Sanderling Resort, Outer Banks

Location

The Outer Banks is a thin strip of sand that stretches some 100 miles down from the North Carolina mainland, jutting out daringly into the Atlantic. The resort itself is located just above the unimaginatively named Duck township – once the duck hunting grounds for the northeastern well to do and now better known for its beaches and golf course. Trot down the sand on horseback, try your hand at paragliding or rent a kayak and paddle the coastal marshes and visit the Audubon Sanctuary, home to almost 200 species of reptiles, birds and amphibians.

Accommodation

Accommodation combines unpretentious, light interiors with high quality linens and views out across the resort’s manicured lawns to the ocean; private balconies or patios make the most of the seaside location. To stay close to the amenities, there’s the Beach House or, if you’d prefer a quieter getaway, there’s the tranquil South Inn. Make sure you book into a room on the higher floors to get the best views, possibly of the local pod of dolphins.

Dining

From fine dining experiences to beach picnics and everything in between, Sanderling’s restaurants are accommodating to a fault. Kimball’s Kitchen is a particular highlight, serving handmade pasta and an extensive selection of local oysters along with certified Angus beef. With a poolside location, Sandbar’s more relaxed menu features a delightful range of flatbreads and light meals while the Lifesaving Station is a decidedly more gourmet affair. Dinner menus include dishes such as braised pork shank and red quinoa and seasonal vegetables.

Facilities

The resort has three pools: an indoor offering, the family friendly Resort Pool and the adults-only Tranquillity Pool – served by the Sandbar. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the sweeping beach. If you have energy left over from kite boarding, charter fishing and hang gliding, there’s a fitness centre fully equipped with weight and cardio equipment. And, if you’d rather take things slow, the ten treatment rooms and steam room of the award-winning spa are an excellent way to relax.