Walking across the bridge leading into Dock Square, memories of being in Kennebunkport with our son when he was 5 years old flood my mind - his first time trying New England clam chowder (in New England, natch), his first time on a real lobster boat. But this trip, he’s 230 miles away with his baby sister at “Camp Grandma,” and the walk over the bridge hand-in-hand with my husband is quiet and peaceful - just like our meals, pool and beach time and slow morning wake-ups.
The quiet is indeed because our little kids aren’t with us - but also because no one’s little kids are with us on this vacation, thanks to the fact that we’re staying at the area’s only resort where guests need to be age 12 or older: The Wanderer.
This boutique hotel comprises 17 stylish and chic cottages ranging from mini studio cottages to 1-bedroom cottages, and there’s even one larger 3-bedroom house. But the unique and most appealing thing (definitely for these two tired parents desperately needing a break) is that The Wanderer doesn't allow any children under age 12, which creates a serene setting just minutes from all of Kennebunkport’s best restaurants and attractions.
Our studio cottage, named “Nomad,” came stocked with beach towels, luxe toiletries – and my favorite thing about it: the provocative photography and art on the shiplap walls – all with an ocean theme. The Wanderer’s black and white “surfer chic” aesthetic, yoga on the lawn and personal touches like breakfast delivered to each cottage every morning of fruit, baked goods, yogurt and juice make this place a must for your next romantic getaway or girls’ trip.
Here are a few must-do’s whether you’re visiting for 24 hours or 24 days:
1. Bike To Gooch’s Beach: Hop on The Wanderer’s beach cruisers, throw one of their backpack-style beach chairs on your back, some water and towels in your basket and head toward one of the most beautiful beaches in Kennebunk.
The 10-minute bike ride is fairly easy with some small inclines but nothing impossible. Once we arrived, I left my husband in his beach chair to enjoy his Kindle and took a nice long walk on the expansive beach to the jetty where I lingered for a bit with a meditation in my headphones from Insight Timer.
2. Pamper Yourself With a Spa Day at The Fifth Om: When one of our afternoons clouded over, we called a few places to book last-minute massages and stumbled across The Fifth Om in downtown Kennebunk. Not only did we have the most incredible 75- minute massages with aromatic oils, but we also each spent 30 relaxing minutes in the Far Infrared Sauna, which helps with muscle healing, immunity, skin health and more.
We left The Fifth Om in a true state of “om” and as soon as we returned to The Wanderer, we fell fast asleep for a quick disco nap before dinner.
3. Spend An Afternoon By the Pool: The pool at The Wanderer is compact, but it was the first quiet pool we had lounged at in a while, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours catching rays and catching up on our favorite books. When we were ready for a short sun break, we walked across the street and grabbed lobster rolls and Surfsides at Bennett’s Sandwich Shop and enjoyed them poolside among the hydrangeas in peace with no children splashing or screaming. Around 3 pm, the receptionist set out a pitcher of blueberry lemonade cocktails and a plate of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies – the perfect ending to an afternoon of bliss.
4. Dine at Port Fish & Chop House: This place is a must for one of the best dinner in the area. Situated directly on the Kennebunk River, arrive early before your reservation and enjoy a glass of wine, a mocktail or cocktail with stunning views while relaxing in Adirondack chairs on the lawn.
Once we sat down at our table, we decided on the crab cake with lemon aioli and shrimp al ajillo to start followed by a 1 ¼ lb. steamed lobster – each - with brussels sprouts on the side. The lobsters were perfectly steamed, easy to pull from their shells, and the lobster bibs kept our clothes neat (and made us laugh since our 2-year-old is usually the one wearing a bib).
Port Fish & Chop House, located in the Breakwater Inn, was one of our favorite restaurants during our stay.
For more info on The Wanderer and to book your stay, visit: https://wanderercottages.com/
