Yoga in Ogunquit . . . Ohmmmmmmm

We've all heard the joke 'what do you call some one with teeth in Maine?' , 'A tourist!' so maybe is it expected that we are a little behind the trends and times. Our hotel still likes to offer our Maine made coffee in our lobby (not in the rooms) so that we can greet people and say Good Morning! For us, it's okay that you have your jammies on and it makes no sense to have you make coffee while on vacation. After all, you want to relax while away and one doesn't make coffee in the bathroom at home, right?

So we are just getting into this whole Yoga trend. Sure Califonia can do back bends over us, but it's very exciting to have a town Yogi in Ogunquit. At Sacred Movement, just up the street from our hotel, Kristina and her talented team are bestowing us with many blessings, as they say. Having opened quietly in spring of 2007, the news of Ogunquit's yoga studio reached us over the summer and we gave it a try this fall (hey - for Mainers, we're what marketers call Early Adopters). Though some of us left the class perhaps feeling more at one with their hamstrings then ever expected (one too many downward dogs) - all of us enjoyed a great feeling of relaxation. And then we thought - hey, isn't that what every vacation is all about?

Hmmmm . . . um  . . I mean . . Ohmmmmmmm . . .

The yoga classes are great in that all levels can give any class a try (believe me, beginners are okay) and the instructors welcome everyone. Kristina teaches a Vinyasa Flow class that she describes as yummy. You will purify (aka sweat) and detoxify (aka loose weight) since the class is all about flowing from pose to pose. We strongly recommend a water bottle - it's hot and sweaty. Kristin teaches an Anussara style class which is can be described as beautiful. When you are done with the different poses, which you change into slowly with a focus on form, you will feel like a feather. There are also restorative classes for conscious relaxation (or no effort), gentle classes for stretching and more. Each one has raving fans (in that relaxed super positive yoga way). So you can see why it's easy for us to recommend trying a class when in Ogunquit. Who wouldn't want to feel blissful and relaxed on a getaway? 

For those of you looking to practice Yoga or give it a try when visiting Ogunquit, Sacred Movement offers Meadowmere guests a $5 off coupon and the class schedule can be found by click here. Or check out the new Wellness package if you're concerned your hamstrings may need some TLC after a Downward Dog. Mats are also availabe for a small homage of $1. Feel free to bring your own props, though they have plenty, and check your shoes at the door.

Til then . . . ohmmmmmmmmm

Namaste from the Meadowmere!

Hotel Review, October 26, 2007

Thank you to our long time friends from Westwood, MA who visit each Fall:

"We have been coming to the Meadowmere for 20 years and the resort just gets better."

Hope you enjoyed dinner at MC's Perkins Cove!

Congratulations to the Red Sox - 2007 World Series Champions

At our Ogunquit Hotel we awoke to find the Boston Red Sox the 2007 World Series Champions. Actually, for many, we couldn't go to sleep until the final pitch was thrown (and boy what a pitch!).

Celebrations abound and though our guests seem a little sleepy this morning, most are still checking out with a smile and saying 'how about that game, huh?' One of the lesser known facts about this Championship team is how many players came from the local Portland Sea Dogs. As Mainers, we considered them home grown talent. The Sea Dogs are one of the Boston Red Soxes' Double-A Affliate clubs and the 2006 Eastern Leaque Champions. Last night's 2007 World Series Championship team included former Sea Dogs Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedoria, Kevin Youkilis and Jon Papelbon. How about that game indeed! How about those Sea Dogs!

Even better, the 2008 Sea Dog schedule is out. So if you find yourself up our way from next April thru September, catch a game - and you might see quite a few future stars!

Hotel Review, October 29, 2007

Congratulations to our new friends from Orlando, FL - Here's to many years of happiness!

"This was our honeymoon. Thank you for making it the absolute best it could be!"

Hotel Review, September 30, 2007

"Nothing. Thanks for a great mini vaca before my husband's deployment overseas. We truly appreciated your flexibility in letting us stay for only one night - we wish we could have stayed longer!"

All of our best wishes to your husband and thanks for letting us be a part of the special vacation.

Hotel Review, October 21, 2007

From a recent OgunquitFest guests' e-comment card - Thanks for joining us from Byfield, MA and Happy Anniversary!

"This is our second year returning for our anniversary weekend - we will definitely return and refer others to your fine resort and wonderful town - the gym was awesome and roman bath just perfect! thanks for your hospitality! "

PAWSitively Ogunquit - Chase Goes to a Good Home

Yesterday marked the end of a year long promotion of the arts in Ogunquit with PAWSitively Ogunquit - A Vacation Tail. For a year, ceramic cats and dogs that have been designed and painted by local artists have been on display throughout the town. Last night, at the Adoption Auction, those cats and dogs went to good homes - including our very own Chase.

For those of you who didn't get to know Chase, he proudly stood in our lobby keeping watch over the indoor pool and greeting guests to our Ogunquit hotel. At the time we decided to sponsor a dog, the Meadowmere has just become Ogunquit's first environmental leader hotel. Our local artist, Julie Twombly, was wonderful to work with - very excited about incorporating our eco-ideas into the doggie design. Ogunquit has its most famous environmental wonder - three miles of sandy beach. However, we want to also show the beauty of Marginal Way, the waterfalls in the Great Works Land Trusts, Beach Plum Farm, Laudholm Farm, Mt. Agamenticus, the marshlands and fishing. All of these are treasures and attractions in Southern Maine - all are important natural resources to preserve and enjoy. Julie went above and beyond - her design and final outcome were gorgeous. The dog had all of the these scenes and more - even the clear Maine sky, which is really quite spectacular if one is used to city 'light' pollution. The eco-dog had come to life.

The next step was to decide on a name. In the end, we picked Chase. The name could represent chasing one's dreams, visions of how much fun a dog has chasing things or perhaps the more heavy idea of chasing the goal of environmental responsibility. Actually, it's far more simple. Chase is named after Josias Chase, a local businessman who back in the early 1900's developed properties along the ocean front. He was not particularly well known for philanthropy and many feared that his development would mean the natural beauty of the ocean front cliffs would be forever private property. Then, in a surprise to the townspeople, Josias Chase donated the track of land stretching from the end of Obeds Lane to Perkins Cove, running along the waterfront, to the town - with the surprise instructions that it forever be public for all to enjoy. Today, Marginal Way is enjoyed by over 2 million people in the summer and is home to spectacular crashing waves, ocean wildlife, unique geography and, for many, fabulous memories. For this remarkable and historic donation, our eco-dog was named in Josias Chase's honor.

Chase helped educate people during World Ocean Day at the Resort, when we launched our Surf Ogunquit package and presented information and documentaries on environmental efforts near and far. He visited the Ogunquit Playhouse during its 75th Anniversary and welcomed guests to enjoy performances by Sally Struthers and Lorenzo Lamas.  He even got to strutt his stuff at the Animal Welfare Society's Struff Your Mutt walk and made the York Country Coast Star, a local newspaper, for his eco-efforts! Last night, he was up on stage, with his PAWSitively Ogunquit friends, and went to a good home. We know that his new family will take good care of him and help spread the word on preserving Ogunquit's natural attractions and beautiful sights. Good bye Chase! We'll miss you!

Fall Colors from Ogunquit & Beyond

Here at our Ogunquit hotel, we love the fall foliage and the festivals that happen in Southern Maine. From hay rides to pumpkin decorating to our annual Great Pumpkin Contest (guess the weight, win a free night's stay!) - a vacation to Ogunquit in the fall is fun and relaxing.

However, we have to say that our neighbors in New Hampshire have some spectacular fall colors as well. If you haven't made a great autumn escape to New England or if you live in New England and want to see more - check out these great foliage pictures from Jack, a friendly face from the desk team, and his recent mountains trip. Great pictures of covered bridges and water falls - you'll feel relaxed just looking!

Thanks Jack for the great pictures!

Happy Birthday Linda!

Back in the Spring, I received a phone call about planning a special Ogunquit getaway - A surprise birthday getaway complete with party, surprise guests, gifts and more. Requests such as these as incredibly important to us at the Meadowmere - because they are incredibly important to you, our guests.  The gentleman, Lewis, had stayed with us and wanted something spectacular and something Maine for his wife, Linda's birthday. A tall order - but one that sounded like a lot of fun to plan - especially with Lewis.

For a little over three months, he and I worked on space, rooms, menus and gifts. His attention to detail was wonderful and we had a great plan - Lobster Dinner at our Resort's outside BBQ Pits behind our East Meadow building. The BBQ Pits are a large outside grassy area with three grills, patio seating and lovely shade from tall pine trees. For groups visiting our Ogunquit resort, the space feels like a private park.

Linda has the good fortune (in addition to Lewis!) of her birthday falling in August. Great summer weather for a Maine lobster dinner and a wonderful time to enjoy Ogunquit - with the Playhouse, beach, Marginal Way and Perkins Cove all open and hopping with activity. In the end though, Lewis decided to move indoors to Jonathan's Restaurant (who catered the event - a great job!) to added dancing and music to the day. We simply had a Plan B  - if requested to go inside at any point - even last minute - Jonathan's and the Meadowmere teams were ready to make it happen. And for Lewis and Linda, the adjustment would be seamless and easy. After all - they were on vacation!

However, the biggest plus was that many of Lewis and Linda's family made the journey to surprise her. As an innkeeper, it is an honor to be part of family memories - and these were really quite wonderful. From the gifts of embroidered towels to the special candles for the cake to the life long smiles caught on camera by the photographer, it was a joy for the staff to be a part and help.  We even blew up extra balloons to hang with the birthday banners!

Even though this surprise Ogunquit vacation was in the works for three months and Lewis and I spoke and emailed throughout that time to organize the day, there was one concern - I would not be onsite during the event from plans made prior to last Spring. Let me be the first to say, the Meadowmere as a team made this a success. Every hotel department  - from the desk and housekeeping for reservations and rooms to maintenance and the pub for groundskeeping and menus - contributed. Every person on staff made a point to help Lewis's party be a success. And I'm sad to say I missed it!

So how am I able to blog about this wonderful summer escape to Maine? Rumor has it Lewis wore a very special hat throughout his stay. So I sent a thank you letter and a Meadowmere hat his way and we chatted about the big day and he graciously allowed me to share it online. After all, with almost a full week spent enjoying Ogunquit, we at the Meadowmere felt like family!

Lewis and his wonderful idea for a birthday getaway to Maine are the best stories about our Ogunquit hotel - full of fun and treasured. At the Meadowmere Resort, we are lucky to have such great guests. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Lewis and his family. And to Linda, a belated Happy Birthday - and here's to many more!

Hotel Review, October 2007

From a recent October guest's e-comment card - Thanks! See you soon for rest & relaxation!

"A coffee maker in the room would be very nice. We brought our own. Other than that I am planning my next trip to Meadowmere as soon as possible. We needed a little vacation and we had a great time. I am telling everyone at home what a great spot to take a vacation. We knew when we drove into the resort that we had picked the right place. The fall decorations were beautiful. We entered the drawing to guess the weight of the pumpkin and I have my fingers crossed. Thank you for an excellent two days!"