Hidden Pond Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

I’ll be honest – Hidden Pond Resort caught me completely off guard. You drive down this unassuming stretch of Goose Rocks Road (which, let’s face it, sounds like something from a kids’ book), and suddenly you’re pulling into what feels like the most sophisticated summer camp you never knew existed. The whole place has this incredible knack for being both rustic and refined at the same time, if that makes sense. Think weathered shingles and cathedral ceilings, but also heated bathroom floors and those fancy European toiletries that you definitely end up stealing.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep it feeling intimate despite being pretty substantial – there are cottages scattered throughout these gorgeous woods, and honestly, you might not see another soul for hours if you don’t want to. The spa is tucked away in this barn-like building that somehow doesn’t feel gimmicky, and their restaurant (Earth) actually lives up to the hype, which is saying something in a town where you can easily drop $200 on mediocre lobster rolls. The staff here really knows their stuff too – not in that overly rehearsed concierge way, but more like they genuinely love the area and want you to discover the good stuff. They’ll tell you which trails at nearby Vaughn’s Island are worth the mosquito bites, or that the best time to hit Goose Rocks Beach is right around 7 AM when it’s just you, the sandpipers, and maybe a few determined joggers.

Look, I’m not going to pretend this place is budget-friendly – you’re definitely paying for the experience, and that 8.8 rating doesn’t come cheap. But here’s the thing: it actually delivers on what it promises, which feels increasingly rare these days. The rooms (well, cottages really) have this lived-in elegance that makes you feel like you’re staying at your successful friend’s summer house, complete with fireplaces you’ll actually want to use and porches where you can hear the ocean if the wind’s right. Plus, being right in Kennebunkport means you’re close enough to all the typical Maine coast attractions, but you’re also far enough from the Dock Square crowds that you won’t be fighting tourists for parking. Just know that summer weekends book up months in advance, and honestly? After staying here, I get why people plan their whole year around coming back.