Escape to Paradise: Cape Arundel Inn & Resort Awaits in Kennebunkport
Escape to Paradise: Cape Arundel Inn & Resort - My Chaotic, Champagne-Soaked Kennebunkport Confession (and Why You NEED to Go!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the lobster bisque on my recent Kennebunkport escape to the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort. Forget meticulously polished reviews, this is the REAL DEAL. Think less Travel Channel, more… me after a particularly ahem invigorating spa treatment. (Spoiler alert: there was Champagne involved.)
First Impressions (and the Glorious, Overwhelming Feeling of "Finally!")
Walking into the Cape Arundel Inn is like… well, it’s like finally exhaling. Seriously. After the year from hell (we all know the drill), the stress just visibly melted away. The front desk? Efficient, but friendly. (Bonus points: they offered me a welcome drink, and my inner lizard person practically did a jig.) The building itself just feels…right. Classic New England charm, all white clapboard and sweeping ocean views. And let’s be honest, after staring at a screen for a year, the simple act of looking out a window and seeing actual water was borderline revelatory.
The Room: My Oceanfront Oasis (and the Slight Panic of "Am I Worthy?")
I lucked out (or maybe they knew I needed a good time bad) and snagged an oceanfront room. Holy. Moly. The view… was… well, it was a postcard. Seriously, it felt wrong not to take 500 photos. Now, let me be honest: I'm not exactly royalty. I'm the type who secretly judges the fancy robes in hotel rooms (because who actually uses them?) But even I felt a pang of "am I worthy?" looking at the plush bed, the little balcony overlooking the crashing waves… and the complimentary bottle of bubbly. (Okay, now I felt worthy.)
The room itself had everything. Like, everything. Air conditioning that actually worked (essential!), a seriously comfy bed (I swear I slept for a solid twelve hours one night), a desk for pretending to be productive (ha!), and a bathroom with all the expected fancy stuff: hair dryer, toiletries, the whole shebang. Oh, and the blackout curtains? Pure genius. I needed them, because, Champagne. Also, there was free Wi-Fi which is EVERYTHING. No more hotel Wi-Fi struggles! My phone actually worked.
Accessibility & Ease: A Plus!
For folks who need it (and shoutout to the Cape Arundel for thinking about this!), the hotel offers facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and facilities. This is a big deal and makes a place accessible.
Eating, Drinking, & Blissful Gluttony (My Favorite Part!)
Okay, food. Let's talk food. Because a vacation without deliciousness is just… well, it’s pointless.
- Breakfast: I’m a breakfast person. A big breakfast person. Cape Arundel nailed it. I'm talking buffet (because, hello, freedom of choice!), with everything your heart desires. Pancakes (duh!), waffles, fresh fruit, pastries… I may have, ahem, sampled a bit of everything. Let's be honest, I probably embarrassed myself regularly. Though, the food was superb, it may not be for you if you are a vegetarian or vegan. It may be worth asking if they will offer any alternative options.
- Restaurants: The restaurant on site offered some classic New England cuisine with, of course, a focus on seafood. I did have the lobster roll. Naturally. And, yes, it was as amazing as you'd expect. There’s a coffee shop, too, for post-breakfast caffeine boosts. And, the service was outstanding.
- The Bar: Happy hour? YES, PLEASE! I found myself frequently gravitating towards the bar, strategically positioned with an amazing ocean view.
- Poolside Drinks: Because life's too short to not sip a cocktail with your toes in the water. They had a poolside bar, but the service was a bit slow.
Ways to Relax (and Why the Spa Almost Broke Me)
Okay, this is where things get… real.
- The Spa: This is where I spent a significant portion of my time. It's beautiful, with a pool with a view, sauna, and steamroom, but they also offer body wraps, body scrubs, massages, and the whole shebang. Now, I'm no spa expert, but I had the best massage ever. I think the therapist actually healed my soul. I'd recommend getting a spa treatment!
- The Pools: They have an outdoor pool, which is lovely – perfect for a sunny afternoon.
- Ways to Chill: You can chill out, read a book on the terrace, and just forget about the world for a while.
Cleanliness, Safety & Feeling Safe (Huge Win!)
In this post-pandemic world, safety is paramount. And Cape Arundel? They get it. They had daily disinfections, staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizers everywhere, and individual wrapped food. My room was sanitized between stays and they even allowed the option to opt-out. I felt so safe and worry-free.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging – if You’re Into That)
Okay, I mostly lounged, but Kennebunkport itself is gorgeous. Stroll the shops, visit the beach, explore the area.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing’s Perfect – and That’s Okay!)
- Sometimes, Service was a little slow: This is a small quibble, and honestly, I was in no hurry.
- My Credit Card Bill: Let's just say the Champagne did a number on my budget. (But, worth it!)
SEO-Friendly Highlights (in case you’re into that sort of thing!):
- Kennebunkport Hotels: Cape Arundel Inn is a prime destination.
- Oceanfront Hotels Maine: The views are UNREAL.
- Luxury Spa Hotels Maine: The spa is a total sanctuary.
- Romantic Getaways Maine: Perfect for couples.
- Family-Friendly Options: Includes babysitting services and family friendly facilities.
- Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Maine: Good Accessibility.
- Free Wi-Fi: Crucial for us bloggers!
- On-site Restaurant: Yes, lobster rolls!
My Verdict: Book It! Seriously, Just Do It.
Look, I’m a jaded travel writer. I’ve seen it all (and, frankly, judged it all). But Cape Arundel Inn & Resort? It got to me. It charmed me. It let me finally relax. The ocean views, the incredible service, the blissful spa… It's a legit escape. If you need a dose of pure, unadulterated joy – book this hotel. You won't regret it. I can tell you that as I write this with a smile on my face while imagining my next visit.
Call to Action:
Ready to say "YES" to a truly memorable escape? Book your getaway to the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort today! Click this link and start packing your bags for a trip you'll never forget! (And maybe bring some extra funds for Champagne. Just sayin'.)
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Bergen: Landgoed Huize Glory Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. We’re not just visiting the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, we’re living it. Or, at least, attempting to. This isn’t a glossy brochure itinerary, this is… well, this is me trying to wrangle a long weekend. Prepare for glorious chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Lobster Meditations (aka, The Arrival Ritual)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Portland International Jetport (PWM). Hired a car. The rental company tried to upsell me the "super-duper insurance" – classic. I resisted (frugal, right?) and immediately felt a wave of anxiety. Am I really good at this driving on winding coastal roads business? Pray for me, Maine.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, finally arrived at the Cape Arundel Inn. The exterior is stunning. That classic New England charm, the ocean views promising bliss… My inner cynic, however, immediately noted the suspiciously perfect landscaping. Is this real life? Are we living in a Nancy Meyers film? (I secretly hoped so).
- 3:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby smelled like money and fresh lilies. My backpack felt woefully out of place next to the impeccably dressed clientele. The receptionist was flawlessly gracious, which of course immediately made me suspicious. Is it all an illusion?
- 3:30 PM: Room tour. Ocean view, baby! Although, the reality of unpacking and settling in dawned on me. Where am I really going to put all my stuff?
- 4:00 PM: Found a small chair to sit on. Attempting to do absolutely nothing but stare at the ocean. Failing spectacularly. Brain is a whirlwind of anxieties. What am I supposed to DO here? Am I supposed to be productive? I wonder if this hotel has a good business center. Oh, the struggle!
- 6:00 PM: Decided to head to the bar, because, well, vacation, right? I ordered a perfectly acceptable martini and struck up a conversation with a lovely elderly couple. He kept talking about the "good old days" and she was telling the story of a time she got "too tipsy." They were both adorable, which made me feel both nostalgic and slightly dreading the inevitable onset of old age.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Ocean (the Inn's restaurant, duh). The food was… well, it lived up to the hype. Perfectly seared scallops, but the true revelation? The lobster bisque. Forget the ocean view, I could stare into that bisque for hours. It was like a warm hug, that creamy, briny perfection. I could die happy, sated by bisque! I had two bowls. Don't judge me.
- 9:00 PM: Stumbled back to my room, feeling like a blissful, overfed walrus. I watched the waves, considered the meaning of life, and then promptly fell asleep.
Day 2: The Lobster Roll Saga & Cliff Walk Catastrophes
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, groggy but committed to the day. Ordered coffee and a muffin to my room. Soaking in the view this time as the morning sun washed over the water.
- 9:00 AM: Decided I needed to make something of myself. Went to the gym. Immediately regretted it. Too many treadmills, not enough nap options.
- 10:00 AM: Finally, the real goal of this trip: Lobster Roll Reconnaissance! Began the Lobster Roll Tour of Kennebunkport. First stop: a little shack down by the harbor. The roll was… fine. Perfectly acceptable, but not life-changing.
- 11:00 AM: Second Lobster Roll. Now that's what you call a lobster roll! Pure lobster love! Sweet, juicy chunks on a toasted roll. The "Maine" in me came out and for a brief moment, I considered moving to the state permanently. The reality of winter immediately crushed that fantasy.
- 12:00 PM: Third Lobster Roll. I know, I know. But listen, it was research! This time, a slightly fancier establishment. The roll was good, even if it was too much brioche bun, not enough lobster. I vowed to do better next time.
- 1:00 PM: The Cliff Walk. Stunning, dramatic coastline views. Bliss. Until, I tripped. Scraped my knee. Blood. Now I'm hobbling, and feeling more like a clumsy tourist than an intrepid explorer.
- 2:00 PM: Decided to treat the wound with an ice cream and a sense of humor.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the Inn, I realized I was exhausted. Not from the walking, but from the existential dread I have when I have to take a vacation.
- 6:00 PM: Another round of drinks at the bar. This time, I sat near the window and watched the waves. I feel so much better.
- 7:30 PM: One last dinner at Ocean restaurant. I ordered the scallops… again. And another bowl of that bisque. Seriously, I'm addicted.
- 9:00 PM: Exhausted, elated, and slightly lobster-obsessed. I'm embracing the messy, beautiful chaos of vacation, and vowing to master this Lobster Roll quest!
Day 3: Farewell (for now…)
- 9:00 AM: Long breakfast. Final morning on the deck, breathing in that salty air and trying to burn into my memory the sights, the smells, and the tastes.
- 10:00 AM: Reluctant check-out.
- 11:00 AM: Drive.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at airport, thinking about when I can come back.
So, Cape Arundel Inn...worth the hype?
Alright, let's be real. Kennebunkport in peak season? Prepare for crowds. But the Cape Arundel Inn? Yeah, it's pretty dang good. It's not *perfect* - more on that later - but the location? Devine. Clinging to that cliff, overlooking the ocean...it's postcard perfect. You know, the kind that makes your Instagram followers green with envy. Totally earned.
Best room to snag? Seriously, give me the inside scoop.
Okay, listen up. Forget the "ocean view" unless you're prepared to pay a premium. And trust me, the "side view" rooms can still be *amazing*. We stayed in one last year, and the view from the teeny-tiny balcony? *Chef's kiss*. One of those suites? Even better. But the real secret weapon? The rooms in the *separate* building. They're usually quieter, maybe bigger, with a less...congested feeling. But be warned – sometimes the walk to the main building in your robe for coffee can be a little... brisk. Especially if you forgot your slippers (ahem, me).
The food, though... Is it actually good, or does it just rely on location?
Alright, the food at Ocean is… a mixed bag. Look, let’s be fair, the view from the dining room is practically edible in itself. You'll sit there gazing out at the ocean and everything seems...magical! The breakfast? Decent. The dinner? Can be a *little* pretentious, at times. I once spent a solid ten minutes studying a tiny sprig of something on my plate, trying to decide if it was thyme or parsley. (It might have been both, I never figured it out.) The lobster? Generally, Yes! You're in Maine! They *better* be good, and they usually are. But the thing you *absolutely* must get? The popovers. They make you feel like you're floating. Absolutely dreamy. Even the grumpy old man at the table next to us cracked a smile.
What about the Spa? Worth the splurge?
Okay, the Spa. Here's the deal. Do you like being pampered? Do you enjoy being surrounded by fluffy robes and the smell of lavender? Then YES. GO. Especially if you are dealing with a full day of travel. I mean, seriously. After a long flight and a drive, I was a walking, talking, potential grump bomb. The massage? Pure bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. But... and there's always a but, isn’t there? My friend went right after me, and her therapist? Snoozing! True story. Apparently, it depends on which therapist you're booking. So, a little luck involved. But even a mediocre massage is better than no massage, in my book.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with the little monsters.
Okay, let's get real. Cape Arundel Inn? Not *super* kid-friendly. It's got that vibe of quiet sophistication, where you're more likely to see people sipping champagne on the terrace than screaming kids splashing in the pool. The pool is tiny. There's not much to do for kids besides the beach. That said, the staff *are* generally lovely. They were very accommodating when *my* "little monster" (ahem, my husband) dropped his ice cream all over the lobby floor. So, proceed with caution and maybe a LOT of snacks.
The Pool. What's the deal?
The pool is... small. Let’s just say it’s intimate. It’s great for a quick dip, or for pretending you’re Audrey Hepburn on holiday. But it's not exactly a swimming pool for exercise. The sun loungers are at a premium, especially during peak season. You’ll see all sorts of people: the woman who leaves her towel out all day (guilty!); the dude who’s clearly just there to show off his abs; and the family where the kids are kicking up a storm. But hey, people-watching is half the fun, right? And the view from the pool area? Stunning. You can almost reach out and touch the Atlantic.
Okay, so the location is amazing...but what about the *beach*? Is it a total free-for-all?
The beach. Ah, the beach. Gosh, the beach IS gorgeous. It's short, you can swim for a bit, and you have the whole view of the Atlantic. It's right at the edge of the property. So, you can leave your room, grab that complimentary beach bag (cute!), and wander. This is a bit difficult, however, if you are not a confident walker. It is a bit of a climb down, and then a bit of a climb up. The beach is small, not exactly *secluded*, just the right amount of busy, if you're looking for a bit of a chat, but not too much. The big draw here is Goose Rocks Beach, a short drive away. Trust me, it's worth it. Wide, sandy, and you can actually spread out. But don't forget the sunscreen, as it's quite a drive.
What’s the vibe? Is it stuffy or relaxed?
It lands somewhere in the middle. Like a cashmere sweater with a slight hole in it. The resort *wants* to be truly luxurious, and it mostly succeeds. The staff are lovely, and the interiors are beautiful. But you also get the feeling the folks running the ship are human too. There are little imperfections--a chipped paint on a doorframe here, a slightly slow wait at the bar there. Nothing that ruins the experience, but it adds a layer of realness. It's not pretentious, which is a *huge* plus. You can definitely chill and enjoy yourself without feeling like you need to have a degree in etiquette--though, maybe brush up on tipping etiquette. And don't worry about dressing up too much. You can get away with a sundress or nice slacks at dinner. Just pack something a little nicer.
Is it Romantic?
Oh, yeah. *Totally*. If you're looking to rekindle the flame, or even just get away from the kids (ahem), this is a great place. Sunset cocktails on the terrace, strolls on the beach, dinners where you can actually hear yourselvesBook Hotels Now
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