Swinging in the rays
By Dawna L. Robertson
Some people claim that sunshine boosts your spirit and makes you smile seemingly for no reason at all. That’s especially comforting in case you’re faced with logging a triple bogey on your scorecard while playing one of San Diego’s 93 sun-drenched golf courses.
With links tucked into every geographic nook and cranny conceivable within a 40-mile radius of downtown, it’s no surprise that this Southern California city is hailed by Golf Digest as "one of the top 50 golf destinations in the world."
Nestled within the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve near the swank communities of La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego’s Grand Del Mar luxury resort captures the elegance and comfort of a grand old-world Mediterranean estate. Embellished with rich decorative arts of Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain, the three-year-old stunner has quickly vaulted to AAA Five Diamond status.
Aside from potentially losing a ball or two to the dizzying array of water features, the only downside to the resort’s Tom Fazio-designed Grand Golf Club is that play is reserved exclusively to GDM guests and club members. For those into guilty pleasures, this one’s splurge-worthy with near-decadent levels of luxury throughout.
Sprawling within 380 acres of meadows, hillsides and valleys, the 7,160-yard layout flaunts Fazio’s distinctive style of bunker use with many tucked into rolling terrain. “Fazio really succeeded in not making this course a guessing game for club selection,” says head golf pro Robert Gensler. “You play either valley holes or ridge holes – not one hole that makes you work both. It’s a challenge, but not a monster that makes you want to give up the game.”
Gensler also applauds the club’s forecaddie program, a longstanding tradition rarely found these days. An experienced caddie guides and assists each group with strategizing their play, measuring distances, repairing divots, raking bunkers and spotting errant shots.
“It adds to a golfer’s experience while keeping the course in shape and maintaining play pace,” Gensler says. Green fees are $195 Monday through Thursday and $215 Friday through Sunday. And a Grand Golf Getaway covering accommodations, rental clubs, unlimited golf, daily breakfast for two and room upgrade based on availability starts at $680 nightly through Dec. 31, 2010.
Beyond the course
It’s no surprise that a resort of this caliber would fashion guest rooms as posh private retreats. These lavish quarters are polished in an elegant, yet inviting turn-of-the-century style with distinctive appointments like pillow-top beds dressed in Pratesi linens, 40-inch LCD TV and sofa covered with pristine white Jaquard.
Available from $333 nightly based on a minimum three-night stay, the Grand Life Package includes $100 resort credit for use in The Spa, The Grand Golf Club, six dining venues or resort shops. All rates cover eight complimentary resort amenities and services including in-room Internet access, overnight shoeshine service and use of the fitness center.
I settled into a 1,500-sq.-ft. Palazzo Suite that’s ideal for families with its two bedrooms and three full bathrooms.
An exotic architectural scheme exudes in the 21,000-sq.-ft. spa as well. Reflecting the beauty, grace and culture of the Renaissance, it’s equipped with indoor and outdoor whirlpools, European-style wet rooms and cozy relaxation areas with fireplaces.
While it features a slew of treatments, the signature Core Elements is no doubt most novel. Not recommended for those who are ticklish, this exclusive 60-minute therapy targets lower back, hips and abdominal via massage and nutrient-rich mud wraps. The extended 90-minute version works the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Post-treatment, you can hit the adults-only relaxation pool for swimming laps, soaking in the Jacuzzi, lazing in the sun or lunching alfresco. Other diversions include additional pools, two tennis courts and a bevy of guided activities along the preserve’s 37 miles of trails. Or if coastal breezes entice you, a short five-mile drive sets you on the edge of the Pacific.
Perhaps no other culinary venue could so perfectly punctuate this grand resort experience as Addison. Reaffirming its status as one of the region’s top dining destinations, the opulent restaurant has garnered both AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five-Star status.
Chef William Bradley spins his magic with three- and four-course French-influenced options that change seasonally. We opted for four, topping off gnocchi ala ricotta, Prince Edward Island mussels and salt roasted salmon with Tahitian vanilla tapioca.
Even if you’re one of those rare birds not passionate about golf and spas, this Southern California beauty will certainly woo you with its ultra-elegant attitude and decor.
More info: Visit the resort at www.thegranddelmar.com.
