This Week at TravelGolf.com: Oct. 30, 2008

Forget all the cut-rate deals, golfers: Why not travel ultra luxury large?

Sometimes it seems like whenever anything is written about travel, it's all about this great deal or that great steal - or often this great deal of a steal. Everyone wants to save you money - or at least pretend to.

But what about those times when you're ready to splurge on that luxury vacation, when you're more interested in living like a king than cutting plush corners to save a few dollars? If you're rich and scared of Barack Obama being elected Tuesday, you might want to run through some of your crazy cash before January. And if you're more Joe the Plumber and just enjoy pretending you're richer than you actually are, nothing builds that aura more than a vacation that will make your non-plumber neighbors swoon with envy.

Hey, not everyone wants to cut coupons while they're on vacation.

Thankfully, there are still delightfully decadent resorts for that blowout golf vacation. Here are some of our favorites:

The Grand Del Mar resort in San Diego: If actress Anne Hathaway's ex ever took her to San Diego, The Grand is where they'd go. This is nothing against Grand Del Mar - it's the best resort I've ever stayed at. It's just that you cannot help but feel important and powerful strolling the marble floors under the towering hand-stenciled ceilings of a 249-room, $300 million palace. Even if you're not.

The Lodge at Koele: Unimaginative Lanai, Hawaii visitors stay at the sister Four Seasons resort down on the beach. But real shakers know that the more intimate 102-room lodge up the mountain is where you can pretend to be a James Bond villain. Shooting clay pigeons on a private range and the best golf on the island? Check and check.

Arizona Biltmore: This is where John McCain parties when he's home in Phoenix. He had his wedding reception at the Biltmore and it's where he'll be on election night, too. The restaurant also holds brandy tasting dinners. Alex P. Keaton would be so proud.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

San Diego's Grand Del Mar resort: Luxury that could shame a Ritz

The Grand Del Mar is an eye opener even for those who are used to five-star resorts with a fawning service attitude. I've stayed at a number of Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton resorts, and none come close to even approaching the wow factor of the Grand Del Mar. And that's without mentioning the Tom Fazio-designed Grand Golf Club.

Also: Chef William Bradley brings fine dining to golf

Take solace on Jacksonville's golf courses during the UF-UGA game

Each week this season, TravelGolf.com is highlighting a key college football matchup and looking at the golf options around the home team's campus. This Saturday, the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs meet in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville native son Tim McDonald offers a look at some of the better golf courses in the area, including the Stadium at TPC Sawgrass, the Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, and Ocean Hammock.

Blog: Great BBQ and alligator in Jax

For Texas golf estate - and The Bridges at Preston Crossing - now is the time

There might not be a better time to consider buying property at the first golf course community in Texas by Bluegreen Communities - The Bridges at Preston Crossing. Located about 45 minutes north of Dallas in tiny Gunter, the championship Fred Couples signature golf course is already open, but most of the 2,000 are still available.

Also: Spotlight on Dallas' golf scene