Atop an oceanside bluff in Half Moon Bay, a coastal city in San Mateo County, California, sits The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Built in 2001 just 30 minutes south from the San Francisco International Airport, the luxury resort delivers a five-star experience inspired by the grand seaside lodges of the 19th century.
As the San Francisco Bay Area’s only oceanfront resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay presents an abundance of activities in the surrounding area. From horseback riding on the adjacent ocean trails or in the mountains, winery tours and tasting, sailing, sea kayaking, deep-sea fishing, wind-surfing and other outdoor activities, the knowledgeable concierges assist in planning the ideal getaway. From eco-adventures, romantic getaways and activities for the whole family, the exclusive spot on the California coastline provides a getaway for everyone. Guests also have access to the 1,760-square-foot workout facility and workout programs designed for all levels of fitness.
Through the entrance gates, the six-story main building features 261 guestrooms including three adjacent cottage houses directly to the north. Guests have the opportunity to select between: 100 ocean or coastal view rooms; 13 Coastal View rooms with Club Lounge access; 62 terrace rooms with fire pits; 64 courtyard view rooms and 22 suites, including the Ritz-Carlton Suite.
The opulent 2,000-square-foot suite is inspired by the ocean surroundings through and through, with its blue interiors and direct views of the Pacific Ocean and golf courses. With one king master suite and a second bedroom, other features that separate the suite include a master bathroom with coastal views, dining area with table for up to eight guests, butler pantry for service staff and walkout balcony.
Celebrating the small details with its golf concierge, technology butler, twice daily housekeeping service and more, resort favorites include the outdoor firepits surrounded by Adirondack chairs and the bagpiper who welcomes the sunset five days a week. To be both admired and experienced, the serene setting offers two championship golf courses on property, six tennis courts, a half-court basketball court and a walking path that wraps around the 18th hole of the Ocean Course down to a secluded beach. The Ocean Course and the Old Course, originally created by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, wrap the property with rolling green hills with pristine views.
Offering an escape inspired by coastal treatments aimed to treat the mind, body and soul, the 16,000-square-foot spa is an adult-only facility tailored to relaxation. With 15 private treatment rooms and separate men’s and women’s changing rooms with whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms, the centrally located co-ed whirlpool provides a quiet escape for couples. From seasonal facials to signature treatments like the Redwood Forest Ritual which uses a variety of earthy herbs and wood blends from the nearby California Redwoods, the cleanse includes a foot ritual and hot poultice massage.
Dining on property presents the area’s only fine-dining restaurant, Navio, along with two other options all with immaculate views. From the display kitchen, private dining room and Chef’s table sustainable seafood and prime proteins are presented at dinner Wednesday through Sunday along with a must-not miss brunch served on the weekend. Overlooking the Ocean Lawn, The Conservatory serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (and Afternoon Tea Monday through Thursday) serving California comfort cuisine while The Wine Room, located between The Conservatory and Navio, seats up to 14 guests surrounded by a 4,000-bottle wine cellar perfect for a large dinner party or small corporate event.
At the Ocean Terrace, sit back and listen to the crashing waves and savor a menu of raw bar and grilled bites on the balcony or surrounding their fire pits and catching the sunset. Located on the fifth floor adjacent to the main hotel elevators, The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is reserved for guests in the Club room category accessible via a private key only. Available to guests in 13 of the Club rooms, its private lounge presents western views of the ocean and affords guests complimentary access to five meals a day and cocktails served throughout the evening.
