Summer camp evokes nostalgia for long days outside surrounded by good company, grass-skinned knees, and heavy, sun-induced slumbers (let us forget the less-glamorous aspects of summer camp). At the Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor, right on the lip of Acadia National Park, Atlantic Hospitality’s design team pays homage to the playfulness of summer camp in its redesign of the 30 onsite cottages and 10 Bungalow style hotel rooms.
Being the closest resort to Acadia National Park’s entrance means unparalleled access and vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. “It feels like a good use of the word ‘majestic’ to apply it to Mount Desert Island,” says owner Tim Harrington. “You don’t have to do anything—just open your eyes and experience the beauty.”
In addition to the prime location, the cottages delight and awe guests from the moment they see a cherry-red 1976 Volkswagen at the entrance with vintage picnic baskets strapped to the top. Kids and kids-at-heart will appreciate the red-and-white hued spaces adorned with art made by local artist Victoria Gordon (who also illustrates for Decor Maine) and vintage finds sourced by designer Krista Stokes and Morgan Gordon. Picnic—the onsite eatery—has light bites, meals, and craft beer for guests to create a meal alfresco on the sprawling lawn or enjoy on the attached patio with seating. A central swimming pool offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, and couples and families gather around firepits to share stories of adventures from the national park. “This place is unique to other properties,” says Tim. “Our guests are ready to get up and go hiking, biking, touring, exploring, and then return to their home base here at the end of the day. It’s a space that encourages friendship and conviviality.”
The property opens in May and closes in October, maximizing the prime seasons to visit the national park. Whether travelers have a fully planned-out itinerary that includes every outlook in the park, or they just want a relaxing stay to enjoy a book against a backdrop of jaw-dropping sunsets, Salt Cottages make a fabulous sanctuary. Eyeing the long, sloping (and perfectly manicured) lawn that sweeps down to the ocean under an open sky of stars, it feels apt that this corner of heaven was created by people who embrace the joy of life and want others to savor its riches too.
