Romantic Oceanfront! Near Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor

• Sunset Retreat

  Sunset Retreat

  • Guest Theresa
  • Date of stay 06/22/10
  • Review Submitted 06/29/10
  So many choices for places to stay in the Acadia vicinity.My family and I chose "Sunset Retreat" on a hunch that it would meet all of our vacation expectations...it certainly did and more.The four of us enjoyed playing,relaxing and discovering natures beauty and sea creatures amidst the shores of the private beach,strolling the beachpath through the naturally beautiful and landscaped property blooming with wildflowers and purple lupines and in the evening unwinding to our fully furnished and equipped,cozy private apartment. If you are in the mood to explore Acadia,Bar Harbor or the lovely little towns and scenery of the surrounding area this is the perfect "base camp",It's nearby some of the best attractions Maine has to offer,yet in an area secluded and private enough that you can imagine that you are in your own little world.I know that we are already dreaming of our next Maine vacation and our return to our own little world of discovery,nature,exquisite sunsets,low and hightides,and the charming,friendly, property owners Dawn and Larry who made our stay at "Sunset Retreat" feel like home.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

• Amazing Get Away

  Amazing Get Away

  • Guest Old Orchard Beach Friends
  • Date of stay 08/08/09
  • Review Submitted 05/08/10
  Staying here is like a little piece of paradise! It's so peaceful and quiet, with just a short walk to the ocean. The sunsets are amazing, and it's great to eat a meal on the porch outside while watching the sunset and listen to the night sounds of the ocean splashing on the shore, peepers and silence! At night, there is no major lighting in the area, so you can literally see millions of stars! Our son, who was 11 years old at the time, had a wonderful time! Larry and Dawn talked with him frequently and provided him with many peanuts to feed the chipmunks! They clued him in on how to get the chipmunks attention, and get the little guy to eat out of his hand! We stayed here for a week, doing all kinds of things in Bar Harbor and Acadia, but getting to be friends with Dawn, Larry and the chipmunks was his favorite thing of all! His other favorite part was being able to walk down the path to the ocean, and build little damns, skip rocks and jump from rock to rock in the water at low tide! We all love Bar Harbor, and this was a great place to stay to be close to town, but also get away from all the tourist craziness in town! We're from Maine, so you don't have to be "from away" to come to stay here! We would recommend staying here for anyone from a single person looking to get away, to newlyweds looking for a place to honeymoon, or for a family vacation! If you choose to stay here, we hope you will have many fond memories as we do. Enjoy!"

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• All the Best Maine has to Offer!

  All the Best Maine has to Offer!

  • Guest Cindy A. M.
  • Date of stay 07/11/09
  • Review Submitted 04/26/10
  Sunset Retreat has all the best Maine has to offer! This beautiful setting is conveniently located just off of Mt Desert Island; it's the perfect spot to enjoy nature and amazing views after a day of exploring in Acadia. Dawn and Larry are gracious hosts who will answer your questions about great places to hike, eat, or explore. Sunset Retreat has privacy and an unmistakeable connection to Maine's natural beauty. I loved waking up to the sounds of the water and watching the sun set each night to the sound of loons. I have spent several vacations here and recommend it to grateful friends. Thanks, Dawn and Larry, for the laughs and authentic Maine poetry-readings! :) I'll be back!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

• Fantastic Location!

  Fantastic Location!

  • Guest AcadiaVisitor
  • Date of stay 09/25/09
  • Review Submitted 04/26/10
  This ocean-front site is fantastic! Each evening the sun sets behind the mountain that is visible across the inlet can't be beaten anywhere I have ever stayed. The site is quite and out-of-the-way yet it provides quick and easy access to Ellsworth, Bar Harbor and all of Acadia National Park. This rental is a small apartment that is perfect for a couple to enjoy a nice, relaxing week in the area of Acadia National Park. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone wishing to view the area.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• It stands by its name

  It stands by its name

  • Guest Kim/Valter
  • Date of stay 08/22/09
  • Review Submitted 04/25/10
  A fantastic reasonably priced place to stay whether you are visiting the beautiful Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor area or you enjoy charming rural coastal solitude. Or if you like them both:-). Running, biking, private beach and swimming, barbequeing can all be had on and around the property. Be prepared: it is difficult to leave! The owners, Dawn and Larry, keep this place spotless and comfortable. They genuinely want their guest to have a great time. You like something-just ask them. Most importantly, we have enjoyed their warm company on several occasions.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• Everything you need, and then some

  Everything you need, and then some

  • Guest infrequent vacationer
  • Date of stay 08/05/08
  • Review Submitted 01/18/10
  My husband, two young daughters and I stayed here in August and this was our first time renting accommodations other than a basic hotel room over the internet. So there is this big leap of faith one takes when committing money and vacation time to a relative unknown, and I'm happy to say we came away from it very satisfied. This is in a gorgeous location and you really couldn't ask for more as far as privacy, water access, and beauty. The accommodations are comfortable and clean and the hosts are truly the type who will restore your faith in humanity. Dawn and Larry are super nice, honest, personable and fun to chat with. The person a few comments down from this writes about the rental being attached to the house, yet the entrance is private. This is true and a good thing to have in mind as you try to picture the place--I had a different image in my head and was briefly puzzled upon arriving: where is the room? This is someone's house! What have we done?! but the entrance is around back and the rental is really your own private Idaho. I include this only to save someone else the momentary confusion. We didn't want to leave after our too-short 24-hour stay and were only beginning to see the possibilities of staying in a place like this, so close to Acadia, yet also wonderful for just staying put and enjoying what was within reach out our back door. I recommend this listing! p.s. re: recommending this for young children. We had to be a little extra vigilant about our kids (5 and 2 at the time) not breaking anything, but the apartment isn't fussy and uncomfortable, like some places can be. It's not totally ideal for young kids, but then, what place is, other than your own home or a big playground? We were just fine. re: recommending for tourists sans car. You really could just stay here and not leave for a few days. The beach/outdoors area is lovely and relaxing.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/2

• A Piece of Paradise

  A Piece of Paradise

  • Guest Rita
  • Date of stay 07/18/09
  • Review Submitted 08/03/09
  My husband and I just spent a week at Sunset Retreat, and we loved the place. The apartment is very comfortable, and Larry and Dawn have filled it with all the essentials. After a day of paddling we were very happy to come home to the peace and tranquility of our home in the woods with the water close by. They have a picnic table on the beach, the gazebo near the beach and a table and chairs on the deck by the house, so you have a choice of where to eat your meals. I recommend all three locations. Dawn and Larry are wonderful hosts, and getting to know them was an added bonus. Larry was very helpful in suggesting hikes and places to launch our kayaks. Get Dawn to show you what Lexa can do. They surprised us on the morning of our 42nd wedding anniversary with a lovely card and a bottle of fine champagne. We were very touched by their thoughtfulness. We are hoping to return to this wonderful hideaway, and we highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a place of beauty and comfort and two very special hosts.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

• Shhhh! Don't tell anyone about this place!

  Shhhh! Don't tell anyone about this place!

  • Guest tspike
  • Date of stay 08/05/08
  • Review Submitted 08/14/08
  I feel conflicted leaving a review for this place. While I absolutely want to give Dawn and Larry all the business they can take, I don't want to get some vacation time only to find that this piece of paradise is booked solid! Anyway, down to the details: The property is better than described. With a gazebo, lounging chairs, a grill, and a water view from the room, an immediate sense of serenity comes over you when you get here. The room itself was huge, with a kitchen, living room, and bedroom, and everything was spotless. They provided plenty of towels and little niceties like cards and board games. The park loop road in Acadia was gorgeous and easily accessible. On Larry's suggestion, we did the hike up Flying Mountain near Southwest Harbor on our last day there and it was a great way to end the trip. If you do go up Flying Mountain, make sure to make your way to the beach on the far side of it. It was fun shell-hunting, since the beach was completely covered in clam shells. Make sure you get some blueberry pie from Morning Glory Bakery in Bar Harbor (on Rodick St) before you leave. Also, don't forget to get to know Dawn and Larry a little bit. They are remarkable people.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

• Guestbook Comment

  Guestbook Comment

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 07/01/06
  • Review Submitted 07/17/06
  The Sunset Retreat is simply a treasure. The location is serene and beautiful, yet close to town; from the private beach to the fully-equipped apartment, one couldn't ask for a better place to stay while exploring the island. (The sunsets are as lovely as they appear in the photos!) The real beauty of this place, though, lies in the warmth and kindness of its owners, who will do whatever they can to help you enjoy your stay. (A word about the apartment: it has a separate entrance from the main house and provides full privacy along witih all the comforts of home. It's only steps away from the beach; you can see the bay from its windows.)

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Guestbook Comment

  Guestbook Comment

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 04/01/06
  • Review Submitted 04/27/06
  If you are looking for the perfect place to have the best vacation ever,and feel like you have found paradise this is the place! New,clean,comfortable, and private.I must say the hosts Larry and Dawn only add to the vacation of a life time.This is the best kept secret in Maine. If you do get tired of peace,quiet,and incredable vistas you can be in Bar Harbor in about 15 min.for some action!Feel free to call me and I will be glad to share my experiences with you.#603-924-3851. This will be our 4th time returning. Just can't say enough GREAT!!!!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency ($) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Additional information about rental rates:

Fees and Taxes:

• Tax Rate 7%
• Cleaning $50