Opal Gems Archives - Opal Collection

The view of Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor

A Coveted Coastal New England Road Trip

The beauty of a multi-day, 220-mile road trip up the craggy coast from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Bar Harbor, Maine isn’t just the plethora of enticing pit stops along the route – from high culture to scenic coves. It’s also the way that Opal properties serve as your easy and convenient overnight waypoints for piecing together one epic coastal cruise. Read More

All About ‘Tom’s Blueberry Muffin,’ Opal’s Most-Loved Breakfast Staple

With a recipe that dates back to the late ‘60s, Opal Collection’s blueberry muffin has been a longtime breakfast staple, loved and devoured daily by guests. Now, this handheld treat will be that much easier to recreate at home. Read More

A person with a backpack hugs a tan dog on a rocky hilltop, overlooking a vast landscape with a river winding through dense green forests under a colorful sunset sky.

Meet Finn, West Street Hotel’s Mascot Dog!

The West Street Hotel has a beloved mascot, an English lab by the name of Finn! His best trick? Wooing and befriending every guest. Here are some of Finn’s favorite things, from treats to toys and activities he woofs very much. Read More

A readers' choice collage of four captivating images: a couple strolling among palm trees, an aerial view of a resort showcasing lush green lawns, a woman relaxing in a clawfoot tub set within a wooden-paneled room, and an enchanting beachfront featuring pristine white sand and elegant buildings.

Condé Nast–Confirmed: 12 Opal Properties Recognized in 2021’s Readers’ Choice Awards

The people have spoken. Twelve Opal Collection properties were awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. So what’s all the fuss about? Read More

A couple sits on a porch with ocean views, savoring coffee and pastries on a white table. The scene is bright and relaxed, marked by palm trees and the ocean in the background, creating a tropical ambiance—perfect for reflecting on life's milestones.

5 Ways to Reclaim Your Postponed Vacations

Postponed doesn’t have to mean canceled. Whether it was an annual holiday celebration the whole family was excited for or a big anniversary you had hoped to spend on white-sand beaches, it’s due time to cash in your rain-checks and cancelations for check-in confirmations. Here are five fabulous… Read More

A collage of six vertical garden scenes: a sunflower, a pink house with green walkway, colorful flowers, a close-up of a plant stem, a butterfly on purple flowers, and climbing yellow flowers.

6 of The Best Botanical Gardens in the US & Opal Destinations

Pop art woven among blooms, a royal garden cultivated for a king, and a Japanese-style sanctuary reimagined for the craggy coast of Maine. Consider seeking out these best botanical gardens rooted to Opal destinations for a much-needed breath of fresh air. Read More

A hand uses tongs to place an ice sphere into a crystal glass on a bar counter. Assorted bottles and a lit candle are in the background, creating a warm ambiance.

Opal’s Guide to Stocking Your Home Bar for the Fall Season

Say sayonara to the spiked seltzers, palomas, mojitos, and crisp white wines of summer, and hello to some of our fall favorites – whiskeys, rum, liqueurs, and seasonal beers and wines – to start stocking up within your own bar. Read More

Our Favorite Opal Private Retreats

The idea of isolation takes on a different meaning when on vacation. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of Opal’s best on-property cabins, cottages, and other tucked-away spaces that marry supreme privacy with the ultimate escape. Read More

A scenic view of a coastal harbor, perfect for Bar Harbor photography, with numerous boats anchored in the calm blue waters. The town is nestled at the base of verdant, forested hills under a clear sky. Lush greenery surrounds the area, providing a picturesque backdrop.

A Photographer’s Guide to Seeing the Best of Bar Harbor

Maine-native and photography-guru, Greg Hartford offers up some of his favorite places to wile away a day in Bar Harbor and beyond. Read More

A Primer on The Porcupines Islands of Bar Harbor’s Frenchman Bay

At the top of the list of things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, for kayakers looking to experience some rugged Downeast mother nature, The Porcupine Islands clustered around Bar Harbor are a curious collection of evergreen-spiked domes with a unique history, to boot. Read More

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