The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
As the San Francisco Bay area’s only oceanfront resort, The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers a change of scenery. Guests feel as if they have entered a grand Scottish estate perched on an ocean bluff. The refined and elegant interior inspires guests to relax and enjoy a pampering Fall getaway experience.
During the fall and winter months, the coast side is known for its dramatic crashing waves and magnificent grey whale sightings traveling from Alaska to Baja California.
Originally named ‘Spanishtown’ until 1874 when it officially became Half Moon Bay for its beautiful crescent-shaped harbor. It’s also known as ‘The Pumpkin Capital’ as the local farmers produce more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins a year.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is offering Fall specials incorporating locally sourced ingredients in the two restaurants and at the Spa.
During the fall season the spa offers an 80-minute pumpkin facial to promote a healthy balance between the skin and spirit of the season. The treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, and using a seasonal pumpkin enzyme mask. Before the treatment is over, spa guests have a booster serum applied, as well as moisturizer on the face, hands, and a luxury foot treatment. Guests can include a micro-current or ampoule treatment as an add-on should they wish.
The spa facilities include a co-ed Roman soaking tub with an adjacent fireplace, Tsunami showers, whirlpool, sauna, and steam rooms. Guests without a spa reservation can pay $45 per person, per day for use of the spa facilities.
Jill Weinlein
The 261-room resort offers guestrooms and suites with oceanfront, coastal, and golf course views. One of the most unique accommodations are the fire pit suites. These Pacific Ocean view suites include a personal firepit on the outdoor patio.
Step into a spacious living room and notice the king size bed is dressed with 100% cotton linens in the master bedroom. Each guest has use of a terrycloth bathrobe, and the marble bathroom has a separate shower and oversized soaking bathtub, plus Asprey bath amenities.
Step outside and turn on a roaring fire to keep you comfortably warm, as you sit in Adirondack chairs and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Studies have shown there are a variety of health benefits when breathing in salt-rich air. Not only for your immune system, but respiratory system and even your skin.
Jill Weinlein
The two ocean viewing restaurants – The Conservatory and Navio curate menus to take advantage of the bounty of locally sourced seafood and produce.
The Conservatory offers guests a modern beach house ambiance that is an ideal spot to plan your day during breakfast. It also offers a leisure lunch and dinner menu featuring California-inspired items that pair well with one of the craft cocktails and wines from nearby Sonoma Valley and Napa.
At the visually stunning Navio, look up to notice the nautical design ceiling, while enjoying fresh seafood, the finest cuts of meat and coastal produce created by Chef de Cuisine Francisco Simón and his team. Previously awarded two Michelin stars in Barcelona, Chef Simón curates a Global Cuisine Series collaboration throughout the year with guest chefs.
The next special culinary experience is on November 11- 13, when he welcomes guest chef Noah Sandoval of two Michelin-starred Oriole of Chicago. Together they present a seven-course Chef’s Tasting dinner menu, and a two-hour brunch experience on November 12–13. Chef Sandoval will highlight several of Oriole’s contemporary American dishes. Oriole has received two Michelin stars every year since 2016, and was named Restaurant of the Year from the Jean Banchet Awards in 2022.
The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The daily resort fee includes an array of enrichment benefits starting with a glass of wine at check-in between 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Guests also have access to the fitness center for an oceanview workout on cardio and weight training equipment plus a variety of free-standing weight machines.
Pick up a Coastal Trail and take one of the hotel bicycles for a ride along the golf course and nearby bluffs into the town of Half Moon Bay and beyond. Half Moon Bay is home to over 20% of all North American bird species. Ride a bike or take a stroll along paved and dirt paths to two refuges, Pescadero Marsh and Pillar Point Marsh. These are ideal spots to see thousands of unique birds.
During the fall there are pumpkin patches and festivals in Half Moon Bay to inspire a festive well-being.
Jill Weinlein
Also improving your wellbeing is a round of golf on one of the resort’s two championship golf courses. Part of the daily resort fee includes use of a putter and wedge to use on the practice green from Half Moon Bay Golf Links Pro Shop. Nearby is The Colony Club offering an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Join a group exercise class or check out a tennis racquet and a ball machine to practice your serve or backhand. There are six-lit tennis courts for guests to use, plus tennis instructors and programs.
Improve your spirit and celebrate Fall with a luxury getaway to The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay.
