Summer is here and as part of our green living vacation series, we decided to select yet another leading green resort that is a short destination for San Francisco Bay Area residents.
We heard so much about The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay with its unique coastal setting, that we decided to head that way.
Set along jaw dropping view of the ocean, the only Bay Area golf resort is exceptionally located. It offers a secluded setting, yet only 23 miles away for SFO, and allows you to explore Napa Valley and Santa Cruz.
We arrived at The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay on an exceptionally warm evening, just on time to see a fire red sunset.
Fire Red Sunset – Courtesy STEPin2
Our luxurious ocean view suite overlooking the golf course was awaiting us.
Luxurious Ocean View Suite – Courtesy of RCHMB
The nautical white and soft blue décor spoke of elegance and white crispiness.
Luxurious Bathroom – Courtesy RCHMB
We soon discovered that the coastal sanctuary featured amazing amenities such as 4 restaurants, a 16,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center with Cybex gym, three gas pits overlooking the ocean, an indoor heated swimming pool and six tennis courts.
Ocean View – Courtesy RCHMB
The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay prides itself with its endless privileges which comprise 24-hour in-room private dining, many meals options, specialty beverages, twice daily maid service and evening turndown service, auto rental services and multilingual staff.
Fire Pit by The Ocean – Courtesy RCHMB
Soon after we settled in, we met with veteran in the hospitality business General Manager, Kevin Kelly.
Kevin was general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and Bal Harbour hotels. He also was with the London Marriott-Grosvenor prior to that.
Knowing our passion for green resorts, Kelly was quick to share some of The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay’s green initiatives:
“ The resort has helped the local economy and made Half Moon Bay a more beautiful location to come to. We do whatever we can such as saving water. We have wells and use them. We are changing plants and putting succulents that do not need much water. The resort was built 15 years ago and we are taking definite steps to make it more eco-friendly.
The food we use at our restaurants is from local farmers, organic and pesticide free.
We also try to encourage our guests to be more eco-conscious by not changing their sheets and towels every day.
Our legacy is to be more “sympathetic”, supportive to the local community, be more environmentally friendly and lead by example,” he proudly states.
“ The resort utilizes a laundry water reclaim system which re-uses the rinse cycle water from each load of the washing machines. This system saves thousands of gallons of water a year.
The resort has replaced about 4,800 square feet of traditional turf grass with a drought tolerant grass. All rooms and corridors utilize low energy LED bulbs,” Kelly ends.
Some of the innovations include:
All the food is organic and from local farmers
The use of natural and organic products at the Spa
Sheets in the rooms are made of organic cotton
The linens are washed with eco-friendly detergents and recycled water
The Kitchen composts and recycles food waste
The landscaping is drought tolerant
Following suite, we met with well renown Executive Chef and Maitre Cuisiner de France (French Master Chef), Xavier Salomon who was has been with the Ritz Carlton for 20 years.
He leads the acclaimed Navio restaurant and oversees the other 3 restaurants. He is THE Culinary King at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, yet his kind approach to mentoring his Sous Chefs and the way he cares about his staff are not only commendable but humbling.
Navio – Courtesy RCHMB
‘ My goal is to be a mentor to my Sous Chefs, share my experience and knowledge with them. I want the chefs to provide the best food possible to our guests. My cooking concept is simple, fresh, always seasonal with an ‘irresistible’ French twist to it,” he mentions with a smile.
Guests can enjoy many delicious signature dishes inspired by Salomon. We rave about the halibut and garden fresh salads.
“The olive poached halibut is simple and rustic, and is a great marriage of California and Mediterranean cuisines in one bite,” says Salomon.
He peruses local markets in search of the best organic ingredients to help his team concoct healthy and delicious daily creations.
Last but not least, we met with the enthusiastic Matt Walsh, General Manager at The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay Spa. He gave us a tour of the blissful oasis.
Heavenly Treatment At The Spa – Courtesy RCHMB
“We only use organic or synthetic-free products at the spa. We are proud to have a good partnership with Eminence. They make excellent products that deliver on their mission to rejuvenate and heal,” he told us.
Walsh then led us to a dimly lit treatment room where he selected The flagship Crystal Radiance treatment for us to try.
Our body was gently exfoliated. Using blends of essential oils the therapist guided us through meditative breathing techniques while massaging us.
Our skin felt renewed, soft and revealed a natural glow.
With endless privileges and enchanting location, it will be hard pushed to find a more unique resort for a restful get away or honeymoon.
Beautiful Ocean – Courtesy STEPin2
For the rest you have to go see for yourself.
San Francisco Bay Area residents can make reservation by calling the resort’s reservation team and go to the website.
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