Sanderling Resort & Spa

What can you say about a place & experience that just leaves you speechless. My wife Ell & I chose this place and put our faith in these folks to create our special day. We had a vision built around the Sanderling Resort & this stunning area of the OBX. The weather challenged us with the nasty heat & humidity first. then the rain for the actual ceremony that pushed us inside.

With each challenge that was dished out. Danielle the event coordinator & her wonderful staff adjusted to calm my nerves and realize the dream that Ell & I had for this day. We will always remember our special day and will never forget these fine folks. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us realize a life long dream. We can't wait to come back to visit again real soon.

Wonderful resort. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. The main resort area, pools, beach and fire pits were wonderful. We arrived on a Monday at the beginning of the season when most area and resort activities were not present due to early in the week. The list of family (and adult) friendly activities was pretty large though and would be an amazing time for all. There was even a wedding event on the beach that we got to see a little of! The room was spacious and had a deck. Very relaxing few days.

I loved my stay here during peak season. The beach is beautiful, feels private. I'm baffled by the reviews saying the rooms are unkempt or updated? We stayed in a third floor Oceanview suite and it was perfect. The bed was super comfortable, we had our own balcony with a great view. Bathroom was spacious. Tranquility pool was relaxing and clean, and they have a separate pool on the other side of the grounds for kids/families.

I had a massage at the spa which was delightful. There's also an indoor pool if it rains. Every staff member we encountered was so friendly. We liked having a fancy dinner at Kimball's Kitchen. Lots of good causal food options in the town of Duck, and at the on-site Lifesaving Station restaurant. This resort and town is the type of place that shuts down at 10 pm so if you want a party/nightlife vibe this isn't it.

Instead come here to rest, recharge, enjoy the sun and waves. They also have activities for kids so it's a nice family place. We came here for our babymoon and it was a wonderful, beautiful stay.

This is the most wheelchair accessible resort we've found. The room, the restaurants, the roll-in pool, and the beach overlook. And whenever we encountered a small barrier, the staff took care of it right away. They really lived up to their 'can do' attitude. Plus, a very diverse family all had a good time, even on the rainy days!

I had an appointment with Glen today and want to give him a score of 10++. He took the time to ask questions and understand what I wanted out of my massage. Not living in the area, I was unsure of what to expect - he exceeded every expectation! If you are in the area and are looking for a wonderful relaxing massage- I thoroughly recommend Glen!

As someone who travels to resorts all around the country every week, this resort although being nice, isn't in my top 5 of resorts. I have stayed at resorts for half the price and have gotten better service from check in to check out. There are very few luggage carts, if you can even find one, and there is only self parking, there is no valet on this site.

It's a very dated resort and tbh for the prices I would have expected more. 4/5 star prices for what I consider a barely 3 star resort, as I stated before, been in plenty of resorts the past few months that are 4 stars and are worth the 4 star rating, this resort falls short in many ways.

As much as I would have loved a hallway with an elevator, there simply isn't either for this particular suite. Enter the lobby, turn left and head up two flights of stairs to the presidential suite. There isn't a hallway or and elevator. But we enjoyed the exercise non the less. The suite is alone and has one door into the unit. There isn't a way to take an elevator. True story

I had to chuckle at Joan's post about booking the presidential suite and having to carry luggage up three flights of stairs. Try the elevator next time or use the valet. We have been here in the off season and for this third time, came a couple weeks before Memorial Day weekend. The staff were very accommodating and courteous at check in. We were there on the eve of a lunar eclipse.

Clear skies made for a great experience. If you want an ocean view, be sure to request top floor, the third floor. Second floor, while also nice, is blocked from seeing the ocean because of the dunes. Restaurant was also nice but a bit pricy. However, my filet was cooked a perfect medium rare.

Sanderling Resort came highly recommended for a long weekend visit for our family with 2 kids under 10 yrs. It exceeded our expectations in every way. Upon our really late arrival, the front desk swiftly checked us in with welcome gifts. Our room was clean and fresh, bathrooms well stocked with extra towels. The beds were heavenly - not too soft or hard.

The balcony facing the ocean had screen doors, so we could listen to the ocean and fall asleep to the ocean breeze. With plenty of activities to choose from or simply sitting at the beach/pool. We all enjoyed our 1st outer banks trip. Especially for families with little kids, this resort has thoughtfully designed layout (zero entry pool) and activities to make things easy.

And the 21+ only area with separate pools, bar and fire pits allows adults to have space to enjoy. Breakfast at the Lifesaving restaurant was delicious and convenient. The manager comes to personally keep things running smoothly.

We recently visited the resort and were confounded by the illogical guest policies. We came as a decent sized group (adults and young kids) and expected we could spend the days with our kids and the evenings as adults. Instead we faced constant complaints about hanging out in common areas after 10p (note there is no written policy anywhere nor something they inform you of at booking or check in).

It got to a point where the passive aggressive management team sent police to speak with us and threaten eviction. They had spaces for events that they were unwilling or unable to open to allow for any place for us to go. I guess they assume that everyone who visits must be asleep by 10p regardless of age. Even more absurd given that many playoff sporting events don't even start until around that time.

I write this to say that it's a good place if you don't stay up past 10 or enjoy having any evening fun. While we want to respect other guests, it's insane to not have the ability to support both types and to attack paying guests with empty threats. We did not pay to spend our vacation being forced to bed as adults. Finally, I'll throw in the entire resort reeked of marijuana the entire stay (which no one in our party partakes in).

No actions were taken to mitigate that but police can be sent after a small group playing cranium at 10p. I take that to mean that if you're going to visit, you should plan accordingly because after 10p that form of in room entertainment may be your only source for enjoyment. The outdoor hot tub was enjoyable, though.

I visited Sanderling Resort in March with my mother and daughter. We enjoyed everything about this haven on the sea from the spacious double-queen room with sound views, to the brunch dining experience at Lifesaving Station, to the relaxing nooks in the lobby loft where you can sit and play games/ read with the sounds and views of the ocean. Even in winter, we enjoyed a long walk on the beach in the sunshine and the heated pool. The staff was kind and helpful in giving us excursion ideas during our stay. We'll definitely return!

Early in season. Food good. Server Bridget was top notch. Bartender was rude and the manager was defending rudeness from bartender. There was 17 people and very patient for food and drinks. As early in season anxiety should have been low. so look out people rudeness is tolerated at this establishment. The restaurant was not busy as it is early season so no need for a bartender attitude. We won't be back.

We booked a premium king room. Unfortunately the musty odor was very off putting. The room could definitely use updating as well. The room has had many a stay. The afternoon before our last night, we had wonderful massages at the spa. Very nice spa and staff. Staff were great. I purchased a candle there thinking I might be able to light it and get some of the musty smell out of the room. (No open flames in room which makes perfect sense).

So I asked for some febreeze, staff immediately said they would move us to another room, they wanted to make our stay comfortable. We were well settled in, leaving the next morning so we declined the move. My bad for not mentioning the mustiness the day we arrived. Thank you staff for the offer. We had cocktails and apps at the Life Saving Station the day we arrived. Again staff was very nice. Life Saving Station for breakfast the day of our departure, yummy food. Great service.

If I could give Sanderling Resort 10 stars, I would. During a recent visit to the resort, the team discovered it was my child's birthday. The team members continued to do little things for him including a birthday card and strawberries. Someone alerted the restaurant team to his birthday and gave him cake. Everyone was so kind, welcoming and courteous - from the associate at the front desk to the staff at the restaurant (the Lifesaving Station).

It was a spectacular experience in a spectacular setting. The resort, itself, is beautiful. From the spa to indoor pool to the beach to the beautiful common areas in each lodging building.it was all just so wonderful.

Good luck getting ahold of anyone by phone here. I booked a spa service online, but it wouldn't be confirmed until someone from the spa reached out to put a credit card on file to hold the appointment. For two days I reached out to THEM to confirm, left messages, and called the front desk of the main resort to try to talk to someone. No one ever answered or returned my calls.

We returned to the Sanderling for our 10th anniversary. In the off-season, the fireplaces throughout the buildings add a nice touch. The main lobby has a bar, game tables, and a sitting areas. There are plenty of chairs overlooking the ocean and an outdoor fireplace and pool with an indoor pool, spa, and sauna across the street. The on-site restaurant (the Lifesaving Station) is pricey but convenient. It has unique and tasty offerings despite a limited menu.

Held our company leadership retreat at the Sanderling Resort. Ashley Roy and Tom McNeill were fantastic to work with. They were able to accommodate our team with very short notice during a snow storm. Both were very responsive, professional and over all provided outstanding customer service before, during and after our stay. I highly recommend the Sanderling Resort for any event!

1st time staying at this hotel. I will not call it a resort. My expectations for $700+ a night accommodations is much higher than the experience we received. This is a 3 star hotel - at best- that is not aging well. The only redeeming feature is the beach and the very nice gentleman attending the beach and helping with chairs & umbrellas. Bed was uncomfortable and springy.

The pillows were lumpy feather pillows and hard and compressed too much to be useful. Outdoor furniture on the balcony was dirty. No microwave in the room. But, there was a small refrigerator. Lots of maintenance issues. Broken glass shades on all the bathroom wall sconces. Cracks in the floor tiles and shower tiles. Broken and worn toilet seat-white finish was worn thru to the wood. Scuffs and scratches on door to room, down the corridors and on the fire doors at each end of corridor. Squished bugs on the walls and ceiling of the room and HUNDREDS of bugs on the balcony around and on the windows.

No room service available. We ate at the Life Saving Station Restaurant on site. Meal for a family of four was $130 including tip. That is without wine or drinks and no appetizers or deserts. The quality of the food was maybe Cracker Barrel level. Definitely not worth the amount paid. Service was just OK. Because the hotel was booked up, we had to settle for a sound view room. Well, you can see the sound, but you have look past the parking lot, dumpster, workshop, highway, and the buildings across Hwy 12.

I could almost pretend the sound of the cars driving by were ocean waves. I am well traveled and have stayed at very nice properties. I don't mind spending money for nice accommodations. I will not return to Sanderling. Very poor value and experience for the price. Just because "resort" is in the name doesn't make it a resort. My stay and experience was no better than a Hampton or Holiday Inn. Possible worse since the Sanderling cost 2-3 times more.

We have visiting the Sanderling for ten years. The last time was pre pandemic and we were always impressed. This time, not so much. After a cross country trip with storm delayed flights, missed connections and a four hour drive from the airport I was in desperate need of coffee. Granted, it was after lunch but the folks at the front desk assured me the Lifesaving Station would have coffee.

We went over for a late lunch and when I asked for a cup of coffee the waitress hemmed and hawed and I could tell she didn't want to dirty the coffee pot she probably had just cleaned from breakfast. So no coffee. Our room was clean enough but the public areas were not. The windows in the lobby were filled with spider webs and midges. The deck off our room was the same way.

Full of webs and. bugs. We sat out by the adult only pool where people were complaining there was no service offered. What resort doesn't offer a drink or food by the pool? Really missing out on a revenue stream here. They do offer coffee and tea in the lobby every morning but the pastries and muffins are not complimentary. Someone took a file folder and wrote "pastries are not free" in childish scrawl so the guests would be aware.

I was curious as to why the manager wouldn't take offense at this. Perhaps print something off the computer and put in a frame to use every morning? They used to offer free s'mores but now you'll pay $30- you might need two if you have 2 kids. One night we went to the Lifesaving Station for dinner. They sat us upstairs because we were a large group.

There was another large group up there already and there was only One waitress. She worked super hard and did a good job. However our $55 filet was not that good and not sure it was even a filet. It's not all bad. The employees were all super nice. It is really hard to get employees on the island or anywhere actually. I'm sure they're doing the best they can. But for the amount of money we spent we will not be back anytime soon.

Update 7-24-2021 - We left and will say, I would return to try one more time to see if they fully recover from the pandemic but they need to level up to $700 a night. They rectified a few things on my bill to help offset all the items below and that was appreciated! Update 7-22-2021 The trip continues to improve. I'm still keeping this at a three star review because my expectations of a hotel when spending over $700 a night, are pretty high.

The beach is hands-down phenomenal. The exclusivity of the resort not having a public beach access nearby really allows for an exclusive feel when you're here and as we come out of Covid has been a big selling point for me. Having lived in Miami, Wilmington and Cape Cod, the Carolinas are some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world and my favorite.

This resorts beach is just breathtaking and when you get the weather we have had this week the pictures just don't do it justice. The Sandbar is close enough to grab a drink and sit out on the beach and actually relax when traveling solo with a toddler! The waves are great and at high tide these little pools are created at the top of the waterline which are great for littles.

The beach chairs could use an update but there is an attendant every time we have gone. Little things they continue to keep me at a three stars: 1) broken blind chords in my room, I like opening the blinds to give me the full effect of the view as we are sound side but many could not be opened as I feared I could not get them down. 2) still having excessive humidity and no resolution (some rooms have dehumidifiers so there is an issue) - and yes we are at the beach but no one wants to feel like they are sleeping in damp sheets 3) Some cleaning but the cleaning I think is improving as I have had housekeeping for the last two days.

But I do have scuffed walls, stained carpets 4) THE BED WAS AWFUL. It literally was slanting significantly on one side 5) The food. I did not eat at Kimballs but Lifesaving was just ok. Sandbar was better (except the prices). $16 for a caesar salad (no protein). 6) Smores kits are $30. Absurd - but I did it. 7) Running out of beach towels. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WORKING HERE THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED HAS BEEN GREAT THUS FAR!

Location, Location, Location! This large resort provides a wonderful experience solely based on its location alone. Although I am not sure i would call it a resort, as there was a significant lack of amenities during the time of our visit. The lobby has with a beach house vibe, somewhat dated, but very comfortable. The lobby also serves as a nice common place to hang out, unfortunately the closed lobby bar will only offer coffee in the morning.

Take advantage of the coffee and a comfortable seat in the rear of the lobby, its one of the few amenities your guaranteed to get. The rooms come with a bit of a vintage appearance, they are large and include outdoor balcony seating, but try not to get to acquainted with the midges and be sure to leave the door and windows shut. During our stay we were not provided the luxury of fresh linens, consider using your towels sparingly or ensure to ask for extras, they do have an abundance of beach towels.

The grounds offer many amenities such as hot tubs, pools, outdoor bars and of course, the beach! We enjoyed the outdoor bar, unfortunately you are your own server and the bar is a bit of a walk back and forth from the pools and beach. It seems like the best option would to pack your own bar. Since the weather was a bit cool, the enormous hot tubs were quite comfortable and a very popular hangout.

The grass in NC isn't that soft to begin with and gets even rougher when not treated for weeds, I recommend flip flops for walking through the grassy areas of the grounds, a little pruning goes a long way! Enjoy some live music at the giant fire pit or a stroll on the beach, it is a gorgeous location, but I am not sure I would agree with a 4 star rating. The rooms are overpriced at this property! Cheers!

Just left from staying here over the memorial day weekend. Pros: Super friendly staff, right next to the beach, decent rooms with comfortable beds. Cons: no shower door what's up with that, they charge 40 dollars a day for resort fees but don't provide daily house keeping even if you call. Restaurants are super overpriced as well. however overall a B- grade not too shabby.

This review is for the hotel and spa at Sanderling. For their restaurant, check out my review of the Lifesaving Station. First, the resort. This is a misnomer. We visited during the off-season (Spring) and so perhaps that explains why it was understaffed with aggressively mediocre service. Besides the fire pit, proximity to the beach, and beach chairs strewn about on the sand for you to pick up yourself, there aren't any amenities. (Well, there is also a very basic gym).

If you think of this place as a "luxury motel", I think you might have a chance at feeling satisfied -- but a resort 'tis not. For the money you spend per night, it's better to find a rental or another hotel. The room are quite spacious. We were in a suite so there was a fireplace, a comfortable bed and a huge bathroom with a nice, clean tub.

We slept well here. The furniture is worn and our white bedsheets had a very set-in stain on it, which is unnerving but probably fine. (I didn't call about it). There is no option for room service and they don't turndown the rooms throughout your stay. There is no coffee in the room and no water pot. They provide, again mediocre, coffee in the morning in the lobby.

There is a nice sitting room (with board games that are missing pieces) that overlooks the sound and the ocean. Now, the spa. Although not quite a misnomer, I would have much preferred to make a drive to a day spa elsewhere. The staff had a politeness that was also mixed with just being bored with your presence. The massage room I was in looked like a large bathroom that they threw a massage table into.

The floor actually had bathroom tiles-- it felt cold and uninviting. However, the actual massage was nice. For neither would I return. I recommend skipping the Sanderling and staying elsewhere.

Pros: -Very kind and accommodating staff -Beautiful location/property -Perfect beach access with easy towels, chairs, and umbrellas available -Tranquility pool for 21 and up (our favorite part?) -Relatively new renovated room with a great shower -Balcony's with great seating -Robes -Felt very safe in an era of Covid-19 Cons: -Very late check in (our room was not ready at 4pm) -Chaotic seeming housekeeping staff, heard lots of complaints from others and were not impressed by the cleanliness of communal spaces like hallways -No breakfast options (or food in general) except slim pickings at their restaurant and no in room coffee (but good free coffee in the lobby every morning!) -Not great wifi (lots of dropped Facetimes) and no smart additions to the TV, only cable -The adult hot tub had been broken for a month, leaving us to fend off tweens in normal hot tub -Walls we're pretty thin (we could hear our neighbor cough) Other: -There was a wedding which was very fun to watch from our balcony but would not have been if you wanted a peaceful evening without the Cupid Shuffle -The spa was fully booked when we arrived, which we had not planned for so make reservations ahead of time -Not great easy snacking options, we brought our own food and put it in the mini fridge with a beach cooler Summary: The cons are counter balanced by how easy it was to go to sit on the beach and hear the waves without having to worry about carrying out stuff or where to go to the bathroom etc. If you're looking for a "resort" experience this is probably like.75% there but it's more like a step up from your Marriott on the beach with a lot of potential.

Probably the best place to stay on the Outer Banks. Be sure to ask for an ocean-facing room. I was only able to stay for one evening here on a multi-day trip, but I was able to really relax and set aside time for self-reflection here. The bar in the "aid station" is okay. I like Manhattans with Bulleit Rye with the Antica Formula sweet vermouth, and Peninsula Premium cocktail cherries.

They had the inferior vermouth and those cheap plastic-ish red cherries. But, hey, it was nice to grab a drink and have a short walk back to the room balcony to enjoy the moonlight view of the ocean and hear the therapeutic sound of the waves. Coffee in the morning was complementary, and great! BTW, this area of Duck is really nice and clean.

Very over priced and you do not get your money's worth (500 a night). Sound view (sunset view) mostly overlooks parking lot which ruins the view. No room service which I understand is "covid times" but should reduce price. Also food wasn't very good (had a really bad breakfast at life saving station). Tea/coffee bar closed when advertised open on website.

No coffee machine or microwave in room. room was very average for what you're paying (you could pay less at a chain hotel and get more). Pros: nice beach access and pool/jacuzzi. Service friendly. Overall stay was fine, but you don't get money's worth.

COVID Review (July 2020)- We had a great time on a quick 3 day trip. All the precautions were in place. Keys were ready for us when we arrived. Room was sanitized. Occupancy was very low. The pool seemed a little crowded, and no one out to watch that, so we skipped it. The beach was perfect though. Chairs and umbrellas were sanitized. Everything was very well spaced out.

Staff did a great job and everyone had a mask. The hotel is very nice, basic, but very nice. Room was clean, balcony was big, bathroom was clean. We had a fridge that was able to handle stuff we brought for breakfast. No coffee pot or anything, but coffee was available in the lobby. The hotel is about 4 miles from Duck and Corolla, so it was a perfect distance to go out for take out in either place or ice cream.