is the place to come. The hosts are warm, friendly and very accommodating. The accommodation was clean and tidy and very practical. Thank you for allowing us to stay at your wonderful Finca and we hope to see you again soon !
Not being golfers the beautiful restaurant at Desert Springs doesn’t normally feature when we are recommending a venue. This week we were guests of good friends celebrating their wedding anniversary.
A secluded private piece of paradise. If you want peace and quiet and to be surrounded by nature this is the place to come. The hosts are warm, friendly and very accommodating. The accommodation was clean and tidy and very practical. Thank you for allowing us to stay at your wonderful Finca and we hope to see you again soon !