 Balance Rock
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Contact: Glenn M. Faria (Bar Harbor, ME Spring 00) Balance Rock Inn is truly one of a kind - a sensational amalgam of idyllic location, stunning decor, unrivalled service and pampering creature comforts of which dreams are made. It is a place of uncompromising standards in accommodation, comfort and service. So, whether it’s for a feature story on one of America’s finest country inns, one which defines the very essence of hospitality and good taste or a travel roundup on a great place to take in the burgeoning spring flora, you’ll find the foundation of a great story here. Location, Location, Location: If one were to pick the perfect retreat, what might one wish for? Would it be a seaside location with lawns butting up to the ocean? Or would it be an elegant mansion, replete with every creature comfort imaginable - including one’s own private deck and in-room sauna? Perhaps an idyllic retreat near fine dining, elegant shops and boutiques yet on a secluded cul de sac a stone’s throw from some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in America. There are few locales as compelling as Acadia and, more specifically Bar Harbor, Maine. And, in Bar Harbor, there’s truly only one place to stay which meets - and even far exceeds - such stringent imperatives. That place is Balance Rock Inn. This splendidly appointed ultra luxe property, comprising 23 rooms and suites, is a railroad tycoon’s “summer cottage.” Its contemporary incarnation as one of America’s finest lodging establishments can be attested to by its discerning guests. Feast for the Senses: Just a few quick turns from the bustle of downtown Bar Harbor, with its myriad sensory delights, the stately Balance Rock Inn beams its guests a warm welcome. Architecturally magnificent, an aesthetic tour de force and soothing to the body, its very location on Frenchman’s Bay portends a romantic and rejuvenating stay. The distinctive bouquet of the ocean wafts though the grounds and, from the entry foyer, arriving guests look past the al fresco lounge to the azure Bay itself. The understated elegance and exquisite taste of the Inn’s decor augmented by the drama of its location augurs a totally pleasing visual and hedonistic experience. Mornings, the Living Room is redolent of the lavish morning repast. Afternoon teas - replete with sparkling sterling and delicate china - means beguiling and scrumptious treats. Rooms and suites are outfitted with handsome interpretations of classic American furniture - graceful camelback sofas, deeply cushioned wing chairs, shirred silk moire draperies and gleaming patinas. Soft, luxurious and aromatic, 320-thread Charisma linens invite peaceful slumber. In-room saunas or whirlpools melt worries, aches and pains - and cares - away. Distinctive art - paintings, sculpture, prints and objets d’art - are strategically placed to invite maximum viewing pleasure against contrasting and complementary walls. All this, and then there’s the chic village of Bar Harbor and environs and incomparable Acadia National Park practically at guests’ doorstep. Afternoon Tea - Acadian Style: The Boston Tea Party, you’ve probably heard, was not a genteel 4pm ritual. Today at Balance Rock Inn, they’ve turned over a proverbial new leaf, proffering a melange of teas in lieu of the once ubiquitous orange pekoe. Here afternoon tea means more than just throwing a tea bag in hot water. Not only is it prepared in the time-tested manner of all English and Anglophiles - steeped, that is, in proper pots - it is accompanied by a horde of afternoon delights prepared by the Inn’s own gourmet chefs. Frosted pecan and jam cakes, proper scones with all the bells and whistles and an assortment of cookies and fresh-baked delights mean guests will be quite pleased to know that the Inn’s workout gym is just a few short steps away. Where There’s Smoke, There’s - Cigars: In today’s world of caveat emptor and “no smoking” zones, it’s a relief to know that, at Balance Rock Inn in Bar Harbor Maine, at least, not only are cigar smokers allowed, they are actually welcomed as warmly as long lost kin. For those travelers with “burning desires,” there will be absolutely no skimping on the creature comforts as a trade off for “lighting up.” And accommodations have hardly been given short shift, either. As Country Inn magazine’s August 1998 choice as “Inn of the Month,” the Inn can truthfully boast that “libations and cigars are offered from four o’clock until guests no longer wish them.” Here the upscale cigar smoker will find kindred spirits, beginning with Michael Miles, the multi-talented innkeeper and resident smoker. Premium cigars are the order of the day here, for the Inn boasts an inventory of smokes - including Padron, St. Luis Rey, Magnum, Churchill, Bahia Trinidad, Macanudo Robust, Fuente Double Chateau, Greycliff Presidente, Punch Churchill, Hoyo de Monterey Excalibur, Aurora Churchill, Bauza Robostos and Fabulosos, Cuesta Rey and more. For the record, there are many types of “puffin’” in Maine - sometimes a cigar is truly just a cigar. Is There A Spouse in the House? At Balance Rock Inn, in fact, there are two. Spouses, that is. Nancy Cloud and Michael Miles, married since 1976, are business and life partners. Nancy, a psychiatric social worker and Michael, an advertising executive with decidedly thespian leanings, loved the good things in life. Having cut their innkeeping teeth on a nine-room Massachusetts Victorian B&B (which they first opened to college students in the 1970s), the couple moved to Bar Harbor, where they felt business prospects were excellent, in 1979. They were. Wanting to share their love of “the good life” with guests, they first purchased The Ledgelawn Inn (which they still own), a handsome turn-of-the century inn, renting the carriage house at nearby 21 Albert Meadow (soon to become the venerable Balance Rock Inn), daily eyeing the impressive main building, dreaming of the day it would be theirs. In 1986, the dream came true. As innkeepers and owners of the Inn, the pair has fully indulged guests in all of their aesthetic and hedonistic fantasies. And, notwithstanding years of hitting thumbs with hammers, wallpapering, moving furniture and early morning duty in the breakfast room, they have never lost their good natures nor abiding love and respect for each other. Today, they maintain separate functions at the two properties, usually seeing each other at day’s end. Michael oversees the aesthetics, marketing and PR while Nancy supervises the guest service and operations. The duo is a dynamic, fun-loving - but astute - couple which loves to take off in their Porsche Carrera convertible during down time then run off to Paris and Florida winters. Now that’s what we call “the good life.” Bar Harbor Vacations - Not For Couch Potatoes: It’s time to head to Acadia - and couch potatoes will get tired just considering all of the active options available. Guests of Balance Rock Inn can dawdle over sunrise on Frenchman’s Bay outside their windows or enjoy a leisurely morning repast. But then, there’s simply too much to see and do to laze around by the pool all day. So many guests start their days by taking in a round of golf at Kebo Valley, about one mile from the Inn. Water enthusiasts can sea kayak, take a windjammer cruise, an exhilarating day trip aboard The Cat to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia or a day canoeing Long Pond. There’s the mail boat trip to Cranberry Isle or numerous nature cruises, whale, seal and puffin watches, mountain biking, antiquing and shopping the trendy and unique shops along Bar Harbor’s Main Street. And then, there is Acadia National Park. This Park offers visitors an insuperable experience with gargantuan primeval forests, rocky coastline, unusual geological formations and interesting flora and fauna. And then, there’s the unforgettable afternoon tea at Jordan Pond House - replete with its legendary popovers and requisite homemade strawberry jam - and inspiring views of azure Jordan Pond, which supplies island residents with their water, and the “Bubbles,” twin geological formations which preside over the Pond. Bar Harbor is the ideal choice for active holidays, where healthful activities and recreation, shopping, fine dining and incomparable natural beauty coalesce, making Acadian holidays exceptional. The Self-Indulgent Holiday: Go ahead, you’ve earned it - pick up the phone. Make your reservation without letting the guilt get in the way of your Acadian holiday of a lifetime at Bar Harbor’s premier Balance Rock Inn. But you need not have doubled sales from last year or landed that new account to make your reservation - and the reservations staff will ask no qualifying questions. As you turn down to the end of Albert Meadow, the Inn beams its warming welcome with gardens bursting with color as guests’ greetings. Step inside, sinking into plush carpeting and take in the view across the pool and lawns to glistening Frenchman’s Bay itself. The Living Room and Salon beckon with comfortable, yet elegant seating and interesting plays of light, color and texture. You arrive at your room, taking time to note the wonderful whirlpool tub and private sauna which will relax you after your active days in Acadia National Park and along Bar Harbor’s Main Street and country lanes. It’s already late afternoon. Time for scrumptious just-made cake and goodies from the kitchen along with afternoon tea, coffee or your favorite libation served at the Inn’s al fresco bar. Linger on the patio, transfixed by the wondrous views of the Bay or people watch walkers along the Historic Shore Path. After dinner at one of dozens of outstanding restaurants, you head to your room for a sauna and whirlpool, or take in moonrise over Frenchman’s Bay while you relish delectable truffles or sinful chocolates left on your down pillows. Whether to stay up late watching the Bay from your balcony or slipping into your inviting bed, replete with Select Comfort™ mattress and Charisma™ 300-thread count sheets, and there wait for the Sandman. Morning sunrise will awake you gently - and early risers will be treated to sunrise over the Bay before coffee by the pool or on the patio and the delectable morning meal. Time for another active, shamefully indulgent day in Acadia. |
