Renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, isolated serenity, and abundance of amenities, it’s no wonder why travelers from far and wide flock to the mid-luxury Sanderling Resort nestled along the pristine shores of Duck, North Carolina.
When I recently needed a solo wellness break, I headed straight to the Sanderling Resort. It’s hard to find that kind of serene seclusion in the Outer Banks, but this place offers it in abundance.
And on its doorstep, you’ll find pristine beaches, picturesque sunsets, wild horses, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Note: I stayed as a guest of Outer Banks Tourism, but was under no obligation to write this post. I loved it so much, I wanted to share it as a quality place to stay on the Outer Banks. We usually just share Outer Banks vacation rentals as haven’t found any rave able hotel accommodations yet. This one is!
Why Stay at Sanderling Resort Outer Banks?
People gravitate to Sanderling Resort for a myriad of reasons, but at its core, it offers an unparalleled retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a moment of serenity, Sanderling caters to all desires.
The resort is for those travelers who want their accommodation to be the central focus of the vacation.
It’s for those willing to pay a little more for premium features like private beach access, on-site restaurants, luxury spa, and spacious suites with private balconies and expansive Atlantic Ocean views.
It’s also for travelers who want a quieter, more restful Outer Banks vacation. There is not much to distract you in this area of the OBX, unlike areas like Nags Head, which is full of activity – and people – no matter where you turn.
So, if you want to tune in more to nature and tranquility, in a more lux way, then Sanderling is for you.
Welcome to Sanderling. Let’s Check in at the Beach House
You’re greeted with the casual, beachy vibe of the Beach House lobby bar with a touch of luxury, making you feel both at home and pampered as soon as you walk through the doors.
The lobby is spacious, with elegant coastal decor that immediately sets a relaxing tone. There are comfortable seating areas both inside and outside on the deck.
I loved the upstairs common area with more seating, games to play, and a large puzzle set up on the coffee table. The upper deck has beautiful views of the resort and ocean as well.
So, there are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy the resort’s amenities.
The check-in experience at Sanderling Resort is designed to be welcoming and efficient. Friendly staff at the front desk are attentive and eager to assist with the check-in process, ensuring it is smooth and stress-free.
The lobby is where you can get your free coffee each morning. And I believe during the summer season they also have afternoon drinks available for purchase to enjoy inside the Beach House or on the deck.
There is also a small shop here selling branded merchandise. Check in is from 4pm and check-out by 11am.
Rooms At Sanderling Resort OBX
Sanderling Resort boasts an array of luxurious accommodations, ranging from spacious guest rooms to private rental homes.
Each room is meticulously designed with coastal-inspired decor and modern amenities, offering a tranquil retreat after a day of seaside adventures. With plush bedding, panoramic views, and thoughtful touches throughout, every stay at Sanderling promises a restorative experience.
I loved how spacious the suite was with a separate bedroom, living room, small kitchenette, large bathroom with shower pressure to activate a fist pump, and my own private balcony. This became a favorite spot for me to sit and become one with nature either while reading, journalling, or enjoying a morning coffee, and evening wind down.
The panoramic views from here were wonderful. I was in the wing overlooking the adult’s only pool!
Since this was a highlight of my stay at Sanderling, I recommend booking an ocean suite. The alternative view is over the Intracoastal Waterway, which is nothing to complain about!
Sleeping at night with the windows open and the cool breeze and sound of the ocean waves flowing in was pure bliss!
A Potential Drawback of Sanderling Resort
At first, I was surprised there was no water in the room, something I’d expect from a more upmarket property.
But then I learned that there was a water filter station in my wing. While the convenience of water in your room would be lovely, the sacrifice of not having it in exchange for a much more environmentally friendly option, is totally worth the short walk to fill up.
So, I’m happy Sanderling encourages the use of your own refillable water bottles instead of filling up landfills with single use plastic. Thank you, Sanderling!
Traveling with a pet? Sanderling welcomes dog(s) staying with their owners in designated pet-friendly hotel guestrooms/vacation homes. The fee is $300 for hotel guestrooms, and $400 for vacation homes per stay. With those hefty fees, you may want to consider leaving them at home. Check out this pet sitting strategy for pet owners which won’t cost you anywhere near that amount!
Stand-Out Resort Amenities and Features
It’s not just a room and a pretty view at Sanderling (but worth staying here just for that anyway!!) Here are some more of the features and amenities I loved.
Private Beach Access
I love rolling out of bed and onto the sand for an early morning beach sunrise. In the Outer Banks, they are remarkable and well worth the early rise. It’s a bonus for staying beachside.
Sanderling does have private beach access, which you will welcome during the busy summer months. Just make sure you get in early to get yourself a beach chair and umbrella, this is a popular spot for hotel guests, as you can imagine.
The resort supplies them as well as beach towels. Oh, and if you don’t want to get up for sunrise, just enjoy it from your balcony.
Beachfront Pools
When you get sick of the beach (is that even a thing?) lounge by one of the resort’s two pools – a beachfront pool and indoor pool. Relax with a good book in the outdoor pool area with the sound of crashing waves in the background.
The aptly named Tranquility Pool with hot tub is adult-only – a special treat for me since I almost always travel with my kids. It had a 75-foot lap pool, large whirlpool spa, chaise lounges, and secluded, umbrella-canopied seating areas. I had the pool and hot tub pretty much all to myself. (It was a little cooler and quiet season though!)
Families will love the Resort Pool with oversized whirlpool spa and zero entry for the little ones!
Sandbar
The Beach bar was closed on my visit, but during peak summer months it’s a place for you to walk just a few steps from your pool chaise to grab yourself a drink or lite bites such as salads, sandwiches, tacos, wings, hotdogs and hamburgers.
Don’t want to leave the chaise? No worries, a server will bring it to you! You can also get takeout to picnic on the beach.
Evening Firepits
There are a couple of large communal fire pits on the property which will be lit at night. There are smaller ones in front of the ground floor hotel rooms. I’m not sure if they are private for the rooms or for anyone to use.
I had the firepit all to myself, but I’m sure during peak season, they’ll be busy. Bring your own s’mores or you can purchase them from the lobby (although pricey!)
Spa at Sanderling
Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the resort’s luxurious spa, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by the surrounding natural beauty.
The spa is across the road located on the Sound. I enjoyed an 80-minute bamboo massage that, while expensive, was one of the best massages I’ve ever had.
It was a Mother’s Day treat for me. They also have facial treatments at the spa. Why not do both in one of their signature packages? Don’t just rush in and out of your treatment.
Come early and stay late. Take advantage of other perks such as their eucalyptus steam room, champagne on arrival, snacks, coffee and tea, and a couple of areas to sit and relax including a back porch with views of the Sound.
Activities
Sanderling offers a plethora of activities and tours to suit every taste and preference during peak season including kayaking and paddleboarding to beach yoga and bonfire nights.
Unfortunately, as I traveled just outside of peak season in the Outer Banks, the activities weren’t yet running (not on a weekday at least). The sunrise yoga class would have been perfect for my wellness break.
At the Sanderling Resort Activity Desk, you’ll find kayak, SUP, surf, skim, and boogie board rentals as well as adult’s and children’s bikes to explore the island.
Between the Sandbar and the Resort Pool is a grassy area with cornhole games and bocce for family fun when you need a break from swimming and chillaxing.
Note: The resort charges a resort fee for access to the private beach chairs and umbrellas, beach, and pool towels, self-parking + electric car charging stations, high-speed wireless, morning coffee, lawn games, etc. Unfortunately, this is an awful hidden fee of most upmarket resorts and hotels. So, make sure you use all these amenities!
On-Site Restaurants
Another reason to love the Sanderling Resort is the culinary excellence showcased at its restaurants, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative coastal cuisine take center stage.
I LOVE being able to walk just a couple of steps to be well fed – and if you want a glass of wine or two to compliment your meal, you don’t have to worry about driving and ubers! Raising the relaxation vibe even higher.
As its food in a resort, it will be more expensive, but through my comparative research, I found it’s not that much more than many of the restaurants in Duck Village.
Kimball’s Kitchen
During my visit, the fine dining restaurant, Kimball’s Kitchen, was not open. The restaurant is located on the Currituck Sound so will have exceptional sunset views.
The menu highlights freshly caught local seafood, Certified Angus Beef, handmade pasta, and an extensive selection of local oysters.
They have an award-winning wine list and hand-crafted cocktails. (No children’s menu but they can do half-size entree portions)
I can verify that the sunset experience here is sensational. Just a few doors down is the Paper Canoe where I dined for dinner. WOW! Of course, it slid into my favorite restaurant in the Outer Banks. You have options!
Lifesaving Station
The other restaurant at Sanderling is the casual Lifesaving Station located in the historic Caffey’s Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5.
They have an inside and outside seating area (you may see sunset colors in the sky from here, but otherwise not too much of a view).
I had a delicious Surfer’s Omelet for breakfast with shrimp, avocado, mushrooms, goat cheese, lime creme, pico de gallo, and white corn grits.
I also ate dinner and enjoyed the BBQ Salmon with mashed potatoes dinner here followed by a decadent flourless chocolate torte with berry compote. I typically don’t do dessert, but when gluten free comes to me in such a delicious way, I can’t say no. #noregrets
If you had to choose, I would definitely head to Kimball’s or Paper Canoe for dinner though. Those views are unforgettable.
If you do wish to leave the Sanderling Resort property there are plenty of things to do in the Outer Banks. I share that in my post on my solo wellness trip to Duck post and will have a more in-depth guide to Duck coming soon.
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How to Get to Sanderling Resort
Sanderling Resort is located on a narrow section of the barrier Island just north of the town of Duck and south of Corolla Village.
From Raleigh, it’s just under a four-hour drive along I-440 E, merging onto US-64 E which takes you to the town of Duck. From Nags Head, it’s about a 30-minute drive along US-158 W.
The closest international airport is Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, which is 1 hour 50 minutes drive away via US-158 E.
The Verdict: Would I Recommend Sanderling Resort?
The Sanderling Resort in Duck, NC, is more than just a place to stay – it’s a destination unto itself.
Even though a few of the resort’s amenities weren’t yet open during my shoulder season visit (prices reflect that), I still had a wonderful, restful time and would return again, shoulder season, off-peak or peak season!
I am quite motivated to return during peak season for those morning yoga sessions and finer dining experience. Oh and of course those warm ocean summer temperatures. #myfavoritekind
Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a moment of respite, this coastal oasis delivers an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back year after year.
It was the restful break I needed. Now if only my kids wanted to travel with me, I’d bring them here for a summer vacay. Looks like I just might have to return on my own again, #shucks