Surprise around every corner

The drive in from San Francisco had taken less than an hour. It was just enough time to unwind from my five hour flight. Suitcases stored safely in the rear, the bags under my eyes disappeared the moment we accelerate to highway speeds in our shimmering red 2009 BMW 135i Cabriolet. This was going to be a fun weekend filled with many surprises.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay dominates the coastal landscape on which it resides. Outwardly, the appearance is that of a Scottish resort. This is bay living at its finest.

Two golf courses reside on this property near Cowell Ranch State Beach, adding to the Moorish look of the resort. The Old Course is typical links style, following the shoreline to challenge players with tight fairways and wild winds. The Ocean Course is no less demanding as sea breezes and knolls wreak havoc on any shot less than a near perfect.

A total of 261 guest rooms, including 22 suites define this impressive hotel. All feature feather beds, Egyptian linens and marble bathrooms. Navio Restaurant offers a superb dining experience and tense muscles are quickly relaxed at the Half Moon Bay Spa. At ease in our room, we spend the early evening sitting around the fire pit making s’mores as day turns to night.

The 2009 BMW 135i Cabriolet offers the complete package for exploring the many unique twists and turns characterizing the roads in this area. Performance comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine. Power is rated as 300 hp at 5,800 rpm with 300 lb.-ft. of torque available at 1,400 rpm.

If there is a sweeter performing inline six, I have yet to find it. Zero to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.8 seconds with top speed reaching 240 km/h. A rear-wheel drive coupe, tire dimensions run 215/40 R 18 front and 245/35 R 18 at the rear.

Steering response is rapid and controlled, aided with Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control. Our vehicle is also equipped with Active Steering. It assists overall driving by adjusting the steering ratio to match vehicle speed and requires only two turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock.

Run-flat tires are included as standard equipment. Brakes are four-wheel disc with ABS standard. Adaptive brake lights add an extra level of protection as a two-stage system engages the full brake light during sudden braking. When driving on these roads, quick stops are a regular occurrence.

Seeking to take advantage of its ideal location, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay recently launched a five part “Signature Drive” of the area. Our trip begins by driving north from the resort on Highway 1, making our first stop on the historic Main Street of Half Moon Bay, an eclectic town recognized as the pumpkin capital of the world.

We change course driving northwest on Hwy 92 before heading south on Hwy 35, (Skyline Blvd) toward California’s infamous Redwood Region. Towering over our heads as we pass by in awed silence, the Giant Sequoia has few natural rivals other than man.

After a quick stop at Alice’s Restaurant for lunch, we connect with Hwy 84 taking full advantage of the sports car capabilities of the BMW 135i Cabriolet. Top down driving on these winding roads at speed is enough to wipe away my previous sense of awe and focus on the task at hand. Miss a turn here and the Giant Sequoias lining the road are certain to make an overwhelming impression of a completely different kind.

The BMW 135i Cabriolet impresses in so many ways. Outwardly, the appearance is aggressive yet compact. Inside, both driver and up to three passengers sit enveloped in complete comfort and style. Seats are supportive, but not overly firm. All switches, buttons and knobs are within easy reach and manually shifting gears is merely a thumb push away.

Arriving at Pescadero, we soon rejoined Highway 1 passing Pompano and San Gregorio State Beaches before finally reaching the gracious confines of our resort.

Where to Stay
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
One Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019 USA
Tel: 650.712.7000
www.ritzcarlton.com