Cliff House Maine exemplifies true luxury amidst the natural beauty of coastal Maine. After a complete architectural reimagination, the landmark resort re-emerged as one of the most captivating waterfront destinations in the United States. This iconic Maine resort, which welcomed its first guests in 1872, today inspires a discerning community of travelers with remarkable sightlines, intuitive amenities, and emotionally rewarding encounters.
Located minutes from Ogunquit’s sandy beach and just over an hour north of Boston, Cliff House Maine stretches across 70 oceanfront acres, 90' above sea level perched atop Bald Head Cliff. Year-round guests are mesmerized by views of the sunrise over an infinite horizon, expansive stretches of rugged coastline and beloved historic landmarks such as Nubble Lighthouse.
Places & Spaces
Each of its 226 inviting luxury accommodations—including guest rooms and suites—boast private terraces and incomparable oceanfront views. Custom-designed with graceful coastal style and handcrafted elements, Cliff House Maine's serene accommodations are richly textured yet comfortably refined.
For unforgettable social gatherings, engaging meetings, or corporate retreats, Cliff House offers over 25,000 square feet of event space, including the Atlantic Ballroom—from which double-height panoramic windows reveal the seemingly boundless ocean below. A luxury spa and wellness center, oceanfront restaurants, year-round activities and events, and thoughtful amenities capture the best of New England for immersive experiences in every season.
Dining
Rediscover Maine dining. Native ingredients honor Maine’s indelible heritage. By partnering with local fishermen, farmers, distillers, and purveyors, Cliff House combines the region’s distinctive culture and tradition with culinary innovation and sustainable practices for an authentic and nuanced dining experience.
The resort's signature restaurant, The Tiller – is a bright and inviting oceanfront dining destination, suspended over the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking panoramic views of Cape Neddick. Indulge in the quintessential Maine experience at Nubb's Lobster Shack, and provide fuel for a days worth of adventures at Bald Head Coffee. Seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are always prepared with farm-fresh Maine produce, line-caught fish, locally raised beef, and homemade recipes passed down from generation to generation.
The resort's newest al fresco dining concept, Portside Café, features a full, Mediterranean-inspired menu and refreshing seasonal beverages —perfect for a relaxing seaside day. Located adjacent to The Cove pool and hot tub, and overlooking North Point Lawn, Portside Cafe offers incomparable views up the northern Maine Coast.
The Spa at Cliff House
This tranquil seaside haven of wellness and relaxation is a luxurious 9,000 square-foot retreat situated high atop the majestic cliffs of Maine’s southern coast. Guests are invited to unwind before their treatment in the luminous sanctuary, enchanted by views of the cliff and infinite horizon. The Spa at Cliff House provides energetic, therapeutic and holistic services sure to delight each and every guest. Unique skin, nail and body treatments using the highest quality organic botanicals are also offered, all tying back to the natural wonders of our surroundings.
History
The Cliff House story begins in 1866. The Civil War had just ended, and the nation turned its attention to reconstruction. The Boston and Maine Railroad was about to add a spur to York, Maine, and this news was not lost on Elsie Jane, wife of Captain Theodore Weare. She invested their money to purchase land on Bald Head Cliff and began planning a resort. Elsie Jane opened The Cliff House in 1872, with rates for the 1872 premier season of $6.00 per week, per person, including all three meals. The Cliff House soon became the preferred resort of the most refined families of the time, attracting guests from as far away as England and continental Europe. During this genteel age, guests entertained themselves with card parties, croquet, and horseshoe pitching. The Cliff House was a peaceful Maine retreat, rich with verdant lawns, wild roses, and suspended between an enormous expanse of sky and the ever-changing sea.
Around 1910, Elsie Jane turned over control of The Cliff House to her son, Charles. Charles embarked on a modernization campaign that resulted in indoor plumbing and electric lights. In time, he even added a bowling alley to supplement the amateur theater and entertainment presented at the oceanfront resort. To help meet the demand for accommodations, the Oceanview Annex was built, and the Colonial Annex followed shortly after. The latter featured the first private baths in the area. As automobiles became more common, Charles erected individual garages and had a gas pump installed for the convenience of his motoring guests.
The Cliff House thrived through the roaring 20’s, as well as the precarious 30’s. World War II, however, shuttered The Cliff House to guests, but the resort was drafted to aid the country’s efforts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took over the property, built a radar station, and kept a 24-hour-a-day vigil for Nazi submarines in the coastal waters.
Transformation
This iconic resort, just miles from Ogunquit, underwent a landmark transformation. Re-imagination of space and concept continues today across its 70 clifftop, oceanfront acres.
The resort features contemporary, nautically-inspired guest rooms, over 40 suites and a classic New England Cottage, plus 25,000 square feet of new meeting and event space, including the dramatic Atlantic Ballroom, oceanfront dining and bars, indigenous landscaping, and many other enhancements. An expansive spa and wellness center is a delightful gem of the resort. The resort's engaging and thoughtful programming continues to redefine the southern Maine luxury escape.
Generation after generation, as guests step out onto their private terraces, an energizing breeze sweeps up from the surf below, past the wild rose bushes, to extend a timeless welcome. Those who return each year enthusiastically report that this is when their spirits soar.