Sanderling Resort

The Sanderling has two lobbies, both of which are spacious and airy with decor in muted shades of brown and white and bird-themed artwork on the walls. In keeping with the property's surroundings, the grounds are beachy, with unfinished wood decks and multiple seating areas, some with beach views. Surrounded by concrete set in grass, the tranquility pool is an adults-only zone with wicker lounge chairs with terrycloth-covered cushions as well as a whirlpool nearby. A separate family-friendly pool area has a small fountain and a large hot tub. There are showers outside the pool area and a path that leads down over grassy dunes to a long stretch of sandy beach. The hotel sees a mix of couples and families, and most visitors are in Duck on vacation rather than business.

The Sanderling Resort stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Currituck Sound on both sides of Highway 12. It’s less than a 10-minute drive outside of the town of Duck, which has seafood and pizza restaurants. Corolla is a 20-minute drive away, and those with a four-wheel-drive vehicle can head north of Corolla to try and spot the famous wild banker horses. The hotel is also within a 30-minute drive of Kitty Hawk, and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, with its impressive sand dunes, is a 35-minute drive away. The Norfolk Airport takes just under two hours to reach by car.

The hotel's 100 carpeted rooms have a homey feel, with ceiling fans, floor lamps, and window blinds. Expect brown carpets, white bedding, sturdy wood furniture, and the occasional beachy accent, such as framed shells. Rooms have private wooden balconies with rope hammock chairs. The views from the rooms vary, and guests recommend higher floors as with ocean views, as views from rooms on the lower levels can be blocked by the dunes. Some rooms have stand-up showers and some have baths, and suites with kitchenettes are available. All rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks with integrated alarm clocks.

The hotel is located on a beautiful sandy beach, and kayaks, surfing lessons, and water sport rentals are available. The fitness center has modern equipment including two treadmills, free weights, and flat-screen TVs. The spa has several treatment rooms and offers hair and nail services, massages, and facials. The outdoor bar with a wooden deck and umbrellas serves smoothies, sandwiches, pizza, and hot dogs. In the evenings there’s nightly music near the fire pits, where guests can make s’mores. There’s also a restaurant in a former lifeguard station that serves three meals a day in a beachy dining room with ceiling fans. A second restaurant serves steaks and has a raw bar menu in a room with panoramic ocean views. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for a fee.