Hidden Pond Review

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93%
families recommend
44 family reviews

Families will love:
  • A large outdoor pool area complete with bar & grill and nearby bonfire pit
  • An on-site organic garden that encourages picking and eating
  • Easy access to nearby beach via convenient "beach safari" service


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About Hidden Pond

Only a few years old, this magical Maine resort has already become an annual pilgrimage place for families looking for a summer oasis that perfectly combines relaxation and communing with the outdoors. The tradition of Maine wilderness camps goes back more than century, but most camps are farther north in the piney interior of the state, some on lakes accessible only by seaplane. While such seclusion can be peaceful, it doesn't offer a lot of activities to entertain young kids; and rustic accommodations can often be trying for families in need of modern comforts. Enter Hidden Pond: located just outside the southern Maine resort town of Kennebunkport, it consists of several dozen cottages set in a beautiful wooded area that gives the feel of a wilderness experience without the seclusion or splinters.

The 14 two-bedroom cottages of the resort have been individually designed by leading New England interior designers in a range of styles. Despite the upscale feel inside the cottages, however, the atmosphere of the resort still retains the laidback feel of an authentic Maine camp with plenty of local character in the decor and fun recreational offerings. A fire pit by the pool is the site of nightly s'more-making, and the main lodge is tastefully decorated with a combination of birch boughs and Audubon prints. The 60-acre wooded site also has plenty of ways to get out into nature, including hiking trails leading into the woods from the property, a shuttle to nearby Goose Rocks beach, and special "forest clambakes" that create a traditional Maine meal in a wooded setting. At the center of the resort is an on-site organic farm that allows guest to learn about slow-food growing techniques and pick their own vegetables to cook in the cottages.

The resort itself opened in 2008, and has been slowly adding features ever since. New for the 2011 season are 20 bungalows that offer more affordable, rustic accommodations, while still maintaining high standards of comfort. Also new is a "farm-to-fork" restaurant by Boston restaurateur Ken Origner and a "tree spa" that is literally housed within a log cabin set high in the tree canopy. While not cheap, the resort is relatively affordable compared to similar high-end New England resorts, and great value considering all of the perks that come with it. Cottages go for a flat-rate in the high-season of around $800 a night, and half that in the shoulder season.


Written by Michael Blanding

 

Hidden Pond Reviews


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Best Coastal Maine Family Hotels



Best for:
  • Tots (0-2)
  • Kids (3-6)
  • Kids (7-9)
  • Tweens (10-12)
  • Teens (13+)

Family Interests
  • Beach
  • Bicycling
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Museum/Cultural
  • Water Sports
Family Amenities
  • Babysitting
  • Children's Program
  • Cribs
  • DVD Player
  • Family Room 5+
  • Kitchenettes
  • Laundry Service
  • Onsite Dining
  • Refrigerator
  • Pool



Family Ratings
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