What: Set on 60 secluded acres in blue-blood Kennebunkport, Maine, this rustic charmer feels more residential than resort, with just 20 one-room bungalows and 16 two-bedroom cottages (all with outdoor space) dotting the wooded property. Open May to October, Hidden Pond also offers two outdoor heated pools, two dining options and a spa with individual treatment cabins nestled among the birches. It’s a mile to Goose Rock Beach, where it shares amenities with its sister property, the oceanfront Tides Beach Club.
New: Last spring, Justin Walker became Executive Chef of the heavenly Earth restaurant. The true farm-to-fork spot — with veggies and herbs incorporated from its on-site garden — also taps local suppliers for its meats and seafood. The soaring, barn-like space feels très Williamsburg: lots of raw wood, iron décor and filament bulbs. Start with an apertif on the cozy leather sofa fronting the huge stone fireplace, or on pleasant days, head out to the sprawling patio overlooking the resort’s namesake pond.
Why: The definition of rustic-chic, Hidden Pond has all the fancy trimmings — designer cottages with outdoor showers, gourmet cuisine, eco-friendly Farmaesthetics spa products — along with plenty of hardy Maine activity options: hiking, kayaking, swimming in the bone-chilling Atlantic.
Working well: Larger, family-friendly cottages are situated close to the main lodge and its swimming pool, while couples-appropriate bungalows and the adults-only pool are set in a separate part of the property — ensuring everyone has a relaxing visit.
Needs work: Because the property is open seasonally, staff tends to be young and transient; the connection between staff and guests that many like-minded resorts have is somewhat lacking here.
Must try: Grab a free cruiser and bike through the pretty town of Kennebunkport to the smooth and sandy (not rocky!) Goose Rock Beach. Just bring your bikini — the Tides Beach Club will provide a beach chair, towel and water.
Don’t miss: Nightly s’more-making by the bonfire at the main lodge or next to the pond at Earth — all ingredients provided gratis!
Details: Spring rates (through June 30) start at $299 for a bungalow; $425 for a cottage; hiddenpondmaine.com.