The Dunes on the Waterfront, Ogunquit, Maine, Review

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

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The Dunes on the Waterfront, an iconic resort in Ogunquit, Maine, has reopened under new management after a $10 million renovation. This seaside property, which has been a fixture in the area for over 85 years, features 23 charming white cottages with green shutters and windowboxes full of flowers. Set over 12 acres of oceanfront land, each standalone cottage has plenty of privacy. The renovation has updated the resort with modern amenities while preserving its historic charm.

Outside view of a Cottage at the Dunes on the Waterfront — Katie Nielson

The Dunes on the Waterfront occupies a peaceful location on a tidal river across from Ogunquit Beach, which was recently named one of the best beaches in America. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated oceanfront pool, kayaking, and paddleboarding or simply relax on their screened-in cottage porch. The resort’s location, a short distance from Ogunquit’s downtown area, allows visitors to explore local shops and restaurants easily.

The Location

The resort is separated from Ogunquit Beach by a narrow tidal river. You can easily walk across the dry riverbed at low tide in approximately five minutes and be on the sandy beach. At high tide, you can take a complimentary boat ride from the hotel to the beach or borrow a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to make it across.

Scenic view of the waterfront at the Dunes on the Waterfront - Ogunquit, Maine — Katie Nielson

The property sits on a quiet residential street outside Ogunquit’s busy downtown area. I recommend borrowing one of the resort’s bikes (locks, helmets, lights, and baskets are provided) to explore—so you can avoid the traffic that often gridlocks downtown.

The Rooms

The Dunes boasts 23 renovated cottages, each with a unique name and character, like “Driftwood” or “Seagrass.” While preserving their classic coastal exteriors, the interiors have been updated with modern amenities, including gas fireplaces, spacious bathrooms, and kitchenettes.

I stayed in Lookout, a two-bedroom waterfront cottage furnished with local antiques and artwork. Modern comforts included Cuddledown bedding, plush robes, a wet bar stocked with complimentary drinks (including Whispering Angel wine) and snacks, a coffeemaker, a gas fireplace, and a screened-in porch.

Red Parlor Room - The Dunes on the Waterfront Review - Ogunquit, Maine — Katie Nielson

The property’s thoughtful layout ensures water views for nearly all cottages. Guests can choose from various room configurations, ranging from one to three bedrooms, to suit their needs.

Dining

While The Dunes on the Waterfront doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, it encourages guests to explore the over 40 dining options nearby. The resort has partnered with its neighbor, the popular Ogunquit Lobster Pound, offering guests a complimentary dessert upon presenting their room key.

Mornings at The Dunes are a treat. Each day begins with a doorstep delivery of pastries from the local Bread & Roses bakery, accompanied by The New York Times and a thermos of hot coffee. Sitting on the screened-in porch while reading the paper and sipping coffee was the highlight of my mornings here.

Amenities

The Dunes on the Waterfront fully embraces its seaside location, with amenities centered around getting out on the water. The beautiful heated pool overlooks the ocean and has plenty of sunbeds with umbrellas for lounging under. Bright yellow inflatable tubes in the pool allow guests to float while reading (or napping).

Other amenities include:

Lawn games
Firepit and s’mores
Complimentary bikes
Free shuttle service into Ogunquit and nearby beaches
Complimentary use of kayaks, standup paddleboards, and rowboats
Pastries, coffee, and newspapers delivered to rooms each morning

Price and How to Book

Rates start at around $1,000 per night and can be booked directly with Dunes on the Waterfront.

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