What's included at The Sanderling and what costs extra

Most everyday resort inclusions are covered by the daily resort fee: private beach access, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, Wi‑Fi, self parking, two outdoor pools and indoor pool use, fitness center access and lawn games. Extras or one-time charges include the non‑refundable pet fee, crib/rollaway fees, early/late check‑in/out charges, activity rentals and cleaning/residence fees for vacation homes.
In this guide
What the resort fee covers
A daily resort fee applies to Resort Rooms and covers a bundle of on‑property conveniences that most guests use during a beach stay. These inclusions are charged per night for Resort Rooms (see fees section for amounts).
Items explicitly listed as included in the resort fee are provided to all resort guests during their stay; if you need more detail about eligibility (for residences vs. Resort Rooms) check at check‑in.
- Private beach access (North and South beaches)
- Beach chairs, umbrellas and towels
- Wi‑Fi throughout the property
- Self parking and electric vehicle charging
- Fitness center access and indoor pool use (spa pool)
- Lawn games and some group wellness classes (yoga on the Observation Deck on weekends)
| Included item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Private beach access | Included with Resort Rooms' daily resort fee |
| Beach chairs, umbrellas & towels | Provided on the beach while the resort fee is in effect |
| Fitness center & indoor pool | Included; fitness center located in the North Inn; indoor pool at The Spa |

Rooms, suites and what’s standard in-room
The Sanderling has multiple room types; examples include Room, 1 King Bed (Resort), Room, 2 Queen Beds (Resort), Studio, with Sofa bed (Resort), Room, 1 King Bed (Ocean), Suite, with Sofa bed (Ocean), Presidential Suite (Ocean) and several multi‑bedroom Residences such as Room, 3 Bedrooms (Swan Residence) and House, 6 Bedrooms (Caffey, Residence).
Standard guest conveniences commonly available across room types include in‑room coffee and tea (covered by the resort fee for Resort Rooms), free Wi‑Fi and smoke‑free rooms. Check the reservation details or front desk for specific in‑room features for each room type.
- Room names to note: Room, 1 King Bed (Resort); Room, 2 Queen Beds (Pool); Studio, with Sofa bed (Ocean); Presidential Suite (Ocean); Room, 4 Bedrooms (Sandpiper Residence)
- In‑room coffee/tea is included for Resort Rooms via the resort fee
- Cribs and rollaway beds are available for a nightly fee (see Fees & extras)
| Room type examples | Typical bedding |
|---|---|
| Room, 1 King Bed (Resort) | 1 King Bed |
| Studio, with Sofa bed (Resort) | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Room, 4 Bedrooms (Sandpiper Residence) | 2 King Beds, 1 Double Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds |

Pools, spa and fitness — what’s included and what costs extra
The resort operates three pools that guests can use: the outdoor family Resort Pool, the adults‑only Tranquility Pool (21+), and an indoor pool at The Spa. Outdoor pools and the indoor spa pool are included for resort guests.
The Spa at The Sanderling provides massages, facials, body treatments, nail and hair services across ten treatment rooms; spa services themselves are charged separately. The spa also includes eucalyptus steam rooms with listed opening hours.
Fitness center access is included in the resort fee; group wellness classes such as guided yoga on the Observation Deck (Saturday & Sunday at 8:00 AM) are included for guests, though some special classes or non‑guest participation may carry a fee.
- Pools: Resort Pool (family), Tranquility Pool (adults‑only, 75‑foot lap pool and whirlpool spa), indoor pool at the Spa
- Spa treatments: charged per service; eucalyptus steam rooms operate on a schedule (spa hours listed separately)
- Fitness center: located in the North Inn; open daily (hours listed by the resort)
| Facility | Included? |
|---|---|
| Resort Pool (outdoor) | Included for resort guests |
| Tranquility Pool (adults‑only) | Included for resort guests (21+) |
| Spa treatments & rentals | Spa services charged separately |

Dining — what’s on property and seasonal availability
On‑site dining options include Lifesaving Station (breakfast, lunch, dinner year‑round), Theodosia (seasonal fine dining), Sandbar (seasonal pool/beach service) and the Beach House Bar (seasonal hours for coffee and evening drinks). Some venues are seasonal; hours and openings change with the calendar.
Meals and drinks at the restaurants and bars are charged to the guest — they are not covered by the resort fee — and reservations are recommended for Lifesaving Station and Theodosia during busy periods.
- Lifesaving Station: breakfast 7:00–11:30 AM; lunch 12:00–4:30 PM; dinner 5:00–9:00 PM (open year‑round)
- Theodosia: seasonal fine‑dining dinner service (commonly open evenings during its season) — check current status before you arrive
- Sandbar and Beach House Bar: seasonal, first‑come first‑served service; Sandbar often provides pool/beach service
| Venue | When open / Notes |
|---|---|
| Lifesaving Station | All‑day service year‑round; reservations accepted |
| Theodosia | Seasonal fine dining; typically dinner only |
| Sandbar & Beach House Bar | Seasonal; hours vary (first‑come seating) |
Activities, rentals and extras
The Sanderling offers on‑site activities and third‑party operators for water sports and outings. Rentals such as paddleboards, kayaks and bikes are available for an additional surcharge. Guided activities like surfing lessons and kiteboarding are offered through partner operators on property.
Some on‑site events or seasonal activities (Sanderling Seafood Boil, Sanderling Seaside Picnic, Sanderling Socials) may have separate charges or require reservations; non‑overnight day passes have historically been available for a per‑person fee and include use of pools and beach provisions.
- On‑site rentals for paddleboards, kayaks and bikes — extra surcharge
- Kitty Hawk Kites operates an on‑property kiosk for lessons and excursions
- Seasonal events (seafood boils, socials, picnics) may carry a separate charge
| Activity type | Typical cost status |
|---|---|
| Equipment rentals (board/kayak/bike) | Extra surcharge |
| Group wellness classes for guests (weekend yoga) | Included for resort guests |
| Special seasonal events | Often fee‑based or reservation required |
Fees, policies and practical extras to expect
Key fees and policies to note: Resort Rooms carry a taxable daily resort fee; Residences have a different nightly percentage‑based resort fee with minimums and separate cleaning fees. The property enforces a minimum check‑in age of 21 (guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
Other practical charges: the resort does not accept cash for payment and may preauthorize a credit card at check‑in; incidental deposits or a card hold are common. Early check‑in and late check‑out are available for a fee, subject to availability.
- Resort Rooms: $55 taxable daily resort fee (Resort Rooms) — covers the items listed in the resort fee section
- Residences: 5% taxable nightly resort fee (minimum $55/night) plus cleaning fees (typically $250 for 2–4 bedrooms, $350 for 6 bedrooms)
- Pet fees: $300 non‑refundable for guest rooms, $400 for residences; maximum two dogs under 60 lbs per accommodation
- Crib/rollaway fee: $35 per night
- Check‑in/out: check‑in 4:00 PM, check‑out 11:00 AM; minimum age to check in 21; cash not accepted; credit card pre‑authorization typical
| Fee or policy | Amount / detail |
|---|---|
| Resort Rooms resort fee | $55 per night (taxable) |
| Residences resort fee & cleaning | 5% nightly resort fee (min $55) + cleaning $250 (2–4 BR) or $350 (6 BR) |
| Pet fee | $300 guest rooms; $400 residences (non‑refundable) |


