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A Perfect Girls’ Getaway Weekend at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

I recently spent a glorious weekend at Lake Tahoe with 4 girlfriends to celebrate my 50th birthday.  Over the past 5 years, we’ve traveled to various destinations to help each other celebrate this milestone event.  We’ve had some really fun adventures, which have all been unique, and that will be the subject of a future post.  But today my blog is all about ME!
For my birthday celebration, I wanted to relax, be pampered, spend quality time with my friends, and not have to travel too far from our home in San Jose, CA.  And I didn’t want to have to dress up!  So the obvious choice was a place I’ve been wanting to get back to for several years:   the Ritz Carlton at Lake Tahoe.  I love being in the Sierra Nevadas, so its location right on the mountain at Northstar ski resort is ideal, summer or winter.

The view from our balcony

Our accommodations were a one bedroom suite connected to a guest room with 2 queen beds.   Not only did we have a large shared living room with plenty of seating, and a fireplace in each room, but we had 3 full bathrooms!  Now that’s a nice setup for a group of girls, we were wondering if we were ever going to want to leave the suite!


Living room with sofabed
Master bedroom, plenty of room to add a rollaway.

What did we do on our girls’ weekend?

* We ate.  We tried all the on-site dining options, including the signature restaurant Manzanita, Café Blue which serves casual ‘to go’ fare, and the Backyard BBQ on the patio which served huge portions of pulled pork, ribs, and baked beans. Our culinary adventures also included a tour of the kitchen led by the pastry chef, which was very interesting.  We got some great cooking tips from the staff, and also saw preparations for a wedding that evening.  We were very impressed to learn that everything at the resort is made on-site.  They even have a sourdough starter mix from 1997, used to make wonderful bread with a bubbly crust.

Chef picking herbs
The kitchen tour

Fresh baked bread.  The sourdough starter
creates the bubbles in the loaves on the top shelf.
* We got some exercise. Exercise classes and use of the fitness center are included in the resort fee (yoga classes for a small fee), so we had some early morning workouts and then also went for a hike right from the resort patio to a pretty lake.  I generally prefer to work out outside, but looking out at the trees from the gym was the next best thing.  If we had arrived a week later, the lifts to the top of the mountain would have been running for mountain bikers and hikers.


Pretty view from the fitness center


Sawmill Lake

* We partied a little. Truckee is just a 10 min drive away, but there are taxi services so nobody has to be a designated driver.  “Downtown” is only a couple blocks long, but it has quite a few restaurants and bars, some more upscale with live music, and some more of a “local watering hole” featuring karaoke. I won’t go into any more detail about where we spent most of our time. (What happens in Truckee stays in Truckee!)

Birthday dinner with a view in Truckee
* We got pampered a lot. Whether sitting by the main pool or the fire pit on the terrace, we always had staff checking on us to see if we needed drinks (grapefruit margaritas, yum!) or a snack, or even a pool noodle!  The resort fee included access to the beautiful spa amenities, including sauna, steam room and outdoor adults-only pool.  I loved swimming and relaxing under the pine trees!

A great place to have s’mores.


It’s not a girls’ trip without plenty of People magazines.

The peaceful adult pool next to the spa

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my special day.  While there are many luxury hotels to choose from in northern California, few are in such a beautiful and peaceful setting.   And the alpine-inspired décor and artwork create a homey but luxurious feeling. It is truly one of the most relaxing places I’ve stayed, and the ideal place to hang out and enjoy the company of good friends.

The “Living Room”
Some of the fun artwork.  Do you see the song lyrics?
If you’re looking for a great place for a girls’ (or guys’) getaway, give me a call. If I book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, you’ll receive daily breakfast for free and an upgrade, if available. And I guarantee you my wonderful contacts at the resort will make you feel like VIP’s the whole time!

Happy birthday to me!
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Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: A Perfect Family Retreat

Spacious cottages, a beautiful beach, expansive lawns, an exclusive beach club, complimentary kids’ club, and gorgeous sunsets.  What more could you ask for in a family resort?  The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers everything a family could want, whether traveling alone or with the grandparents, siblings, and cousins.   Located just 2 hours from LAX, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country, and it makes a great stop on a driving tour of the California coast.


The resort is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a quiet two lane road used primarily by local residents.   In summer, butlers tend to guests soaking up the sun on quiet Butterfly Beach. A huge lawn area gives kids (and pets) plenty of room to run around, or play a game of croquet. 



Music plays underwater in the centrally located Jungle Pool, and two hot tubs offer different temperatures to ensure everyone a comfortable place to relax.  While children are entertained in the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program, parents can enjoy the huge spa, rated #1 in the US by TripAdvisor.

All rooms are beautifully furnished, but the cottages are the real gem of this resort. They are comprised of 4 units:  a 1 bedroom suite plus 3 more bedrooms, which can be booked separately, or connected to make up to a 4 bedroom cottage.  The main building has standard rooms and suites as well, many of which are connecting.  Room size and décor is similar across the property, except cottage rooms have hardwood floors instead of carpeting.  Deluxe rooms have outdoor seating areas, and one bedrooms suites all have a king bed and sofa bed and a steam shower.  All the rooms are unique, accented with antiques and beautiful tile work in the bathrooms.

And if that isn’t enough, families can stroll across the street to the exclusive and historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.  Today there is no longer a casino, but it does have its own fitness center, restaurant lined with pictures of Hollywood “royalty,” and a large lap pool.   An oceanfront  hot tub and children’s wading pool offer the best sunset views on the property.  Club access is complimentary for some room categories, but clients who book with me receive admission as part of the Preferred Partner amenity package.

 The other Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities include: 

  • Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom
  • $100 food and beverage credit
  • Upgrade based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
  • Complimentary high-speed Internet access for suites
For more information on planning a family getaway to Santa Barbara, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.


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A Whale of a Good Time at Dana Point

I live in northern California, but travel regularly to Anaheim for my son’s hockey games.  While we usually have a tight schedule, we always try to fit in at least one fun family activity for my daughter’s benefit.  Last year, we visited the Long Beach aquarium, which was really fun despite being much smaller than my beloved Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Southern California sunset
SoCal sunset 

Since the Thanksgiving tournament fell late in the month this year, it overlapped with the beginning of the gray whale migration. I have been hearing that marine mammal sightings along the California coast have been exceptional this year, they’re having a feeding frenzy due to unusually high numbers of anchovies.  Passengers on whale watch cruises are being treated to some of the best shows in decades, amazing even experienced marine biologists.

While everyone else headed out shopping on Black Friday, we headed to Dana Point, only a half hour drive from our Anaheim hotel, which took us through San Juan Capistrano, with its famous mission and sparrows.  We booked a 2 hour whale watch tour with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, and I was a little concerned as we woke to a pretty good rain.  But by the time we arrived for our mid-afternoon cruise, the showers had stopped.  It was still cloudy, but I consider these perfect conditions for being on the water, as overcast skies make for more dramatic pictures, and there’s less glare off the water. 
SUP at Dana Point
Paddleboarder at Dana Point
Whale watching tours are available year round, as different types of whales have different migration seasons. And many marine animals including dolphins, sea lions, and the elusive orcas can be spotted year-round.  I even saw a great white shark on Dana Wharf’s sighting log for October!  Gray and humpback whales migrate between December and March, traveling south to Mexico in winter, then heading back north in the spring. We heard that the migration had started early this year, and in fact Dana Wharf had spotted their first gray whale a few days earlier, so we were optimistic as we headed out. 
The boat was very comfortable, with plenty of seating at tables on the top deck, and even more indoor seating below.  The main deck also had space to walk entirely around the ship, so there was always a good vantage point. A small galley offered grill items such as hot dogs and hamburgers, hot and cold drinks, and a good variety of snacks including popcorn, chips and fruit roll-ups.   The water was very calm so the ride was smooth, and the captain kept up an interesting and educational conversation.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whalewatching
Ready to cruise with Dana Wharf
Our first stop was a buoy loaded with sea lions, and nearby a large bull entertained us with water acrobatics.  I am always amazed how these creatures can hurl themselves several feet out of the water to get on solid ground (or metal, in this case).

sea lions on buoy at dana point
Catching some rays

It wasn’t long before the captain announced that he spotted a gray whale, and he quickly turned the boat to follow it.  We cruised slowly as the whale swam parallel to the coast, dipping in and out of the water and giving us a good look at the barnacles on its back. Fortunately for us, it was a “fluker.”  Each time it went into a deep dive, it gave us a nice flip of its fluke before disappearing for 5-10 minutes.  

gray whale fluke
A whale watching highlight
It went on like this for over an hour, until it was time to head back to the marina.  While we enjoyed the views of the coastline and snacked on warm popcorn, one of the crew members came by with a chart of marine mammals, so we could learn more about the whale we had been watching and ask questions.
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel shoreline
(Ritz Carlton on the bluff)

I am eager to go whale watching again soon, as every trip is different and you’ll never know what you might see. As we get further in the season there will be more whales, and they’ll be traveling closer to shore with their babies as they had back north.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching is located at Dana Point Harbor, which has plenty of free parking plus many shops and restaurants. Tickets for the Catalina Express can also be purchased there, which I hope to try out on another visit.  The Catalina Islands are just a 90 min boat ride away, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Just a few miles north of the harbor is the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, a fantastic resort for families any time of year.  It’s perched on a cliff, so it offers stunning ocean views, and quick access to a nice beach.  The hotel was decorated for the holidays, including an elaborate gingerbread display.  

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel gingerbread display
Huge gingerbread display!
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Holiday Surfboard Auction
Surfboard Auction

We also enjoyed looking at the custom-painted surfboards lined up for their annual holiday auction to benefit Surfers Healing, an organization that helps people with autism experience surfing.  Virtuoso amenities for my clients are daily breakfast, an upgrade based on availability, and a $100 resort credit.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
Gorgeous full ocean views

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel beach
View of beach from the resort

This Ritz Carlton was one of the first resorts to offer the award winning Eco Adventure Program, created by Jean-Michel Cousteau, which offers unique excursions for children and families to showcase the area’s natural wonders and promote environmental responsibility.  In fact, on our whale watch cruise, two Eco Adventure staff members were escorting a family as part of their whale education program.  The program is being expanded to more resorts, including Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, and Grand Cayman.


For help with planning a fun family getaway, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com.

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Exclusive Hotel Amenities from the Dorchester Collection

We all want the most for our money when traveling, especially when paying premium prices for a five star hotel.  Now my clients have yet another way to get more value when booking a hotel.

The Dorchester Collection recently announced a new preferred agency program, called The Diamond Club, and Brownell Travel is one of the charter members.

This is one of the best amenity programs I’ve seen, and there are no blackout dates! It’s good at all nine hotels in their portfolio:
 
(And more hotels to come)


Here’s what guests receive when they book a Dorchester Collection hotel through me:

  • A one category upgrade guaranteed at time of booking (if available, up to a junior suite)
  • Daily breakfast for 2 people per room
  • A hotel credit equivalent to 100 units of local currency, applied to the final bill
  • Unlimited internet access for an unlimited number of devices
 
Hotel Principe di Savoia Classic Room
 
For guests who book a suite, or any room at 45 Park Lane, they receive the same amenities, with a few enhancements:
  • Daily breakfast for 2 people per bedroom
  • A daily hotel credit of 100 units of local currency
 
45 Park Lane Deluxe King Room

Suite at Le Meurice

Also, each hotel will have a Diamond Club ambassador on-site around the clock, to ensure my clients are getting their amenities and to assist with any special requests.  This is especially helpful when I need to reach a hotel in case of emergency at any time of day, especially when clients are traveling abroad.

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

This is just one of several preferred agency programs with which Brownell is affiliated, including Ritz Carlton STARS, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, and Starwood Luxury Privileges.

The next time you plan to book a hotel, whether it’s for one night or two weeks, contact me first at suzette@family-treks.com to check if you are eligible for any exclusive amenities or upgrades.   

The Beverly Hills Hotel
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Seven Super Things at the Aquarium of the Pacifc

I am an aquarium snob.  But who wouldn’t be if  you have the Monterey Bay Aquarium in your backyard?  This means I rarely visit aquariums while traveling, because I worry they will fall short in comparison

But last fall we found ourselves with a full day free in Anaheim with our 12 year old daughter.  Our teen son was hanging out in Disneyland with his hockey team, but my daughter really isn’t into theme parks.  So we decided to check out the aquarium in nearby Long Beach, whose waterfront location was very appealing on this sunny day.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is much smaller than Monterey’s, but that was a good thing, as we only had a few hours.   And I quickly found that though smaller, there were actually many things that Monterey doesn’t have.  You see, the Monterey Bay Aquarium features local marine life, where the Long Beach aquarium has exhibits showcasing the entire Pacific Ocean, from Baja to Australia to The Bering Sea.
Here were our seven favorite exhibits:

The Lorikeet Forest, where you can offer a cup of nectar to the brightly colored birds

The Blue Cavern, where divers hand fed giant fish including sea bass

 

The touch pond were we could pet jellyfish

The comb jellyfish with their beautiful “Christmas lights”

The shark lagoon, home to a freshwater sawfish

Exotic-looking sea dragons camouflaged as leaves

Cute, though sometimes deadly, frogs including the infamous poison dart variety

 
(I don’t recall if this guy was poisonous, but he had the best smile.)


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Hotel Les Mars: Romance in Wine Country

No matter how much we love our kids, parents need some time alone, too. For our anniversary this past fall, my husband and I escaped to the wine country north of San Francisco. Our favorite place to stay is Healdsburg, because of the charming town square filled with cafes and shops, and the dozens of fantastic wineries just a short drive away. And no matter what time of year we go, the scenery is spectacular, and we never run into the traffic or crowds that are often found in Napa Valley. I personally prefer fall, though, because the weather is mild and the vineyards are showing off their fall foliage.

The choice of where to stay was easy: There is nothing as elegant or romantic as Hotel Les Mars, just a few steps off the main square. A Relais & Chateaux property, it was built from the ground up in the style of a French chateau, so everything from the headboards to the library bookcases were handcrafted to complement one another. We truly felt we were back in Provence, especially with Old World touches like a skeleton style room key on a tassel, which was really an electronic key card.

Our room was absolutely gorgeous. A small foyer led to nice sized room with a canopied four poster king bed. Each room has a fireplace, its own wireless router, iPod station, bookshelves & armoire, TV, and DVD player. The bathroom had a spacious rain shower and, in keeping with the European authenticity, a bidet. Antiques can be found throughout the hotel; in fact the desk in our room was the oldest item on the property.


Rates include a delicious continental breakfast of pastries, yogurt, granola, juice, fruit, and coffee. Each evening we put the room service order form outside our door, and the next morning we enjoyed it in front of our fireplace, lounging in soft, fluffy bathrobes.

The staff was well trained and ready to do whatever it takes to please a guest. We were greetly warmly when coming or going, and they made sure we always left with plenty of bottled water, which we really appreciated after visiting a few wineries. We also enjoyed chatting with them and other guests at the evening wine & cheese reception in the library.
I also want to note an amenity that summer visitors will appreciate when temperatures soar: a swimming pool. It was small, but retained the French ambiance of the hotel, and would be the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Les Mars. I am happy to share with my clients my personal wine tasting guide, or for those who would like to do something extra-special or unique, I can arrange a day to remember: a private winery tour, yacht charter, cooking or photography classes, hot air ballooning, and more.

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A Whale of Fun in Monterey

I love any activity involving nature, & especially wildlife watching, because by definition, wildlife is unpredictable. It’s often like a treasure hunt, requiring me to listen & watch carefully in hopes of spotting an elusive creature. I feel privileged when I get to spy on their everyday mundane activities, amazed at how much time animals spend just trying to stay alive. My life seems so unnecessarily hectic in comparison.

So I was excited when we decided to take the kids to Monterey for a whale watching cruise with Princess Monterey. It’s one of those close to home touristy activities that we often overlook, and in fact my husband & I had not gone on one in at least 15 years. My 11 year old daughter was excited, but my teen son wasn’t particularly enthused, saying the whole thing sounded pretty boring.

So shortly after we parked our car, I was happy to see him perk up as we noticed two otters lounging on the walkway alongside the marina. How can anyone not enjoy these cuties? We stood there for several minutes, watching them rolling around on their backs, and jumping in & out of the water to cool off. We were used to seeing sea lions sprawled everywhere, but this was not typical behavior for otters. Our first wildlife surprise of the day, yay! We found the boat, and as we waited to board, the marine biologist who was accompanying us gave an orientation talk. Katherine was funny and enthusiastic, and I thought how great for someone to love her job this much. That she could be this excited about seeing whales and other marine wildlife day after day after day, with a bunch of tourists, no less.

As we headed out of the bay, she told us about the various kinds of wildlife we were likely to see, and how to spot the whales. Humpbacks were commonly sighted, but they had also been seeing a lot of blue whales during the week, including some just that morning. But because they are always moving, there is never a guarantee they’ll be in the same spot, even just an hour later. So I reconciled myself to being happy with seeing humpbacks and considering it a special treat if we saw a blue.
As we motored out to open waters, we enjoyed watching the marine birds swim & dive, and the funny looking “egg yolk” jellyfish floating in the sea. As we approached the mouth of Monterey Bay, we were able to see spouts in the distance, which was a thrill in and of itself. “Kids” young & old ooh’ed and aah’ed as they pointed excitedly towards the horizon. But these whales were far away, so our captain headed towards another boat that had located a something special: a mother humpback and her baby! This was a special because the babies are only obvious in their first year. Very quickly they become as large as their parents, making it almost impossible to recognize a mother/child pair. So even Katherine was excited for this unique opportunity.

We followed the momma and her baby for at least an hour, and kept an eye out for blues, but no luck. However the humpbacks gave us a nice show, frequently spouting and showing off their flukes as they dove.It was time to return to the dock, so we settled in to enjoy the views of the Carmel coastline on the way back. Suddenly, over the loudspeaker came Katherine’s excited voice: “Left side, left side!” We jumped up just in time to see a spout only about 50 yards away, and a large, sleek mass rolling slowing through the water. A lone blue whale was cruising by in the opposite direction, moving so quickly we realized we were fortunate to have crossed paths with him. (They can travel at speeds of up to 30 mph!)

As we watched in awe, Katherine reminded us that this was the largest living creature on earth, and I was so happy that my kids had the chance to see one in the wild. The whale remained in sight only a few minutes, but the memory will remain much longer.

Once again, a wildlife outing created wonderful family memories for us, and we didn’t even have to travel far from home. And by the way, my teenager was all smiles from the moment we saw the otter, until we got back to our car after the cruise.

I love helping families create wonderful memories like this. For help planning your next family vacation, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com

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The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Ski Paradise for Families

Today I am going to write about a amazing ski resort. Now it may seem strange that I am covering this topic when most people are pretty tired of cold weather and eagerly waiting for summer. But the fact remains, if you want to plan a family ski vacation for next Christmas or winter break, you need to think about booking it now!

There are many great ski destinations, but I have admit I am biased towards California, and specifically Lake Tahoe. The views, great weather, and abundance of local activities are hard to beat. And now families have a great option for a luxury ski vacation which will please all ages: The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

This relatively new resort (opened December 2009) was not quite what I expected. It being a mountain lodge, I anticipated a rustic décor, including knotty pine, antlers, and Native American textiles. The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe does rely heavily on outdoor themes, featuring wood, water, and granite throughout the property, but it’s done in a simple, modern style with clean lines and earth tones.

Despite its modest size, only 170 rooms & suites, it offers all the services & amenities of any large resort. And perched high on the mountain above Northstar Village, it has spectacular views and true ski in/ski out access. It is literally surrounded by ski runs, and from every vantage point in the hotel (fitness center, spa, meeting space, rooms, or club lounge), skiers can be seen zipping down the slopes.

My favorite feature is the ski valet. Guests check their gear with the valet for the duration of their stay, then when ready to ski simply call ahead to have everything ready & waiting for them. Even their boots will be warmed up! Beginning skiers can hitch a ride with “The Sherpa” to mid-mountain for lessons or to access easier trails and the cross country area. (I really like cross-country skiing at Northstar. Because the trails are up on the mountain, you can get great views easy on the easy trails.)
After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in the The Living Room, with floor to ceiling windows, a large central fireplace, and bar. There is a fire pit on the terrace, with live music occasionally, and guests can purchase a s’mores kit. And the family pool is maintained at 92F in winter, offering comfortable swimming year round. For guests who want to go out, a gondola runs to the Village for shopping, dining, ice skating, and more entertainment. Staying in? Try the “Experiential Shower” in their beautiful spa, which is included in the resort fee.


All rooms are spacious, but best for families are the one bedroom suites, which have a king bed, and separate living room with sofa bed. And there are two full baths with showers, making it easy for the whole family to get cleaned up quickly after a day of skiing. All the suites connect to a room with 2 queen beds, great options for larger families, or those traveling with grandparents.


The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is also a great warm weather destination, with plenty of outdoor activities in the area, from fishing & kayaking to hiking and cycling. You can even take the ski lift to the top of the mountain!

To get the best rates and amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and an upgrade (based on availability), contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Ten Random Things I Learned This Week

1. San Juan airport has a staffed Unattended Minors Lounge. First time I have seen that, it’s an interesting idea. I wonder if they let you leave all your bags with them, too?

2. The Base Camp Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole will send guests on a geocache treasure hunt, for 10 hidden treasures around the resort. Exclusive amenities for clients of Brownell!


3. How to tweet.

Follow FamilyTreks on Twitter

4. A new 3-D King Kong attraction has opened at Universal Studios Hollywood. It looks really cool!


5. A contact lens case is a good place to store a diamond that has fallen out of its setting while on vacation. (Can’t believe I found it in my pocket!)

6. Some car rental companies in Europe make you drive to another location to pick up a GPS. How inconvenient! AutoEurope mails the GPS to your home before you leave, with the appropriate maps pre-loaded.


7. Carlisle Bay in Antigua has a screening room which runs kids’ movies during the day. Guests booked through a Virtuoso agency receive a complimentary upgrade (based on availability) and a $100 spa credit.

8. Guests who check-in to Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe on a Tuesday or Wednesday get unlimited spa treatments that day. If you arrive after 6 pm, you get the treatments the next day. (Offer is valid in Deluxe OV Jr Suites or higher, through December 22.)

9. We can still have lots of fun in the rain, even if it’s a downpour.


10. I should paint my nails after snorkeling.

For help planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.
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A Castle on the California Coast

Take a great luxury hotel brand, put it in a spectacular location, add a great golf course, spa, and wine bar, and you have a destination resort to please any type of traveler. A wedding…yes. A romantic getaway…yes. A girls’ or guys’ weekend…yes. A corporate retreat…yes. But if it’s going to be a great family destination, it needs something more. And the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay has that extra something.


A castle on the coast is what they call it. What better way to describe a beautiful, elegant building perched on a bluff overlooking a spectacular stretch of northern California coastline. With architecture so unique and interesting that practically every room is different, no cookie-cutter floor plans here!

The best rooms in my opinion: ground floor fireplace pit rooms.

Ground floor for me, so I have quick access right out of my room to the beautiful surroundings. But which side, north or south? To the south, what seems to be an endless view of rugged coastline and crashing surf.

To the north, still amazing views, but also quick access to the spa and a pretty courtyard filled with Adirondack chairs and a hot tub. And seamless Ritz Carlton service no matter where you’re located.

So what makes this particular resort so great for families?

A staff that welcomes children – Kids get their own special welcome check-in desk, with an invitation to participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize.


The Ritz Kids program– Children enjoy offers activities from arts & crafts to flying kites to building sandcastles, and Kids Night Out on weekends give parents a chance to enjoy a quiet dinner alone. And special events are offering for holidays throughout the year, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

An indoor pool – It’s unusual to find one on the northern California coast since ocean breezes year round can make swimmers uncomfortable even on the hottest days . But at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, kids can swim year-round in a heated pool.

S’mores by the outdoor fire pit – Need I say more?

Many travelers stop in Half Moon Bay when touring the California coast. But there’s so much to do in the area, it’s worth staying a few nights to go tide pooling, visit the giant redwoods, or see elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park.
Virtuoso amenities for 2010 include a complimentary upgrade and late checkout (based on availability), daily breakfast for two, and an $85 spa credit.

For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

Half Moon Bay Family Vacation

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