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Ralph
E. Schlossman MD is a family practitioner and teacher, with professorial rank at
two New York area medical schools. A former flight surgeon in the USAF, Ralph is
currently a trustee and past president of the Medical Society of the State of
New York, and vice chairman of the New York delegation to the American Medical
Association. He and his wife Ruth,
Director
of Community Services for Queens and Lower Manhattan for Visions-Services for
the Blind, are well-traveled and reside in Jamaica Estates, New York. They
have three children and five grandsons. Here are his impressions of two notable
New England resorts which the Schlossmans visited last fall.
Photos by Ralph Schlossman.
Overall
Impression –   
As the eminent philosopher, known as The Mahatma (aka Branch Rickey), once opined: "Luck is the residue of design." How true, since on very short notice we were unable to reserve at a closer by resort-cum-spa and happened upon this unprepossessing jewel situated on a bluff overlooking the briny Atlantic, the first seaside spa in New England. Since 1872, it has been run by a four-generation continuum of innkeepers named
Weare. Cliff House is located between the Yorks and the Kennebunks. Fortunately for us, the weather was gorgeous. The spa building, in which we stayed, has only been open since May 2002. The "rack" rates are quite high, but the packages, [we took a 5-day 4-night spa package] are not unreasonable. Words to the wise: if you are driving from New York and heading up the Maine coast, do at least stay one night to take advantage of the spa facilities.
This astonishing view from our balcony was akin to the perspective from a ship's prow.
1) Staff -
Given
the newness of the spa, one might allow for a settling-in period for personnel.
In our view we found some of the hospitality people rough around the edges, with
supervision between scant and nil. In another year, it should be much
better.
2) Dining (Mixed)
• On Premises - 
Although the dining room is beautiful, with wide views of the ocean, the appellation dining is a misnomer.
• Nearby Restaurants    
Fortuitously, there are excellent restaurants nearby. The Lobster Pound in Ogunquit has the best lobster I can remember. The modus operandi is unique. First, we were seated, then headed outside to the cooking area where we advised the chef of our preferences, selecting our lobsters by size and appetite (I chose a three-pounder), with all the fixings included in the price. We received a charge slip and returned to the table, to which a server brought two perfectly prepared lobsters.
3) Recreation (Spa) -    
• Spa
Facilities
Within the spa, there are heated indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms. saunas and Jacuzzis. The fitness center contains state-of-the art cardio and resistance equipment. All of the typical spa treatments and amenities are available. I topped off each day with a classic massage while Ruth loved getting "stoned" (her massage consisted of hot and cold applications utilizing basalt stone).
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