Inn At Diamond Cove
Casco Bay ME Historic Island Resort Vacations
Tucked away on serene Great Diamond Island in beautiful Casco Bay, just a short ferry ride from Portland, Maine, the Inn at Diamond Cove is one of Maine’s most unique and unforgettable resort destinations. This extraordinary Maine inn occupies the carefully restored barracks of Fort McKinley, a former United States Army outpost that once stood guard over Portland Harbor. Today, the Inn welcomes guests seeking luxury, tranquility, and a deep sense of history—an experience that perfectly blends Maine’s coastal charm with timeless hospitality.
Life on Great Diamond Island moves at a different pace—slower, quieter, and remarkably peaceful. Cars are not permitted anywhere on the island, adding to the sense of calm and exclusivity. Guests travel by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot, enjoying scenic lanes lined with century-old brick buildings and mature pines. It’s a Maine resort experience unlike any other—intimate, authentic, and perfectly attuned to the rhythms of island life.
From Army Fort to Luxury Maine Resort
Built in 1891 as part of America’s coastal defense system, Fort McKinley once protected Portland’s harbor and was home to hundreds of U.S. soldiers. Many of the historic fort buildings still stand today, restored into private homes and elegant island residences that retain their original military architecture and character. The Inn at Diamond Cove occupies the former barracks overlooking the fort’s parade grounds—an impressive structure now reborn as a modern sanctuary of comfort and relaxation.
When the property was meticulously restored and reopened in 2015, the goal was to preserve the architectural integrity and craftsmanship of the original building while providing contemporary amenities and upscale finishes. The result is stunning—44 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with a timeless design that complements the surrounding natural beauty.
A Legacy of Art and Inspiration
Before its days as a military installation, Diamond Cove was a celebrated artist retreat in the late 1800s. Writers and creatives, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriet Beecher Stowe, were drawn to the island’s peaceful seclusion and panoramic ocean views. The creative energy that once inspired America’s literary greats still lingers here—woven into the island’s atmosphere of reflection and escape.
Maine Island Dining & Relaxation
Guests at the Inn at Diamond Cove enjoy the same thoughtful attention to detail in dining as in lodging. Managed by Hart Hotels, the same hospitality group behind the acclaimed Portland Harbor Hotel, the Inn offers an inviting onsite restaurant featuring seasonal menus that highlight fresh Maine seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Whether dining indoors or al fresco beneath the island sky, each meal celebrates Maine’s coastal bounty.
Resort amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and access to walking trails and secluded beaches. Guests can kayak through Casco Bay, explore historic fort tunnels, or simply relax on the veranda as the ferry glides across the harbor. The experience feels both worlds away and yet conveniently close to Portland’s vibrant Old Port district.
Inn at Diamond Cove, Great Diamond Island, 18 McKinley Court, Portland, ME 04109
We are a 44 room historical luxury inn, fully-renovated and located on Great Diamond Island. Spacious rooms & suites. This private island hotel offers ocean views, two on-site restaurants, and an outdoor tennis court. With bike rentals and a playground on site. Private beaches & wooded walks are nearby. Find exclusive rates and packages below.
Inn at Diamond Cove - Portland, ME
A World Apart, Just Minutes from Portland
Accessible only by ferry, the Inn at Diamond Cove offers a rare kind of coastal escape—a Maine resort that feels private and exclusive but remains within easy reach of the mainland. The scenic ferry ride from Portland sets the tone for your stay, offering spectacular views of lighthouses, sailboats, and the rugged beauty of Casco Bay.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic Maine getaway, a peaceful retreat, or an inspiring New England island vacation, the Inn at Diamond Cove delivers an experience that is rich in history, elegance, and natural beauty.
It’s more than just a Maine inn—it’s a destination that captures the essence of coastal Maine living: relaxed, refined, and rooted in history.
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