Best Luxury Hotels in Maine

The Tides Beach Club in Kennebunkport was fully renovated in 2011, and the vibe evolved from cozy to South Beach-esque and trendy. Two suites designed by Jonathan Adler, spectacular ocean views, and a contemporary restaurant with a sophisticated menu are just some of the upgrades that came with the renovation. The prices are a bit more Manhattan than Maine, but if it's beachfront luxury you're after, this is it -- The Tides sits on a semi-private three-mile stretch of Goose Rocks Beach.

Spread over 60 acres, Hidden Pond resort features suite-like bungalows and two-bedroom cottages. While each have their own personality, they all share a shabby-chic style characterized by pops of color and organic touches, such as twig-like hooks and hangers. The spa is set up to resemble a tree house and free yoga classes are held at the organic farm (where guests may also pick fresh flowers and veggies). Another outstanding feature is the outdoor bar and grill that sits on a "sand bar," with chairs circled around firepits. This upscale boutique hotel attracts couples with its tranquil environment and top-notch restaurants, as well as families with cottages that include full kitchens and washer/dryers. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the beach, which is just 5 minutes away.

This award-winning, upscale inn offers a real boutique experience in charming Kennebunk. It is housed in a historic building, and so its 26 rooms vary greatly in size. However, they all feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and classic, elegant decor. The much-acclaimed restaurant serves outstanding (and pricey) seasonal cuisine in an 1820s restored barn, and the spa is arguably one of the best in the region. The cottages are quite a trek from the main building, so make sure you book a guestroom instead if you want to be close to the property's great amenities.

The Captain Lord Mansion hotel, just an eight-minute walk from the town center, is a small classic inn featuring Victorian-style rooms. Each room's decor varies slightly, but all feature four-poster beds, numerous paintings, and antique-style Victorian furniture -- cozy to some, gaudy to others. Modern amenities such as iPod docks and flat-screen TVs bring the rooms to this century, and the hotel offers tons of freebies including free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and bicycle rentals. The hotel lacks amenities like a fitness center and a pool (though there is a small spa), so families may consider the nearby (but slightly farther from town) Nonantum Resort.