CordeValle in San Martin
Just 30 miles south of the Silicon Valley and 45 minutes north of
Monterey lies the beautiful CordeValle Lodge & Golf Club. Now, if you are
looking for high end solitude and pampering, this is the place. CordeValle is a
golf club, spa, and lodge set in a canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains just west
of the 101 freeway in San Martin. The Lodge is run by Rosewood Resorts and sits
adjacent to the golf club. This is a perfect spot for a wedding, retreat, or
just to get away for a short trip. The property includes its own winery. The
rooms, which are actually bungalows, sit atop a hill and overlook the golf
course and surrounding mountains. The feel of the property and golf course is
very similar to our own Rancho San Marcos.
The golf
CordeValle’s golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II,
who also designed Rancho San Marcos. The course is set on 270 acres and can be
walked. Most of the layout is set on gently rolling terrain at the base of the
canyon and includes large meadows, streams and lots of trees. Just a few holes
go up the base of the mountains. The surrounding property includes 1,000
protected acres.
My favorite holes were the par-5s. They were all reachable in two
for a big hitter, but lots of trouble awaited the errant gamble. Number six
played about 520 yards uphill and a dogleg to the left. A small stream crossed
the fairway diagonally, running left to right, guarding the second shot. The
safe second shot was out to the right, leaving a longer third to an undulating
green. This is one of the high spots on the course and affords views of the
entire valley as well as the winery. Number seven is a dramatic downhill par-3
playing to a plateau green heavily guarded by bunkers on the right. The
opportunity for a “safe approach” is provided on the left side of the hole,
where the fairway feeds into the green from left to right. Number nine is a
tough closing par-4 of 425 yards. The elevated tee gives a good view of this
downhill dogleg left. A creek guards this double fairway as well as oak and
sycamore trees. Take a 4 or 5 and “get out of Dodge.” Number 17 is a long par-4
of 460 yards, but all downhill. The tee shot is narrow, with bunkers left and a
ravine on the right. Number 18 is another one of the great par-5s. At 530
yards, this dogleg-right downhill 5 is reachable. However, approach shots
without gusto will meet a watery grave in the large natural pond fronting the
steep-faced green.
The practice facilities at CordeValle are first class. The range
plays uphill and includes various target greens as well as chipping and putting
areas. The entire golf facility was in fantastic condition. The golf club is
strictly private with lodge guests granted access. Caddies are readily
available and well trained. There are several sets of tees to choose from, with
a maximum of 7,100 yards.
The lodge
CordeValle is a gated property and you drive along the first hole
of the golf club on your way to the lodge. The circular valet parking area is
very large and well designed. From here you enter the elegant lobby area
featuring wood beams and tall ceilings.
There is a large golf library just off the lobby with possibly
every book ever written on the subject. After you check-in at the lodge the
bellman will wisk you up to your bungalow via golf cart. The entire facility is
designed in the popular new California Craftsman style. An elegant restaurant
awaits in the lodge or you can enjoy room service in the bungalow. Some of the
bungalows include Jacuzzi’s, which flow out from the bath area and overlook the
valley and mountains. The lodge also includes the spa, pool and members lounge
again open to lodge guests. The fitness center is very spacious with state of
the art equipment. One could easily lose himself here as I imagine many Silicon
Valley magnates do when visiting. The rooms are outfitted with the latest in
technology and comfort. All rooms feature patios with views. The food and
service were both excellent — just what you would expect from a Rosewood
Resort.
CordeValle is about a four hour drive from the valley. The next
time you visit the Bay Area, I suggest that you strongly consider staying at
CordeValle. It is a little over an hour to San Francisco itself, and just a
half hour to most of the Silicon Valley. Both drives are fairly easy on the
weekends.
For more
information visit www.cordevalle.com or call (408) 695-4500.