The Cliff House Resort & Spa on the Atlantic Ocean, Maine
By Rachel Rome
Pamper yourself with a delicious treat on the rocks -- the rocks of Maine, that is. Here, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and rockbound coast, guests can pamper themselves with spa treatments by the score. For a rejuvenating, relaxing time-out, head to the new Cliff House Resort and Spa in seaside Ogunquit. The ocean waves glisten, and salty air wafts through open spa windows, adding to the total experience of this delightful spa.. Its spectacular natural setting alone re-invigorates. I heard that the Bush family has used this spa already; their Kennebunkport home is only a short way from here.
“It’s the first oceanside spa in New England,” says Kathryn Weare, the proud fourth generation owner and innkeeper. Wraps, snaps, flaps, blueberry, raspberry, facials, pedicures, two-story fitness center, and an outdoor Labyrinth modeled on the famed Chartes Cathedral's circular maze complete the spa experience. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliff House Resort and Spa is just a few miles from Ogunquit's shops, Cliff Walk, restaurants and beaches. On two indulgent visits, I wined and dined, walked the cliffs, went to town for strolls and shopping, and rested on my oceanside balcony.
The Spa opened just two years ago, in a contemporary, buttercup yellow building

on the grounds of the Cliff House, a long-time favorite in these parts.

Beaches, museums, summer theatre, art galleries, Barnacle Billy’s and other seafood restaurants, lobster boat tours, boat rides, a seven-mile long sandy beach and quiet roads are near, only a few miles down the road in downtown Ogunquit.
The Spa features so many treatments, spa guests need a menu to choose. In its 20,000 square feet, state-of-the-art spa, The Spa building, perched atop Bald Head Cliff on the site of the original 1870’s hotel, houses a 75- foot indoor lap pool; outdoor pool with vanishing edge; outdoor whirlpool; fitness mezzanine with exercise and weight training equipment; treatment rooms for massage, body and skin care and locker rooms with steam, sauna and showers. The multi-million dollar facility has 32 new guest rooms with king size bed, gas-fired woodstove, wet bar with refrigerator and balcony overlooking the ocean. The Spa Quiet Room with plush chairs, fireplace and views offers a place for peaceful contemplation of the rocky coast. Specially designed guest rooms, a ramped indoor pool and elevators serve handicapped guests.
In addition to lazing around the pools, I pampered myself in the seaside spa. Many rooms have windows onto the ocean, so if you ask your masseuse nicely, she or he will open the window.
My favorite Spa treatments include: a 90-minute hot stone massage, blueberry and seaweed wraps, facials, and pedicure. The two-story high fitness center boasts a second floor row of computerized exercise bikes overlooking the ocean. The spacious first-floor spa lounge and waiting room features a working fireplace; easy chairs, comby couches, magazines, herbal tea, fruit and French doors leading to an outdoor patio with bistro tables, lounge chairs, a Jacuzzi and pool overlooking a lush lawn and the Maine cliffs. Next visit, I will book my spa treatments in my room.
The spa perches on the rocky coastline and Atlantic Ocean in Maine; walk down to the rocks. The new building boasts four floors with airy rooms, all overlooking the ocean, fine food, fresh air, personal hospitality. Indoor pool has a handicap accessible ramp as well as a sling, which can be used over the Jacuzzi. The entire fitness center and pool feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the outdoor patio and Atlantic Ocean. Stepping out on the balcony, an salty breeze sweeps up from the surf below, past the wild rose bushes, right into my room. Convenience plus: I wore my robe into the elevator, got off at the first floor spa, and strolled into the lounge. No need to get dressed in the locker room.
The onsite spa restaurant menu can be your room service meal, or, delivered poolside, outdoors. The Cliff House Spa offers signature body treatments with local plants. I chose a blueberry, body wraps and sea salt exfoliating treatments -- my skin glowed for days. The Resort’s three and four night spa packages include ocean view lodging, breakfast, lobster dinner, facial, massage, manicure, pedicure or Salt Glow or Vichy Shower.
The oceanside dining room is a favorite with guests, local people and visitors. The food is as spectacular as the view and includes lobster sauté in hazelnut crust, prepared more than 25,000 times since it was introduced it in 1995.
An outdoor activity area offer boccie ball, croquet, volleyball and horseshoes and one-and-a-half miles of cliffside walking paths.
The Spa packages now include a spa certificate for any treatment, including Salt Glow, pedicure or a massage. For information about The Cliff House Resort & Spa, Ogunquit, ME spa services, treatments and lodging packages 207-361-1000, info@cliffhousemaine.com. www.cliffhousemaine. Open March through December.