Breakwater Inn Reopens in Kennebunkport: A Sophisticated Revival on Maine’s Coast

Source: Breakwater Inn

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Kennebunkport has long drawn those with a taste for understated luxury and ocean air. Now, one of its most iconic stays is entering a new era. On July 1, 2025, the Breakwater Inn officially reopens its doors following an extensive renovation, unveiling reimagined guest rooms, three distinct dining venues, and a renewed spirit of coastal sophistication.

Perched where the Kennebunk River flows into the Atlantic, the Breakwater Inn blends its 1880s heritage with a fresh perspective. The transformation—led by Maine’s hospitality visionaries behind Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Robert’s Maine Grill, Bob’s Clam Hut, and The Maine Catch—was guided by local interior designer Christina Hawkes of Hurlbutt Designs. The result is a thoughtful balance of preservation and polish, where maritime character meets modern comfort in every detail.

The Breakwater Inn’s 35 guest rooms are split between two buildings—the 15-room Harbor Building and the original Inn Building, home to 20 spacious waterfront accommodations, many with private decks. Each room has been redesigned with a calming palette, hand-selected fabrics, and furnishings that reflect the area’s nautical roots without veering into cliché.

Bathrooms feature Bethel white stone vanities, silk and terry spa-style robes, and upscale amenities from Gilchrist and Soames. The River Top Cottage, perched for panoramic water views, includes a deep soaking whirlpool tub, creating an immersive retreat for those seeking elevated relaxation.

Downstairs, the inn’s reimagined lobby greets guests with clean wood floors and oversized glass doors that open onto a lawn and deck overlooking the cove—an ideal spot to sip a morning coffee or watch lobster boats return from sea.

The culinary revival is as carefully crafted as the interiors.

Port Fish & Chophouse, the new dinner destination, sets a refined tone without losing its Maine sensibility. From 3–5 p.m., a lively happy hour draws both locals and guests with “Oyster Marys” (vodka, tomato, Tabasco, lemon), pork belly skewers, and charcuterie boards. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m., featuring locally sourced seafood and premium cuts—from brown butter halibut to Wagyu burgers and lobster in multiple preparations.

Tin Bar, located at the Inn’s ground level, adds a cosmopolitan flair with a curated menu of tinned fish, classic cocktails, and a global beer selection. The ambiance strikes a balance between casual and curated—ideal for early evening conversations or a quiet nightcap.

Across the street in Mabel’s House, Mabel’s Pantry offers breakfast daily from 7:30–11 a.m. The menu highlights local ingredients and crowd-pleasing favorites like Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and buttermilk pancakes. The waterfront location adds a layer of serenity that’s hard to replicate.

The Breakwater Inn also positions itself as a sought-after coastal destination for private events and weddings. Offering both indoor and outdoor venues, including expansive lawn space and tented setups for up to 150 guests, the property accommodates everything from intimate elopements to full buyouts. The backdrop—Maine’s rugged coastline and ever-changing light—is its own kind of décor.

A short walk from Dock Square, the inn offers convenient access to Kennebunkport’s boutiques, art galleries, and seasonal cafés, while still feeling tucked away on a quieter stretch of Ocean Avenue. Guests can explore the scenic Parsons Way trail, indulge in seafood from the property’s sister restaurants, or simply relax in one of the Adirondack chairs lining the waterfront lawn, watching the tide shift with the day.