Choosing the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay is an unlikely choice for a family getaway perhaps, however this is one 5 diamond hotel that is full of surprises for families who want a splash of luxury, beauty and family fun all wrapped into one.
The resort is set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline, just south of San Francisco. The breathtaking views alone make it worth the trip. According to the Peninsula Open Space Trust, Half Moon Bay is a part of "the only remaining undeveloped coastline next to a major metropolitan area left in the world,"
Half Moon Bay features the world famous Fitzgerald Marine Reserve seven miles away, but guests may view the same marine habitat on the beaches nearby. Right in front of the hotel at low tide, guests may see sea urchins, starfish, hermit crabs, octopi and other fascinating sea life in the ocean waters.
For a great family outing I highly recommend the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The Reserve is located just seven miles from the resort at Moss Beach and is one of the most diverse inner tidal zones in California, and a host to a wide variety of plants and animals including seals.
According to Shelly Auyeung, Public Relations Coordinator, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, the resort offers a full Ritz Kids program for children ages five to 12 for parents who would like to get away and enjoy our resort facilities including the Spa, golf, dining in Navio or The Conservatory, recreation on property and other area activities. Ritz Kids is a specially-staffed program with trained and certified counselors. (For children under the age of five, we can coordinate babysitting with several local area babysitting services.)
Activities are tailored to the preferences of each child and include both physical and creative activities. Ritz Kids programs are offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and reservations are required 24 hours in advance for services Monday through Thursday. “We also offer Ritz Kids Summer Camps and special events throughout the year,” Auyeung says.
For Moms and Dads, the Resort features a unique "Fire and Wine" theme to capture the romance of the property, as well as its "sense of place" near the wine regions of Northern California. Guests may enjoy a glass of wine around the outdoor fire pits on a cool Northern California evening, or perhaps enjoy a glass of wine on their private patio with an outdoor fireplace in a Terrace Fire Pit room.
Fireplaces are featured in several guestrooms and all include a personal wine cellar. We also feature a custom-built Wine Room containing over 5,000 bottles of wines from around the globe where guests can indulge in sommelier-selected wine flights, wines by the glass, or by the bottle. The Wine Room features unique glassware, cigars by the box, and cigar lighters for purchase and it is the only location in California where crystal stemware by the renowned glassmaker Ichendorf can be purchased at retail.
Auyeung does caution families to be mindful that while the San Mateo Coast features over two dozen gorgeous beaches, parents should keep an eye on their children near or in the water. With ocean temperatures around 53 degrees, a wetsuit for kids and adults is highly recommended, and life jackets are strongly advised for children.
Anne Leedom is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Parentingbookmark.com. She writes on topics of interest to families and parenting, including travel and family connection. For reservations at the Ritz Half Moon Bay, please contact your travel professional or toll-free at 800-241-3333. For additional information, please call the resort directly at 650-712-7000, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb.