This upscale brand traces its history back a century to Cesar Ritz, who was known as "king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings" in London and Paris. Many changes ensued through the years, including ownership, but the emphasis on the deluxe remained.
Half Moon Bay is on the scenic coast of central California, near the Bay Area, just 40 minutes from San Francisco and a short drive from the affluent Silicon Valley burbs of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, but a world away in landscape, with miles of unspoiled coast.
Picture this coast as windswept bluffs, with big waves crashing in below, and don't expect the warm friendly shores of Southern California. Half Moon Bay does have a long sandy beach, though.
Activities in the area include exploring tide pools, spotting seals, whale watching (seasonal) , surfing, horseback riding along the beach and hiking. There are bird refuges and a Nature preserve in the area. Also, the town of Half Moon Bay has a historical Main Street with shops to browse.
Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: Features
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is just a few years old but is built in the style of a grand old seaside lodge, with a main building plus several guest-houses. If the ordinary level of pampering isn't enough, try Club Level: with choice accommodation and access to a Lounge (which serves complimentary "food presentations" through the day.)
Naturally, the resort has adult pleasures, such as a spa, oceanfront yoga studio, a coed candlelit Roman mineral bath and Jacuzzi on the ocean bluff, and 36 holes of golf.
Ritz Kids:
On weekends, kids can do a full or half day program of activities, which might include nature walks, flying kites on the bluff, tide pool outings, or swimming at the indoor pool. On Kids Night Out evenings, kids get dinner, movies, and arts and crafts, while parents have the evening to themselves. Ritz Kids also has special monthly workshops on topics such as etiquette, yoga, or cooking classes.
Keep in Mind:
- reserve in advance for Ritz Kids program
- a daily resort fee includes a shuttle to downtown Half Moon Bay
- don't rely on getting warm sunny weather
- "day guests" can visit too
Find Out More:
- See the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay site
- Check prices, at Kayak.com
- Check visitors' comments at TripAdvisor.com
This brief profille is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check resort sites for updates!
