Get away right here in Maine. These active summer getaways and retreats will take you to some of Maine’s most stunning locations – in the woods, along the coast, and on the water – and you’ll get there via bike, boat, kayak and foot. You can ride, paddle, hike, and do yoga during the day, then kick back with a relaxing dinner, wine and cheese, sunset sail or just your own thoughts in the evening (your thoughts will probably be something like, “Dang, I’m so glad I did this”).
Sailing and Yoga Retreat with Willard Beach Studio and Windjammer Angelique
Sunday, August 7 to Thursday, August 10
Camden
$750 includes three nights aboard Angelique, three meals per day with additional lobster bake, daily yoga, island excursions and time to relax on your own
FMI: www.willardbeachstudio.com
Yoga and a sailboat. It’s a splendid and oh-so-relaxing combination. This four-day sail includes yoga every day and healthy meals and snacks, plus time for you to kick back with a book or take a nap or just sit and think, “wow, I’m on a sailboat.” Check out Angelique: sailangelique.com
Bike the Islands with Back Country Excursions
Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 12
Back Country Excursions, Parsonsfield and the islands of Casco Bay
FMI: www.bikebackcountry.com
$765 includes three nights accommodations (choice of yurt, lodge rooms, or camping) all on a first-come basis; bike rental and all appropriate gear; trail snacks; expert instruction; guiding; 5 meals PLUS a coastal lobster feast. Also included for Saturday: ferry tickets for you and your bike; and vouchers available for lunch and parking.
Your getaway starts with guided rides on the trails at Backcountry Excursions. On day two, head to Portland and hop the ferry for some riding on the islands and some mainland exploration, too. And don’t forget that catered lobster feast. Then it’s back to Parsonsfield, where the riding continues. Beginners welcome – bikes, gear, and instruction provided!
Float-N-Ride Lobster Fest with Back Country Excursions
Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17
Back Country Excursions, Parsonsfield
$630 (discounts for returning customers) includes three nights accommodation, 2.5 days guided experiences, mountain bike, helmet, instruction, large floating inner tube, 5 meals plus the potluck group lobster bake, and unlimited trail snacks. www.bikebackcountry.com
Part mountain bike weekend, part Saco river float, this weekend is summed up with three words: tube, lube, and lobster. There will be plenty of riding (bikes, gear, and instruction available for beginners) and a day to float on a big tube in the Saco. Plus a lobster bake potluck.
Mountain Biking Microbrew Festival with Back Country Excursions
Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, August 14
Back Country Excursions, Parsonsfield
$600 full festival pass, $190 “no frills budget campsite pass.” Full pass includes five meals, 2.5 days of guided rrides, three nights on premises, brews, live music and use of all facilities. Bike rentals available for additional fee.
www.bikebackcountry.com
You can also plan your own getaway to Back Country Excursions. Check out their weekend tours and three-night mountain biking getaways that are available May through October. Pick a time that works for you and book it: www.bikebackcountry.com/weekend-tours
Maine Huts and Trails volunteer weekend
Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5
Stratton Brook Hut, Maine Huts and Trails
Free (you’ll pay with your much-appreciated time and energy)
www.mainehuts.org
Help build trail and be rewarded with a weekend at Maine Huts and Trails’ Stratton Brook Hut. This volunteer weekend includes two nights stay at the hut and meals – all free in trade for your time as a volunteer. Work includes building trail, cooking, and cleaning the hut. It’s an excellent chance to work up a sweat and enjoy a weekend in the woods with good people and good food.
Maine Woods Yoga & Hiking Retreat
Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 12
Flagstaff Hut, Maine Huts & Trails
$545 includes accommodations, yoga, meditation, guided hikes, and meals (dinner Thursday night, breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday, plus snacks throughout the day). Bodywork and nutritional counseling sessions available at additional cost.
freeportyogaco.com
Head to Flagstaff Hut for hiking, yoga and meditation with this off-the-grid getaway. You’ll get to chill out in the Maine woods, explore the Bigelow mountain range, and stay in one of MH&T’s cool huts.
You can get away to any of Maine Huts and Trails’ four huts all year, but if you’d like help planning some time away this summer, with some biking, hiking, or paddling thrown in, check out MH&T’s trip options: www.mainehuts.org
Monhegan Island Chi Hiking and Yoga Retreat with Monhegan Wellness
Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30
Monhegan Island
$650 includes ferry ride to the island, two nights stay at The Trailing Yew (shared room – $50 additional for single), two breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch, Monhegan Wellness T-shirt and all activities.
monheganwellness.com
Monhegan Island is just a one-hour ferry ride from the mainland, but it feels worlds away, making Monhegan Wellness’ retreats feel like major getaways, whether you’re on the island for a whole weekend or just a day. The chi hiking and yoga retreat includes a rejuvenating weekend of hiking and yoga, plus healthy meals, accomodations and stunning coastal views.
Nourishing the Senses weekend Island Yoga Retreat with Monhegan Wellness
Saturday, June 25 to Monday, June 27
Monehgan Island
$550 ($495 early bird rate before May 15) includes ferry ride to the island two nights stay at The Trailing Yew (shared room – $50 additional for single), a breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch, snacks, yoga classes, guided walks, and one workshop. Plus Monhegan Wellness T-shirt.
monheganwellness.com
It’s a weekend full of yoga, meditation, guided walks/hikes, cuisine, and a special workshop aimed at helping you find clarity (and chill the heck out, too). There will be plenty of free time to relax or wander the island on your own each day, as well. And you’ll want to wander to those incredible island cliffs, along the rocky coast, and maybe over to Monhegan Brewing for a beer.
Day Getaways
If you only have a day to getaway, check out Monhegan Wellness’ day trips, like the Yoga, Hike, Relax Day Getaway on June 18, and the Yoga and Hiking Adventures on July 30 and August 21. Check them all out: monheganwellness.com/events
Yoga & Horses Adventure with Maine Yoga Adventures
Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 8
$600-$650 (depending on shared room or semi-private room) includes accommodations and meals at Stowe Mountain Ranch, daily yoga practices, yoga with horses, and guided hikes.
maineyogaadventures.com
This adventure technically isn’t in Maine – it’s in Vermont – but it’s put together by Maine Yoga Adventures. Holly Twining puts on regular adventures in Maine that combine yoga with other activities like rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing and beer. This event takes that yoga combination to another level – it’s yoga and HORSES. Led by ranch owner Gerry Scott, yoga with horses includes an introduction to horsemanship techniques, the integration of yoga positions both on and off the horse, running with horses, and a bareback journey to a beautiful waterfall. Beginners welcome! You’ll also enjoy bonfires, hiking, daily yoga, and a hot tub and sauna.
Overnight Seaside Adventure with Maine Yoga Adventures
Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, June 26
Fitch Residence, Penobscot
$110
maineyogaadventures.com
Stay the weekend in a seaside home and enjoy yoga, healthy food, stargazing and WINE. This overnight takes place at a private residence in Penobscot, Maine, and is hosted by Maine Yoga Adventures. The weekend begins with yoga, then a nature walk on the shoreline, later there will be wine, and outdoor fire and relaxation. Bring your kayak or paddleboard to paddle in the water, too!
Maine Yoga Adventures also does daytime adventures all year long that you can squeeze into an afternoon. Check them all out: maineyogaadventures.com
Jewell Island Overnight with Portland Paddle
June 24-25, July 20-21, August 6-7, September 10-11 or by request
Casco Bay, Portland
$198 per person includes dinner on night one, breakfast and lunch on day two, kayaking gear, dry bags and guide
portlandpaddle.net
Jewell Island in Casco Bay is right on the edge of where the bay meets the wide-open ocean, which means it feels wonderfully remote and “out there.” It’s a full-day paddle from East End beach, but you’ll have a knowledgeable Portland Paddle guide leading the way, and they’ll even prepare your meals on the island, too. Kayaks and gear included!
Three-Day Casco Bay Traverse with Portland Paddle
June 10-12, July 13-15, August 12-14, August 25-17 or by request
Casco Bay, Portland to Phippsburg
$358 per person includes two nights camping on the islands, meals, paddling gear, and a guide
portlandpaddle.net
Paddle Casco Bay from Portland to Phippsburg during this three-day traverse. You’ll do a “significant amount of paddling” during the trip, so sea kayaking experience is a must. Meals provided, along with a knowledgeable guide and a ride back to town when it’s all over.
There’s also a Muscongus Bay three-day expedition and self-guided options for your getaway. Check out ore trips with Portland Paddle: portlandpaddle.net
Three-day Exploring Acadia bike trip with Summer Feet Cycling
Friday, July 29 to Sunday, 31 | Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28 | Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9
Acadia National Park
$875 per person includes two nights lights, most meals, park entrance, van support, souvenirs and a guide. Bike rentals available for $80
www.summerfeet.net
Explore Acadia National Park by bicycle during this three-day trip, which includes rides on the Park Loop Road, the scenic carriage roads and a ferry ride to Winter Harbor for more riding and a fresh lobster meal. Expect stunning views, accessible rides, a knowledgeable guide and – oh yay – wine and cheese, too.
Sailboats and Summer Folk bike trip with Summer Feet Cycling
Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24 | Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21 | Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25
Camden and Rockport
$875 per person includes two nights lodging, most meals, schooner sail, ferry transit, souvenirs and guide. Bike rentals available for $80-$100
www.summerfeet.net
This three-day getaway takes you around the coastal town of Camden, with rides along a tree-lined ocean preserve, on an island is Penobscot Bay and to the nearby town of Rockland to see Owls Head light. You’ll enjoy a sunset cruise, to boot.
Beaches and Backroads bike trip with Summer Feet Cycling
Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17 | Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14 | Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 11
Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Arundel, and Cape Porpoise
$975 per person includes two nights lodging, most meals, schooner sail, van support, snacks, souvenirs and guide. Bike rentals available for $80-$100
www.summerfeet.net
Ride the back roads of the Kennebunkport area – passing farms and visiting alpacas – and cruise the coast with a picnic near the water. This getaway includes a lobster dinner on night one, a schooner sail on day two and an ice cream stop on day three, with plenty of scenic riding in between.
Summer Feet also does week-long bike tours in Maine as well as incredible trips in Canada and Europe.
