limitless opportunities

Capitalizing on
l i m i t l e s s opportunities
for a
limited number
of Agents
The Ritz-Carlton, half moon bay, california
April 28 – May 1, 2011
Travel and Activity Information
ongrats
limitless oppor tunities
Congratulations
on your 2010 results!
We are honored to have you as a guest at our
upcoming President’s Club Conference.
The following online material is designed to provide you
with the information you need to plan your travel to
Half Moon Bay, California.
Register for this event at http://pctrip.hanover.com
Be sure to note any special travel arrangements when
completing your registration information (e.g., medical
considerations such as wheelchair accessibility, diabetic
meals, pregnancy, etc.)
Once you have completed the travel registration information,
our Carson Wagonlit Travel Consultant will call you within
48 hours to verify your air travel requirements. An email will
then be sent with your itinerary/electronic ticket.
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Capitalizing on
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for a limited number of Agents
About Half Moon Bay
Once known as Spanishtown, Half Moon Bay
is the oldest settlement in San Mateo County,
California. Dating back to the Spanish land
grants of the 1840s, the intriguing history of this
romantic seaside town includes a prominent role
in the foundation of the Ocean Shore Railroad
and colorful exploits of 1930s-era rumrunners.
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Incorporated in 1959, modern Half Moon Bay
offers visitors an endless variety of activities.
Half Moon Bay consists of five distinct regions
that combine to make it a diverse and unique
destination experience. The Coastal Region,
where The Ritz-Carlton is located, offers world
class beaches, horseback riding and oceanfront
dining. Historic Main Street offers dining, art
and shopping. The Pumpkin Region (Half Moon
Bay is home to one of the largest pumpkin
festivals in the world occurring every October)
offers organic fruit stands, wine tasting, farms
and glass blowing. The Redwood Region allows
guests to hike, bike or horseback ride amongst
the awe-inspiring California Redwoods. Finally,
the Santa Cruz Mountain Region offers more
than 70 wineries, offering wine tasting right in
our backyard. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
offers a distinct destination, while being situated
23 miles from the San Francisco airport and the
San Francisco Bay Area.
For more on this great location, visit
www.experiencehalfmoonbay.com
While in California, you will be staying at a
breathtaking oceanfront resort with a tradition
of unparalleled luxury and service. Enjoy dazzling
views of the Pacific, warm golden sunsets and
miles of pristine beaches. As a guest at The
Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, you may experience
unique dining, indulge in a luxurious world-class
spa, or stroll the miles of shoreline trails. Named
by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s
Best Places to Stay,” The Ritz-Carlton, Half
Moon Bay is a renowned luxury hotel in the San
Francisco Bay area capturing the relaxed elegance
of the Northern California coast at every turn.
For more information on this fabulous hotel, visit
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Half
MoonBay/Default.htm
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Travel
Important Considerations As You
Plan Your Trip
Airline Information
The Hanover is pleased to have the opportunity
to handle your airline reservations. Once your
online Travel Registration Form is complete, we
will work on securing your travel arrangements.
Please note the following:
• All flights are based on President’s Club
program fare and guidelines.
• Once we receive your form, we will do our best
to accommodate your air requests. Please note
that our airline carriers are pre-selected with
non-refundable and non-transferable tickets,
and may include travel on a connecting flight.
• Once your flight is arranged, any changes made
by you will be considered a personal expense.
• If you (or your guest) are part of a frequent
flyer program and would like to request an
upgrade, please fax a copy of your certificates
(front and back) to Carlson Wagonlit Travel
at 508-855-4780, so we can expedite your
request. For mileage credit, list your name on
the online Travel Registration Form exactly as
it appears on your frequent flyer membership.
• Do not forget to pick up your boarding
passes prior to going through security at ticket
counters or kiosks. You may also be able to
print your boarding pass online, depending
on your airlines website.
• In all cases, electronic tickets will be issued
and your itinerary will serve as confirmation.
• Be sure to have your valid picture id (driver’s
license) and a copy of your itinerary when
you check-in.
• Please be familiar with the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) requirements
prior to departing for this trip. For updated
information, please visit www.tsa.gov
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Ground
Transportation
to/from
The Ritz-Carlton,
Half Moon Bay
We are pleased
to provide you
with transportation
from San Francisco
International Airport
(SFO) to The Ritz-Carlton,
Half Moon Bay on Thursday,
April 28. The hotel is located
approximately 35 minutes from the airport. Upon
your arrival, a uniformed representative will be
in the baggage claim area with signage for “The
Hanover Insurance Group President’s Club.”
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On May 1, transportation will be provided
from the hotel back to the airport. Specific
information regarding departures will be
provided to you on-site.
If you are planning to travel outside the
meeting dates, we recommend taxi travel as
the most convenient and cost-effective way
to travel to/from the airport. The approximate
cost is $80 each way, excluding gratuity. You
may also secure private sedan service by
contacting The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Concierge
at 650-712-7000. The cost of private sedan
service is approximately $168.
Should you prefer to rent a vehicle while in
the San Francisco area, the Carlson Wagonlit
Travel Counselor will be happy to assist you
with those arrangements. Note: The cost of
a rental car and any related parking charges
is considered a personal expense.
Helpful Reminders
We’re committed to making Your Stay
a Memorable One!
As an honored guest of The Hanover, we
will arrange your hotel accommodation, airfare,
activities, designated meals, baggage handling,
applicable taxes and ground transportation
as specified by your online travel registration
information.
Hospitality Area
During your stay, Hanover Hospitality Staff will
be available at the hospitality desk located on
the hotel lobby level. At this location, they will
post updated information such as schedules,
bulletins and activity information. You may stop
by to have a Hanover Hospitality Staff member
help you arrange personal plans, answer your
travel questions and confirm your daily schedule.
Hospitality Area — Hours of operation
Thursday, April 28
11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 29
7:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 30
7:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 1
7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Name Badges
Please be sure to wear your name badge to all
group activities. This badge identifies you as
a guest of The Hanover.
Name Badge Color Key
tbd
President’s Club Member
tbd
guest
tbd
the hanover associate
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Gratuities
The Hanover will cover gratuities for events
sponsored throughout this program.
Tax Reporting
As a reminder, IRS regulations require that
certain expenses for attendees and guests at
conferences are reported as taxable income.
For this conference, expenses that will be
reported as taxable income will be the value
of your guest’s airfare and optional activities
for you and your guest.
Personal Expenses
You may elect additional services not offered as
part of this program. As a result, these charges
will be considered a personal expense. Examples
of these services include valet and laundry service,
fitness center service, personal bar bills and
personal calls.
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For your convenience, The Ritz-Carlton, Half
Moon Bay accepts all major credit cards including
American Express®, MasterCard®, Diners Club®
and Visa®. Please note that the hotel does not
accept personal checks.
Medical Information/Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, dial “0” on any
hotel telephone.
If you receive any medical treatment, please
advise The Hanover Hospitality Staff. It is
always a good idea to consult your physician
whenever you plan to travel. In addition, if you
have a medical condition that may require
attention or special accommodations while
traveling, please notify The Hanover Conference
Staff so that we may be better equipped to
assist you.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay provides security
both internally and externally on a 24-hour basis
to ensure your safety and comfort.
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Children
Please note that
this program
has not been
designed for
children. In the
event that a child
is traveling with
you to California,
we ask that you make
alternate arrangements
for meal functions, air/ground
expenses and activities. In addition, based on
the limited amount of guest rooms, we may not
be able to confirm availability of an additional
room to accommodate children. Maximum
occupancy of each guest room is restricted to
4 people. Thank you for your cooperation
and understanding.
Time Zone
The time zone in Half Moon Bay, California is
Pacific Time (PT).
Climate
The average high temperatures in the Half
Moon Bay area in April/May are 61-65° F, with
average lows around 45-50° F. Daytime should
be quite comfortable with low humidity; however
the evenings do get cool, so please plan your
wardrobe accordingly.
Dress Code
Our dress code guidelines are as follows:
daytime events
business
program
We recommend business
casual attire for the
business program portion
of the conference
optional
activities
Appropriate attire based on
the chosen activity; please
refer to the Activities section
for details.
Valuables
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Safe deposit boxes are located at the front
desk of the hotel and safes are provided in each
guest room. Please consider using these for
such valuables as jewelry, excess cash and
travelers checks.
Check-In/Check-Out
Upon your arrival at the hotel, please proceed
to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay front desk to
handle your hotel registration. Please note that
guestrooms may not be immediately available.
Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. The hotel will make
every effort to accommodate you regardless of
your time of arrival. In the event that your room
is not ready when you arrive, the hotel will be
happy to store your luggage and will direct you
to The Hanover Hospitality Area where you may
relax until your room becomes available.
Check-out time on your day of departure is
at 12:00 p.m. In the event you extend your
check-out time, any charge incurred would be
considered a personal expense.
evening events
Thursday, April 28
Welcome
Reception
Ladies and Gentlemen may
consider business casual
attire with a sweater or jacket.
Friday, April 29
Group
Dine-Around
Ladies and Gentlemen may
consider business casual
attire with a sweater or jacket.
Saturday, April 30
Final Night
Event
Gentlemen may consider
a sports jacket or tie.
Ladies may consider a cocktail
dress or evening pantsuit.
If you have additional questions regarding dress
code, please consult with our Hospitality Staff
at The Hanover’s Hospitality Area.
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Capitalizing on
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Activities
You and your adult guest may each enjoy one
activity or spa treatment per day (Friday and
Saturday), compliments of The Hanover. Our
travel experts have made special arrangements
to accommodate all interests — from a peaceful
and rejuvenating spa treatment, to golf on one
of California’s most renowned and picturesque
courses, to tours of the surrounding area. Please
note: Boxed lunch will be provided for all guests
on Friday and Saturday. Optional activities are
listed on the following pages:
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Golf
Individual Play
Tournament Play
Half Moon Bay — Ocean Course
Half Moon Bay — Old Course
http://www.halfmoonbaygolf.com/
Friday, April 29, 12:30 p.m.
Scramble Format — Shotgun Start
The Old Course, a recent host site for
the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Open Qualifiers,
is a classic American parkland layout featuring
the world famous 18th hole, recognized as
one of the top finishing holes in the country.
Noted for its angular doglegged fairways,
greens surrounded by deep bunkering, water
on nine holes, barrancas, and majestic Cypress
and Monterey Pine, The Old Course course
has tested the skills of many sports icons
including Joe DiMaggio, Barry Bonds and
Jeff Clark.
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Confirmation of your participation will be
sent prior to your arrival, and pairings will be
posted at The Hanover’s Hospitality Desk.
Club rentals are available at $65 and are
considered a personal expense.
http://www.halfmoonbaygolf.com/
Saturday, April 30, 12:30 p.m.
Shotgun Start
The Ocean Course, designed by master architect
Arthur Hills, was opened in the fall of 1997.
Within the first year, it was lauded as one of Golf
Digest’s Top Ten Best New Upscale Courses.
The course was also credited to be one of the
best link style designs outside of Scotland or
Ireland. The Ocean Course is laid out on rolling
terrain that captures ocean views from nearly
every hole. The lush fairways are well guarded by
heavy rough and treacherous bunkering located
in strategic positions along the fairways and
guarding the undulating greens.
The real treat comes in the form of three of
the greatest finishing holes anywhere. The
combination par 4, par 3 and par 5 play above
the crashing surf below, making it hard to keep
your eye on the ball with the views before you.
Confirmation of your participation will be sent
prior to your arrival, and pairings will be posted
at The Hanover’s Hospitality Desk.
Club rentals are available at $65 and are
considered a personal expense.
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SPA
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton,
Half Moon Bay
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/
HalfMoonBay/Spa/Default.htm
Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30
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Discover endless opportunities to refresh your
spirit within the award-winning California luxury
spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Replenish
with a simple treatment or immerse yourself
in total relaxation. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers
a complete range of services for body, mind
and spirit. The Northern California luxury spa
features 16 treatment rooms, gentlemen and
ladies’ lounges with a whirlpool, a candlelit
co-ed Roman mineral bath with Tsunami
showers and more.
Staggered appointments have been reserved
and you may select one, 50-minute spa service
per day (Friday and Saturday) as your activity.
Please select from the resort’s spa or salon
services menu. The cost difference for services
in excess of 50-minutes will be placed on your
hotel room account. Please note: The Hanover
will automatically include a gratuity. Gratuities
over and above that amount will be considered
a personal expense.
For a complete list of services offered, visit
The Spa website. Please indicate your desired
treatment and appointment time as requested
in The Hanover’s online registration system.
Appointment time(s) will be confirmed upon arrival.
Appointments will be on a first-come, first-served
basis and we will do our best to accommodate
all requests.
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Tours/Activities
San Francisco City Tour
Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30
12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“San Francisco has only one drawback, ‘tis
hard to leave,” declared Rudyard Kipling. Today
you will surely leave your heart in San Francisco,
as you explore this beautiful city encompassing
49 square miles.
Discover the legendary sights of the “City
by the Bay.” With a brief city tour with photo
stops along the way, you’re sure to enjoy
the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge to the
panoramic views atop Twin Peaks; from
graceful Victorian homes on Postcard Row
to towering skyscrapers of the Financial District.
From intimate neighborhoods such as exotic
Chinatown to bustling Fisherman’s Wharf
and the lush greenery of Golden Gate Park to
windswept beaches on the continent’s edge,
you will enjoy the highlights of “Everybody’s
Favorite City.”
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Kayaking on Half Moon Bay
Friday, April 29
12:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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The California Coast-side is one of the most
diverse and ideal training grounds in the
world for learning to sea kayak. This is a great
way to take a break, get outside and enjoy
the natural setting of the Half Moon Bay area.
All of the boats used are seaworthy, stable,
and heavyweight — perfect for the novice as
well as experienced paddlers. No experience
is necessary, as everyone will receive a lesson
on proper kayaking techniques. Expert,
enthusiastic staff will give a brief orientation
to the equipment and strokes, then guide
you on a paddling tour. Conditions allowing,
guests may even paddle out of the harbor
to explore the open ocean, drift among the
kelp beds and spot the resident sea otters!
Participants are encouraged to be able to
complete a two-and-a-half hour kayak trip.
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Exploring The Santa Cruz
Mountain Wine Country
Friday, April 29, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Santa Cruz Mountain wine appellation
is nestled in one of the most unique natural
environments in the world. Marine influence
coupled with mountain terrain has created the
finest conditions for wine production. Guests
will enjoy a delightful day exploring California’s
“other” wine country.
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Two very special Santa Cruz Mountain
wineries will be selected for guests’ tasting
enjoyment. These intimate wineries feature some
of California’s defining wines and vineyards, not
to mention ocean views as far as the eye can see.
Some of the possible wineries guest will visit
may include the following:
Thomas Fogarty Vineyards and Winery was
founded in 1981 and offers a dramatic setting
atop the ridgeline. Twenty-five acres of premier
grape varieties are planted on a 325-acre estate,
focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards hides among
majestic redwood trees on 58 acres dedicated
primarily to Pinot Noir. A handsome old barn,
built in 1922 and renovated, houses the rustic
tasting room and production facilities.
Chaine d’Or Vineyards grows grapes and makes
wine primarily for local people and the occasional
visitor who happens to find them, much in the
tradition of the small European vigneron.
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Filoli Estate Tour
Friday, April 29, 12:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Take a scenic stroll back in time to California’s
rich history. Soak in the views of the golden,
rolling hills as you travel along the scenic eastern
slope of the Santa Cruz Coast Range to the
exclusive community of Woodside. Upon reaching
Filoli estate, your attention is captivated by this
stunning example of country house architecture
which has been preserved in its original setting.
The house was built in 1917 for its original owners,
William Bowers Bourn II and his wife, Agnes
Moody Bourn, and named for Bourn’s motto,
“to Fight, to Love, to Live.” In 1937 the property
was sold to Mr. and Mrs. William Roth; Mrs. Roth
donated Filoli to the National Trust for Historic
Preservation in 1975.
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Although the house is predominantly modified
Georgian in style, other major architectural
traditions are represented in its design. The
exuberantly eclectic and elegant architecture
reflects a Golden Age in California.
Imagine yourself
arriving in
a horse-drawn
carriage for
a grand ball,
with live music,
gourmet food,
bubbling
champagne and
romantic strolls
through the garden.
The breathtaking beauty of the
meticulously maintained gardens makes this
visit a must. With additional plantings and the
utmost care, the gardens have matured over
the years. Guests will stroll the twenty beautifully
landscaped acres of the gardens with a docent
whose numerous anecdotes about the home’s
residents will bring the intimate and enchanted
life of the Bourns and Roths back to life.
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Ano Nuevo Hiking with
Picnic Lunch
Friday, April 29, 12:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Situated at the northern tip of Monterey Bay
and within sight of the Santa Cruz Mountains,
Ano Nuevo is a magical place home to one of
the largest colonies of elephant seals in the
continental United States. These massive marine
mammals can weigh up to 5,000 lbs and reach
lengths of 16 feet. It is also home to large
colonies of California and Steller sea lions, harbor
seals and sea otters. Ano Nuevo is one of only
3 mainland locations where the northern elephant
seal comes ashore to molt, breed and rest during
different times of the year. As guests hike through
the park, they will use spotting scopes to look
at these mammals, as well as the resident and
migratory birds that number in the hundreds here.
Guests will receive bottled water and Cliff,
Luna & Natural Valley Bars, as well as participate
in a make your own sandwich picnic lunch.
Participants are encouraged to be able to
complete a three to four mile round trip hike.
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A Delightful Day In
Half Moon Bay
Saturday, April 30, 12:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Step back in time to the discovery of Half Moon
Bay by Spanish explorers and missionaries in the
year 1776, on their journey to establish Mission
Delores in San Francisco. Learn about the early
pioneers of Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County’s
oldest town, established in 1840. Hear about
the struggles and accomplishments of the first
settlers, and the numerous shipwrecks along
the rocky and treacherous coast that led to the
construction of two scenic lighthouses.
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Half Moon Bay’s popularity as a visitor
destination for wealthy San Franciscans began
with the stagecoach line to Half Moon Bay and
popular beach communities to the south. Half
Moon Bay later boomed with the opening of the
scenic Ocean Shore Railroad in 1908, bringing
thousands of visitors to stay at seaside hotels
and inns, while enjoying the miles of sandy
unspoiled beaches, fishing, boating, and nearby
redwood groves.
One of many stops along this fabulous tour
today will be Harley Farms Goat Dairy, nestled
in the picturesque town of Pescadero. Harley
Farms is a farmstead dairy and produces artisanal
award-winning fresh French style goat cheese,
all of which are hand-made and hand-packed
on the premises. Everyone at Harley Farms take
great pride in what they do and invite you to
enjoy the unique varieties of cheeses they have
to offer. You will have an opportunity to tour
the farmstead dairy, sample the superb cheeses,
perhaps even milk a goat if you are feeling
adventurous! It’s an intimate and personal
perspective of a real working farmstead dairy.
Enjoy the experience of all the sights, sounds
and tastes of Half Moon Bay.
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Horseback Riding
Saturday, April 30, 12:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Experience Half Moon Bay on horseback!
This one-and-a-half hour horseback ride will
take guests onto the beaches to explore the
California coast from the back of a horse!
Guests will see spectacular views while on
horseback. Let your trusty steed take you across
the white, sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay.
Wherever you go, you are sure to have an
invigorating experience.
Guests will have a horse selected for them
based on their level of riding experience. Please
be sure to wear closed toes shoes, such as
boots or sneakers and long pants.
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Capitalizing on
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for a
limited number
of Agents
An Epicurian Extravaganza at
Draeger’s Cooking School
Saturday, April 30, 12:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Great cooking begins with great ingredients.
The fresh, seasonal flavors of the gardens and
farms of Half Moon Bay inspire great cooking
and help the menus take shape. The culinary
team at Draeger’s will design a menu unique
to your event, while maintaining traditions of
the regional agriculture.
Spend a day in Draeger’s state-of-the-art
kitchen to learn the secrets of their impeccably
trained chef instructors. Enjoy a hands-on
cooking experience where you will take part
in creating a perfect menu. The Chef will
demonstrate proper techniques, pass along
unique tips and the best
part of all is getting
to sit down and
enjoy the fruits of
your labor!
Following
the activity,
guests will
enjoy a buffet
luncheon and
will receive
a recipe booklet.
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Scenic Segways: An Exclusive
Beachfront Exploration
Saturday, April 30, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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Explore the gorgeous coastal community
of Half Moon Bay in a totally unique way on
the most unusual transportation: brand-new
state-of-the-art Segways! This adventure will
involve an exclusive tour of the oceanside
beaches and bluffs of Half Moon Bay and the
surrounding area aboard these fun motorized
“personal transporters.” You will be whisked
away to Rockaway Beach, where you will first
enjoy a fun orientation and training session
to ensure safe operations. Next you’ll embark
on a private, fully-escorted and narrated
beachfront excursion. See spectacular views
of the Pacific Ocean, weathered bluffs, amazing
wildlife, wildflowers, surfers and more! This
amazing 8-10 mile excursion includes many hills,
switchbacks and other exciting terrain to explore
on this unique form of transportation.
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable,
casual clothes for this tour — such as long pants,
sneakers, sweater or light jacket.
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Our Promise to You
We are committed to making your trip to
The Ritz-Carlton, Half-Moon Bay, California
a trip to remember!
If there is anything we can do to make your
travel as comfortable as possible, please
contact Michael Burke at [email protected]
or 508-855-2344, or Nancy Farmer at
[email protected] or 508-855-2162.
We look forward to seeing you in Half-Moon Bay
and wish you safe travels.
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The Hanover Insurance Company
440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653
Citizens Insurance Company of America
645 West Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI 48843
www.hanover.com
Z6600 (2/11)