La Bahia Hotel & Spa Receives MICHELIN Key Status
Ensemble-developed La Bahia Hotel & Spa has been awarded one MICHELIN Key, becoming the first property in Santa Cruz to achieve the distinction.
La Bahia Hotel & Spa in Santa Cruz, California, has been awarded one MICHELIN Key in the 2026 selection. Developed and operated by Ensemble, the property opened in September 2025 and currently stands as the only hotel in the city to hold the designation.
The hotel features a blend of Mediterranean architectural elements and the restored 1926 bell tower of the original historic structure. The MICHELIN Key is awarded based on five criteria, including architecture and interior design, service quality, personality, value, and contribution to the guest experience. This recognition makes La Bahia the second property in the Ensemble portfolio to earn a MICHELIN Key, alongside Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
Ensemble, which operates 15 hotels across 12 U.S. cities, is currently pursuing further expansion with development projects in Sedona, Arizona, the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and South San Francisco. According to executive leadership, the company intends to maintain this standard of service as it continues its strategy of property acquisition and repositioning across the U.S.