The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

What the classifiers highlight

On seaside bluffs half an hour south of San Francisco that recall the Irish coast, the Shingle-style resort spreads across 14 acres, guest rooms in gray and blue with sunken tubs and Asprey London toiletries. Forbes rates it Four Stars, singles out Navio's wood-paneled dining room under an arched ceiling, and notes a kilt-clad bagpiper who plays at sunset.