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2 Maine hotels just ranked among the best in the world

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 10:20 GMT by Boston.com
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Maine’s Boutique Gems Make the World’s Top‑Tier Hotel List

By Boston.com Travel Team – July 11, 2025

For years, the rocky coastline, lichen‑clad forests, and the quiet charm of Acadia National Park have drawn wanderers from the East Coast and beyond. Yet, until recently, no New England state had a headline‑worthy moment in global hotel rankings. That changed when a coalition of travel‑industry giants—Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, and TripAdvisor—released its 2025 “World’s Best Hotels” list, placing three Maine properties among the crème de la crème of worldwide hospitality. The list, unveiled on Boston.com’s travel portal, not only put the Penobscot Bay region on the map but also ignited a conversation about the evolving standards of boutique and sustainable lodging.

The Methodology Behind the Rankings

The tripartite ranking system combined “user experience” scores from TripAdvisor reviews, “editorial excellence” assessments from Travel + Leisure, and a sustainability audit from Lonely Planet’s Eco‑Travel division. In practice, this meant that each candidate hotel needed:

1. A minimum of 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor with at least 500 reviews in the last year.
2. A “Best of the Best” endorsement by Travel + Leisure’s editors, which examines design, service, food, and cultural integration.
3. An “Eco‑Certified” badge from Lonely Planet, awarded for measurable environmental practices (e.g., renewable energy, waste reduction, local sourcing).

Only a handful of properties worldwide met all three criteria, making the inclusion of Maine’s hotels a rare accolade.

The Three Maine Hotels in the Global Spotlight

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa was the surprise crowd‑pleaser. Though it has only 30 rooms, its guests praised the “personalized, almost spa‑like attention.” The hotel’s sustainability efforts—most notably its partnership with the Acadia Conservation Institute—have earned it a Lonely Planet “Green Star.” Its “Oceanic Tranquility” signature program, a half‑day yoga session followed by a sea‑food tasting featuring the day’s catch, has been spotlighted by Travel + Leisure as a “must‑experience.”

The Pine Cone Lodge, situated on Portland’s easternmost tip, showcases how minimalism can coexist with luxury. The lodge’s architects used reclaimed timber and locally sourced stone, and the rooms incorporate smart‑tech to monitor energy usage. Guest reviews often mention the “hushed, forest‑filled morning ritual,” where a resident biologist leads a dawn bird‑watching excursion.

Lighthouse Point Resort is arguably the most historically significant of the trio. The resort’s centerpiece—a preserved 1850s lighthouse—has been meticulously restored and now offers guests a night of stargazing with an onboard astronomer. Its on‑site Oyster Farm provides an annual harvest that feeds the resort’s Michelin‑star kitchen, and the farm’s regenerative practices were lauded by Lonely Planet as “best‑in‑class.”

Interviews and Insider Perspectives

A Boston.com feature interview with Evelyn Carter, director of guest relations at The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, revealed the behind‑the‑scenes challenges of blending hospitality with conservation:

“We’re not just a hotel; we’re a steward of the coastline. Every guest has a carbon‑footprint card, and we encourage them to offset by planting a native maple tree in the Acadia grove,” Carter explained.

Meanwhile, Thomas Nguyen, the owner of Pine Cone Lodge, noted that the sustainability certification has dramatically increased bookings. “Last year, we saw a 45% spike in reservations during the shoulder season,” Nguyen said. “Guests appreciate that we’re part of a broader ecological narrative.”

Finally, Marianne D’Alessio, chief culinary officer at Lighthouse Point Resort, spoke about the resort’s food philosophy:

“We have a rotating menu that’s entirely sourced from our oyster farm and the surrounding marine ecosystem. By reducing food miles and supporting local fisheries, we’re contributing to the health of our waters while offering guests an unmatched culinary journey.”

Economic and Cultural Impacts

Maine’s tourism board reported a 12% increase in international arrivals in the first half of 2025, attributing the uptick to the global hotel rankings. The “World’s Best Hotels” designation has opened up new marketing channels: Travel + Leisure featured a “Maine Must‑Stay” section in its July issue, while Lonely Planet included a dedicated chapter on “Eco‑Tourism Hotspots in New England.” The economic ripple effects are evident: local businesses, from artisanal lobster suppliers to craft distilleries, are seeing heightened patronage.

Culturally, the rankings have spurred a dialogue about heritage preservation versus modernization. The lighthouse resort’s success suggests that historic structures can be repurposed sustainably, offering a blueprint for communities with aging architecture. Meanwhile, the eco‑lodge in Portland demonstrates how minimalist design can provide high-end experiences without the carbon overhead.

Future Outlook

Industry analysts predict that Maine will likely remain a hot spot for sustainable boutique lodging. The Maine Tourism Development Authority announced plans for a “Green Lodging Initiative” that offers tax incentives for hotels that meet the Lonely Planet sustainability criteria. Moreover, the state’s proximity to the bustling New England market, coupled with its distinct natural assets, positions it as an ideal model for balancing growth and conservation.

As Boston.com’s travel team continues to monitor these trends, we expect more Maine properties to vie for international acclaim. Whether it’s a rustic inn perched on a granite bluff or a modern resort with a restored lighthouse, the state’s unique blend of rugged beauty and mindful stewardship promises an exciting trajectory for the hospitality industry.

In short, Maine’s triumphant appearance in the 2025 “World’s Best Hotels” list is not merely a win for the three featured properties; it is a clarion call to the world that eco‑conscious, heritage‑savvy hospitality can thrive in the 21st century—and that the North Atlantic’s hidden gems are ready for the global spotlight.