The hype
Guests are obsessed with the outdoor showers and the smell of the campfire, calling it a magical, core-memory type of stay.
Hidden Pond Resort
$450-1300+/ night
Book this if You want the nostalgia of summer camp but with Frette linens, outdoor showers, and a credit card limit that can handle $20 cocktails.
Why People Love It
- The 'bougie summer camp' aesthetic is flawlessly executed—think nightly bonfires with s'mores and cruiser bikes.
- Earth restaurant is a legitimate destination dining spot with a farm-to-fork menu that actually uses the on-site gardens.
- The shuttle to Tides Beach Club makes hitting Goose Rocks Beach effortless (and parking-stress free).
Quick Take: It's an impeccably styled forest fantasy that costs a fortune, where you pay for the privilege of being 'rustic' in extreme comfort.
Reviewed by @Worldwide_winston: I stayed in a cottage here and it was the ultimate dog-mom getaway. Ordering my pup a steak dinner while I ate at Earth was a highlight. The 60 acres of woods felt so peaceful, and ending the night with s'mores by the fire was magic.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
For $1,000+ a night, many are salty about the lack of a proper sit-down breakfast and the 'relaxed' (read: sometimes slow) service.
- You love the idea of camping but refuse to sleep on the ground or use a shared bathroom.
- You want a romantic getaway where you can shower outside under the trees in total privacy.
- You are a foodie who prioritizes atmosphere as much as the meal itself.
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough, but the 'rustic' nature means you will find pollen, pine needles, and the occasional bug in the screened porch areas.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate indoor bathrooms; outdoor showers are clean but naturally exposed to elements.
- Maintenance: High standard, though some older cottages have reported minor wear like whistling fridges or creaky floors.
- Linens & towels: Frette linens are crisp and high-end; robes are plush and frequently mentioned as 'steal-worthy' (don't do it).
- Odors & scents: Smells like pine needles, campfire smoke, and fresh earth. No musty 'old cottage' smells reported.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud frogs/nature sounds at night
- Internal road traffic (golf carts/trucks) if in cottages near the main path
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'breakfast' is a door-drop service; if you want eggs/meat, you'll need to pay at the food truck or go off-property.
- Tides Beach Club access is a huge perk—use the shuttle, don't drive yourself (parking at Goose Rocks is a nightmare).
- Dinner reservations at Earth are essential and should be booked weeks in advance, even for hotel guests.
What to pack
- Bug spray (high DEET recommended)—the 'Pond' in the name is real and mosquitoes love it.
- Slip-on shoes/Birkenstocks for walking between your cottage, the pool, and the outdoor shower.
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper and frogs keep you awake.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Bungalow 40 or 43 ('Shhhhh') for maximum privacy and screened porch serenity.
- Treetop Lodges for a newer, more modern feel with elevated views.
Rooms to avoid
- Unit 23 (and others near the main internal road) suffer from golf cart traffic and service vehicle noise.
- Family cottages near the main pool if you are a couple seeking total silence.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a Bungalow set back from the internal service roads—specifically numbers 40 or 43 if available—to minimize golf cart noise. We are hoping for a quiet, private screened porch experience.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it actually on the beach?
No. It is in the woods about 1 mile from Goose Rocks Beach. They run a free 'beach buggy' shuttle to their sister property, Tides Beach Club, where you get chairs and towels.
What is the breakfast situation?
Controversial. You get a thermos of coffee and pastries delivered to your door in a bag. Many guests find the pastries soggy or the portion small. Hot food is available for purchase at a food truck.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, but segregated. There are 2-bedroom cottages and a family pool, but the Bungalows and the other pool are adults-only. It works well for both demographics.
How much is the resort fee?
It varies by room type, ranging from roughly $45 to $75 per night. It covers the shuttle, wifi, parking, bikes, and s'mores.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, in specific 'dog-friendly' cottages for a fee of ~$200 per stay. They get a bed and bowls.
Is there AC?
Yes, all cottages have air conditioning, which is crucial during humid Maine summers.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'singing sands' at Goose Rocks Beach are best heard at low tide—check the tide chart before you hop on the shuttle.
- ✨
If Earth is fully booked, try the 'Farm Bar' right outside for small plates and drinks without a reservation.
- ✨
Request your morning coffee delivery for the earliest slot (7am) if you want it hot; later deliveries can sometimes sit and get lukewarm.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'sticky toffee' welcome gift is delicious but will glue your teeth together.
💡Pollen is everywhere in June—your black luggage will turn yellow.
💡The outdoor showers are amazing, but you might have a squirrel audience.
💡The 'fitness center' is actually a very well-equipped shed with Peloton bikes, not a massive gym.
💡You can hear the nightly bonfire chatter from the nearest cottages, so don't pick a room right next to the lodge if you sleep early.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hidden Pond Resort is located and what's nearby.