U.S. & Canada
The Beauty of the Bay
By Amber Kallor
Luxury hotel Half Moon Bay, California
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Born and raised in the Golden State, fashion bloggers Dylana and Natalie Suarez return to their roots with a trip to The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. With their parents in tow, the stylish sisters rediscover the California coastline and all it has to offer — from bustling city streets to serene seaside escapes.

Growing up in Los Angeles, the sisters have taken a few family trips to San Francisco over the years. Natalie says the city has “held on to every bit of its history and magic” even as the tech industry continues to boom in the Bay Area. Located in a landmark building that dates back to 1909, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is conveniently situated steps away from Union Square and Chinatown. “All you have to do is walk around and be in awe,” adds Natalie.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image

TEA TIME

After a long flight from New York City, the Suarez sisters stopped for Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, a signature event hosted in The Lounge that calls for high style. “It’s so classic and elegant,” says Natalie. “It’s a fun place to dress up, surrounded by all the colorful desserts and beautiful decor.” Make a reservation and refuel before climbing the city’s steep streets.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image

HAIGHT COUTURE

No trip would be complete without some window shopping in Haight Ashbury. “I think we both get our fashion sense from our mother,” says Dylana, who inherited her mom’s passion for vintage clothes. “We wore a lot of bold colors in San Francisco, like retro-inspired mini dresses, floral silk maxi dresses, and of course, the cardigan — a Bay Area staple,” adds Natalie. Their father, a music buff, also enjoyed strolling this vibrant neighborhood’s streets where rock and roll legends like Janice Joplin and Jimi Hendrix once roamed.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image

SIP AND SAVOR

After a full day of exploring the hilly metropolis by foot or via one of the city’s iconic cable cars, unwind at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco with a cocktail inspired by the fog that often surrounds the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow these signature drinks with dinner in The Lounge — and don’t miss the burger or the fried chicken and mashed potatoes (the sisters’ favorite dishes). “At the end of a successful trip, we like to treat ourselves to some delicious and hearty comfort food!” says Natalie. 

Ritz Carlton Hotel image

OCEAN AIR

“Once we got to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, I immediately exhaled,” says Natalie of the blufftop resort located less than an hour from San Francisco. The sisters recommend taking in the fresh air from the Adirondack chairs that overlook the ocean where you can listen to the soothing sounds of a bagpiper at sunset. “I felt like I was in a whole new world that was so raw and in touch with nature,” says Dylana. “Full relaxation mode turned on here.”

Dylana Suarez

I felt like I was in a whole new world that was so raw and in touch with nature.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image

IN MOTION

“We love anything that gets us outside and moving," says Natalie, who spent a full day biking the scenic trails with her family. If cycling isn’t your speed, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers everything from sea kayaking to surfing to swimming. It’s also the perfect place to “disconnect, read a book, and just stare out into the sea,” she adds. “The incredible view from our hotel room never got old.”

Ritz Carlton Hotel image

FIRESIDE CHATS

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is filled with countless opportunities to delight all your senses. For 80 minutes of uninterrupted bliss, the sisters reserved the Redwood Forest Ritual at the hotel spa, which includes a hot poultice massage with a variety of local herbs. Naturally, the coastal setting also makes for spectacular seafood. “Get the striped bass at Navio,” says Natalie. “It’s so fresh!” For dessert, cozy up next to the fire and toast a s’more or two. “It’s the perfect way to end an active day,” she adds.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image

A FAMILY AFFAIR

“It’s been quite a long time since all of us took a real family trip together,” says Dylana. While coordinating schedules and nailing down an itinerary that appeals to everyone can be tricky, the laughs and memories are well worth it. “My family really grounds me and makes me really feel present and in the moment when I’m traveling,” says Natalie. “We’ve become closer with our parents as we’ve grown up and they’re now our best friends.”

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