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Romantic Getaways |
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The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California
By Sheree Bykofsky
Here’s a recipe for Nirvana: Check into a signature spa guest
room at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, a spectacular resort perched
on a steep bluff overlooking 30 miles of entrancing Pacific You will find that your signature spa room is appointed with the
finest soaps and scents, candles, super-fluffy Kashwere throws,
pillows, bedding and slippers, relaxing books and games, a marble
tub, separate glass enclosed Raindrop showerhead
Book a tee time at either of the two championship eighteen-hole golf courses. Both courses are breathtaking with views of the crashing surf, but the Ocean Course is somewhat easier and therefore more relaxing to the non-pro. When you’re teeing up on either 17th hole, you’ll undoubtedly be thinking, “Life doesn’t get any better than this.” And that thought might last an hour or two until you find yourself in the capable hands of one of the resort’s brilliant massage therapists at the sprawling Ritz-Carlton Spa. After your massage, you’ll find there is so much more to do on premises. Ride a mountain bike along the coast at sunset or hike down to the beach. Have a round of tennis or a plunge in the pool. Enjoy s’mores by the outdoor firepit. Or soak in the surfside Jacuzzi by sun or moon or firelight. No doubt you’ll work up an appetite. Hunger is not an option at The Ritz Carlton. If you splurge on
club-level privileges, you’ll be treated to five complimentary food
and beverage presentations each day. And as much as the light
offerings there are delicious and satisfying, be sure to dine one
evening at the nautically inspired oceanfront Navio restaurant. The
tasting menu, artfully paired with wines by the dedicated sommelier,
will give you the best overview of the ambitious and interesting
menu.
Slumber is not a problem in the sensational beds. Honeymooners will be seduced by a special rose-petal turn down, bottle of champagne and daily special deliveries of fruits and figs, chocolates and other special treats. If you can bring yourself to leave the grounds for an afternoon, take the short drive into town where the ten or so blocks of charming Main Street is a lovely place to gawk and stroll, pet a dog and buy a trinket. Two fine restaurants in town are Cetrella and Pasta Moon. Or, if you’re up for more excitement, The Ritz-Carlton may seem like a world-away from the city, but it’s only 30 miles from busy downtown San Francisco. Chances are, if you’ve chosen The Ritz-Carlton as your getaway, you’ll be in a quieter mode. The entire San Mateo County that’s home to The Ritz-Carlton has enough activities to keep the most adventurous traveler busy. From wineries to pumpkin patches to goat farms to nature preserves, to museums to quirky taverns like Cameron’s on Route 1, there’s much to enjoy just south of San Francisco. Whether your pleasure is sea kayaking, horse-back riding, whale watching or just plain relaxing, it will be hard for you to plan a better vacation anywhere on Earth. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Sheree Bykofsky is the author of The Best Places to Kiss in and Around NYC and the 52 Most Romantic Dates in and Around NYC
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coastline. Romantic and luxurious without being formal, The
Ritz-Carlton seamlessly melds impeccable service with comfortable
personalized pampering to create a getaway that would please the
senses of any jaded traveler or discerning person of wealth. 
showers,
your own supply of spa products in a “spa bar,” a coastal view and
many other touches designed to soothe your body and soul. 
Sit
by the window and stare at the waves or choose a little elevated
curtained booth for two. Close the curtains and flirt to your
heart’s content. The waiters will warn you when they want to bring
your next delectable course. Sunday brunch at Navio is another meal
that will indulge you to the max. In addition to the expected
omelets, bacon, prime ribs and pancakes, you’ll find fresh sushi,
succulent crab legs and shrimp, outstanding Chilean sea bass and
sole, several dozen divine desserts and all the caviar you can eat.