As far as California surf towns go, it’s hard to think of one more laid-back and mellow than Santa Cruz. And on Sept. 8, the Northern California beach destination will welcome a splashy new luxury hotel: La Bahia Hotel & Spa.
The 155-room property, which includes 29 plush suites, has a prime spot on Beach Street steps away from the sand and Santa Cruz’s boardwalk—many guest rooms have unobstructed ocean views. There are also four restaurants, an expansive spa, 13,000 square feet of meeting spaces, and a rooftop deck, where guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Pacific.
“What makes the hotel truly special is how it introduces a new level of luxury to the area while staying deeply rooted in the coastal spirit and rich history of this community,” says Markus Krebs, the hotel’s general manager, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. “There’s nothing else like it in Santa Cruz. Every element of the guest experience has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the soul of this iconic destination.”
La Bahia does indeed have deep Santa Cruz roots. The history of the property dates back to 1926, when UC Berkeley professor William C. Hays designed several apartment buildings and a small hotel on the site. Nowadays, the only thing that remains of the original construction is its nearly century-old bell tower, which has been thoroughly restored. The rest of the Spanish and Mediterranean-style hotel is a completely new build, and guests may notice subtle nods to Santa Cruz surf culture throughout.
High Tide, La Bahia’s signature restaurant, is inspired by Pacific Rim culture and serves local ingredients. (High Tide is set to open on September 10.) Other dining options include Low Tide Bar & Grill, with craft cocktails and live music; Plunge, a poolside restaurant with light bites and drinks; and Pearl, an elegant cocktail lounge.
Another highlight is The Spa at La Bahia, which has four indoor and four outdoor treatment rooms. From massages to facials, every option on the spa menu was inspired by Monterey Bay and its lush marine ecosystem. Standout offerings include the Tides of Tranquility, a service that involves dry brushing, a full-body massage with seaweed wraps, and a sound bowl ceremony. Equally relaxing is the Seaside Roof Deck, a 5,200-square-foot space with gorgeous views of the ocean and the nearby redwood-covered mountains.
Complimentary e-bikes are available to borrow. The hotel will also have a new Lincoln Navigator and a hybrid Lincoln Nautilus available for guests to test drive.
Naturally, the coastline is a major draw in Santa Cruz, and beach butler service will be available. La Bahia has a surf package in collaboration with Almond Surfboards, allowing guests to design a custom board and catch some waves with pro surfer Richard Schmidt. It’s all part of an effort to make guests feel rooted—and welcome—in Santa Cruz.
“I hope our guests leave La Bahia feeling both deeply relaxed and genuinely connected to the beauty of the coastline, the culture of Santa Cruz, and the warmth of our hospitality,” Krebs says. “More than anything, I hope they feel like they’ve discovered a new favorite destination, one they’ll return to again and again.”
Nightly rates at La Bahia Hotel & Spa start at $450.
