Sometimes you just need to get away. To escape the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, we recommend heading up north for a beautiful fall getaway to the Inn by the Sea in Maine.
Photo Credit: Inn by the Sea
With just 61 guest rooms, suites and cottages, this luxe property has all of the amenities you expect to find in a luxury resort, but on a smaller, more intimate scale. For example, there is a full service spa and exceptional service from the moment you arrive at the waterfront location overlooking Crescent Beach. What makes this property so unique is its focus on eco-sensitivity (think recycling initiatives, a spa featuring recycled sheetrock walls and bamboo towels and solar heating). There are charging stations for electric cars, five acres of lush gardens, a sustainable seafood program and even a collaboration to restore habitat for endangered New England Cottontail bunnies at Crescent Beach State Park with the Maine Department of Conservation and Bureau of Parks & Lands.
Photo Credit: Inn by the Sea
Located just seven miles from downtown Portland, the Inn by the Sea was one of the first luxury properties to allow dogs and not only welcomes them, but rolls out the red carpet for these VIPs (very important pets). Amenities for four-legged friends include water bowls, beach towels, L.L. Bean blankets, gourmet pet menus, day care, massage and turndown services. The Inn loves dogs so much they foster dogs so guests can meet the resident foster and elect to adopt them from the Animal Refuge League.
Photo Credit: Inn by the Sea
We recommend staying in one of their newest accommodations – the beach suites, massive oceanfront accommodations with hardwood floors throughout that overlooks that bay with gas fireplace living room complete with flat screen TV, separate desk area, dining table and kitchen with full size refrigerator, cooktop and dishwasher. The spacious bathroom offered a soaking tub and separate glass shower.
Photo Credit: Inn by the Sea
While Maine is well known for its cod and lobster supply, the property is participating in a program known as Out of the Blue working with local fishermen and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to build awareness of underappreciated species harvested from the Gulf of Maine. “The program was established four years ago by three chefs, including our own, where they came up with five fish that are abundant and underappreciated,” said Rauni Kew, Inn by the Sea’s public relations manager. “This has really opened the markets for the fishermen. The fish offerings include Acadian red fish, mackerel, Pollock and dogfish. It’s the perfect sustainable projects that takes the traditional fishing industry and protects it.”
During our stay, we visited the property’s on-site restaurant Sea Glass where Chef Steve Sicinski has created a seafood focused menu that includes everything from lobster shrimp dumplings and stuffy clams to scallop and salmon dishes.
Stay on-site and participate in an adult yoga class, take a garden tour or book a relaxing couple’s massage or head off to downtown Portland for a sail on a schooner, round of golf at a nearby course or take a foodie tour of Old Port after shopping at some of the boutique shops downtown. Whether you decide to do it all or do nothing, the choice is up to you.
Inn by the Sea is located at 40 Bowery Beach Road in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Haute Auto
October 29, 2015Maserati of Manhattan Unveils 2016 Models With Haute Living
