Guests can begin experiencing the iconic outer banks resort now, including the addition of a new restaurant by North Carolina Chef Vivian Howard.
Duck, North Carolina – The Sanderling Resort, the only full-service resort on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is poised to become the destination's most luxurious beachfront escape as it has just unveiled a transformative redesign, marking the property’s 40th anniversary. The new iteration of the storied resort has revealed fully reimagined interiors by Ward + Gray, a restaurant by acclaimed chef Vivian Howard, a venue to host premier gatherings and luxury weddings, and engaging experiences poised to establish The Sanderling Resort as a year-round destination.
“For decades, The Sanderling Resort has been a cherished haven for generations of families, couples, and adventurers seeking a serene beachside getaway,” said Shai Zelering, Managing Partner, Head of Hospitality at Brookfield’s Real Estate Group. “This evolution reflects our commitment to preserving the resort’s legacy while reimagining its offerings for today’s discerning travelers and future generations.”
Check-In to Check-Out
The Sanderling Resort offers guests a sophisticated retreat to experience the simple joys of sea, sand, and sky. From their first arrival to the two-story Beach House – where The Sanderling’s lobby and check-in, Beach House Bar, and bespoke retail reside – travelers will be enveloped in the warmth of North Carolina’s coastal heritage. A color palette evoking a sense of tranquility will instantly put guests at ease as they soak in views of the Atlantic Ocean to their east and the Currituck Sound to their west – settling into a laid-back, vacation state of mind.
A New Way to Stay on the Outer Banks
Ward + Gray has carried the understated elegance of the Beach House through The Sanderling Resort’s 123 guest rooms and suites. Highlighting the natural beauty of the Outer Banks with layered textures, curated patterns, refined furnishings, and thoughtful outdoor spaces, each accommodation offers guests their own private enclave to relax, unwind, and disconnect. With a variety of accommodation types, The Sanderling will become a world-class resort for families, friends, and couples vacationing on the East Coast.
The Residences at The Sanderling Resort
The Residences at The Sanderling Resort – a collection of six 3-, 4-, and 6-bedroom vacation homes accommodating between eight and 16 guests – offer travelers a refined option for extended stays or large family get-togethers. With expansive living rooms and full kitchens, wraparound decks, easy beach access, sunset views of the Currituck Sound, and more, these multi-story houses combine the comforts of home with the luxuries of a full-service resort.
Chef Vivian Howard Arrives at The Sanderling Resort
North Carolina native, award-winning chef, and New York Times best-selling author Vivian Howard has introduced her latest culinary concept, Theodosia, at The Sanderling Resort. Every aspect of this new dining destination draws inspiration from the culture and history of the Outer Banks and connects diners to a unique place and time.
Named for Theodosia Burr – daughter of the infamous Aaron Burr, wife of South Carolina Governor Joseph Alston, and lead character in centuries-old folklore of a ship lost at sea on the Outer Banks – Theodosia inspires a sense of intrigue. The waterfront setting invites guests to ponder Theodosia Burr’s fate as she journeyed from South Carolina to New York in the early 19th century.
Theodosia welcomes guests to a dining room dressed in rich, feminine textures, where views of the horizon meeting the Currituck Sound feel endless, and soft lighting invites quiet conversation. The menu tells a story of the area’s salt marshes and fishing boats, of recipes passed down and flavors inspired by the island setting, all showcasing Howard’s penchant for innovative Southern fare.
The menu at Theodosia reflects Howard’s signature blend of elevated Southern cuisine and storytelling through food and place. Highlights include shrimp prepared two ways—classic cocktail-style and as “Miss Vivian’s Shrimp Ball”—as well as flaked bluefish and potato puffs served with herbed horseradish cream. Entrées such as flounder toast with crab rice and basil beurre blanc, slow-baked grouper in Frogmore broth with crispy cornmeal dodgers, and blueberry BBQ duck accompanied by squash casserole pudding showcase the depth and creativity of Howard’s culinary approach. For a sweet finish, Howard’s lemon pie with a Ritz cracker crust offers a nostalgic nod to classic regional desserts.
Theodosia's cocktail program is a cornerstone of the restaurant, inspired by the mystique of the Outer Banks—from rum barrels beneath Jockey’s Ridge to hidden Prohibition stills along the Alligator River. Centered on premium cane spirits, the menu blends nostalgic flavors with modern mixology.
Since its opening, Theodosia has become the anchor of The Sanderling’s culinary experience. The resort’s collection of restaurants and bars also includes the historic Lifesaving Station for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; casual pool and beachside fare at The Sandbar; and Beach House Bar serving fresh coffee and pastries in the morning and cocktails and bites in the evening.
The Sanderling Resort as a Year-Round Retreat
The Sanderling Resort will introduce a calendar of diverse experiences that establish the property as a sophisticated destination to visit in summer, fall, winter and spring. From floral arranging workshops to cocktail classes and book clubs, stargazing, ghost crab hunting, art exhibitions, beach picnics, holiday celebrations, and more, The Sanderling will engage guests of all ages from sunup to sundown. Vacationers can also independently explore the resort grounds with self-guided bird watching, walking trails, family scavenger hunts, wildlife sketching, and more.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, sun-seekers will find ample ways to enjoy The Sanderling’s picturesque setting: kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards and skim boards, a zero-entry family swimming pool and the adults-only Tranquility Pool, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, and classic games like cornhole and bocce ball, Connect Four and Jenga.
With The Sanderling as a home base for an Outer Banks vacation, guests can immerse themselves in the destination’s land, sea, and air experiences – from biking along scenic trails to peaceful nature walks or off-roading with wild horses, offering the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with nature. For those seeking a new perspective, hang gliding and bi-plane tours offer phenomenal views of the coastline.
Wellness & Renewal
The Sanderling Spa, long celebrated as the region's premier wellness destination, offers guests a serene escape to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul. With ten tranquil treatment rooms that feature views of the Currituck Sound and a robust menu of skincare, body, nail, and haircare treatments, spa-goers can discover a state of total relaxation at The Sanderling.
The resort also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and specialized fitness classes, including sunrise yoga on the beach and guided meditations.
Dance, Dine & Gather at The Sanderling Resort
The Sanderling Resort's new Sunset Ballroom has debuted as one of the region’s most coveted event spaces. Located across from the main resort, this 2,481-square-foot waterfront venue sets the tone for elegant social celebrations and group events on the Outer Banks. Vaulted ceilings, hanging lanterns, and a clean, classic design by Ward + Gray frame stunning views of the Currituck Sound through a striking wall of windows—an incomparable backdrop to impress any bride or groom envisioning a breathtaking reception.
The Sunset Ballroom adds to The Sanderling’s already extensive offering of resort-style meeting and event spaces, including the refreshed Lawn – an oceanside setting for outdoor weddings and celebrations; The Event House with an executive boardroom and expansive outdoor deck; The Observation Deck overlooking the beach and ocean; Keeper’s Loft with sunset views over the Currituck Sound; The Great Hall, situated on the tranquil shores of the Currituck Sound; and quiet stretches of beach for on-the-sand events.
For more information about The Sanderling Resort and to book your stay, visit thesanderling.com, Facebook, and Instagram.
About The Sanderling Resort
Nestled along the pristine shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, The Sanderling Resort is the region’s premier full-service, luxury beachfront destination. Following an extensive transformation in 2025, the resort redefines seaside hospitality with coastal elegance, sophisticated accommodations, world-class dining, and thoughtfully curated experiences. The property features 123 elegantly redesigned guest rooms and suites by Ward + Gray, along with The Residences at The Sanderling Resort—a collection of private vacation homes ideal for extended stays and family gatherings. Culinary excellence takes center stage at Theodosia, a new restaurant by award-winning chef Vivian Howard, which joins the historic Lifesaving Station, The Sandbar, and the Beach House Bar.
Beyond its accommodations and dining, The Sanderling Resort offers year-round activities—from outdoor adventures, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife excursions, to engaging on-property experiences such as cocktail classes, stargazing, and art exhibitions. Guests seeking relaxation can indulge in the Sanderling Spa, which features ocean-inspired treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort also serves as a celebrated event destination, ideal for beachfront weddings, with the debut of the stunning Sunset Ballroom—an elegant waterfront venue complemented by a variety of scenic indoor and outdoor event spaces.
For more information, visit thesanderling.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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