Heaven At The Moon
Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay-Royal Place to Stay And Play
In 1971 Alan Shepard was the commander of Apollo 14 and hit a golf shot on the moon that is still talked about as the longest and most famous shot in golf. Halfway between the "Great City By The Bay" and "Silicon Valley", the Regal Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay sits on a bluff overlooking the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
This 261 room elite resort has the AAA Five Diamond Seal Of Approval and 2 World Class golf courses where you can hit your famous and memorable golf shot and experience- "Heaven At The Moon."
My son MJ, National Special Olympics Golf Champion and wife recently had the opportunity to stay and play at this special place.
When you drive into the this massive, magical retreat, you are greeted by a warm and friendly staff. As you walk into the hotel, the ocean vistas and sparkling fireplaces give you an immediate feeling of peace and tranquility after a long or short voyage.
The rooms are nicely appointed and have ocean views and fire pits to soothe your senses in the cool evenings. There is also food and hard and soft beverages available from 7 am-10 pm on the Club level. Friday thru Sunday the famous Bag Piper plays at sunset.
A coastal walking trail wraps around the hotel and overlooks the ocean for those enjoying a mystical walk or run. There are also tables and chairs along the way to stop and enjoy the fabulous views or have a toast of your favorite vino while watching a stunning sunset.
The golf courses are magnificent and well maintained.
The Ocean Course was designed by Arthur Hills. It is 6869 yards and opened in 1997.
In 2008, Paula Creamer, who is from nearby Pleasanton, California won the LPGA Samsung Open on this course shooting a final round 3 under par 69.
My wife and I played the Old Course this time. It was designed by Arnold Palmer in 1973 and stretches out to over 7000 yards and is a par 72. From the lady's tees it is 5319 yards and plays very fair and friendly. Our favorite hole was number 18. It is a demanding par 4 with the ocean cracking waves on the right side of the fairway and the stately Ritz-Carlton proudly overlooking the green.
When you get near the green, the sweet smell of Ritz Chefs barbecuing on the outdoor courtyard, guests relaxing in comfortable chairs by the fire pits and others playing bocce ball is like the set of a famous movie. Before teeing off, my wife said to me "that this is what Heaven must look like." Having played golf courses all the world, this hole ties with the 18th at Pebble Beach as being the most beautiful hole that I have ever played. It definitely etches a permanent place in your golf memory bank to want to come back soon and play it again.
We also talked to many business guests who were very happy to be enjoying their meetings at this beautiful place. Steven Holt, Marketing Manager, said that this business has been steady even with the slow economy. " What a great place for a meeting or conference.
It is also a popular location for lucky brides to say I do. Many weddings take place here every year.
The Spa has an assortment of various treatments to help you soothe your muscles after a day trying to conquer the golf courses or after a long business meeting. The staff is very attentive and locker rooms have soothing fireplaces to relax before or after a massage.
Before dinner at the richly appointed Navio restaurant, we had the pleasure to meet Ian Cauble at the ENO-Versity wine room that also has ocean views. They have a vast selection of over 4000 bottles of wine including a $ 10,000 bottle in case you hit the lottery.
Ian was not much older than my son MJ and was just named the World's Top Young Sommelier by the Chaine des Rotiseurs in Paris. It was a pleasure to do some wine tasting with him. His passion for wine and vast knowledge was very impressive and enjoyable.
Ian also helped us select our entrees to pair with the cabernet that we brought to the Navio restaurant. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive and it was fun to watch the chefs do their craft in the open kitchen. Savory pork belly, 48 hour buttery short ribs and maple pork chops were some of the highlights. Assorted sorbets and a variety of deserts completed the feast. Live music also played soothing sensual music.
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is definitely a "Heavenly Experience." I recommend that you add this great place to your bucket list and enjoy a slice of "Heaven At The Moon."
For additional Information, call 650-712-7000 or go to the attached web site.
