In September, the 155-room oceanfront La Bahia Hotel & Spa finally opened its doors to guests, bringing a new level of luxury to Santa Cruz, and a new standard for wellness in this quirky, sustainability-forward, bohemian beach town. We say “finally” because residents have been anticipating the opening of “something” in this coveted beachfront location for years. And “luxury” because the team behind Ensemble Hospitality (managers of the popular Dream Inn, right up the road) have handpicked each piece of furniture and unique art to make guests feel as if they are visiting their “wordly, wealthy fun aunt” explains Dan Brown, hotel manager, on one of many tours he gives a day. “The locals are all curious about the property, so we welcome them in, and offer a tour.”
Photos by Mimi Towle
Expect indulgence at every turn: Frette linens and robes, Le Labo amenities, vibrant cabanas by the pool, and mint-blue electric bikes ready for coastal adventures. Even beach days get an upgrade, with valet service to set up umbrellas and loungers. This is Santa Cruz, reimagined — with panache.
Central to the hotel’s wellness vision is The Spa at La Bahia, a destination for both residents and hotel guests. Inspired by the saltwater bathhouses that once dotted Santa Cruz’s shoreline, the spa combines modern luxury with authentic Santa Cruz vibes. Guests can choose from treatments that draw on the bounty of the sea and the healing traditions of California’s coast.
“The most rewarding part of the grand opening was seeing the full vision, of both ownership and design team, brought to life in such a tangible way,” says the new property’s general manager Markus Krebs, who was employee number one at the property when he was hired in May of 2024. Krebs has worked in many luxury destinations — more recently being Outrigger Hospitality in Hawaii — and is well versed in luxury hospitality.
“The beauty of our wellness experience is that it’s embedded throughout the entire property, from the calming design elements to the atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation. That said, the heart of it is truly our spa, which features eight indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and an expansive deck with a dry sauna overlooking the stunning Monterey Bay.”
Standout therapies include the La Paz de La Bahia massage, which incorporates CBD tinctures, arnica and ginger for deep physical restoration, and the Tides of Tranquility, a ritual blending dry brushing, a sound bowl ceremony and seaweed wraps.
Wellness at La Bahia extends far beyond the treatment rooms. Guests can recharge in plush poolside cabanas or embrace the coastline with complimentary e-bikes for oceanfront rides. Those seeking mindfulness can take guided walks on curated routes designed in partnership with RunGo, which highlight Santa Cruz’s redwoods, shoreline and urban trails.
