Abandon It All at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Luxury Golf Resorts: The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is where Smokey the Bear, Grizzly Adams and their lumberjack friends would meet for a foursome. Everything about golfing at this resort is natural except for the feeling itself, which is extraordinary. Just above the Pacific Ocean along the coastal forest of Bandon, Oregon there is a trail and two dunes where three distinct and very extreme golf courses beckon golfers who seek the ultimate challenge. You would have to go back to Scotland during the 15th century to find courses as ruggedly natural as the trio at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Some golfers may opt to pack axes in their golf bag just in case a splice happens to take them off course. In 2002 Golf Magazine rated Pacific Dunes second and Bandon Dunes ninth on their "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" list. Quoting Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine, "It won't be long before Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, given their public accessibility, unspoiled environment, dramatic setting, thoughtful design and true golf spirit are considered the best tandem of courses in the world."

Albeit the entire area is coarsely rugged and edgy with minimal refinement, guests' lodgings are absolutely luxurious. The Grove cottages are four-bedroom castles with a shared parlor and patio, while the Chrome Lake rooms have two king-size beds and come with one or two private bedrooms. The Lily Pond rooms have two queen-size beds and a private bedroom, and the Lodge offers single rooms. There is also a full-service exercise area with hot tubs and a sauna. Three restaurants and a lounge are on the premises as well as a nearby Scottish-styled pub. Bring your bagpipes. Kilts are optional.

For LxM James Rothaar