If you’re thinking of a summer beach vacation with the family, The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a wonderful choice. For larger families, or a group, a condo rental is your best bet. But for a more upscale resort chic experience, the Sanderling Resort is a premier destination.

The Sanderling Resort exemplifies resort chic in the Outer Banks or OBX, what locals call it. Steeped in decades of tradition and southern hospitality, the Sanderling has been recently renovated to include three multi-story buildings, and five Carolina beach-style rental homes. The resort spreads over 16 quiet acres of Ocean-to-Sound property, five miles north of Duck.

Families can sign up for kayak tours, stand up paddle board lessons, and other activities through Kitty Hawk Kites, the second location in the Outer Banks. The resort offers live entertainment three nights a week at the fire pit, from singers, to steel drum players, to graveyard of the Atlantic ghost stories. The pool is lovely, but the beach is a highlight – with private access to resort guests, it’s a gem.

For families, the Sanderling offers a childrens activity program beginning in mid-June. Guests can drop off their kids (bonus!) between 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., so mom and dad can sneak off for a late lunch, or treat themselves to a spa treatment at the award-winning Spa at Sanderling. Parents can also enjoy a round of golf via the resort’s partnership with Curratuck Golf Club.

The accommodations are equally lovely and spacious, offering either a stunning view of the ocean or sound. I’d recommend an oceanview room with balcony, so you can savour the gorgeous views and sunsets. Rooms bring the outside in with its beach decor, and a splash of orange – the signature Sanderling colour.

The staff is courteous, helpful and always greeting guests. When we arrived, it was pouring rain but were greeted with umbrellas and smiles by the staff to escort us from our vehicle to the entrance. The lobby and sitting areas on the second floor are casual and cozy – grab a book, or a drink and snuggle up on the sofa, and watch the sun go down.

A popular choice for couples, the Sanderling offers an adult-only Tranquility Pool, the Spa at Sanderling which overlooks Currituck Sound and features a couple’s suite with couple treatments. I didn’t have time to enjoy a massage or facial, sadly.

Dining is also a highlight of the Sanderling Resort, with dining options throughout the property including the Beach House Lobby Bar which has a chic, casual feel. The Lifesaving Station is Sanderling’s casual restaurant celebrating southern coastal cuisine and regional, organic products. Located in the original, restored Caffey’s Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5 built in 1899, it’s known for amazing breakfasts in the area and their a-la-carte Sunday brunch. Chef Dan Grunbeck’s menu changes seasonally, and specials feature the freshest of the day’s catch. Must try the grits!

The elegant, dinner-only AAA Four-Diamond Kimball’s Kitchen restaurant has a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Currituck Sound, a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset. It’s a five-star restaurant experience for all, including one enjoyed by those celebrating a wedding or anniversary in the Outer Banks, or travellers who’ve arranged a special occassion on site.

I enjoyed their signature cocktail, the Cosmopolitan at the bar, before heading to dinner with our group. The entire resort supports and promotes seasonal, organic, artisanal, and local ingredients (S.O.A.L.). Chef Marty Pollock incorporates premier ingredients—such as Certified Angus Beef® and Kobe Beef—to supplement the restaurants’ local focus and also introduces a daily oyster menu at Kimball’s Kitchen to ensure the freshest selections available.

Prices vary from $269 to $489 summer high season, to $159 to $219 low season. For a great savings, look into mid-week, April-May, or September-October for up to 25% off high-season prices.

The Sanderling is a premier destination for southern hospitality, and luxurious amenities in a relaxed, resort chic setting. Visit Sanderling Resort for more info.

 

I visited the Outer Banks on a media trip hosted by the Outer Banks tourism board. All opinions, as always, are my own.