Design as Destination: The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina
If you're dreaming of a coastal escape that blends modern interior design, culinary acumen, and relaxing natural beauty, let me tell you about The Sanderling Resort — a standout retreat in Duck, NC, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound in North Carolina’s Outer Banks (OBX).
Introduction: A Coastal Gem in the Outer Banks
Perched on 12 acres with only about 200 yards separating the ocean and the sound, The Sanderling offers an immersive, tranquil escape. Open since 1985, and redesigned in 2025 in an elegant coastal chic decor.
All guest rooms and suites have been reimagined with design touches that nod to coastal life — think layered textures, soft sea-foam greens and pale blues, natural woods, and curated artwork inspired by local flora and birdlife. I especially loved the duck finnials atop the four poster bed, the rope lamp on my vanity, and the vintage brass seashell floor lamp.
Many rooms offer private balconies or patios with views of the ocean, the sound, or the resort grounds.
Dining & Culinary Direction
A highlight of the relaunch: the resort’s signature restaurant, Theodosia, helmed by James Beard award–winning North Carolina chef Vivian Howard. The menu is rooted in the Outer Banks’ natural bounty — local seafood.
Beyond Theodosia, dining at the resort includes:
Lifesaving Station: located in a restored Coast Guard station, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sandbar (seasonal): more casual bites by the beach
Beach House Bar: for lighter fare, afternoon cocktails, and evening drinks
Amenities, Wellness & Pools
The resort’s amenities match its ambitious redesign. You’ll find:
A full spa with multiple treatment rooms, focusing on renewal and relaxation, often with views toward the Currituck Sound
Pools: an adults-only “Tranquility Pool” / lap pool, and a family-friendly zero-entry pool and whirlpool spa
Private beach access, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and direct dunes-to-sand pathways
A schedule of resort-hosted experiences: from floral workshops and mixology classes to stargazing nights and ghost crab hunts on the beach
Tips for Planning Your Stay
Reserve spa treatments and dining in advance, particularly at Theodosia. All hotel guests can use the spa without needing a reservation (relax in the eucalyptus steam room).
Choose your orientation wisely — only the very top floor has ocean views; otherwise ocean side is no water, just “dune views.” We selected sound side for this reason, and loved being able to catch sunset o er the water.
Plan your season — fall (Sept / early Oct) would be my top pick, as the weather remains quite pleasant and warm, but without the crowds. The temperature also cools off enough at night to sit by the plentiful fire pits. During off-peak months, some amenities (e.g. seasonal dining or beach bars) may have limited hours. We missed Theodosia being open by just a few days, but a good reason to plan a return trip.
Exclusive Perks for Chase Sapphire Reserve Members
One of the most exciting updates for design-minded travelers: The Sanderling Resort is part of The Edit by Chase Travel, a curated collection of design-forward, experience-driven hotels available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. This means guests can book The Sanderling through Chase’s luxury travel platform and enjoy premium benefits like room upgrades (when available), daily breakfast credits, $100 property credit (for spa and/or onsite restaurants, welcome gift (champagne), late checkout, and other tailored perks — all while earning 10x points on the stay.
Thank you for the lovely stay, The Sanderling! Can’t wait to return. Xoxo
