Growing up nearby California's famed Pacific Coast Highway meant I was spoiled with easy access to some of the most beautiful ocean views in the world. Now that I live in New York City, it's the complete opposite scenario. I get to a beach maybe once, or twice a year, and that's if I make it a priority!
After my recent visit to Cliff House Maine on the southern coast of Maine, I'm confident I'll be seeing much more of the sprawling ocean views I've been missing from my Northern California days. A trip to this charming New England resort is an ideal weekend getaway for any East Coaster searching for a couple days of pampering in a picturesque, truly relaxing setting.
Coming from New York it took us about five hours to get to the property. After just a few steps into the lobby of Cliff House Maine, we were floored by the expansive ocean views that welcomed us. Situated directly on the rocky coastline of the Atlantic, panoramic ocean and coastal views follow you no matter where you are on the property.
This luxury Maine resort first welcomed guests back in 1872, a time when rates for a room were a mere six dollars, and this included three meals a day! After quickly becoming the go-to resort for well-to-do families, it continued to flourish through the roaring 20's and 30's, however, closed its doors to guests when World War II broke out.
During this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers occupied the resort. After decades of various owners, uncertainty, renovations and construction, Cliff House Maine bounced back time and time again and remains an iconic Maine resort today.
In 2016, the resort completed a landmark transformation that elevated the entire 70 acres of oceanfront property. Each of its 226 accommodations-most of which open up to private terraces providing unobstructed views of the ocean-have been newly designed.
The nautical touches, hardwood floors and coastal-chic décor perfectly complement the fresh sea air and luxurious ambiance that surrounds you. In addition to over 40 suites and a New England Cottage, the renovations included 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space and oceanfront dining and bars.
While there are lots of great dining options off property, Cliff House offers four dining options, each of which partner with local fisherman, farmers, distillers and purveyors to serve guests cuisine that highlights the best of what Maine has to offer.
Start your day lounging seaside in Adirondack chairs while sipping freshly brewed coffee and munching on pastries from Bald Head Coffee Co. When lunchtime rolls around, pop into the Nubb's Lobster Shack for the essential Maine delicacy: lobster rolls! This poolside shack also features signature items like lobster totchos and lobster hush puppies, a raw bar and local craft beers.
For breakfast, lunch or dinner take your time at The Tiller Restaurant, Cliff House's main dining restaurant. Its menus are loaded with innovative dishes that highlight seasonal fare and homemade recipes. Dinner items include a juicy strip steak with crispy fingerling potatoes, rocket, smoked tomato butter and foraged mushrooms and lobster pasta with corn ravioli, hand dipped ricotta, lobster corral butter sauce and Maine lobster.
A stay at Cliff House wouldn't be complete without a spa day. The Spa at Cliff House is a 9,000 square foot sanctuary that seamlessly blends the rugged gorgeousness of coastal Maine with its serene, tranquil ambiance.
Inspired by the elements of water, stone, sun and sea, each spa experience begins in the Ocean View Sanctuary which overlooks the seaside cliffs and crashing waves.
The Spa offers signature massages such as the seacoast rose massage that incorporates the scent of salt water and roses with a full body massage and acupressure facial. Another favorite is the salt of the sea massage which utilizes warm hand carved salt stones to relax the body. It's impossible not to feel heavenly after a treatment here!
When you're ready to explore-and trust me you might just not want to leave the property at all-there's lots to see and do. In the next door town of Ogunquit, take a seaside stroll on Marginal Way and end up at Perkin's Cove which has a great selection of restaurants.
Grab lunch or dinner at MC Perkins Cove, a classic American bistro that offers incredible ocean views and a menu full of fresh seafood and decadent dishes like M.C. lobster "mac and cheese" and braised lamb shank. Pop by Barnacle Billy's for their famed rum punch if you're looking for a delicious drink to cool your afternoon down or start your evening up.
From there, get some shopping in at one of the many boutique shops along the main street in town. Check out gift and art shops such as Panache, Abacus, Spoiled Rotten and Revelations or buy some indulgent treats at the Harbor Candy Shop. Enjoy a coffee or ice cream while walking along the nearby shore at Ogunquit Beach.
If you find yourself looking for some live music and cocktails come nightfall, don't miss out on The Front Porch! Be ready for lively crowd and a showcase of your favorite show tunes and oldies.
For the more adventurous, take a hike up Maine's highest peak, Mount Agamenticus. Trail loops range from easy to advanced, so don't worry about it being too hard to conquer! The views are certainly worth the trek.
Other options include going on a relaxing horseback ride through the woods with Living Wells Farm. Of course, being on the coast there are countless outdoor activities to be experienced, whether on land or sea. Biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and more are offered once summer rolls around.
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