Writing this review before I have to return to reality. As others have stated Attean is a dream. I’ve travelled quite a bit and it’s REALLY hard to recreate what they are able to do. The combination of rustic charm, feeling like you’re in a true Maine camp, top notch food, just the right amount of off the grid, clean, and inviting. ||||To the reviewer five years ago that gave it 3 out of 5 because they had to restate their food allergy, trust me when I say the lodge has completely course corrected. My child’s tree nut allergy was clearly labeled on our name tag at dinner and we were consistently reassured the chef was aware of her allergy. Traveling with food allergies is a pain and nothing us parents asked for, but we didn’t give it another thought here, they had it covered. OK, on to the good stuff…||||The activities, rooms, grounds, views, food, and vibe are ALL amazing, but what separates Attean from other getaways is what’s not there. There aren’t 5,000 signs telling you what you can’t do, directing you, or over explaining. The staff is there, yet not there in the most amazing way. If you need something they can either take care of it for you or get someone immediately to help. It takes a special team to pull together what they have and a certain personality of people to appreciate and respect the calm, quiet, and definitive lack of structure Attean offers. This is a quiet island. If you and your traveling companions are here to be loud this place is 100% not for you. However, if you are a child or adult looking for multiple reasons to smile, laugh, or chill this is your jam. ||||Here’s a couple of tips I’m using to make my return visit even better. || 1. Headlamps for all. Even with the amazing kerosene lamps in the cabins, it can get a little dark. Headlamps for walking to/from the main lodge and those late night reading sessions are a help. || 2. Additional lighting - Battery powered lights like a lantern or even a flashlight hanging from the ceiling can throw a really good amount of light. Helps you find those late night snacks that you know you’ll have in your cabin.|| 3. Comfy foldable chairs. If there is one knock I’ve got and trust me, it’s minor, I could never quite get comfortable in the futon or rocking chairs provided in our cabin (Montclair). I have a nice canvas camping chair that I can sit in for hours and I’m bringing that next time. || 4. Binoculars - the interplay of the wilderness, scenery, island, water and everything else in between is a sight to behold, just wished I grabbed my binocs to make it even better. || 5. Plan ahead - As of August 2020 Attean is taking reservations for 2022. Repeat, this is during COVID when all hospitality is taking a major hit. i|| 6. Boats - The kayaks, SUPs, canoes are all free, just be mindful of the wind which can whip up unexpectedly|| 7. The food - First night we got there our choices were lobster or prime rib. The desserts are original, down to earth, and get-in-my-face good. ||||Here are some other things of note that I haven’t seen in reviews:||||Beds - The beds in our rooms were amazing, no dated spring-infested cots, these are legit and seemingly new beds.||Bugs - Late August and no black flies, mosquitoes, or anything else to make you miserable. ||Critters - I saw two squirrels (one named Dill), but none scurrying in/around our cabin.||Cash - Pretty much everything is included, but stuff like tipping, boat rentals, gift shop, etc is all handled when you settle your tab at the end of your stay. Heaven. ||Main lodge - New, clean, warm, inviting with stunning dining views and just functional enough wifi that you can get those texts or catch up on the Gram, but dodgy enough that your kids can’t stream Paw Patrol for 10 hours. ||COVID - did I mention this amazing life altering trip was during the hell that is COVID? Barely affected the stay. Folks mostly respected wearing a mask in the lodge when moving about. They tried to have all meals outside weather permitting. Like anything, the staff handled it graciously and without incident. ||||In conclusion, It’s hard for me to truly shut down and relax and Attean is one of the few places that makes it so easy for...
Read moreSummer 2024: Making Memories & Scheduling Family Time - 2025 As my husband and I were checking out (summer of 2024) and booking our cabin for next year (summer 2025), I had a thought: What if we invited our adult sons and daughter, and their partners, to join us? In that moment I also began thinking of reasons why it might not work—schedules, preferences, and other commitments. But for weeks the idea lingered, and I decide to just ask. So, I did. They all said yes!
In staying at Attean Lake Lodge, one can't help but appreciate how well set up it is for family gatherings or even larger reunions. It is the type of vacation where you can step in and out of having family time. Maybe part of the family wants to go on an epic canoe or kayak adventure and a few others wish to sit at the beach and gaze across the lake, and still others have a trek in mind. You can enjoy quality family time without being on top of each other, share adventures, and make plans for the next day while gathering to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals.
If you are looking to make memories together, free from daily distractions that quickly erode quality time, then Attean Lake Lodge is that place! Take your "I wonder if..." thought, put it out there to the family, and hopefully be delighted to know that your family vacation or gathering has now moved from being a dream into reality.
Summer 2023: We pay for the things we need, and we pay for things we value. Sometimes they are one in the same, but sometimes they are not. A vacation at Attean Lake Lodge provides excellent value and completely fulfills a psychological need. There is growing evidence, from research studies around the globe, that being in nature positively contributes to physical and cognitive health. At Attean Lake Lodge you can leave the island on which the resort is situated and be a speck in the wilderness or join other guests in the lodge for games and conversation. You will meet people who have returned for decades and others who are new to the experience and already booking a spot for next year. Words like “magical,” “freeing,” “relaxing,” “caring,” “inspiring,” and “priceless” come to mind when reflecting on a vacation at Attean Lake Lodge. With cabins that offer modern amenities and remain comfortably quaint, with free access to all unmotorized watercraft, with three well thought-out meals a day, with a lodge stocked with puzzles and games, a swimming beach, endless miles of trails to hike, acres to paddle, access to fishing equipment, and a break from all that pokes and prods you in your day-to-day life, you end your vacation firmly knowing you got great value, with expectations exceeded, and a yearning in your soul to return year after year. (My parents, when they lived in Maine, treated us to a few family vacations at Attean Lake Lodge. This year I got to introduce my husband to all it offers and he would not let us leave without booking for...
Read moreI have had the pleasure of staying at Attean Lake Lodge for several years now. It is nestled by a picturesque lake in the beautiful state of Maine. This hidden gem provided a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a tranquil setting that rejuvenated both body and mind.
Location: Situated amidst a pristine natural landscape, the cabin's location was truly remarkable. Surrounded by dense forests and overlooking the calm waters of the lake, it offered breathtaking views and a sense of complete seclusion. The remoteness of the cabin ensured a peaceful and uninterrupted getaway, allowing me to reconnect with nature and find solace in its serene ambiance.
Accommodations: The cabin itself was cozy and well-appointed, providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The rustic charm of the interior, combined with modern conveniences in the lodge, created a harmonious blend.
Scenic Surroundings: The true highlight of my cabin was its proximity to the lake. Access to a dock allowed for endless hours of relaxation and enjoyment. I spent my days basking in the sun, taking refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters, and embracing the tranquility of the surroundings. The stunning sunsets and the soothing sounds of nature provided an idyllic backdrop for unwinding and reflection.
Outdoor Activities: For those seeking adventure, the cabin offered an array of outdoor activities. Exploring the surrounding forests through scenic hiking trails was an absolute delight. Additionally, canoeing and kayaking on the lake provided a sense of exploration and added to the overall experience. The diverse wildlife and the opportunity for fishing added an extra layer of excitement to my stay.
Overall, my experience at this lodge on a Attean lake in Maine was nothing short of magical. The tranquil atmosphere, stunning surroundings, and comfortable accommodations provided the perfect escape from the demands of everyday life. Whether seeking solitude, outdoor adventure, or simply a place to unwind, this remote cabin offers a slice of paradise that will leave you...
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