Formerly an old motel, the Lodge at the Cove has been converted into a retro “surfer” lodge, providing a relaxed vacation, tucked away in Kennebunkport, but a short walk from the seasonally bustling town. Awash in white and earth tones with splashes of teal, coral and lime, the Lodge instantly invokes a sense of calm. One step into the lodge, with its welcoming sitting areas — with newspapers, board games and chess — lets guests know they are “home” during their trip. A small pool and lawn area overlooks the neighboring tidal basin, which, when filled with water during high tide, fills with kayaks, gliding quietly by as kids enjoy old-fashioned games like croquet and table tennis. It’s easy to disconnect at the Lodge, especially when grabbing a seat at the Dory, a poolside restaurant, while live reggae music is played during sunsets. The staff at the Lodge is friendly and accommodating, too, making every guest of any age feel like they’re at a quiet summer cottage. In our opinion, it’s a fantastic addition to the Kennebunkport Resort Collection of hotels and lodges.

The redesigned and renovated 30-room Lodge on the Cove touts itself as a "vintage surf lodge," and its cool, hip vibe is found throughout the lodge and rooms, with retro furnishings and a palette of earth tones with hints of bold colors sprinkled throughout. Each room features a front porch, with curtains to divide between other rooms. Inside, two queen beds and a sitting area with flat-screen TV's with DVD players are separated from a bathroom (with a bathtub) by a wet bar with a small refrigerator. King beds are available, as well.

The Lodge offers complimentary bicycles for cycling around town, as well as kayaks for enjoying the neighboring tidal pool from May through October. On the lawn, a croquet set awaits, while poolside there is a Ping Pong table. In the lodge, a collection of board games is available, as well as a free DVD rental library for watching in-room movies after a day on the beach. A small heated pool serves well for the intimate property, too.

Special enhancements offered at additional fees include Beach Day, where families hitch a ride to the beach with a picnic basket stuffed with a lunch, towels, sunscreen and a bag of beach toys; a move night, where families can pick two DVDs and a bucket of junk food; and a family BBQ, with all the fixings for grilling.

A free shuttle connects guests to nearby Goose Rocks Beach.

Outside the hotel, Kennebunkport has a 45-minute trolley tour that allows for on/off stops, including at Walker's Point, the Bush family compound.

Located on the property, The Dory is the Lodge's family dining spot, featuring lunch, dinner, snacks and evening entertainment on Thursday and Friday evenings. The restaurant is located poolside and provides a light menu for pool guests.

Muffins, fruits, juices, coffee and tea are offered in the lodge for breakfast.

The hotel is part of a collection of properties with additional dining options. In town, visit David's KPT at the Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, and enjoy Sunday brunch, lunches, dinners and happy hour specials with views. The 200-seat restaurant is housed in a contemporary space with a large, wrap-around deck that overlooks the water. The restaurant provides outdoor dining, along with velvet-covered booths and floor-to-ceiling windows indoors. The seafood and steak dishes are to die for, and kids will have plenty to choose from with a kid's menu menu, which is also a small coloring book that kept my tots busy the entire meal.

A shuttle connects guests to the other resort properties from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with stops that include the Lodge at Hidden Pond, the Tides Beach Club, the Kennebunkport Inn, the Cape Arundel Inn and the Lodge on the Cove, as well as Goose Rocks Beach and Kennebunkport.

The Art of Smart Timing
The best time to visit the Lodge and Kennebunkport is during the summer season into fall, from May through October, when more amenities are available and more is open in town.

Getting There
Kennebunkport is located off of the Maine Turnpike (I-95) and Route 1, not too far from the Maine/New Hampshire/Massachusetts borders. You'll need a car to reach the oceanfront town, which is closest to Portsmouth, N.H., for air traffic service.