Most Mainers have heard of the Samoset Resort in Rockport and many have been there for events or to enjoy the resort’s golf, indoor and outdoor pools, health club, luxurious rooms, exceptionally fine restaurant and the pampering that comes with most resort experiences.

But if you haven’t been there lately, you are in for a surprise. A $4-million upgrade included room improvements and an impressive new spa, lounge and restaurant.

When we were there last October for Linda’s teachers’ conference, we were impressed and quickly made arrangements to return the following month for what proved to be one of our best travel experiences of 2011.

And here’s the best news of all. After closing the last two winters, the Samoset will reopen on April 27 and resume year-round operations.

Linda

The Samoset has everything going for it — spacious, immaculate grounds that include a championship golf course, a variety of upscale accommodations and a million-dollar view over beautiful Penobscot Bay.

The enormity of this operation is hard to imagine. There’s the large main hotel, cottages and condominiums, plus the beautiful golf course, a health club, indoor pool with steam rooms and hot tub and an amazing outdoor splash pool.

You’d think the owners, Tom Walsh and his Maine-based Ocean Properties, would be satisfied with their luxurious facility — but, no.

Last summer and fall they began unveiling many of their new features including three gorgeous cottages that sit right on the water, a new spa, La Bella Vita Ristorante, the Enoteca Lounge and a Kids Club. Spurred by these new improvements, we decided to visit in early November.

Our deluxe corner room at the far end of the hotel had a view of the ocean and the Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse. It included a small balcony with rocking chairs, and comfortable seating including a couch and small table with chairs.

The bathroom is one all of us pine for — tiled throughout, pedestal sink and a choice of glass enclosed shower or bathtub.

Outside our sliding glass doors, walking paths and a golf course stretch to the waterfront. Sunny days, crisp autumn weather and the view beckoned us out to enjoy nature and a long walk — many others were doing the same thing. A walk out to the lighthouse draws both resort guests and local residents.

The new spa is stunning with four treatment rooms, and a relaxation room and patio. (In the summer guests are invited to relax on the outside patio after services to take in the sea air. Sounds pretty great to me.)

The professional staff offers nail services, facial treatments and touch therapies. I can highly recommend a therapeutic massage here. 

My massage therapist Jessica not only gave me the massage of my life, but also explained the three muscle groups that were tight around my knee. She then asked if I knew of exercises to work those muscles! She probably had training similar to that of a physical therapist. I definitely think I should take her suggestion to have more massages. (You heard it from an expert George.)
   
George

In 1972, I sat on the stoop of my Rockland apartment and watched the Samoset burn to the ground in a spectacular fire. Nearly 40 years later, it was a real pleasure to return to that same ground and experience what a first-class Maine resort can offer.

When we were there in October, I was pleased to find former state legislator Chris Barstow working as the resort’s room manager. Chris did a great job setting up our visit.

I worked out at the health club while Lin was enjoying her massage. The amount of equipment there is staggering but I stuck to what I know — the treadmill. Gradually working up to a speed of 4 miles an hour, I enjoyed watching the data flash by — heart rate, time left and best of all, calories burned. In a 30-minute workout, I burned off last night’s dessert!

We had also walked around the golf course for 45 minutes earlier in the day. If you are a golfer, you must have played the course arrayed along the ocean in a spectacular but very playable layout.
We enjoyed an amazing dinner at the restaurant, and will tell you all about it in a later column.

The Samoset hits all the right notes, including lots of semi-private seating areas scattered throughout the resort where you can read, relax, converse — or, in our case, work using the resort-wide wireless computer system.

The resort is surprisingly affordable, offering special packages, some of which are especially designed for families. Yes, they can keep the kids busy while you luxuriate in the pool, spa and lounge. And Maine residents appreciate the special rates (seriously deep discounts) available to only us!

Rockland
We were pleased to discover two new businesses in Rockland that join those that have already made this city one of our favorite destinations.

Sweets and Meats Market in the south end offers great sandwiches, amazing pastries, along with an array of items from spices to craft beer. Stop here and put together a picnic on your way to the areas coastal attractions.

Fiore is a wonderful store of artisan olive oils and vinegars. The very knowledgeable staff helps you mix and match the oils and vinegars, all of which may be tasted along with their tapenades and dressings.

The oils and vinegars are stored in metal casks and the staff will fill your bottle with your selection, as well as offer great suggestions for pairings and encourage you to try new things. We were surprised that balsamic vinegars come in so many different flavors — most aged 12 to18 years!

We would never have guessed the extra virgin olive oil flavored with lemon could be paired with a variety of vinegars for different tastes. No more store-bought salad dressings for us!

IF YOU GO . . .

SAMOSET RESORT
samosetresort.com
594-2511, reservations  800-341-1650
220 Warrenton St.
Rockport

SWEETS AND MEATS
sweetsandmeatsmarket.com
594-2070
218 Main St., Rockland

FIORE
Fioreoliveoils.com
801-2580
503 Main St., Rockland

Visit George’s website: www.george
smithmaine.com for travel tips, book reviews, outdoor news and more.