Located on a coastal bluff in Northern California overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is an ideal destination to unplug, rejuvenate and restore the mind, body, and spirit. Those looking to seek reprieve from the city will find that opportunities to disconnect at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay are abundant: walks along the beach, a few rounds of golf, a day at the spa, a glass of wine with a colorful sunset, and so much more.

While staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, guests can take advantage of exploring the area’s many hiking and biking trails covering over 180 coastal acres. For golf lovers, tee off at one of the Bay Area’s finest golf courses, choosing to soak in the water views from the Ocean Course or the parkland-style Old Course that includes cypress lined fairways and an oceanside18th hole. Alternatively, guests can visit one of the resort’s world-class tennis courts, which include six lighted tennis courts as well as premium tennis instruction and programming. Afterwards, travelers can unwind in an Adirondack chair by one of hotel’s cozy outdoor firepits and watch the sun set over the horizon.

The Conservatory is a modern beach house-inspired restaurant at Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

The resort’s 16,000-square-foot Spa draws from its surroundings for signature treatments including the Redwood Forest Ritual and seasonal facials using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy the spa’s many amenities, including lounge areas with fireplaces, whirlpools, a sauna, or steam rooms.

We chatted with Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s Spa Director, Rakesh Thapliyal, to learn more about the stunning Half Moon Bay Spa.

Why You’ll Love It:
Our guests talk highly about our wellness offerings which are designed to focus on three core areas: skin, body, and mind. Our spa menu includes wellness methods such as guided visualizations, breathing techniques, as well as Himalayan therapeutic salt stone, rose quartz crystal, and bamboo stick massage techniques.

Our guests also love the five-star service provided by our spa staff who create memorable experiences for them. In addition, our guests appreciate the natural beauty of our oceanfront setting that inspires a serene and tranquil wellness experience and getaway.

Key Features:
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay spa is a 16,000-square-foot space featuring 15 private treatment rooms including ten single massage rooms, two couples’ massage rooms, and three facial rooms. Men and women’s changing rooms include lounge areas with fireplaces, whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms, and a cold dip in the men’s facility. A centrally located co-ed whirlpool with lounge and fireplace is also available.

Bonus:
We provide our guests a choice of a glass of local or sparkling wine while they wait for their spa treatment in our relaxation room or while they enjoy our men and women’s lounges featuring whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas (there is a cold dip in the men’s lounge as well).

Guest room at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Insider’s Tip:
For the best spa experience, we recommend our guests arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their spa treatment so they can relax and take advantage of our therapeutic men and women’s lounges and prepare for their spa service. We also offer premium hot tea in our lounges for guests to unwind, invigorate or detox which we highly recommend prior to or after your spa treatment.

Spa Snacks:
At our spa we serve our locally grown fresh fruit, dried fruits and nuts and choice of a glass of local or sparkling wine.

Popular Treatments:
The Redwood Forest Ritual is our most popular signature treatment and is inspired by our surrounding California Redwoods. This treatment takes guests on a journey that stimulates their senses and revitalizes their soul and utilizes a variety of indigenous earthy herbs and wood blends that will cleanse and leave guests feeling grounded, complete, and restored.

Unique Treatment:
The Art of Wellness Massage (80 minutes) is our most unique. This transformative ritual brings healing and wellness to the mind, body, and soul and creates a state of pure bliss. Guided breathing and visualization as well as a deeply therapeutic salt stone and rose quartz crystal massage releases physical tension and relaxes the mind to embrace the art of letting go.

Insider’s Favorite:
The Bamboo Muscle Reviving Massage (80 minutes) is my favorite spa treatment. For guests that exercise regularly, this energetic full body treatment is ideal for improving flexibility and joint mobility. This free flowing, fast-paced massage utilizing bamboo releases deep tension, slows busy minds and helps elongate tight muscles leaving you feeling relaxed and revitalized.

Wellness offerings:
We offer group yoga and water aerobics classes as well as guided coastal walks for our guests. Private sessions of yoga, guided meditation and hiking are also available upon request.

Featured Brands:
We feature world-renowned ESPA products which are created with a carefully selected blend of plant extracts, marine active nutrients, and essential oils which work in synergy to promote beautiful skin and a renewed sense of inner calm.

For more information, visit The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and follow @ritzcarltonhmb

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Rd
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-7000

[Images courtesy of Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay]

Spa Profile: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay