Domus Isle is also a pun for domicile, which is fitting for the months from May through October when we spend much time at our "island home" from 9am to 10pm seven days a week. We shut down for the winter, and that's the time Mike travels the world buying next year's stock in such exotic locations as Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries. He makes Bali his winter home and travel base. His assistant, translator and the son he never had, Nyoman, travels with him to the four corners of the island searching out fine arts and crafts. Over the years they've developed quite a rapport with many of the island's finest craftspeople, and all look forward to the next visit. Bali averages 85 to 90 degrees every day during the months of December through March, making it a great break from Maine winters and a perfect place to rent a Harley for a month or so of tropical riding. Oh, make no mistake, it's not all work over there.

Owner Mike Hallet was born in Boston and made the move to Maine at the ripe old age of one. He lived in Orono, then Portland, back to Massachusetts, and off to Utah for college. In 1994, he moved back to Maine and settled in Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. He started Domus Isle in 1995, and if you're looking for him, he's probably there. He's been a shoe salesman, a high school English teacher, a cop, a cook, a TV news photographer and a singer (his CD "East of Eden" is available at Domus Isle).