* Photography by Macrae Marran

Maine is the living embodiment of American culture, notably early settlements. Given that it was one of the original 13 colonies in the USA, Maine started as a part of Massachusetts. Yet, it has an independent history, including shipbuilding, whaling, cuisine, and the revolutionary war. If you’ve spent time in Maine, you’ve probably experienced things unlike anywhere else. Such is the power of the nation’s northeasternmost state. 

Long a playground for city dwellers, the shores of Maine provide a sanctuary for welcomed guests all summer long. Although many regions of the state are worth exploring year-round, there’s something special about vacationing there during the summer and autumn. From magnificent state parks with rugged natural beauty to panoramic coastal views of the Atlantic to some of the best cuisine New England has, Maine has a way of making each day unforgettable. And more to my point, Maine offers outdoor recreation all year round.

 Truthfully, the autumn season is an experience that heightens all the senses at once.

In 2022, menswear designer Todd Snyder introduced a new partnership with the Hidden Pond luxury resort by debuting The Bungalows by Todd Snyder. In collaboration with Atlantic Holdings’ Creative and Art Director Krista Stokes and Kennebunkport Resort Collection’s Creative Director Mark Cotto, Todd Snyder created the upscale hideaways to evoke familiarity and comfort with a surprising sense of adventure amongst the enchanted woods.

The redesign of the resort’s 20 bungalows follows on the heels of the 2020 collaboration with the treetop lodge. Influenced by the Synder’’s travels to Rangeley Lakes, Mount Katahdin, and Sebago Lake, the result is an intermix between Hidden Pond’s ethos of rustic charm blended with approachable chic with reimagined bungalows which lend a contemporary flair. 

Tucked in 60 acres of the pristine birch forest, Hidden Pond is a private luxury Maine resort comprised of two-bedroom cottages, one-bedroom bungalows, and new Treetop Lodges – each with a unique interior design and style. 

The newly designed cabins feature design concepts, including countryside, mountainside, and seaside. Tree Spa is on-site to offer guests the gift of relaxation and an organic garden named The Farm, two pools, and two food & beverage spots. Earth is Hidden Pond’s farm-to-fork restaurant that takes pride in utilizing organic and seasonal ingredients in its innovative dishes. Those who wish to enjoy a drink by the pool can imbibe at the Back Porch Bar, which serves up local brews and fruit-infused cocktails. In addition, Hidden Pond offers an array of fitness amenities and activities such as hiking trails, biking, paddle boarding, yoga, and more for more active guests.

“As one of the premier luxury resorts in Kennebunkport, we seek to create unrivaled and unexpected experiences for all types of travelers,” says Justin Grimes, Managing Director of Kennebunkport Resort Collection. 

“Following the success of partnering with Todd Snyder to debut his first hotel collaboration in fall 2020, we are eager to tell more of our shared vision and love of Maine. Combining fashion, travel, and nature offers our guests an exclusive stylish lodging experience at Hidden Pond.” 

Kennebunkport truly offers something for everyone, featuring top-notch dining outlets, art galleries, antique shops, beaches, and plenty of on and off-land activities, including lobster tours and bike trails. The ideal place to travel with friends, families, your significant other, or by yourself, Kennebunkport lends itself to an activity-packed vacation.

I recently interviewed designer Todd Snyder about why he believes good style can be attainable and playful.  And why his aim was for visitors to have their own experience.

Joseph DeAcetis: As a successful fashion designer of your eponymous brand, what skills were you able to segway into designing the interiors of the HIDDEN POND RESORT cottages? 

Todd Synder:  One thing I look to for my brand is collaboration, and designing The Bungalows allowed me to tap into that world again. We worked with people like John Derian on wallpaper and furnishings, L.L.Bean on unique fabrics for upholstered pieces, and Stephen Kenn on custom benches. I also highlight traditional craftsmanship and ensure elements (whether in interior design or on the runway) are rooted in utility and function while still looking and feeling luxurious.

JD: What questions did you ask the client before visualizing and designing the space?

Todd Synder: I think it’s essential to consider who would stay in these spaces and what would make their stay more comfortable.  A space to make them want to come back again and again. I’m lucky enough to have stayed at Hidden Pond a few times, so I know the feeling well and can create distinct designs that feel connected yet still unique. 

JD: How did you approach breaking down a small space? 

TS: We could section off the living space to create a sitting place, add a couch down to face the fireplace, and cover the back end of the sofa with tabes featuring storage, plants, memorabilia, and more to add to the space. 

JD: In your words, what was the most crucial factor when designing the Hidden Pond cottages?  

TS: It was essential for us to make each bungalow unique. We wanted visitors to have their own experience in the space they chose, so we collected for six months to ensure each place had its unique feel. 

JD: What materials did you prefer when designing the cottage’s interior? — What is the type of lighting you followed for the cottage?

TS: All themes, while inherently different, weave a common thread of design elements seen throughout my brand. Each concept features similar four-post beds, Blu Dot coffee tables, brass-based lighting, hardwood floors, wallpaper-accented walls, traditional menswear plaids, and additional characteristics stemming from Todd Snyders’s ongoing L.L.Bean collaboration. 

JD: What were your thoughts (in a good way) on using lights in the cottages at Hidden Pond Resort? 

TS: I wanted to ensure the lighting in The Bungalows enhanced the design and didn’t take away from any of the natural beauty of Maine. We used soft, antique brass Charlton lighting and sourced accent lighting from vintage stores in the Hudson Valley, Kennebunkport, and Cape Cod.

JD:  How did you envision the use of space on the porch for the guests? 

TS: I like to wake up and have a cup of coffee on the porch while I just take in the sounds of the woods. I wanted it to be a serene place for others, as it is for myself, an area to take in the outdoors while sitting on a comfortable chair in a well-designed space.

JD: Mention some of the modern interior design techniques that you used to create the Todd Synder concept 

TS: The Todd Snyder brand takes a relaxed and refined approach to building effortless, everyday luxuries for the modern man. This open approach to curating the bungalows carries the rustic theme through each space in an elevated and contemporary way. 

 For more information, visit https://hiddenpondmaine.com/ and follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram.

Words And Wardrobe Styling:  Joseph DeAcetis

Photography: Macrae Marran 

Male Model:  Boxer: Brian Ceballo

Female Model: Jeanne-Louise by @vnymodels 

Hair and Make-up:  Stetson Bryan