1. Experience Winter at Samoset Resort
2. Glacier Ice Bar and Lounge
3. Unique Lodging Options
4. Dining Delights
5. Local Attractions
Samoset Resort transforms into a winter wonderland each year — cozy cottages included.
Living in Maine offers a unique perspective to experience a popular destination in a completely different way come winter. Upon entering the lobby of the Samoset Resort in Rockport, the panoramic view revealed a fresh January snowfall blanketing the championship golf course, where cross-country skiers were ensuring the greens remained vibrant.
In the backdrop, the Atlantic appeared more formidable than it does in the summer months. However, the cold did not deter guests from traversing the mile-long rocky breakwater to catch a close-up view of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Moreover, it’s this brisk air that allows chefs from various properties within the Opal Collection to showcase their carving skills during the annual Glacier Ice Bar and Lounge. Each January, 50,000 pounds of ice blocks are delivered and expertly carved to perfection, creating breathtaking sculptures for hotel guests and the local community to enjoy.
“Winter in the Midcoast is beautiful, albeit harsh, so providing the community with a reason to come together and celebrate the season has become a cherished tradition,” stated general manager Connie Russell. “Guests from near and far have attended repeatedly and truly appreciate the effort behind this event.”
To ensure guests enjoy their stay, Samoset offers a noon check-in time on Fridays, allowing visitors to maximize their weekend getaway. Families, including those with children, will appreciate this option, enabling kids to revel in activities like the pool, hot tub, gaming area, and expansive activity room before the journey home. An excellent tip is to choose the Hot Tub Suite, allowing you to watch the snow fall from your balcony, before returning to the lobby for s’mores by the fire.
A selection of charming cottages is also available on the property, providing stunning views of the golf course and the extensive landscape spanning the 230 oceanfront acres. The Flume Cottage stands out, nestled into Maine’s iconic rocky coastline, complete with an outdoor deck and hot tub that overlooks the bay as the waves crash below. This luxurious, 1,500-square-foot space feels exclusive, as if on a private island, yet with resort amenities just a fairway away.
This season, visitors can also indulge in iconic Maine dishes. At La Bella Vita, the main restaurant on-site, guests can savor a delightful salmon dinner accompanied by lobster risotto, followed by a unique lobster Benedict the next morning. The menu ingeniously combines Italian cuisine with local Maine flavors.
Additionally, heated igloos have been introduced this winter, presenting a novel option for enjoying outdoor dining in Maine, regardless of the chill.
Located conveniently, Samoset allows guests to experience the quaint towns of Camden and Rockland, both bursting with shops and restaurants that remain open during the off-season. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish having the Camden Snow Bowl nearby, where skiing and the opportunity to experience the renowned toboggan chute await.
As someone who resides inland, visiting the Midcoast region in winter is genuinely enchanting. Despite living in a neighboring county, the Samoset Resort transports me to a serene, majestic locale filled with inspiration.
