Travel Local: Award-Winning Escapes in New England
You've heard ‘Shop Local’ for restaurants, boutiques, and farmers markets. But what about luxury travel? Maybe it’s time to add ‘Travel Local’ to the conversation.
When Travel + Leisure's 180,000 readers cast their votes for the 2025 World's Best Awards, they delivered a powerful message: some of the finest accommodations in America are right here in New England. Six exceptional properties earned top rankings in their categories, with The Norumbega in Camden, Maine claiming the #1 inn in the entire continental United States and Mount Desert Island securing the top island spot.
In its 30th year, the World's Best Awards continues to be one of the travel industry's most prestigious honors, selected entirely by discerning travelers who rate properties on everything from rooms and facilities to service, location, and overall value. This year's results put New England firmly in the spotlight and for good reason.
For New England residents, these award-winning escapes offer something rare: world-class hospitality right in your own backyard. We're quick to book flights to distant destinations while overlooking the treasures within a few hours' drive. These properties prove that transformative travel experiences don't require TSA lines or passport stamps.
For travelers from beyond our region, this is your insider's guide to experiencing authentic New England. These aren't properties that rely on large marketing budgets because they've earned their acclaim through consistent excellence recognized by seasoned travelers. This is experiencing New England like the locals - the inns we recommend to visiting friends, the coastal retreats we return to year after year, the hidden gems that make our region special.
Whether you're a New Englander ready to rediscover your own region or a traveler seeking an authentic New England experience, here's your guide to the area's best, organized geographically for easy trip planning. All within three hours of Boston, making them perfect for a long weekend or the centerpiece of a more extensive coastal journey.
Mid-Coast Maine: The Jewel Box of New England Inns
The Norumbega, Camden - #1 Inn in the Continental United States
Perched on a hillside overlooking Penobscot Bay, The Norumbega claimed the top spot among all inns in the continental U.S. this year, which was a remarkable achievement for the historic "Stone Castle by the Sea." Built in 1886 as a private residence, this romantic retreat has been thoughtfully restored by owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie, who purchased the property in 2022 and breathed new life into its Victorian-era grandeur.
Travel + Leisure readers praised the inn's luxurious interiors filled with thoughtful details, exceptional service from a kind and courteous staff, and its prime location with quick access to downtown Camden. The property was also named among the top 100 hotels in the world, placing it in truly elite company.
What sets The Norumbega apart is its owners' philosophy: they didn't want perfection, they wanted charm. The result is an inn that honors its historic bones while feeling fresh and inviting. The on-site restaurant, open Saturday through Tuesday evenings, showcases the kind of coastal Maine cuisine that has made the region a culinary destination.
Best for: Romantic getaways, anniversary celebrations, travelers who appreciate historic architecture with modern comforts
Insider tip: Book well in advance (though Rising Tide Travel, of course). The property is fully booked through October, a testament to its well-deserved acclaim. The restaurant is worth a visit even if you're staying elsewhere in the area.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours 15 minutes
The Kennebunks: Classic Coastal Maine Elegance
White Barn Inn, Kennebunk - Top 10 Inn in the Continental United States
The White Barn Inn has long been synonymous with refined coastal luxury, and its inclusion in this year's top 10 reaffirms its status as a Maine classic. Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, the property masterfully balances New England tradition with contemporary luxury.
The inn's restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored barn, has earned national acclaim for its farm-to-table approach and impeccable wine program, making it a natural fit for food and wine enthusiasts seeking both culinary excellence and coastal charm.
Best for: Culinary-focused getaways, special occasions, travelers seeking refined service in a classic New England setting
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort, Kennebunkport - Top 10 Inn in the Continental United States
Overlooking the rocky shores where the Kennebunk River meets the Atlantic, Cape Arundel Inn captures the essence of coastal Maine with sweeping ocean views and understated elegance. The property's Ocean restaurant specializes in locally sourced seafood and has become a destination on its own.
The inn's location in the heart of Kennebunkport puts you within walking distance of Dock Square's galleries and boutiques, while maintaining the tranquil, away-from-it-all feeling that makes Maine's coast so restorative.
Best for: Couples seeking ocean views, seafood lovers, those who want to be in the heart of Kennebunkport
Distance from Boston: 1 hour 35 minutes
Down East Maine: Island Paradise
Mount Desert Island - #1 Island in the Continental United States
Home to Acadia National Park and the charming town of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island reclaimed its crown as the best island in the continental U.S., a title it last held in 2010. This rugged, beautiful island offers everything from dramatic coastal hiking to yacht-filled harbors, lobster shacks to fine dining.
The island's appeal lies in its versatility. You can summit Cadillac Mountain for sunrise (the first place to see daybreak in the U.S.), kayak among the rocky coastline, bike the historic carriage roads, or simply settle into a harbor-side Adirondack chair with a glass of wine and watch the sailing boats drift by.
Among the island's accommodations, several properties consistently earn accolades for their combination of location, service, and that indescribable quality that makes you never want to leave.
Best for: Active travelers, nature enthusiasts, multi-generational families, those seeking both adventure and relaxation
Insider tip: Plan for at least three nights to truly experience the island. Consider a shoulder season visit (late May/early June or September) for fewer crowds and often more dramatic weather.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours 30 minutes
Western Maine Lakes Region: Lakeside Luxury
Quisisana Resort, Lovell - #4 Resort in the Continental United States | #1 Resort in New England
Here's a property that surprises even seasoned travelers: Quisisana Resort on the shores of Lake Kezar offers what Travel + Leisure calls "a nostalgic camp experience with a luxury twist." This classic Maine lakeside retreat features 40 private cottages and seven lodge rooms, all set against the backdrop of the White Mountains.
What makes Quisisana truly unique is its staff of professional musicians who perform nightly concerts for guests. Imagine spending your days swimming, kayaking, and hiking, then settling in for an evening performance that might range from classical chamber music to Broadway show tunes. It's an experience unlike anything else in New England.
Owners Sam and Nathalie Orans have created something rare: a resort that feels both timeless and contemporary, where families return year after year to reconnect with nature and each other.
Best for: Multi-generational family trips, music lovers, those seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, travelers looking for something completely different
Insider tip: The resort's combination of privacy (your own cottage) and community (shared dining and performances) creates a unique social dynamic. It's particularly magical for families with children who can roam freely and safely.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours 30 minutes
Martha's Vineyard: Island Sophistication
Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Edgartown - #15 Resort in the Continental United States
Winnetu delivers what Travel + Leisure describes as "seaside luxury, New England style." This family-friendly resort offers spacious accommodations that can comfortably fit multiple generations, extensive children's programming, and easy access to the Vineyard's famed beaches and bike trails.
Located in Edgartown, the island's most elegant town, Winnetu manages to be both upscale and relaxed, which is no small feat. The resort's restaurant showcases the Vineyard's agricultural bounty and fresh-caught seafood, while the beach shuttle makes it easy to explore different stretches of coastline.
Best for: Extended family gatherings, active families with children, those who want resort amenities with authentic island access
Insider tip: The ferry from Woods Hole takes about 45 minutes, making the Vineyard more accessible than many realize. Consider leaving your car on the mainland and using the resort's bike rentals and shuttle services.
Distance from Boston: 1 hours 30 minutes (plus 45-minute ferry)
At Rising Tide Travel, we believe the best journeys often begin closest to home, but we also know that "local" means something different depending on where you're based.
For New England residents: Let us reveal the award-winning destinations in your own backyard. We leverage our extensive firsthand knowledge of these properties and our deep relationships throughout the region to craft itineraries that go beyond simply booking a room. From the perfect restaurant reservations to insider access to local experiences, we'll help you rediscover your region with fresh eyes.
For travelers to New England: Let us design your authentic regional escape. These are the properties we know intimately, the restaurants we return to, the coastal drives we never tire of. We'll share New England the way locals experience it - with thoughtful touches and insider knowledge that transform a good trip into an extraordinary one.
Whether you're envisioning a romantic weekend at The Norumbega, a multi-generational gathering at Quisisana, or a comprehensive coastal journey that combines several of these properties, we handle every detail with the care and expertise that luxury travel demands.
Ready to travel local? Contact Rising Tide Travel to begin crafting your New England escape. Or, tell us where you're based, and we'll create a "Travel Local" guide for award-winning properties in your region.