Where the Waves Whisper You Awake
Abellona Inn in Old Orchard Beach offers front-row calm, barefoot mornings, and the kind of quiet joy that lingers
Mornings Start with the Tide
At Abellona Inn, you don’t just hear the ocean—you feel it. The surf becomes a rhythm, soft and steady. Before sunrise, the sky blushes over the Atlantic, and the sand glows with that soft, pearly light you only find in Maine. Step outside your room and you’re practically on the beach. No streets to cross, no shoes required.
I woke early and padded out onto the private patio. My coffee steamed against the cool morning breeze. A couple strolled the shoreline, their dog chasing gulls and sea foam. Nearby, someone balanced on a yoga mat, eyes closed, waves folding in behind them like breath.
That’s the tone here. Everything moves slower—but on purpose.
A Place That Feels Genuinely Local
Abellona isn’t big or flashy, but that’s its charm. It’s the kind of spot where front desk staff remember your name—and maybe your dog’s. Rooms are clean and simple, with wide windows and the smell of salt in the air. You can hear laughter drifting in from nearby balconies at night, mixed with the occasional crackle of beach bonfires.
Walk a few steps north and you’ll find Alouette Beach Resort, its cheerful blue trim peeking over the dunes. Keep going and you’ll hit Sea Cliff House, tucked just enough out of the way to feel secluded. Each place has its own personality, but Abellona holds the sweet spot—just quiet enough, just close enough.
Unexpected Moments Make the Stay
One afternoon, a local artist set up an easel right on the sand in front of the inn. Guests paused on their way to the water, watching her brush a flamingo-pink sky onto canvas. A kid asked if he could try. She handed him the brush. That little moment—unplanned and perfect—felt like the essence of Old Orchard Beach.
Later, I wandered into town for fried clams and blueberry soda. The route back was lined with bikes and beach towels draped over railings. Everyone looked sun-drowsy and content. A couple from Quebec waved from their deck chairs, already planning their return trip for next summer.
Close Enough to Wander, Far Enough to Rest
When the beach gets crowded, hop in the car and head to Scarborough Beach. It’s just 15 minutes north, and less developed, with taller dunes and fewer umbrellas. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and watch the tide sweep in like clockwork.
But chances are, you’ll miss the feel of Abellona’s porch under your feet. You’ll think about that exact slant of sunlight on the dunes or the way the sea air curls around your collar at dusk.
That’s what sets this place apart. It’s not just where you sleep—it’s where you start to slow down.
