Flume Cottage: A Samoset Resort

Luxury Resorts: I may be doing a disservice to those who have discovered the Flume Cottage by writing this article, but if you are looking for pure privacy and relaxation, Samoset Resort's Flume Cottage in Rockport, Maine arguably might be the best hideaway in New England. Most savvy travelers have heard of the property, but although many vacationers have yet to discover the Flume, it's just too good to keep secret.

The cottage sits prominently on the 15th fairway of Samoset's golf course and was built directly on the ocean. The resort's 156 guestrooms and 22 suites are located on 230 acres overlooking Penobscot Bay. The only cottage of its kind on the property, the Flume offers spectacular ocean and golf course views. There are two bedrooms each with its own private bathroom, a large living room, an open and fully stocked kitchen, a gas fireplace and a deck complete with a private hot tub, a gas grill and lounge chairs.

The luxurious indulgences include attention to every detail imaginable. From the friendly and accommodating staff delivering an enormous breakfast basket each morning, overflowing with fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, muffins, pastries and bagels to the wait staff at the onsite restaurant, the service here is truly first rate.

Sitting out on the private deck with air as clean as pure oxygen, the Flume Cottage is just like a home away from home located directly at the water's edge. It is easy to relax at this fantasy retreat with its crystal clear nights and cool ocean breezes, where you can experience the kind of peace that New Englanders only dream about. The cottage comes complete with a four-person golf cart as guests are encouraged to leave their own cars at the parking lot to avoid getting hit by the nearby golfers.

The championship golf course is open May to October and has played host to the 2003 New England Pro Tour, 2002 Junior PGA Championship and PGA 2001 New England Open.

While we were relaxing in the hot tub under a clear sky as sailboats cruised past us, the Flume Cottage seemed actually too good to be true. Although you can't swim from the cottage, you are able to enjoy the rise and fall of the tides each day.

You can play a round of golf, spend an hour getting a massage at the spa or enjoy a bottle of wine from the 300 bin extensive wine list at Marcel's Restaurant. Whatever you choose to do here, just realize the secret is out so this hidden gem just might soon become one of the most popular New England destinations for travelers.

Rates at the Flume Cottage start at $649 per night off-season (mid-April to the end of May) and $1,109 during peak season (July 1 to September 1).