Husband-and-wife hotelier duo Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar have lived in York, Maine, for over 4 a long time and are keen about preserving historic properties round city. However The Viewpoint Hotel, with its postcard-worthy, panoramic views of the historic Nubble Lighthouse, is for sure, the crown jewel of the bunch.

The couple bought The Viewpoint Resort (initially inbuilt 1994) in addition to 4 small tons behind it in 2017. After a radical makeover and the development of seven new resort rooms, The Viewpoint reopened in 2023.

“After we purchased this place, this was all very totally different,” mentioned Lipton. “We wished these suites to honor the pure fantastic thing about this place. You’ll be able to’t compete with nature.”

The unique property had simply 11 suites, however the seven new rooms are situated in a standalone constructing nestled into the hillside, every with unobstructed views of the rocky shoreline and stress-free, coastal Maine-inspired design. The waters of the North Atlantic fairly actually appear to glitter right here beneath the gray-blue haze of the Maine sky—it is a super place to tie the knot. In truth, Girl Gaga’s sister, Natali Germanotta did simply that in June.

Yoga lessons are included for resort friends, and normally, a dawn session of downward canine and lotus poses could be proper up my alley. However, once I awakened at 5:30 a.m. throughout my keep, I made myself tea, grabbed an opulent gown, and as an alternative opted to lie on the balcony chair and quietly await the primary rays of daylight to make their look. A solar salutation certainly.

This is what it is like to remain at The Viewpoint Resort.

The Rooms

The Viewpoint has three various kinds of lodging: Deluxe Shoreside Rooms, Grand Boutique Suites, and Petit Boutique Suites. All rooms on the resort have luxe facilities like separate non-bathroom sinks, good TVs, Bluetooth audio system, pour-over espresso, a devoted workspace, and a flameless fire—the proper cozy contact for a romantic evening in. All are decked out in midcentury fashionable, coastal-inspired decor with loads of soothing impartial tones and nautical accents.

There are a complete of 11 suites at The Viewpoint, and among the many two suite types, the Grand Boutique Suites are a bit extra luxurious and spacious, with a separate lounge, non-public patio, and an en suite kitchen. The Petit Boutique Suites are nonetheless very spectacular and are good for {couples} or solo vacationers trying to splurge on some luxe digs. (Be aware: The Petit Boutique Suites have ocean vistas however should not have lighthouse views.)

The seven new Deluxe Shoreside Rooms debuted with the resort’s 2023 opening and really feel as in the event that they had been chiseled instantly into the rocky terrain. These items have king-sized beds and one of the best lighthouse views on the property, with patios that had been designed in a means so you possibly can’t see your neighbor, solely an opulent garden main straight out to the harbor. Better of all, the floor-to-ceiling home windows guarantee you possibly can see the dramatic North Atlantic shoreline always—whereas lounging in mattress, brushing your enamel, or showering.

Meals and Drink

There’s one on-site restaurant at The Viewpoint, the seasonally open A Little Auk, which operates out of a 1969 Airstream. Right here, diners can feast upon bacon-wrapped scallops, contemporary oysters, and wood-fired pizzas, in addition to bask in craft cocktails, native beers, and wine. Since it is a utterly out of doors restaurant, A Little Auk is closed in the course of the coldest months of the yr. Nevertheless, there are just a few different choices close by.

For traditional Maine fare, head to a Stones Throw Hotel and Restaurant (additionally owned by Lipton and Friar), the place friends will discover a menu stuffed with dishes like lobster rolls, pan-seared scallops, and steak. And, should you’ve ever questioned what it will be like if the Pine Tree State had been out of the blue situated on the shores of the Pacific, think about a go to to Lulu’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant, situated inside The Viewpoint’s newly opened sister resort, The Nevada. Right here, you may discover inventive objects like pulled jackfruit tacos and chimichurri-marinated rooster in addition to a strong menu of tiki cocktails such because the Birds of Paradise, a mixture of bourbon and allspice dram shaken with lemon, lime, orange, and mango juice.

Actions and Facilities

A keep at The Viewpoint will get you complimentary entry to seashore cruisers, seashore membership service to close by Lengthy Sands Seashore, and equipment like chairs, umbrellas, towels, and video games. There’s additionally a free shuttle that may take you between The Viewpoint and the close by Stones Throw Resort and Restaurant.

Nature lovers will discover this surrounding space brimming with alternatives to attach with the outside. Discover numerous hiking trails, or take to the water on a scenic breakfast or lobstering cruise. However should you’d fairly loosen up on-site, friends at The Viewpoint can get pleasure from entry to the property’s sauna, pool, and scorching tub. Free yoga periods happen on the primary garden in the course of the summer season. These trying to keep their health routine will discover a lot to like concerning the gymnasium, which has a Peloton bike, a treadmill, a Hydrow rowing machine, and weights.

The Spa 

For friends looking for a bit rejuvenation, make time to go to the on-site Spa House, the place you may discover all of The Viewpoint’s wellness facilities, together with a cedar sauna, a soaking scorching tub, and yoga lessons. The Spa Home additionally has a hearty menu of therapies, and you’ll decide from issues like foot soaks to facials to Maine-inspired massages such because the Deep Ocean Tissue.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are at the moment two ADA-compliant rooms at The Viewpoint with accessible options corresponding to a wheel-up sink, lowered toilet counters, and a no-threshold bathe with help bars and a fold-down seat.

The Viewpoint has adopted a number of sustainability initiatives to scale back its carbon footprint. All cleansing merchandise used on-site are licensed climate-neutral, and the property recycles leftover toilet soaps. It additionally composts all plant, meals, and compost-friendly packaging waste. There’s additionally an on-site Tesla charger that is accessible on a first-come, first-served foundation.

Location

The closest main airport is the Portland Worldwide Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine, which is 41 miles and a 50-minute drive from York. Nevertheless, you may need higher luck catching a direct flight should you land at Boston Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS), situated about 60 miles south of York (and an hour-and-a-half drive). York itself is pretty walkable, nevertheless it’s a good suggestion to have a automobile if you wish to discover close by cities and factors of curiosity.

The best way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

The Viewpoint is independently owned, so it isn’t part of any main resort rewards applications. Nevertheless, the resort frequently runs seasonal offers—examine the web site earlier than reserving your subsequent keep.