Beyond the boardwalk
La Bahia Hotel & Spa (Santa Cruz)
GETAWAYS • Santa Cruz
When the new La Bahia Hotel & Spa in Santa Cruz opened this past September, it made news around town. The historic property across the street from the Boardwalk sat dormant, run down, abandoned for decades. Ensemble Hospitality’s makeover of the century-old beachside retreat preserved elements from architect William C. Hays’s original plans — most notably, its ornate bell tower. Other aspects are a full update: the design team adhered to a coastal color palette, inspired by the waves crashing right across the street.
As a Santa Cruz County resident, I booked a staycation at La Bahia to check it out for a couple of nights with my daughter. We found our lovely corner room super luxe, with touches such as complimentary snacks (local saltwater taffy!), quality bath products, and comfy padded slides you’re encouraged to pilfer. (My daughter scored a pair in her small size, along with an octopus plushy plucked from a treasure chest at check-in.)
Onsite dining options are plentiful, including higher-end tasting menu spot High Tide upstairs, and all-day cafe Low Tide Bar & Grill below, serving souffle pancakes and giant benedicts.
After my daughter went home, I spent the afternoon at the central pool area tucked into the middle of the hotel’s third floor, far from beachside traffic and commotion. A hot tub is located directly above the street, with maximum views of passersby, wharf and ocean in the distance. Bubblegum pink towels and striped yellow umbrellas pop around the pool bar Plunge, which serves a small menu of cocktails, local beer, and wine, as well as ceviche, tacos, and fries.
My staycation ended on the bottom floor within the design-forward lobby space at Pearl, an upscale cocktail bar inspired by the spirit of a London Champagne bar. Low lighting, loungy seating, and shiny glints off the bubble chandelier and classy glassware added to the sleek ambiance as I sipped a farewell drink. –Amber Turpin
→ La Bahia Hotel & Spa (Santa Cruz) • 215 Beach St • From $496/night/Dec weekend.