Introduction

Set on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a five‑star coastal retreat where manicured lawns meet windswept seaside drama. The resort’s grounds unfold across rolling green terraces, ornamental gardens and pathways that trace the cliff edge, offering endless vantage points for the ocean, seabirds and the changing light at dusk. Mature cypress and eucalyptus frame the property, while intimate courtyards, fire pits and terraces create quiet moments of warmth against the coastal breeze. It’s a place that feels simultaneously grand and intimately connected to the wild beauty of Northern California’s coastline.

The resort’s championship golf offering is integral to its character. Designed by Arthur Hills in a Scottish links–inspired style, the courses present broad grassy knolls, strategic bunkering and windswept fairways that look as if they’ve been carved by the sea air itself. Even for non‑golfers the setting is magnetic — walking along the course or watching play from a terrace prompts a wistful appreciation for those teeing off against an ocean backdrop. The signature 18th hole delivers a final flourish: a sweeping approach that culminates with the Pacific framing the final putt, the green set directly in front of the hotel so every round ends with a view.

Location

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay sits about 25 miles south of San Francisco and 8 miles west of the town of Half Moon Bay proper. It occupies a remote-seeming stretch of Northern California coastline within San Mateo County, offering sweeping ocean vistas and easy access to Highway 1 for coastal drives. From downtown San Francisco the drive typically takes 35–50 minutes without heavy traffic; to San Jose it's roughly 45–60 minutes. The hotel’s location makes it an ideal escape from the city while remaining within comfortable reach of the broader Bay Area.

The Room

The view is quite scenic upon entry, immediately setting a serene tone for our stay. We were given room 549, which looked out over the adjacent golf course and afforded sweeping ocean vistas from the gorgeous public beach beyond. My corgi, katsu had the best time sprinting across the warm sands like a joyful maniac — and even I though I the shower part, I was so happy that he was having a blast here. I must say, the property is enchanting both by day and again when the lights come on at night. The room itself is dressed in a palette of subtle blues and soft grays that fosters a calm, restorative atmosphere. The 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton bed sheets and the plush feather pillows make falling asleep effortless. There’s even a discreet white-noise machine for anyone worried about late-night revelers.

The room feels thoroughly luxurious, stocked with thoughtful amenities from the Ritz-Carlton–branded glass water bottles to a Nespresso capsule coffee machine and super-soft slippers. Outside, a fire pit overlooks the manicured fairways and features two lounge chairs perfectly placed for quiet contemplation. We were even presented with a s’mores kit we meant to use after dark, haha. It was also wonderfully convenient to zip in and out with Katsu, wandering nearby trails and strolling down to the outdoor terrace for a little R&R while watching the sunset.

The Bathroom

Back in the room, the bathroom is luxuriously appointed and thoughtfully designed. A large soaking tub sits surrounded by generous slabs of marble and quartz, a genuine feast for the eyes. Purple Water Asprey is the primary toiletries brand on offer, though I noticed a temporary addition: Zero% for the shower gel and shampoo. It smelled delightful, so that was no issue at all. Shower pressure was excellent and very invigorating, even if the shower stall itself felt a little cramped for comfort.

Hotel Grounds

Arriving in the afternoon, we set off to explore the resort grounds and nearby public beach, where a dramatic coastal trail carves cliffs and headlands into sweeping Pacific views. The path delivers picture-postcard panoramas at every turn — windswept grasses, rugged bluffs, and stair access down to a sheltered stretch of sand — making it perfect for a leisurely walk or a more invigorating coastal ramble as the light shifted. The weather that day was unusually kind, casting the shoreline in warm, cinematic tones that felt quintessentially Half Moon Bay.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay’s grounds mirror that coastal elegance: manicured lawns, secluded garden terraces, and quiet pathways that thread between the guest wings and ocean-facing vantage points. Onsite amenities are thoughtfully sited to complement the landscape — indoor restaurants and an outdoor bar where oysters and cocktails are served al fresco, a full-service spa and salon, and complimentary bicycle rentals for exploring the property and nearby trails. The atmosphere is luxurious but restrained, offering privacy and refinement even when weekend visitors arrive, so even a simple walk across the grounds feels intimate and restorative.

Amenities

There’s also a fitness center located within the Spa Center on the second floor, though I didn’t have a chance to use it during my stay. Still, a well-rounded array of resistance machines, free weights and cardio equipment — including a Stairmaster and several treadmills — are ready at a moment’s notice. Guests can also join daily exercise classes or make use of the six tennis courts near the guesthouses. For swimmers, there’s a heated indoor pool suitable for lap swimming or relaxed family recreation later in the day, complete with beach balls and other family-friendly amenities to borrow.

I did manage to enjoy the spa itself, and it met the expectations I had going in: not quite on par with various competitors in the same point, like the Rosewood Sand Hill, but an ideal place to unwind after a day of golfing or sightseeing around Half Moon Bay. The spa includes a dry sauna, steam room, hot tub and a cold plunge, although the men’s hot tub and cold plunge were out of service during my visit — the attendant apologized profusely and handled it professionally. Alternatively, there is a co-ed area with a very large hot tub ringed by multiple shower stalls for added convenience.

Navio | Dinner

To celebrate our wedding anniversary, the concierge secured us a table at Navio, the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay’s signature restaurant. True to its name—Navio, “ship” in Portuguese—the dining room evokes a vessel with a soaring ceiling shaped like a hull and panoramic windows framing the ocean.

Navio evokes refined seafood-forward menu that emphasizes local California ingredients and sustainable practices. They offer a tasting menu that showcases regional produce and responsibly sourced seafood. The wine list leans toward cool-climate California selections and notable Old World bottles that pair thoughtfully with the menu. For many folks, Navio continues to be regarded as a signature destination restaurant on the Northern California coast, combining refined execution, notable vistas, and stewardship of local seafood.

We selected the three‑course menu, and it proved to be the perfect choice. Each course arrived artfully composed and impeccably timed; the presentation was so beautiful it almost felt wrong to disturb it. Every bite was executed with precision — the sea bass was outstanding — and the house sourdough with butter was a standout in its own right. Service throughout the evening was attentive and gracious, striking the ideal balance of warmth and professionalism that made the meal feel effortlessly special.

Curated for Class?

There you have it. That’s the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for you. You get what you pay for - lavishly expensive and beautiful all around, there’s no doubt that this luxury resort is in high demand from the weekend Silicon Valley crowds to events and conferences, so it’s rare for us to actually apply points for a stay. Given this situation, it’s an excellent hotel and it definitely matched my expectations. The quality of service if phenomenal, the accommodations are beautiful and the environment is almost unbeatable and rivals world-class views from around the world. If you have the chance to splurge or find yourself looking at 70k to 85k redemptions, this is place to redeem your Bonvoy points at.

Curated for Class Final Score | 41/50

The views itself are gorgeous, their flagship dining is amazing and the rooms feel like a Ritz-Carlton. Service was great, and while it does cost and arm and a leg to stay here, if you’re able to snag a few nights with the right amount of Marriott Points, it’s well worth it.

Ambiance: 8/10

Room: 8/10

Food & Beverage: 8.5/10

Service: 8/10

Does it Feel Special: 8.5/10

Hotel Review: The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay