OLIVA NOVA BEACH & GOLF RESORT 4*

The 6,944 yard layout is a classic resort design, with water coming into play on no less than 15 holes. Seve tried to create a course that would be interesting and challenging for every player, without making it too tough, and he has certainly succeeded. The relatively even terrain makes it an easy walk, but great intrigue comes from the distinctive styles of the holes, which run in every direction and have dog-legs of various severity, with each posing a new test. Seňor Ballesteros himself is said to be particularly proud of his legacy at Oliva Nova, and with some justification: the resort has been chosen to host the Spanish National Championships. Aided and abetted by the outstanding climate, the golf course is a true highlight of any golfing escape at the Oliva Nova resort.

The complex also boasts an excellent golf academy, whose multilingual team of accredited PGA professional use the latest and greatest equipment to help improve the   skills of all golfers, from novices through to experts.

In addition to countless charity and amateur events, Oliva Nova is one of the venues for the opening rounds of the qualifying school for the European Tour.

Bordered by mile upon mile of unspoiled beach and sand dunes, the all-encompassing Oliva Nova resort has everything required on the spot to guarantee a fantastically relaxing holiday for both leisure and golf travellers.

Under picture perfect blue skies, the resort is peppered with orange groves and luscious green gardens, making it feel beautifully isolated and private. All 242 elegant suites have been decorated in a simple and tasteful manner, and are furnished with high quality contemporary pieces.

Small details that make such a huge difference are emaphsised at Oliva Nova, where the caring and attentive staff will endeavour to ensure that you reap the maximum possible pleasure during your golf escape.

The resort has a cutting edge Technogym, with all the latest equipment to provide a thorough work-out, while the resident personal trainers will design a bespoke conditioning plan for those really looking to get in shape. The spa and health centre has every possible facility to ensure relaxation and rejuvenation, including an eternity pool, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, jacuzzi and solarium, while notable treatments are the massages, wraps, hydrotherapy and balneotherapy.

For the avid footballers, the FIFA standard pitch and excellent training facilities at Oliva Nova have attracted many of Spain's finest talents to stay and train, including Ronaldinho, Henry and their Barcelona team-mates.

Should the endless options on resort not be enough, explore the local seaside towns and villages, where you can find great shops and beach bars, Alternatively, head North to Valencia, where the best shopping is found around the Calle Colón and the market. The focal point of the city is the Ciutat Vella, where the dry river bed has been transformed into a unique network of parks and leisure areas.