As you know, GreenSpot.travel loves discovering great green initiatives around the world. The Inn by the Sea on the coast of Maine has made some remarkable efforts in sustainability. From heating with biofuel,  solar panels to  heat the salinated pool, dual flush toilets to save water, air to air heat exchangers to save energy, the redesigned gardens continue to create food and habitat for local wildlife walls built with recycled sheet rock and studs, recycled rubber floor in the gym, the list goes on!  Read on to find out more.

 

If you love unspoiled beaches, delectable local food prepared with an international flair, and panoramic Atlantic views you’ll love the inn by the Sea on the coast of Maine. Eight years ago this Four Diamond property recognized the importance of preserving and protecting the beauty and clean environment surrounding their natural coastal setting . Their first step on a green path was to pull out the exotic plantings on their five acre property, and replace them with indigenous plants that created both a beautiful indigenous landscape for guests, but also provided food sources and habitat for wildlife.

Guests were enchanted by the grounds and head gardener Derrick Daly started giving garden tours and seminars on how to plant for wildlife, and “bug’s life” classes to kids on local eco systems. The grounds are adjacent to a bird sanctuary, and the inn’s five acres were also certified as a Backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The  inns sheet and towel program gives back to programs that work to save the endangered monarch butterfly, a frequent visitor to the inn as the grounds are planted with milkweed, necessary to the monarch’s survival.  The Inn by the Sea then adopted “Preserve, Protect and Inspire” as  part of their business plan, and formed a green committee to look at what else they could do that was eco friendly, good for the planet and added to the guest experience.

Since that original initiative Inn by the Sea  has continually added  eco friendly programs that  have made the inn Maine’s premier eco friendly beach destination. Fun summer classes for kids on how bugs fit into local eco systems, packages at the nearby nature preserve offer Audubon Guided canoe tours, and the new full service spa built with a Leeds consultant, offers a rejuvenating and soothing spa environment all adding to a great guest stay.

 

The Inn went through a massive renovation in 2008 and added many new upscale and green design features- already heating with biofuel, the inn added solar panels to  heat the salinated pool and save energy, dual flush toilets  to save water, air to air heat exchangers to save energy, and the redesigned gardens continue to create food and habitat for local wildlife. Walls were built with recycled sheet rock and studs, the floor in the cardio room is recycled rubber, the floors in the spa treatment rooms are recycled cork and the inn is cleaned with non toxic green seal product. Guests are wrapped in bamboo towels, and welcomed with green recycled paper key cards. Natural products are presented on recycled glass trays, and the “sense of place” is preserved with spa treatments that give a nod to Casco Bay with marine products, sea salt, sand and mud.  The signature spa treatment is “Sea Waves Massage”, given on an undulating bed, with marine  products and surf surround sound for a complete coastal experience.

When  Sea Glass Restaurant opened in June the spotlight was on Executive Chef Mitch Kaldrovich and his dynamic  menu celebrating local agriculture and fresh seafood. Panoramic views of the Atlantic with bobbing lobster boats on the horizon serve as backdrop for the chef’s creative dishes loyal to local produce and Maine flavors. The signature dishes of Maine Seafood Paella with Lobster Tails , giant Maine Scallops or organic beef and pork from Maine’s  Wolfe Neck Farm celebrate local fare.

A  true Maine experience, couples and families will love the spacious luxurious suites, rooms and roomy cottages located on sandy Crescent Beach. A beautiful boardwalk , arched by trees in season, leads through the bird sanctuary to a mile of unspoiled beach perfect for a quick relaxing getaway or an extended stay in a condo cottage with full kitchen.

Go to http://www.innbythesea.com/

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