The oceanfront resort in East Boothbay previously known at Smugglers Cove Motel has gone through some big changes, including a name change to Sunset Beach on Linekin Bay. 
"This is a two year project that we have launched", said Alyssa Bouthot, Swan Hospitality VP. "We have wanted to make some big changes for a few years but other projects and ownership structure kept taking time away and this year we realized the timing was right to start a two phase investment. All of the stars finally lined up."

Manager, Zachary Hawbaker is a four-year veteran of summer seasons at the property and is taking over the reins as the on-site lodging manager. The management team is interviewing now for a manager of the restaurant/bar with a fresh new concept sure to appeal to both residents and visitors alike. The plan is to open the restaurant in early-mid July.

Local resident and longtime relations coordinator at the Chamber of Commerce, Rachel Tibbetts, is on board to help guide the property's evolution both as a tourist destination for lodging and a local and summer community destination for casual dining and gathering spot. 

"We are surrounding ourselves with loyal, trustworthy people who truly care about this remarkable property," said Bouthot. "Everyone is on the same page and understands and embraces our plan and goals for this property this year. We are looking at 2014 as the beginning of a great run."

“We have focused a lot of this spring’s work on infrastructure as well as upgrades like new high thread count linens and upscale amenities”, said Bouthot. “At the same time we want to keep the budget friendly theme going. We want Sunset Beach to be the place where you can go in Maine, stay on the ocean, enjoy the beach, the pool, the dock and not have to break the bank to do so."

Next year’s improvements are already taking shape with plans including the addition of a restaurant deck for outside dining, regular entertainment by Maine musicians and water sports on site. Sunset Beach on Linekin Bay will be open into October this year and bookings are already far ahead of the last few years.