AWOL Kennebunkport

The second installment in Lark Hotels’ AWOL series finds itself in the classic coastal destination of Kennebunkport, Maine, most famously the site of the Bush dynasty’s compound and other upper-crust vacation homes. But AWOL Kennebunkport, designed by the Massachusetts-based Elder & Ash, is much more stylish than the setting might suggest. It’s centered around the historic Captain Walker house, right on the edge of the compact town center, no more than a few minutes’ walk from anything else in town. And to the six-bedroom main house they’ve added a further eleven suites in a more modern style, in cabins spread across the grounds.

Don’t go expecting a vacation-house vibe, though — every unit is built for two, making AWOL Kennebunkport perhaps better suited to a romantic weekend or a spot of tranquil seclusion. And all of the rooms and suites, whether in the main house or in the cabin, mix modern style with warm, organic materials and textures; some come with fireplaces or soaking tubs. And while there’s no on-site restaurant, there’s a daily breakfast service, and most of Kennebunkport’s restaurants lie within easy strolling distance — to reach the rest, AWOL offers bikes for guests’ use.