San Vicente Golf Resort in Ramona, California: A gem hidden in the hills 35 miles northeast of San Diego

RAMONA, Calif. -- San Vicente Golf Resort, a hidden oasis located roughly 35 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, continues to invest in its 28-room, AAA 3-Diamond Lodge and Ted Robinson-designed golf course to keep customers happy.

All the remodeled rooms have comfy beds, a small fridge and a large patio or balcony overlooking a scenic course pleasing to the eye.

The 6,633-yard layout is currently undergoing a million-dollar turf-reduction program to save on water costs. Mulch and native plants will replace roughly 18 and a half acres of grass on the perimeter of the playing areas by the end of the summer 2015. Three dozen trees will be removed, while others are planted elsewhere. The ponds impacting the first and third holes and no. 14 have been rebuilt with liners to keep from losing water.

Even the pro shop has been recently renovated to become more user friendly.

Despite all the changes, San Vicente has kept its old-school parkland character intact. There are a couple of tricky par 4s on the front side, nos. 6 and 9, that play easier once golfers get to know them better.

Mostly, this Ted Robinson, Sr. design is one playable hole after another in an idyllic setting with subtle elevation changes through the trees.