Valle del Este Golf Resort

Valle del Este was built in 2004, and renovated at the beginning of 2014. Its raison d'être is its lovely 18-hole golf course, designed by José Canales and made spectacular by rolling hills, bright Mediterranean sun, and the sea in the distance. Elevated tee-offs are surrounded by volcanic rock and generous, artfully arranged greens.

The hotel itself is a simple, rectangular tan and salmon pink building, surrounded by palm trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. The lobby is spacious and airy, with light, shiny tiled flooring and a large, textural painting of a woman’s face occupying a the entirety of a large wall. Furniture is sleek and simple, and tall vases filled with fresh flowers and funky sculptures welcome guests as they walk through wide glass doors. The resort is grand, with immense green space to explore, set in a peaceful, palm-filled, grassy enclave.

Valle del Este is located on the eastern coast of Almeria, in Andalusia, just off the A-7 Motorway (the Autovía del Mediterraneo), which runs along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. The building sits on a wide, palm tree-lined road. Almeria airport is a 40-minute drive away. The Vera Aquapark is 15 minutes by car from the hotel; and Mojacar, Garrucha, and Vera beaches are a few kilometers away. This place is quiet -- some might even say isolated. To get to beaches, or the charming town of Vera, guests will have to drive for about 15 minutes. There are not many shops, restaurants, or attractions within walking distance from the sprawling grounds.

The 130 rooms and 12 suites here are simple, modern, roomy, and pretty, with wood floors and headboards, and sleek wood furniture. Beds are comfy and low, with bright white linens. All rooms have private, sunny balconies, looking out on the golf course, the pool, or the Mediterranean. There’s air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-fridge in each room. Bathrooms are spacious and sparkly-clean, with shower/tub combos and plentiful toiletries. They might not feel as luxe as one may expect at a four-pearl property, but they are nonetheless clean and comfortable.

The Valle Del Este Golf Resort’s scenic 18-hole golf course is generous, with wide landing areas, lots of sand, and spacious greens. On most holes there are four tee platforms; on some there are as many as six. The course is encircled by a nine-kilometer walkway. Guests get free use of the resort’s spa and gym: the former includes pretty rain showers, a sauna, a Turkish shower and a hot tub, and the fitness center is basic but pleasant, in a light-filled room. There are five restaurants, including a buffet overlooking the golf course, and a poolside grill. On Vera Beach, the hotel has a beach club with a swimming pool and sailing school, and guests can dine with views of the ocean. There'a a business center, accommodations for weddings and events, and a children's pool, too.