El Plantio Golf Resort

With its two courses and condo-style units, the El Plantio Resort attracts golfers, many from Europe, either traveling with friends, colleagues, or families. Set in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, the property has cream masonry buildings with a plain, natural-wood reception desk, a vending machine, and limited seating. The resort's two restaurants are crisp yet casual, with natural wicker or wrought-iron and wicker furnishings. The buildings and its facilities are oriented around the courses, with electric golf carts parked just outside the lobby. The interiors are modest and the grounds well-tended with pretty gardens. Past guests report that the resort is quiet except for modest noise from the pool areas. The property is wheelchair accessible, but some guests say its common areas are difficult to navigate. 

El Plantio Golf Resort, considered remote by some guests, is a 10-minute drive from Urbanova Beach and a 16-minute drive from the center of Alicante. A car is essential as taxis are expensive and the limited public transportation options can take much longer than driving; for example, the Alicante Airport is a 10-minute drive or almost two hours on public transit. There's a market a seven-minute drive away for those who want to stock up on groceries. The Port of Alicante is a 15-minute drive or one hour and 22 minutes on public transit, while the Paseo de la Explanada is a 16-minute drive or 90 minutes on public transit. It's an 18-minute drive or 90-minute train ride to the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art. The Castillo de Santa Barbara is a 20-minute drive but can take up to two hours and 25 minutes on public transit. The Cathedral of San Nicolas is 21 minutes away or 90 minutes by train. Serra Gelada National Park is a 49-minute drive away. 

The El Plantio offers two- and three-bedroom units with views of its two golf courses, distant mountains, and in some cases, the pools. The units are spacious, ranging from 1,124 square feet to 1,273 square feet, set in cream masonry buildings with individual lightly stained wood doors. Some units have terraces or balconies in niches furnished with contemporary wicker tables and chairs. Each apartment has a full kitchen -- often galley-style in light wood -- with a stove, a microwave, a toaster, and cookware. Separate living rooms have sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables, and each has a small flat-screen TV set before a wall paneled in stone. Furnishings are contemporary, including low-backed sofas in neutral hues, though the tile floors can create an echo effect when people walk around. All units have air-conditioning, safes, and washer/dryers. Units have one or two bathrooms attractively tiled in beige with modern fixtures and fittings, including bidets, shower/tub combos with rainfall showers, and basic toiletries. Children ages 2 and younger stay free as long as they don't require additional beds.

This resort has a wide array of amenities, most aimed at the golfers who make up the majority of the clientele. Highlights include an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course and a nine-hole, par 27 course. There are also two approach areas, a putting green, clubhouse with restaurant, dressing room, and a pro shop. Golf carts are available. In addition to the clubhouse restaurant, there's a second all-day option with a tapas menu.The resort also has a pool surrounded by lounge chairs, a pool bar, a kids' pool, and a grassy playground area for kids along with picnic tables and grills for those who want to barbecue. Other features include meeting and event spaces, free Wi-Fi, a computer station, and covered parking (for a fee). A basic 24-hour fitness center is also available. The front desk provides concierge services and can arrange babysitting and airport transfers for a fee.