The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Spa

Perfect location, beautiful spa! I love that I was able to enjoy the spa and then take a nice walk along the coast and go to the beach. Windy, but worth it. The spa itself has the usual amenities (steam room, suana, jacuzzi, vanity (standing), quiet area where so many people were talking, etc.). Fruits and water/​tea/​coffee available. I sort of expected there to be some more food, it’s the Rtiz! Parking is validated to $ 10 if you use the spa.
The workers were very welcoming and kind. The massage itself was relaxing, the signature massage.
All in all, great experience and affordable compared to what I thought it would be!
Ritz, you da crack (er).

We’ve come for brunch multiple times and always enjoyed it. Today was different. They increased the valet parking charge to $ 30. We arrived after 11 so no brunch. Lunch itself was just mediocre. Lobster sandwich tasted like mayonnaise. Salad had no dressing and soup came very late. Staff was very nice but the whole experience was out of sync somehow. Time to find a new brunch place.

I will start by saying that my treatment (60 minute massage) was excellent — the therapist was great and I highly recommend going with the eucalyptus oil.
The facilities, though, were less than stellar — certainly not up to par with the Ritz standard. I found the co-​ed jacuzzi and steam room to be rather dingy and very tired looking. The ‘relaxation’ room was almost ‘corridor-​like’ and pales in comparison to a lot of the high-​end spas i’ve visited. It felt more like a living room than a Spa area. They need comfier seating that isn’t so (upholstered furniture-​like).
Random, but the shower handle was impossible to turn, so I spent half of my shower with lukewarm water because I turned it as far as it could go. Finally with some real elbow grease I got it to turn warmer. Also, the blowdryers in the women’s ‘locker room’ were TERRIBLE. Invest in some higher-​end appliances, please.
For me, a significant part of my enjoyment of a spa treatment is in the facilities/​surroundings. I like to come a couple of hours before my appointment and use the jacuzzi, steam room, and maybe just read a book in the relaxation area. For this reason, I don’t really feel that I’m getting the same «bang for my buck» at the Ritz Half Moon Bay as I would at another high-​end spa.
For a property that is so secluded /​a ‘destination in itself’ I am really surprised that they have not revamped the spa facilities.

Love that this spa has a coed lounge as well as a gentleman and ladies lounge. Lounges are very clean and relaxing. Massages are excellent as well!
Also, the staff in the spa gift shop was very kind and generous. I was shopping for face essentials and clothing, after luggage was lost through the airlines, and they offered me samples and a discount on our purchase.
Not their problem but they went above and beyond to make our visit extraordinary.

Took my wife here from Sunday — Wed, stayed at the 1 bedroom Ocean View Suites about 300 yards off property, right on the golf course. Great Ocean Views and the suites were super nice and very pricey. Wanted to dine at their fine restaurant during our stay… Navio, closed Monday and Tuesday, wanted to taste their wines at their much bragged about Wine Bar, Eno closed on Monday and Tuesday. Why would you ever close restaurants and bars in a place where you are stuck, never seen this before that places close in a 5 star resort??? It’s funny that the rates don’t go down during those days but half the dining options are gone and you have to drive into town to really go anywhere else besides their other restaurant «The Conservatory» which menu selections are limited at best. We tried to go into town one night and they did not offer a car service like most 5 star resorts, they didn’t even have access to a cab which took 45 minutes to arrive. I mean this is not a big town they should have cars, cabs on stand by like other nice resorts. So if you want to eat in a nice place on a Monday or Tuesday or want to cruise into town and enjoy a few cocktails and not have to worry about driving, this is not the place I would recommend.

Does my boyfriend really hate me so much that he would rather die frozen like a popsicle on top of a mountain?
His death wish (lets just call it like it is), is to climb Mount Everest. Uhhhh, But lucky for me (so far), weather, timing and birthdays have gotten in the way of his stupid lame ass plan.
This year he says, «hey, yeah, umm so me a few friends are going to climb the Matterhorn».
Me. «Oh really? Is it dangerous?»
Stupid going to die BF «oh come one, have you not ever been to Disneyland? It’s just a little hill»
Off he goes to Switzerland to climb that «little hill».
He gets back and naturally I ask, so where are the pictures? Do you have any videos? Excuses excuses excuses. He seems to not be able to produce any visual evidence of he actually ever climbing to the top of the Matterhorn.
Until one day, a friend of his comes to our house and says to me «have you seen the GoPro video of our climb to the top?»
uhhhhhh, no.
WTF??? The top of that little hill is scary some ass shit! And there he is walking up to the top. He’s CRAZY!
Deep breath and and I’m transported to the SPA at the Ritz HMB. All my anger, all my stress is lifted and for 90 minutes am taken to a soft pillowy cloud in the sky. This SPA (and I know SPAs) is among the very best.
Go early and stay late. And get «his» moneys worth.

The property and views from it were simply amazing. The food was also great. The service, well was not up to the Ritz standard. We’ve been to Ritz properties in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong and their service standards are legendary. At this property we felt the service was an act and very artificial. Service staff was friendly don’t get me wrong but the responses to any queries seemed set rather than a response based on the nature of the query. Come on Ritz you can do better than this.

We love it here! From the moment you valet you feel like VIP. They open the car door for you, greet you with a smile. There is a lovely dinning area in the lobby with plenty of windows to allow picturesque views of the ocean. Outside you will find a large grassy area with plenty of seating, fire pits and ocean views galore. Some seats have very soft thick cushions, there are also benches and chairs that face the ocean. The food is also very good. Different menu for inside dinning vs. the outside area. More formal inside. Servers very plentiful outside.

no self parking, covered.
and ten dollars?!
really?!
no thanks.
they just lost our business.
good luck.

A+++ service all the way! Rooms are very nice, decorated in soft grey/​blue tones and white, we had an ocean view room and you definitely see the ocean, not obstructed by trees like some hotels. We used the spa services, jacuzzi, stream room, sauna and locker room are complimentary with your stay. Dim lit and full amenities to get ready, plus citrus infused water, tea, trail mix, and apples and oranges.
We are at their restaurant Novio for dinner, very pricy for the portions, we had oysters and octopus for starters and king salmon and scallops with pork jowl for entrees. The octopus was AMAZING. So tender and flavorful, when we come back we’re just ordering that and oysters (if they still have the octopus on the menu). We also had the snores dessert. The fire pits are so cozy, we were a party of two so we were always able to find two empty chairs, plus they offer you blankets while you’re sitting around the firebird because you’re literally right on a cliff over the ocean so the cool ocean air constantly blankets the fire pit area. They offer roasting marshmallows at the fire pits from 4p-​8p daily and I think if you’re not a guest you pay $ 10. They offer hot chocolate and coffee NOT free of charge. Overall the views are stunning, the hotel itself is absolutely beautiful and staff was extremely kind and accommodating. We’ll be back!!!

The ultimate spa experience! The location as a whole plays a major role in why the facility is superior! Here’s a little glimpse of how I spent my day there:
We arrived at the resort for lunch around 12:30 or so and had a delicious lunch in the gorgeous Conservatory with the view of the breaking waves and fire pits. After lunch we headed down to the spa to check in and drop off our belongings. We then took a stroll along the Coastal Trail and golf course. While the views were endless waves and beautiful, I did have a fear of taking a random flying golf ball to the face. I was on the lookout for fly balls! We made a u-​turn and headed back to the spa in time for our massages!
My massage was so wonderful. I have a stiffer left side so my masseuse was working really hard to loosen me up as much as possible in 50 minutes! After my massage, I headed to the waiting room to wait for my friends. I apologize to those who saw me lounging around like I was at home cuz I was that comfortable! Sorry but I’m not that sorry!
After meeting up, the four of us headed to the hot tub for a bit and then shower. I don’t handle heat well so after a little bit of the hot tub I went back to the waiting room to lounge. Just the quietness and peaceful environment made me want to stay there forever! Do I have to go home?! But alas my time at the spa ended and we check out! Bay Area residents discount on weekdays! Bring your IDs!
I’ll be back!

I had the best massage of my life here today. I got a 90 minute massage with hot stone enhancements. And the hot stones definitely make the massage incredible. The Spa itself is worth it with whirlpools, steam saunas, dry saunas, and a polar plunge tub. They have a nice co-​ed area, too with relaxing chairs and tsunami showers (which are great). They have a very attentive staff as well. My massage therapist was the best. I wish I could tell you her name, but she had a thick accent and I just didn’t understand her name, but she was very sweet and took good care of me. They could certainly teach the people at the Canyon Ranch Spa in Vegas a thing or two about giving massages. And it was cheaper than the Canyon Ranch. I only wish I was staying here another night, I would go back and get another one tomorrow!

I’ve had hot stone massages at numerous spas in Napa, Santa Barbara, San Diego, etc. The Ritz surprised me with THE BEST massage experience EVER! I felt so pampered from the moment I arrived at the spa. Since it was my first time, I was given a tour of the facilities and shown to my locker. The robe I was given was nice and soft. I took advantage of the jacuzzi and steam room before my treatment. By the time of my appt, I was thoroughly relaxed and warmed up for my massage.
I had the 75 min. ocean mist stone ritual treatment. It was a combination of a body sugar scrub down, warm shower rinse, hot stone massage, and body wrap. My body was jelly and soft as a baby’s bottom! The unique experience was the shower part. There were maybe 4 moveable shower heads positioned above the massage table. After the body scrub, the water is turned on, showering my upper body down to my feet with warm water. The shower remains on during the massage. It was pretty amazing! My masseuse was able to get all of my knots out of my shoulders. I felt rejuvenated. I’ll definitely be returning!

Wow, wow, wow.
I had a 60 minute relaxation massage from Di-​A-​na. She knows what she is doing for sure. I get a massage once a month for maintenance and I told her all my problem spots: shoulders, lower back, carpal tunnel on right hand. She was upfront about giving me a relaxation massage but promised to work on it.
I didn’t have time to get to the steam room or hot bath so my body was room temperature when we started. The bed was heated and fluffily bundled. She lost no time in plopping a hot towel on my feet, and a body heat map. Started with the soles of my feet and worked her way up. Gave me a series of rather interesting stretches to loosen my glutes. Had an interesting method of releasing the knots on my shoulders.
Needless to say, I am soooooo coming back here again.

Most amazing spa I’ve ever encountered. Kudos galore to my team: Annapaula, Heather and Nelly. All very friendly and great at their specialties. Heather was nice enough to chat afterward and give me some great recommendations on area restaurants and activities. Perfect service from beginning to end.
Receptionist didn’t know anything about the check-​in deal, so missed out on that, but otherwise a perfect visit!

Just got a great pregnancy massage from Heather the therapist. She was very patient with me as I flipped my big pregger belly from side to side and she did a great exfoliation and moisture treatment on my dry skin. Handled the draping in a very professional way. Five stars to Heather!
I was disappointed, however, with my pedicure. It started 20 minutes after my appointment time and then ended 10 minutes early. It was most certainly NOT worth $ 60! I feel like I can get a better pedi a home in the strip mall shop I frequent.
Love this property but I can’t say I’d make a huge effort to visit the spa again :(

This is the best spa I have ever been to. The second place is Burke Williams in San Jose, CA– Santana Row.
This place us ultra high end. It’s located in a grand cliffside hotel. The service is amazing and the clientele is very classy. You truly feel the privacy and the serenity since it’s quiet. Everyone minds their own business and leave you to truly relax. The amenities are top notch! They hire the best therapists and aestethicians. They all give high quality work and they make you feel like you’re getting a 5-​star quality work!
What I like is the co-​ed jacuzzi. It allows my husband and I to spend time together after our couples massages. I also like the niche in the women’s room where you can sit, relax, listen to nice music, as you read or sip tea.
The only thing that would add a cherry on top is occasional servers serving freshly cut fruits. I wonder if there’s a spa like that?
I highly recommend this spa to everyone. Be prepared to spend a lot because it is very expensive. I wouldn’t go here regularly because of the price. However, I don’t mind coming here on an annual or semi-​annual basis to celebrate a special occasion or just to spoil myself.
Tip:
I believe valet parking is complimentary if you’re visiting the spa.

Come here for Megan.
I’ve gotten plenty of massages in my day but when I came here on a company trip and was treated to a 25 minute massage by Megan, I realized none of my previous massages count anymore.
She is this tiny blonde girl and I thought I’d be getting a weak massage. Boy was I wrong. She worked through shoulder kinks while relaxing me at the same time. I wish my massage had been 4 hours. She was that good. (I mean that in the least creepy way possible.)
FABULOUS!

Stress came to me during two points of my Sunday afternoon: reading the instructions on the women’s lockers and the drive home in the CRAZY thunderous rain.
The rest of the afternoon was magically relaxing.
Started the day off with facials-​simply amazing, my esthetician pinpointed my skin & gave me a facial based on that. I tried SO hard to stay awake to enjoy her soft hands on my arms, face & shoulders, but alas, I couldn’t fight it the last 10 minutes.
The Naturopathica products they use are SICK. Beware of the huge markup. I made that mistake. Online here I come!
The robes are cozy and super comfy, but I wasn’t digging the plastic One Size Fits All sandals.
We waffled around w/​some of their Signature Champagne cocktails, then headed for brunch and then back to the spa to detox w/​some Mighty Leaf tea, whirlpool, steam and sauna. Niiice. They even have a coed whirlpool.
With a treatment, you can use all the facilities to their max, so we decided on their 5pm yoga class. We got a private lesson! Not b/​c we’re VIP, no one was left on a stormy Sunday.
Literally all our stresses and worries melted away. Perfect way to combat the lunacy of the Holiday’s. We’ve already planned our Post-​Holiday detox.

You would think that going to a spa at the plush Ritz Carlton Hotel at Half Moon Bay would leave you luxuriating in five star splendor. Unfortunately, NOT! The hotel itself is a beautiful setting along a bluff with a fantastic view of the coast. The spa feels stripped down of any luxuries giving guests access to the bare minimum of comfort.
Well wait, if you’re driving down from the City for a splurge afternoon getaway, should you expect more? Yes! Sure the valet parking complimentary with spa treatment is nice. Once you enter the spa facilities, you have the run of a european style mineral co-​ed bath, or a women’s only hot tub, or the dry or wet saunas. Okay that’s nice. Wrapping yourself up in the double-​lined robes and sitting in one of the lounge sofas is okay too. The lounge area is mighty dark which is good for taking a catnap. The day I was there, two women were talking very intently obviously discussing a serious problem because one of the started weeping. Gee. The dim lights make it hard to read any of the six magazines they have on display. Can’t they stock a few more good reads in this place?
There’s one fruit bowl with green bananas, oranges and an apple or two and water with citrus slices available from a self-​serve dispenser. Or you can make your own cup of hot tea. That’s it? There are much more goodies like in complimentary snacks at spas in the City.
My facial was okay. I had called before to ask if the aestheticians would be able to clear out some hard problem spots. The registration attendant said, «Yup, we can». When I went in for the service and mentioned my problem to the aesthetician, she said, «I see that you mentioned this problem to the reservation clerk but sorry, no, see your dermatologist». How annoying is that!
Also, I got several spa gift certificates for a gift and when I tried to used them, the spa director told me I could only use one. This meant I had to shell out lots of cash for a facial that was suppose to be a gift. Something is not right with this place.
If you’re thinking of getting a spa treatment, stay in or go to the City. Value for the money and a better customer service experience can be enjoyed at many, many places other than the Ritz at HMB.