PLACES TO EAT PLAY & STAY 31


leaning the handlebars left or right. We practiced in our safety zone of the lot, leaning forward, turning, going up and down hills, over curbs to get the feel of this extension of ourselves before heading out onto the open road. The hour long tour consisted of gliding along the paved


paths that roam the hotel property as well as continuing south along the bluffs and parallel to the golf course. Heidi did an amazing job of preparing us for our journey as well as pointing out cracks or areas on the road to avoid. We stopped periodi- cally to learn interesting tidbits about the hotel, the beach, the golf course and the local area. Towards the end of our journey, Heidi let us explore our wild side and took us to speeds of up to 10-12 mph. Ok, so it doesn’t sound too fast, but trust me, glid- ing over pavement at this speed by literally just standing and leaning a bit forward is a unique, fun and exhilarating experi- ence that you must try.


STAY - Bluff Side Luxury Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, One Miramontes Point Rd (650) 712-7000 • (800) 241-3333 • www.ritzcarlton.com This Northern California AAA Five Diamond Awarded luxury


resort surpassed my expectations with superb personalized serv- ice, a gorgeous location situated between two Half Moon Bay Golf Links courses, breathtaking views of the Pacific, guestrooms and suites with all top end amenities and common spaces rich- ly appointed with hardwood floors, large stone fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular ocean vistas. Upon entering, we received a complimentary glass of


wine from our friendly hosts. Our guestroom (one of the 261 rooms) was complete with a large marble bathroom with shower and soaking tub, spa robes, slippers, HDTV and glass sliders that opened to our private patio with Adirondack chairs next to the firepit. The sun would be setting soon and the crowds began to gather along the bluffs to take in the views and snap a few pic-


tures. We stepped down from our terrace to the lawn and noticed a bagpiper, complete in Scottish kilt, meandering the grounds during this time filling the air with a sense of peace and magic. After sunset we had some time before our dinner reserva-


tions so we decided to experience the 16,000 square-foot spa. It features 16 private treatment rooms to pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment; massage, facial or even a Pumpkin Body Peel which is inspired by the annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. The men’s and women’s changing rooms both have lounge areas with ice cold water, snacks and fireplaces. Other hotel features include a beauty salon, fitness center,


outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor patio with firepits, coastside walking/jogging/biking/Segway friendly paths, tennis courts, covered pool, gift and sundry shops, conservatory lounge, wine bar, restaurant and ballroom. The complimentary car service was the perfect way to get


into town for our dinner reservations. We were chauffeured into town with a glass of wine in hand immediately after inquir- ing about the car service, and when dinner was finished the restaurant called the Ritz and had the car ready for us. When we returned back to our room we were welcomed with the Ritz’s signature turn down service (housekeeping comes three times per day to make sure your every need is met) complete with specialty imported chocolates on our pillows, classical music on the CD stereo and our TV turned on with the images and light sounds of a crackling fireplace. This is the life! Coffee on the private patio is the perfect way to begin the


morning. After a few cups that we brewed in our room, we decid- ed to walk along the bluffs and down to the secluded beach just south of the property. So much to do, or nothing to do, the choice is yours; all I know is I can’t wait to return to do it all again.


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Stay tuned for the next issue of ‘Eat Play Stay at Half Moon Bay’ featuring Old Thyme Inn Bed & Breakfast, Harley Farms Dairy and Centrella Italian Restaurant.


S P R ING 2012 • EAT P LAY S TAYMAG.COM


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