Rooms with a View

Sacramento is a long way from Nantucket; fortunately you can drive just two hours to the Beach House of Half Moon Bay for some New England ambiance. Cradled within the gentle embrace of Pillar Point Harbor near the serene burg of Princeton at the north end of the bay, the seaside hotel offers 54 romantic ocean-view lofts guaranteed to render a sense of calm.

Room 206, at the far north end of the long multigabled building, is typical: long and light, decorated in tones of butter and saffron, with a king-size bed elevated two steps above a lovely, comfortable lounging space, all leading to a band of windows and a sliding door out to a private deck.

The deep blue water is just ahead (you can see it from anywhere in the room), lapping pleasantly, perhaps accented by the rhythmic blow of a foghorn and the song of shorebirds. Your eye will be drawn around the long crescent of the bay and, if the setting doesn't simply knock you off your feet, you can readily descend the short bluff to walk for miles along the water, dip your toes or find a spot to sunbathe and snooze.

A paved trail leads up to the close-by harbor area, where you'll find shops and restaurants.

During your stay, treat yourself to a private, in-room yoga session or indulge in a menu of spa treatments (prices not included in room rates). Afterward, relax beside the fireplace or soak in the room's whirlpool tub.

Call the hotel to ask about specials, such as the Coastal Couples package, which includes champagne, a bottle of wine and $75 gift certificate to the nearby Cetrella Bistro and Cafe (650-726-4090), specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Book now for an October stay to enjoy the great Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival (Oct. 14 - 15 this year).