The Lodge - Desert Springs

The course was in excellent shape and made for a real challenge. The greens were true and quick, and you need to be accurate off the tee because the stones in the desert areas can send the ball bouncing in all sorts of directions. The apartment was modern and very clean, though they hadn’t provided any basic cleaning supplies. It was a 7 to 10 minute walk to the clubhouse. Reception staff there were efficient and accommodating, but the bar and restaurant service was disappointing.

We had a three-day golf break and were looked after really well the whole time. The course has lots of variety and is excellent, and the bars and restaurants consistently served us well. We’ll definitely return.

“Deserted Springs” would be a better name for this place. The main pool and club were shut, with only the lodge open. We arrived late at night and had no proper directions for checking in. Luckily, a lovely man in a patrol car picked up our keys and escorted us. There was no Wi-Fi information in the accommodation, and the whole patio door handle came off when we used the exit. There’s no supermarket on site unless you have a car. A large wedding at the lodge meant buffet breakfasts on Friday and Saturday, which we hadn’t been told about. On Friday night, our dinner order apparently never reached the kitchen, and we waited an hour. On Saturday, with the wedding meal taking over the lodge, we were sent to the crocodile sports bar. The food was inedible: old chips, cold pizza, and chicken only 1mm thick under breadcrumbs. The waiter was lovely and clearly embarrassed. The golf course looked in good condition, but the fairway was 75 mtr wide with planted areas and cacti on either side. Locals would use an old club to play from there. Play was painfully slow, with no Marshalls. Two of us left after 11 holes, which had taken 3 1/2 hours. At one point, three groups were on one hole. We got no support after arriving, even though we’d emailed our rep twice. I wouldn’t bother booking this place.

We had a lovely villa, really good food and drink, and a wonderfully interesting course. Nothing to fault during our three nights and four rounds with friends. Highly recommend.