From the moment you step foot on the property it’s clear that York, Maine’s Viewpoint Hotel is not short on ocean vistas. Perched on a prominent coastal cliff on Cape Neddick Point, the hotel has unobstructed views of the North Atlantic Ocean as well as the iconic Cape Neddick Light (affectionately known as the Nubble Lighthouse) straight ahead. From this vantage point, the lawn appears to lead straight down to the rocky shoreline, however, beneath a thick covering of grass is the hotel’s architectural trompe l’oeil hidden away in plain sight—and, if you ask me, some of the best rooms in the house.
I recently had the opportunity to visit and stay in one of the new Shoreside Cabanas, part of a multi-level structure with seven private oceanfront hotel rooms built into the side of the bluff blending into the sun-washed, wind-and-wave-beaten landscape. Modern by design, the cabanas are anchored in heritage—the name stemming from The Cabana Colony, a collection of beachfront hideaways that were the original hotels on the property circa 1953.
Designed in collaboration with Chris Reynolds and CR Design, co-owner, Joe Lipton, who runs the property with his wife, fellow native Michelle Friar, has lived in York nearly all his life, and wanted to make sure this contemporary reimagining would honor the town’s storied past and modern-day vibrancy, while offering an elevated, boutique experience.
During the soggy shoulder season of March when the snowmelt has turned everything into mud in southern Maine, I had the chance to escape to York’s picture-perfect coastline and recharge in these modern cabanas for two nights to experience the Viewpoint’s latest addition first hand.
From the main hotel area, the Shoreside Cabanas seem to materialize out of nowhere from underneath two green rooftops. Angular exterior walls have a textured pattern reminiscent of a boardwalk and are the color of faded driftwood. Lipton explains these are board-formed concrete walls which resembles weathered wood you’d discover in the landscape.
The rooms are entered motel style via an exterior hallway that’s curved and dimly-lit for a much more modern feel, with the same style of board-formed concrete walls that grounds it in a natural coastal aesthetic. My room is located in the lower tier, closest to the waterfront, but no matter which of the cabanas you’re staying in you’ll get ocean views, that’s for sure.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors show off this impressive view upon entering—there’s even a glass wall separating the bathroom from the main area so you don’t miss out while sudsing up in the superluxe spa shower (yes, there are shades for privacy). White walls, glossy concrete floors, and minimal natural decor do their part in making you feel like you’re tucked into the cliffside, with an inviting electric fireplace and king bed featuring amber-hued underlighting that feels extra cozy during the colder season.
Scattered throughout are small yet intentional details, like a chrome bird lamp perched beside the bed, representing the 20+ species of shorebirds found on the property; and a circular bathroom mirror reflecting the ocean and lighthouse as though you’re peeking through a ship’s porthole. As Lipton explained to me, these subtle throughlines are an important part of the overall experience.
Speaking of sitting back, each cabana has a private patio that provides a front row seat to the surging breakers crashing against the oversized rocks. Despite being a mile from the center of town, the rooms felt very peaceful and secluded.
However, should you want to venture out and find a bite to eat, a mile and half drive or bike to the Stone’s Throw (an oceanfront hotel and restaurant owned by Lipton and Friar) on Long Sand’s Beach serves a mix of classic New England seafood and smaller bistro-style plates made from scratch with as many local ingredients as possible. This vegetarian was pleasantly surprised at the amount of plant-based dishes on the menu and a, laidback, cool atmosphere with a great cocktail menu that fits this Maine surf town’s vibe just right.
If you plan to visit the Viewpoint Hotel’s Shoreside Cabanas in the warmer months, you’ll get the added bonus of enjoying the property’s new spa adjacent to the saltwater pool which features a massage room (with a view, of course), a sauna, and cold plunge.
Sauna or not, the cabanas were far more of a peaceful retreat than I had anticipated. The quietude of the space felt akin to what the keeper of the nubble lighthouse might experience as you watch the sun rise and set over the sea horizon. If minimalist, modern luxury with an environmental bent inspired by the salt-encrusted soul of a New England surf town is your wavelength, the Shoreside Cabanas should be on your list.
Rates start at $300 per night per room
Published 04-02-2024
