Oh how I love to explore a new destination. When I got the chance to explore Maine I couldn’t pack fast enough. Here’s what I discovered in Portland, Maine. Those that follow me regularly know that I usually spend a considerable amount of time abroad.
My marketing and social media clients keep me busy with video/drone and photography production but they also afford me the ability to explore some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
When I am stateside I try to spend a little time exploring my home country.
This time, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Portland, Maine. I hadn’t been to Maine in more than 30 years so my curiosity was peaked.
As I usually do, I reached out to a few hotels, restaurants, and tour companies for sponsorships.
The following reviews can’t possibly cover completely the amazing experiences that I had.
First stop…
Inn By The Sea
May is the time of year when spring is pushing through and trying to warm up the Northern East coast of the US.
Although still cold, Maine’s beaches are vibrant with wildlife and plant life waking up from the winter. Inn By The Sea is situated on a gorgeous one-mile stretch of beach. From the nano second I arrived I was treated like royalty and knew I was in for the treat of a lifetime.
A smiling reception staff that, knowing I was on my way, had my room waiting and greeted me. Check in was incredibly quick and while I was waiting to meet manager, Rauni Kew, I was treated to a visit with the foster pup that was playing in the reception area. The team at Inn By The Sea works with the local animal shelter to help place dogs that need a forever home by fostering them in the hotel. (How in credible is that?) I was greeted by the manager and given a site tour of the beautiful ocean front hotel. Although modern and upgraded to meet the luxurious standards of her visitors, the hotel has its historical touches and “stories” throughout. My room wasn’t simply a room. I was given a two-bedroom suite with beautiful views of the grounds and the ocean. The staff has forgotten nothing within the suites and rooms at the hotel, including the most lavish bedding and linens. It was very hard for me to get out and experience the rest of the hotel. My suite had a fireplace where I sat and enjoyed some wonderful wines while looking out at the gorgeous surrounding grounds. I also relished the full kitchen and a bathroom with soaking tub Soaking tubs are another of my indulgences and this one came with comforts like bath bombs and fragrant soaps and lotions. With every single amenity, (click here to view more photos) I enjoyed a relaxing and indulgent two days of the best Inn By The Sea has to offer. This luxury hotel is recognized for green hotel practices, which makes it a wonderfully responsible and perfect place to spend any special occasion or family vacation. Only a short distance from downtown Portland, the hotel is perfectly located making it easy to feel like you’ve traveled to a far off luxurious destination. It’s close enough so visitors can explore and enjoy activities and restaurants throughout Portland. I found no reason to leave the hotel grounds.
The Spa
I love spas. In fact they are one of my favorite services to experience. I’ve visited many spas all over the world and tried an array of treatments. Our Portland Spa is dedicated to ensuring its guests experience the best indulgences.
I enjoyed the Sea Waves 60-minute treatment and was whisked away on a magical, luxurious, relaxing journey of pure bliss. My masseur was extremely knowledgeable and recommended oils that worked wonderfully with my treatment. Before and after, I enjoyed a beautiful sanctuary with my own locker and luxuriously soft robe, and sandals.
I also had access to private steam rooms, a wonderful 5 head shower experience, beverages and snacks that were perfect before and after my treatment. A visit to Inn By The Sea is not complete without a visit to their amazing spa.
The Restaurant
Eating at the onsite restaurant, Sea Glass is a gastronomical affair like none other. The chef creates magic with fresh, locally sourced food for every palate and every food consideration. In addition to his amazing creations, Chef Andrew offers new and innovative vegan specialties that even this carnivore absolutely loved! Each meal at the hotel was an indulgence and I felt like royalty.
From the blueberry butter that accompanied the freshly baked breads to the Local Lobster Toast at breakfast, to the Spring Pea & Burrata every bite was a unique and delicious experience.
At the end of the day a wonderful experience at any hotel whether a luxury facility or a hostel is determined by how welcoming a guest feels and how the staff interacts with them. Inn By The Sea gets it right on all aspects. Although I was there for a sponsorship, I also witnessed the attention and care the staff gave other visitors. It was no less special than my own. Each person was greeted and treated with kindness, genuine care of their comfort and experience, and with a friendly and warm smile and attitude. I can’t recommend Inn By The Sea enough.
Portland Harbor Hotel – A City Retreat
My next stop would find me in the heart of the Old Port District. Surrounded by a vibrant foodie and music scene, Portland Harbor Hotel offers the best for its guests.The rooms have been renovated and are beautifully decorated and spacious. Each includes a variety of amenities and what you don’t find in the room can be delivered to you in seconds.
I checked in early, as I like to do, to allow me to explore the facility. My warm and cozy room had accents of Maine’s costal life. The luxuriously comfortable linens make it hard to want to leave.
Again, I enjoyed a wonderful bathroom with a soaking tub, gorgeous marble counter tops, spacious shower, soaps, shampoos, and lotions that were plentiful. There is a quaint workspace that is perfect for someone like me who has to work a little during my visits.
The staff was more than welcoming and helpful in so many ways. One of the amenities that surprised me was the free car service the hotel offers to its guests. I used it quite often since I was not familiar with the area. The drivers were helpful, kind, and easy to talk to.
It’s very nice to have a service like this for guests who have appointments or need a ride somewhere they are not familiar with.
The Restaurant
Oh what a treat I experienced at Blue Fin! I have eaten in many restaurants around the world. I’ve had amazing experiences, met amazing chefs, and indulged in some of the world’s most amazing meals.
But my experience with Chef Gil Plaster is, hands down, one of the best experiences I’ve had to date. I can honestly say that he is a genius. His passion for his craft is not just palpable, but contagious.
After meeting him and listening to his background and how he pursued his career, I knew that I was going to experience a gastronomical delight. But what I thought was going to be incredible turned out to be almost unbelievable.
Chef Plaster decided he would cook for me pesonally. Each dish was preceded by a description of what he was going to prepare, where the inspiration for it came from and how he had put his own special spin on it.
I don’t know how chef did it but everything he told me I would be tasting, in the order in which he said I would taste it, was exactly as he detailed. He explained that everything he used was locally sourced.
He was very proud of the fact that he was instrumental in introducing Southeast Asian spices with a mix of Latin flavors into the seafood central of Maine.
I have never tasted such amazing dishes…ever! I was honored to be one of the people who get to experience chef Gil’s genius and would tell any foodie to go to Portland just to eat at one of his tables.
The rest of the staff and facility is equally amazing at what they do and their genuine care and consideration for their guests is evident in the various events and extra attention they take each day.
From outside fire pits to enjoy wine and snacks in their courtyard, to a full bar where you can enjoy a variety of cocktails in front of the fireplace. Every aspect of the hotel is designed for comfort and luxury.
My last few days found me at Captain Lord Manor Located in Kennebunkport a 25-minute drive from Portland, Captain Lord Manor is an oasis for those who want to get away from city life.
This amazing bed and breakfast is known a Maine’s Top Rated Kennebunkport Inn and after my stay, I completely understand why. Owned and operated by Rick Litchfield and Bev Davis, this amazingly warm and intimate manor offers the best of modern amenities while still staying true to the old world beauty of the area.
Each room holds a special design and comfort with amenities not usually found in most manors. My suite was called The Regulator. It was uber luxurious and a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Kennebunkport.
As you can probably guess by now, a soaking tub is something that I love to experience. The one at Captain Lord Manor is out of this world! Beautifully deep, and set in a wonderfully comfortable and luxurious setting, the tub in my suite was one I didn’t want to leave.
During my three-day stay, I enjoyed 4 wonderfully relaxing soaks in the tub and had to force myself to get out! I also enjoyed the fact that the seating area I the main part of the house is set up to encourage guests to turn off their phones, put down the social media interaction and talk to each other.
The comfortable couches and relaxing atmosphere make for great conversation. There is always nice music playing and there is always someone around to chat with.
Breakfast
Each morning breakfast is served with the ringing of a bell. The night before the staff posts what will be served and the times breakfast will be available. Most days, there are two different times to indulge in the full, home cooked breakfast. One for early risers and one for those who like to lie around and enjoy their room a bit more.
Although breakfast is the only meal that is served, the staff at the manor ensures that guests do NOT go hungry. There are homemade goodies served throughout the day like baked goods, cheese and crackers, iced tea and lemonade. There is also a coffee station where you can enjoy a fresh ground cup along with hot chocolate and a variety of hot teas. Spa
Captain Lord Manor has an onsite spa service. The personalized touches and menu is wonderful as was the masseur. On the day of my service I came back from an outing to get ready for my treatment and found a wonderful little package waiting for me in my room.
It is these little touches that make any stay a treat and one that is memorable. My treatment was relaxing and just what I needed after a day of exploring. The owners are happy to organize the whole package for you making it simple to just show up, be pampered and leave relaxed and rejuvenated.
Food In The Area
The staff at the manor is happy to recommend area restaurants and I was happy they did!
Mabel’s Lobster Claw
This amazing little restaurant is a perfect place to go when you want to enjoy authentic Maine coastal cuisine. Located on the cove side of Kennebunkport among seaside shops and local stores, Mabel’s Lobster Claw has been around since the 1050s.
The restaurant offers inside and outside seating. In the winter months the outside eating area is equipt with heaters so patrons can still enjoy the fresh smell of the ocean. I chose to sit outside to enjoy the slow paced surroundings and old world charm.
A warm and knowledgeable server who agreed that the best way to enjoy the restaurant was to allow the chef to prepare the best greeted me. I sat back and enjoyed some of the best seafood Maine has to offer.
I started with a house special; charred Brussels sprouts with blue cheese, pecans, and scallions. It was a wonderful rendition of a common veggie and was amazing.
Next came flavorful crab cakes that were sweet and clearly extremely fresh. That was followed up with sea scallops that couldn’t be but a few hours old. They were perfectly seared and served.
I couldn’t leave without trying the lobster mac & cheese. Mabel’s rendition was beyond delicious. Moist, sweet lobster with the perfect amount of cheese to noodles to lobster made it a wonderful experience.
Dinner was finished with a wonderful slice of blueberry pie that was to die for! I can’t suggest and recommend Mabel’s Lobster Claw enough if you are visiting Maine. It’s a must if you want to experience authentic area seafood and ambiance.
On the Marsh Bistro
This fine dining experience was something that I was told I would never forget. Recommended by Rick, owner of Captain Lord Manor, I was very much looking forward to my experience at On The Marsh Bistro. I was not disappointed.
The manager greeted me personally and reserved a beautiful table that I the corner that allowed me to overlook the whole restaurant.
The atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant is equal to it’s beautifully decorated interior. After taking a short tour, I was seated and the deliciousness began. My first dish was a flavorful pumpkin soup that was perfectly seasoned and creamy.
A wonderfully delicious Spring Pea Risotto followed that up; again perfectly seasoned and cooked. I enjoyed a delicious Italian wine that paired well with each dish and happily so since Italian wine is my favorite. The meal ended with a wonderfully sweet and gorgeous dessert. A generous slice of Limoncello & Mascarpone Cake served with Blueberry Coulis and Candied Orange Slice was the perfect way to end my wonderful experience at On The Marsh.
What I Discovered In Portland, Maine was surprising, wonderful, and an experience I won’t soon forget. I look forward to a return visit.
that area of Maine has to offer.
Have you visited Portland, Maine and it’s surrounding coastal towns? What did you think? Share your experiences with us!
by: Marie Hernandez, www.seriouslytravel.com
