From the minute one arrives at Maine’s Spruce Point Inn, there’s a sense of ahhhh. The oceanfront resort sprawls over 57 landscaped acres salted with numerous amenities, including pools, hot tubs, spa, games and fitness rooms, outdoor activities, and dining options.
Despite all the temptations, it’s hard to resist just settling into one of the Adirondack chairs placed on the lawn and along the shore and simply soaking in the water views.
Frankly, there’s no reason to even leave the resort’s property, other than to see or experience nearby attractions, and boat and van shuttles make even that, easy to do.
Lodging at the Spruce Point Inn
The inn’s accommodations include rooms and suites in the main inn and lodges as well cottages and townhomes. I checked into my split-level Lodge room, entering via a private covered, oceanview porch with two of those irresistible Adirondack-style chairs. From here, French doors opened to a comfy sitting area with a pullout-couch, easy chairs, large flat-screen TV, and gas fireplace. That gave way via two steps to the bedroom area, with two queens dressed in triple-sheeted white bedding.
Another set of French doors, these frosted, opened to the bathroom, with oversized, jetted tub, separate shower, and dual vanity. Vaulted ceilings and the open concept, along with the Maine cottage-style décor, enhanced the suite’s spacious feeling.
In-room amenities included nice robes, a Keurig coffee-maker, a refrigerator with Poland Spring water, and a microwave. Seriously, I could have easily camped out here for the week, but with so many tantalizing options, I set out to explore.
Waterfront pleasures
I planned to check out the waterfront offerings, but en route, one of those Adirondack chairs by the shoreline called my name. For a good 20 minutes or so, I watched the boat traffic in and out of the harbor, kids swimming in the ocean, and kayakers paddling along the shoreline.
Eventually, I broke away and headed to the oceanfront saltwater pool, where a number of families looked settled in for the day. Adults soaked in the hot tub while the kiddos played in the pool or the ocean waters, racing each other to a float.
An attendant takes care of needs and also oversees the sporting equipment: fishing rods, kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles in kid and adult sizes. From the dock, a shuttle boat ferries guests to downtown Bar Harbor on a set schedule. As I turned to mosey inland, I noticed a massage tent set up on the shore; nice!
Paths lace the grounds, with signposts pointing to various facilities. En route to the freshwater pool and spa, I walked by the main inn, the chef’s garden, and an outdoor fire pit with an adjacent oversized chess/checkers set up.
Other pleasures
This route also took me by a few of the individual cottages scattered around the property, the games-filled Lighthouse recreation hall (with complimentary guest laundry), a playground complete with a sailboat and a lobsterboat, and lawn games area. Just beyond the heated freshwater pool and the spa were two Har-Tru tennis courts. In addition, two miles of hiking trails lace the woodlands.
Here’s the real plus: Use of all these amenities is included in the rate. While spa services (massages, etc.) incur fees, all guests have access to the spa garden area, with hot tub. Charges also apply for boat charters.
The weather was ideal during my stay, but what if it rains? That’s when the rec hall, fitness room, and spa all come in handy.
Special activities
Where to begin… The Spruce Point Inn offers a slew of set activities, all included in the rate. These include a culinary demo and tasting, mixology class, evening s’mores at the fire pit, fairy houses, and harbor tours to Burnt Island Light.
Also included are children’s programs for ages 5-12, by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lighthouse Camp runs Thursday through Sundays from 10am-2pm and includes lunch and a snack. Kids’ Night Out includes dinner and a snack and keeps kids occupied on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 6-9pm, so parents can enjoy a quiet dinner.
Dining decisions
Meals aren’t included in the Spruce Point Inn’s rates, but there are several options, restaurants in the Boothbays run the gamut from fast food to upscale dining. Of course, most of the ingredients are sourced locally.
Bogie’s is a casual spot with two dining rooms and a bar/lounge. Breakfast is a self-serve buffet with a breads and pastries station, omelet station, fruit and cereal, and hot entrees. Beverages are served to the table.
Lunch is available on an expansive, ocean-view deck.
Bogie’s can get very busy especially for dinner, when reservations are advised. The broad menu has something for everyone, including shared items, light bites, and entreés, with an emphasis on comfort foods; think fancy burgers and lobster rolls to lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and seafood paella ($12-24). I dined with a friend and opted for a high-top table in the bar area, where service was friendly and efficient; loved the beer mussels, SPI signature salad, and the paella.
While most guests keep it easy and casual at Bogie’s, the inn also offers fine dining in 88, a white tablecloth venue welcoming those age 10 and older; entrées such as lobster en papiolotte, seared filet mignon, and a vegetarian fresh linguini run $20-35. Guests are expected to dress appropriately (jackets encouraged but not required for men; no jeans, sneakers, or sportwear).
Woof!
The Spruce Point Inn offers a number of dog-friendly accommodations, and I saw a lot of dogs during my stay. There’s no extra fee, which makes sense, since this is an especially family friendly resort. A lot of multi-generation families are frequent guests, and dogs are part of the family.
Peak season rates begin around $259.
