The Outer Banks of North Carolina are amongst my favorite beach locations in the country; but until a few weeks ago it had been years since my last visit. I recently had the opportunity to return, and, since I’ve grown up a lot since my last visit, I decided to see the luxury side of the Outer Banks and booked a room at the luxurious and relaxing Sanderling Resort & Spa in the trendy community of Duck in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Beach chairs dotting the ocean front landscape. Photo courtesy of the Sanderling Resort.
Duck has long been known as one of the more refined communities along this, one of the few remaining barrier island chains in the world. A mix of local residents and visitors have created a fun, active and engaged community. The Sanderling is particularly well located; not far at all from all of the major sites in the Outer Banks including Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of flight, as well as the famous lost colony of Roanoke. (It’s still lost)
The Sanderling Resort blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings and, following a recent renovation, continues to attract accolades including its designation as a Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond property. Sprawling across 13 acres, the resort features a variety of spacious rooms and suites, all designed in what can only be called refined beach luxury.
The lobby of the beach house at Sanderling. Photo courtesy of Sanderling Resort.
Although this is truly a great luxury resort, it’s not at all pretentious and a stay here feels like visiting the beach house of an old friend. A spacious lobby and lounge space invites guests to relax, read a book or challenge family members to an old-fashioned board game.
Oversized bathroom luxury at the Sanderling. Photo courtesy of the Sanderling Resort.
The rooms are graced with crisp linens, lounge chairs and sleeper sofas, furnished balconies and immense, oversized bathrooms that only add to the relaxed beach luxury vibe at Sanderling.
An evening at the fire pit. Photo courtesy of the Sanderling Resort.
There’s also plenty to do and see while you visit, including the beach that is impossible to ignore. Not only is there access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, but the resort also features two dune-side pools, fire pits and an award-winning spa.
Book a spa session for the ultimate unwind. Photo courtesy of the Sanderling Resort.
The spa in particular is worth a mention, since it’s the star attraction for many guests who visit the Sanderling. The massive, 6,000 square foot facility features 10 treatment rooms, including a special couple’s suite, and even a eucalyptus steam room. You can choose from a wide variety of treatments, including local favorites like the Sea of Life Facial or the Outer Banks Detox.
Have a memorable meal at the Lifesaving Station. Photo courtesy of the Sanderling Resort.
If you’re a foodie you’re in luck; the resort features a number of dining options including the casual yet refined Lifesaving Station, where I enjoyed one of my favorite meals during my time on the Outer Banks. Located inside an old life saving station, the Lifesaving Station Restaurant celebrates classic southern coastal cuisine for three meals a day with both indoor and outside seating. Known for having the best breakfast on the Outer Banks, it was the dinner that truly impressed me. Goat cheese hushpuppies and a perfectly executed buttermilk fried chicken is a meal I will be thinking about for a very long time.
The gazebo at dusk. Photo courtesy of the Sanderling Resort.
The Outer Banks are amongst my most favorite places in the world to relax, ever since I was a little kid. As an adult though I now appreciate more than ever quieter communities like Duck and especially luxury resorts where I can find a mix of relaxation and active pursuits. The Sanderling Resort & Spa ticks all of the boxes from excellent service, great food and facilities and views that almost no one else can match. It’s about much more than just a nice room at the Sanderling, it’s about finding special moments to relax, connect with friends and family and creating memories that will last for a lifetime.
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