- La Bahia Hotel & Spa, located on Beach Street in Santa Cruz, California, will open Sept. 8 with 155 guest rooms, including 29 suites.
- Highlights of the hotel include a full service spa with indoor and outdoors treatment rooms, as well as four restaurants, rooftop views, and an unobstructed view of the ocean.
- Surf culture runs deep in Santa Cruz—get an insider experience by taking lessons with pro surfer Richard Schmidt and designing your own board.
As far California surf towns Santa Cruz is a laid-back, mellow destination. The Northern California beach destination is set to welcome a new luxury hotel on September 8: 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. Four restaurants, a large spa, 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and a rooftop terrace are all available.
In an interview with The Times, Markus Krebs, general manager of the hotel, said: “What makes this hotel special is that it brings a new level luxury to the community while remaining deeply rooted in its coastal spirit and history.” Travel + Leisure. Santa Cruz is unique. “Every element of the guest’s experience has been carefully crafted to reflect this iconic destination.”
La Bahia is indeed a Santa Cruz institution. The property’s history dates back to the year 1926 when UC Berkeley professor William C. Hays created several apartment blocks and a tiny hotel. Today, all that is left of the original construction, besides the restored bell tower, is the nearly century-old building. The Spanish and Mediterranean style hotel has been completely rebuilt, with subtle references to Santa Cruz’s surf culture.
High Tide is La Bahia’s signature restaurant. It’s inspired by Pacific Rim cultures and uses local ingredients. High Tide, La Bahia’s signature restaurant, is inspired by Pacific Rim culture and serves local ingredients. 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.
The Spa at La Bahia has four indoor treatment rooms and four outdoor treatment areas. Every treatment on the spa menu, from massages to facials is inspired by Monterey Bay and its lush marine ecosystem. Tides of Tranquility includes a dry-brushing service, a seaweed wrap full-body massage, and sound bowl ceremonies. Seaside Roof Deck offers a relaxing 5,200 square foot space with beautiful views of both the ocean and nearby mountains. redwood-covered mountains.
You can borrow e-bikes for free. The hotel also has a new Lincoln Navigator as well as a hybrid Lincoln Nautilus for guests to try out.
Santa Cruz is known for its coastline, so beach butler services will be offered. La Bahia is offering a surfing package in partnership with Almond SurfboardsRichard Schmidt will teach guests how to surf and design their own board. It’s all part of an effort to make guests feel rooted—and welcome—in Santa Cruz.
Krebs: “I want our guests to leave La Bahia with a sense of relaxation and connection to the beautiful coastline, Santa Cruz’s culture, and our warmth.” “I hope that more than anything else, they leave La Bahia feeling like they’ve found a favorite destination and one they’ll visit again and again,” Krebs says.
Rates for nightly stays at La Bahia Hotel & Spa start at $450.
