New England Coast Archives | Opal Collection

The view of Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor

FEATURED

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

A man and three children, all wearing swimwear, run and play together on a sandy beach with Sandpearl Resort in the background.

FEATURED

Best Family Beach Resorts in Florida

Planning a family beach vacation to Florida? From morning splash time to sunset s’mores, Opal Collection offers a variety of beach resorts up and down the coast that take the hassle out of family vacations. Read More

Spacious restaurant with colorful mosaic ceiling and woven wood decor. Tables are set with pink and white dishes. A well-stocked bar with shelves of bottles is in the background, with wooden chairs and decorative lights. Large windows offer an ocean view.

FEATURED

Opal Key’s Fresh Dining & Design: A Key West Resort Renovation

If you’ve been waiting to hear the latest on Opal Key Resort & Marina’s renovated spaces – an upgraded arrival experience, expanded pool area, and exciting new restaurant concept – here’s what you need to know. Read More

A gourmet dish featuring grilled octopus served in Ringside, Cirque St. Armands newest Sarasota restaurant.

FEATURED

10 Best New Sarasota Restaurants to Visit in 2025

Whether you’re a local foodie or planning an upcoming visit, this insider’s guide reveals the most anticipated restaurants to open in Sarasota, Florida, including Opal’s own Ringside restaurant at Cirque St. Armands Beachside. Read More

The eighth-floor views at The Lucie in Hutchinson Island, Florida.

FEATURED

5 Digital Detox Retreats Designed for Distancing

We live in a noisy world with so much content vying for our attention. If you’re looking to distance yourself with a digital detox retreat, we have five worthy – and diversly different – picks in Opal destinations. Read More

A family enters the lobby at Hutchinson Island Beach Resort & Spa.

FEATURED

10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape

Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet. Read More

Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

Aerial view of a winding coastal road bordered by dense forest with autumn foliage, rocky cliffs, and waves crashing against the shoreline below.

Why Mount Desert Island Was Voted America’s Favorite Island

It wasn’t a tropical escape that scored number one in the “Top 15 Islands in the Continental U.S.” list in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. It was a lobster-claw-shaped piece of land off the craggy coast of Downeast Maine. Read More

Two people sit close together on a rocky surface, overlooking a scenic landscape with clouds and a colorful sunset sky—a perfect moment to enjoy the peace of shoulder season, as shrubs and trees line the edge of the rocky area.

6 Best-Kept Travel Secrets of the September-October Shoulder Season

From beachfront bites (at a fraction of the price) to backcountry hikes, these are the signature experiences you’ll only find across Opal destinations during the golden stretch of September through October. Read More

An American flag stands on a rocky stone slab in the foreground by a calm coastal bay—anchored boats, seaweed, and pines under a blue sky evoke the serene beauty you’ll find when you cruise Vinalhaven with Opal Collection.

How to Make The Most of Your Cruise to Vinalhaven

Kown for its lobster fishery, nature preserves, and fiercely kept local culture, Vinalhaven is a popular day-trip destination. Here’s our guide to everything the island has to offer, from well-known destinations to hidden gems. Read More

An aerial view of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockport, Maine.

7 Questions You Didn’t Know You Had About the Rockland Breakwater

The Rockland Breakwater is more than just a scenic path extending into Penobscot Bay, Maine. Its rich history holds intriguing details. For example, did you know it’s made of the same iconic granite that was used to build the Washington Monument? Read More

A split image showing a lakeside view, wine glasses at a bar, a person swimming in a pool, and a cozy, rustic indoor seating area with sunlight coming through large windows.

New in the Northeast for 2025 Summer Season

Summer is about to be in full swing. And our New England Coast and New York Adirondack Opal hotels and resorts are ready to make it stellar with these new activities and offerings, including new room types, property tours, and more. Read More

A couple strolls to Bar Island during low tide in Bar Harbor.

Top Things to Do in Bar Harbor from May to August 2025

From fine arts and classical music to hiking and picnics, summers in Bar Harbor, Maine, are always a well-rounded affair. Read More

A group of people participate in a cooking class led by Opal chefs.

Meetings & Events: What’s New Across Opal for 2025

With exciting expansions and a focus on creating memorable retreats, 2025 is the year to plan your transformative gathering at one of Opal’s 28 resorts and hotels. Read More

A frozen cocktail at the annual Glacier ice bar.

Opal’s Coolest Attraction: Inside The Annual Glacier Ice Bars

Simply a swan sculpture it is not. The Glacier Ice Bars that descend upon The Sagamore and Samoset each January are Instagram eye-candy extravaganzas entirely made out of ice. Read More

The view of fall in Acadia near Bar Harbor, Maine.

Top Things to Do in Bar Harbor from October Through November

From fall foliage and gorgeous hikes to clear night skies, Bar Harbor looks its best when the temperatures begin to fall. Here's the best of Bar Harbor to explore during your fall visit this fall through Thanksgiving (with us at Harborside Hotel!). Read More

A couple walks along a gravel path by the water, surrounded by green bushes and trees; sailboats and a small island are visible in the distance under a clear blue sky, perfect for discovering fun facts about Maine’s scenic beauty.

7 Fun Facts About Maine You Never Knew

Maine is the first state to see sunlight daily, but did you know exact spots vary year-round? Or that, after lobsters and blueberries, potatoes are also a leading state export? If you think you know Maine, it might be time to brush up on your knowledge. Read More

Blog articles

FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

Sign up for news & updates from the Opal Collection