An Idyllic Getaway Back in Time

The Dunes on the Waterfront in Ogunquit, Maine

By Meghan Ryan Asbury | Photography courtesy of The Dunes on the Waterfront

We all long from time to time to get away from our overflowing email inboxes, the hustle and bustle of traffic, responsibilities, never-ending to-do lists, and the noise and notifications. Unfortunately, sometimes, the places we escape to don’t provide the rest we crave. Packed itineraries and crowded hotels and destinations can cause more stress. For those seeking true respite and connection with nature in a picturesque New England setting, The Dunes on the Waterfront in Ogunquit, Maine, is the getaway location you need.

While researching places to stay during my cousin’s wedding in nearby Cape Neddick, my family stumbled upon The Dunes and immediately felt a sense of comfort that told us this was the place.

As we drove onto the property on a sunny October afternoon, we were captivated by the bright autumn leaves at their peak, courtesy of the beautiful trees lining the entire driveway. The view of the Ogunquit River running alongside the dunes and ocean, coupled with quaint white cottages, greeted us with an invitation to relax. My heart rate slowed to a more peaceful pace as soon as we arrived.

It felt like I had stepped into the fictional, idyllic vacation spots from my favorite summer novels. If you’re a fan of authors Emily Henry, Nicholas Sparks, and Elin Hilderbrand or television series like The Summer I Turned Pretty and even Outer Banks, you will love The Dunes on the Waterfront. From the flower-lined cottages to the beach cruiser bikes with woven baskets, heated pool with yellow-cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas, and views of the dunes, it was all so picturesque, we could hardly believe it. No one could be in a bad mood here.

Being at The Dunes also reminded me of my childhood. I grew up in a small coastal town in the Florida Panhandle that once wasn’t tainted by rowdy spring breakers, traffic, and overpriced ice cream cones. It wasn’t so different from the one my dad grew up in, just a few hours from The Dunes in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Arriving in Ogunquit beckoned me back to those days of riding bikes to the beach to boogie board in the Gulf or jumping off the Bluefish River Bridge in the summer while visiting my grandparents—the same bridge my dad and his siblings used to take turns jumping off when they were kids.

The freedom of summer lingered even into the fall.

The details of a stay at The Dunes are unmatched. The friendly and helpful staff go above and beyond to make sure guests feel at home and at ease. Each morning, we opened our door to a picnic basket of freshly made local coffee, tea, and pastries with a copy of the local newspaper. With nowhere to rush off to, we got to slowly enjoy our breakfast on the screened-in porch as the sun rose, listening to the ocean waves and autumn breeze through the leaves. It felt like we stepped back into a simpler era, where we could embrace the moment without reaching for our phones or wishing we were somewhere else. It was what vacations were always supposed to be.

While there are twenty-one cottages on the property, they are spread out enough that you aren’t at an overcrowded resort while close enough that you get an intimate community feel. Each has its own name and unique charm. The bedrooms are spacious and inviting, and individual bathrooms are even stocked with Santal 33 products, while the living areas, kitchens, and porches give you the space to gather. No details are left undone. Each cottage is decorated with an elevated New England coastal core look. Our cottage, “Poppy,” came decked with green-and-white striped bedding, tastefully done shiplap, scalloped side tables, and raffia shades. It was the picture-perfect summer home of my dreams.

An easy drive down Route 1 from Portland, The Dunes is minutes from the charming Ogunquit downtown and a short trip to many beautiful towns in Maine, including Kennebunkport, Cape Neddick, and more. Most mornings, we took a jog through downtown onto Marginal Way, a paved trail that curves along the oceanfront, where we basked in the sun as we weaved into Perkins Cove and onto the beach.

It felt like I had stepped into the fictional, idyllic vacation spots from my favorite summer novels.

Upon our return, we’d stop by The Lodge at The Dunes for freshly made smoothies, where we got to chat with the staff about the eighty-eight years of history and the upgrades that had been made since hotelier Tim Harrington purchased the property in 2023. It was amazing to hear stories from staff who had been there through the transition of ownership and how excited they were about the families who continue to return each season to make lifelong memories. Sometimes, change is hard to embrace, especially when changing to something more “upscale,” because it often takes away from the charm that makes you want to keep coming back in the first place. But in this case, The Dunes has only become more of the quintessential northeastern vacation destination thanks to Harrington’s guidance and the beautiful work of lead designers Krista Stokes and Mark Cotto.

Embracing that charm led to my dad and his sisters sharing stories from their childhood vacations. They argued over details they remembered differently and laughed while recalling things my grandfather used to say. Being on the New England coast together brought them back to their roots, and in a way, it brought me back to mine.

Each day, we explored the nearby towns. We consumed as much lobster and as many fresh oysters as we could find (The Maine Catch and CREW were two of our favorite eateries close by). There was no shortage of unique shops in which to get lost hunting for the perfect souvenirs. Each evening, we watched the sun go down over the dunes while enjoying a bonfire setup with ingredients for s’mores and a bottle of rosé. During high tide, we were chartered to the beach along the river on The Dunes Cabana Boat. And in the summer, you can find fellow guests slowly kayaking along the river. The activities offered are perfect for a family-friendly vacation experience.

If you’re looking to live out your own novel-worthy New England summer dreams with your significant other, experience your childhood all over again with your extended family, have the ultimate girls trip, or just make new memories with loved ones, The Dunes on the Waterfront is waiting for you.

All Aboard!

Discovering the Scenic Ogunquit River | By Gerald Burwell

The outboard motor of the Cabana Boat purred as we glided south down the Ogunquit River. It was a brisk, sunny day with a light wind, but the barrier dune that flanked us to the east kept the water surface from getting too choppy. The pontoon hull easily dispatched any roughness on the water, making for a smooth ride. At the helm was the capable and experienced Captain Laura Rose, exuding a reassuring, calm confidence. While en route, Captain Rose highlighted some interesting landmarks and wildlife.

The Ogunquit River is a tidal river that plays a significant role in shaping the natural and geographical landscapes of Ogunquit, Maine, contributing significantly to its unique character and offering a variety of ecological and recreational opportunities. The river originates from inland freshwater sources and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The river’s estuarine environment supports extensive salt marshes, which are vital ecosystems for numerous bird species, fish, and other animals. As the river approaches the ocean, it flows south to the Atlantic Ocean between the marshy mainland and Ogunquit Beach—a three-and-a-half-mile stretch of sandy beach famous for its fine light sand and gentle slope, making it one of the most popular beaches in Maine. The Dunes on the Waterfront is ideally located midway along Ogunquit Beach, on the landward side of the river.

Within five minutes, the first waypoint of our excursion—the Beach Street bridge at historic Ogunquit—was in clear view. Captain Rose adeptly and gently navigated the boat under the bridge to the seaward side for an expansive, uninterrupted view of the river mouth. While soaking in the vibrant coastal scenery, we were captivated by Captain Rose’s story of raising her family in Ogunquit as a boat captain and, for the last quarter century, founding and operating a seafood restaurant with her sons that has become one of the town’s most popular and charming dining destinations.

After ten minutes, we were again underway, heading back toward the resort for a beachside stop before the tour ended. This time, hugging the landward marshes for a different experience. The tide was still high, which allowed us to experience the river in all its glory. The river is heavily influenced by ocean tides, leading to significant changes in water levels and causing extreme shifts in its ecological character throughout the day. That’s why it is essential for the guests at The Dunes on the Waterfront resort to plan their beach outings. When the tide is out, the water is not deep enough for the Cabana Boat to ferry the guests back and forth, and the only way to return to the resort is by way of the public footbridge toward the marshy north end of the river, which can be time-consuming.

By the end of our almost hour-long tour, it was clear that Captain Rose could conduct these trips with her eyes closed. Nevertheless, despite the seemingly routine nature of the excursion, she remained focused on the present, dedicating her full attention to the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of her passengers. Her joyful commitment to her job reflects a rare respect for one’s profession in today’s world.

A stay at The Dunes on the Waterfront presents a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the river and its environs, so during your visit, we highly recommend exploring the beautiful Ogunquit River. For those who prefer to explore independently, The Dunes offers watercraft rentals, allowing guests to navigate the river at their own pace and discover its secrets. And don’t forget to stop by the Rose Cove restaurant for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s culinary delights and idyllic sidewalk café setting create an unforgettable dining experience!

— V —

Visit DunesontheWaterfront.com and follow @dunesonthewaterfrontmaine on Instagram to learn more and book your stay!