If thoughts of Maine conjure up images of lighthouses, rocky coastlines and lobster rolls, then you’re on the right track. Whether your interests lie in the outdoors, you’re a small town aficionado or a seaside lover, Maine has a wide range of attractions, with famous Acadia National Park thrown in for fun. So, pull up an Adirondack chair, relax and enjoy the view.
About 90 miles outside of Boston, you will find historic Kennebunkport. You may also hear it referred to as Kennebunk, and some of the locals refer to themselves as “The Kennebunks”, so now you’ve got the full inside scoop. Originally a shipbuilding and fishing village for almost a century, Kennebunk has evolved into a well-loved summer town and seaside destination. The city is coastal chic with shopping, whale watching, sailing and fine dining.
Hidden Pond
When in Kennebunkport, we invite you to step out of your everyday routine and enjoy Hidden Pond, a collection of 36 luxurious coastal cottages tucked into 60 acres of Southern Maine coastline and birch forest. This, part rustic, part intimate resort, is cottage living at its finest. The Hidden Pond bungalows are the perfect escape from it all. Each of the bungalows are handsomely appointed with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, marble bathroom, outdoor rain shower, screened porch, fine linens, luxury toiletries, a gas fireplace and wet bar with mini-fridge. If this is their idea of roughing it, we’re in! Whether you’re exploring the property and its organic garden, taking a dip in the pool or venturing out and finding Goose Rocks Beach, there are plenty of ways to slow down and take it all in. At the end of the day, the resort hosts nightly bonfires, complete with s’mores for kids of all ages. Tree Spa is a lovely respite for treatments, while the rest of your group is enjoying some of the resort’s activities- ranging from beachfront stargazing at The Tides Beach Club, kids classes, Monday night “Glow Swims” or golf cart rentals to tool around the property in, you will be relaxing and recharging . Foodies don’t fret, Hidden Pond has a variety of culinary options, like dinner at Earth, which focuses on farm-to-fork menus, Farm Bar, for fun and inspired cocktails, Hidden Pond’s “Farmer’s Market” with homemade treats or a late-night dessert at The Lodge. As an exclusive partner, when WIT plans this adventure, we offer additional amenities: Upgrade on arrival, daily Farm Bar breakfast for two guests per bedroom, $100 USD resort/hotel credit and early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
The White Barn Inn
For travelers looking to be in the heart of the action, located in downtown Kennebunkport, is The White Barn Inn, part of Auberge Resorts Collection. The 26 key property comprised of rooms, suites and waterfront cottages, is located within walking distance of shopping, art galleries and the beach. As a WIT preferred property, we are delighted to offer complimentary continental breakfast daily, $100 hotel credit, a private kitchen tour, and upgrade, with the possibility of early check in/ late check out, all subject to availability. While at The White Barn Inn, should you experience a rainy day, we think there’s no better place to be than the White Barn Spa, named “one of the best spas in Maine”. We are in love with the Thai Yoga massage that combines gentle stretching, passive yoga, and acupressure. After your treatment, check out the sensory rain showers and infinity-edge soaking tub. Here you’ll find two unique, on-property dining options. For a more casual meal, The Bistro is open for lunch and dinner where you will find modern takes on regional classics. Weather permitting, dine outside on the Bistro Deck. We suggest you plan on night dining at The White Barn Restaurant, celebrating New England cuisine and locally sourced. The White Barn Restaurant is a recognized and celebrated AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant, presenting the opportunity for an authentic experience with every bite.
The Cliff House
WIT is happy to orchestrate your travel up and down the Maine coast. A fun and historic trip could center around the famous Maine lighthouses. A few of our favorites: the Portland Head Lighthouse, informally known as the Cape Elizabeth and Cape Neddick Lighthouse, also known as the Nubble Lighthouse, situated atop a large rock island in York, Maine. While in Cape Neddick, breathtaking views abound at The Cliff House. This iconic, 226 key property was originally opened in 1872. Perched above the Atlantic Ocean on Bald Head Cliff, the resort recently went through a total renovation in 2016. With over 70 acres, The Cliff House rooms and suites are designed with a classic and inviting feel, luxurious and chock full of family friendly amenities to include an oceanfront spa and wellness center, two outdoor swimming pools, kid’s activities and oceanfront dining. The resort features three food and beverage options for the entire family. Starting with The Tiller Restaurant, the retreats signature spot, which pays homage to Maine’s local fishermen, distillers and farmers. The dining room is suspended over the ocean and provides the best panoramic views of Cape Neddick. No trip to Maine would be complete without lobster, so luckily there is Nubb’s Lobster Shack to get your fix. To keep the flow moving, stop by Bald Head Coffee for your favorite caffeine boost! All three venues update their menus seasonally. We are so happy to partner with The Cliff House and offer these additional and exclusive perks: Daily continental breakfast for two guests per bedroom , a Cliff House Maine signature "Sea Bag" tote, we think it’s so cool that the tote is made in Maine from recycled sails, and of course, upgrade upon arrival, early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
Inn by the Sea
If you start off your Maine exploration in Portland, we love Inn by the Sea, just fifteen minutes from downtown. An eco-friendly property located on a beautiful stretch of one of Maine’s coastal beaches. Inn by the Sea boasts 61 stylish and modern guestrooms, and spacious one-and two-bedroom suites ideal for couples and families. Committed to both outstanding hospitality and environmental responsibility, Inn by the Sea is both LEED and Maine DEP certified. The resort offers yoga on the lawn, garden tours and children’s art activities. As parents we were excited to read that the property supports local schools with an annual book drive donation! It’s a lovely way to give back. As always, we offer the best benefits due to our relationship with the property, to include: daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom in the restaurant, $100 USD spa services credit, upgrade on arrival, and early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
Fort Williams Park
With the Inn’s proximity to Portland, we suggest visiting Fort Williams Park to wander among nature and visit the iconic Portland Head Light and Museum. Great for families, this park allows you to tour the arboretum, walk the Cliffside loop, explore the rocky beach, enjoy the playground, or take your dog for a walk. Maine is now the 3rd largest producer of craft beer in the country…..who knew? So how about we plan a Portland Brew Tour complete with some of Maine’s famous craft brews like Lone Pine, Allagash and Oxbow. If you’re a foodie at heart, Portland’s rising food scene is fertile ground for an eclectic and fun day partaking in all of your favorites.
Acadia National Park
Our adventure has finally brought us to Acadia National Park, located about 160 miles from Portland, Maine, and about 50 miles from Bangor. Here you will find some of the most stunning landscapes on the Eastern Seaboard. Situated on the coast, the majority of the park’s 47,000 acres includes being on Mount Desert Island, though portions of the park are on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. Visiting Acadia National Park might mean fall foliage, winter skiing, spring fishing or summer hikes, something to endulge your senses all year round. How does a night of glamping sound after exploring the trails and views of Maine’s only National Park sound? We will make sure every detail is attended to, including transportation, accommodations and gourmet campfire cuisine.
From coast to coast, WIT is here to keep you inspired and stay strong WIT you! Until next time….
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