Vacations close to home are the new normal and staying at a luxury resort is more alluring than ever. We enjoyed such a mini vacation at the Inn by the Sea, an oceanfront resort in picturesque Cape Elizabeth, about 5 miles south of Portland, Maine.
Inn by the Sea is an eco-property for the entire family, including the four-legged members, and it has received numerous awards and accolades in the travel press.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Guestrooms are modern and elegant ranging from single rooms to 2-bedroom suites. The suites feature large living rooms with cozy fireplaces, dining areas, marble baths, and kitchens with refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and Nespresso coffee machines.
Their balconies offer sweeping views of the hotel’s sprawling lawn and gardens, the heated pool, and the blue ocean in the distance.
DINING
Eventhough your room is equipped with a kitchenette or a full kitchen, you should treat yourself to at least one meal at the inn’s restaurant, Sea Glass. Have a gourmet breakfast on their sun swept terrace overlooking the inn’s expansive grounds, nature reserve, and Casco Bay.
Make reservations in advance for lunch or dinner and enjoy seasonal offerings, all prepared with ingredients from local farms and fisheries. Try their classic New England clam chowder, succulent lobster roll, and oversized Sea Glass burger, or enjoy main courses such as swordfish au poivre, baked lobster, grilled striploin, and more.
ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES
The Inn by the Sea is a full-service resort offering a plethora of activities.
Start your day with a complimentary Yoga class on the lawn, or a workout in the state-of-the-art gym, or just take a walk along the nature trail thru the bird and wildlife sanctuary to the shore of the mile-long Crescent Beach.
During summer months the bay’s sugary sand is set up with umbrellas and beach chairs, so you can leisurely work on your tan or swim in the tranquil waters.
You can also take one of the complimentary bicycles and explore the surrounding trails, neighboring Crescent Beach State Park, or the Two Lights State Park nearby.
Treat yourself to some pampering at the spa, a modern facility with well-trained therapists, offering regionally inspired massages, body treatments, and facials. They use natural ingredients, marine based products, CBD and essential oils.
At night, join your fellow guests around the glowing fire pit, make some s’mores, and relax under the starry skies.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The inn is surrounded by a state park where you can hike the nature trails, the rugged coastline, and along the quiet beach. You can also take a short car ride to Fort Williams, a 90 acres park overlooking Casco Bay. Explore the grounds, learn about the fort’s history, and visit the iconic Portland Headlight and museum. Have a picnic, or just treat yourself to a lobster roll, Maine’s signature sandwich.
If you have time, head to nearby Portland and visit its museums, bustling downtown shops, and the busy waterfront.
But, best of all, relax and enjoy your stay at the Inn by the Sea, and take advantage of everything this wonderful resort has to offer.
