Outer Banks Resorts

Outer Banks Resorts are gaining traction as popular accommodations for beach-loving couples, watersports fans and families. Though not a new addition to the local landscape, (as "resort-style" lodgings have been available on the beach since the 1950s), the more recently developed and up-and-coming resorts resemble all-inclusive vacation destinations - a far cry from their historical predecessors, which were typically collections of beach cottages, or one-room apartments in a single complex.

Benefits of Resort Vacations

The reason for this uptick in the development of new OBX resorts, and their ensuing popularity, is mainly attributed to the nature of the Outer Banks area itself. Stretching for more than 100 miles, visitors who head to the Outer Banks often have to search to find local swimming pools, mini golf courses, water slides, and beach and sound access sites. A resort, however, puts all of these amenities at a visitor's fingertips.

Additional benefits for vacationers planning a stay at a resort include the following:

• Options - Outer Banks resorts often offer a range of different sized properties, from studio retreats to 4-5 bedroom accommodations, allowing guests to tailor a vacation to fit their family without multiple searches.
• Space - Most resort accommodations come equipped with living areas, kitchens, private decks, multiple bedrooms, or all of the above, allowing visitors plenty of room to stretch out and relax.
• Price - Vacationers like the ease of having a kitchen instead of going out for meals, as well as the convenience and savings of having pricey activities, like mini golf or waterslides, included with their vacation costs, and available right outside the door.
• Environment - Most Outer Banks resorts are found in picturesque locales. They can be situated by the water, close to local attractions, in the heart of a rich maritime forest, or all of the above. The larger resorts use this setting to their advantage, offering private and scenic accommodations that fit right into their natural surroundings.

With an increasing demand for convenience, affordability and all-inclusive fun, the Outer Banks is responding with the development of some of the most elite and accommodating resorts along the NC and Virginia coastlines. For example, the expansive Beachwoods Resort is found within 100 acres of pristine Maritime Forest and features a lakeside lodge, waterpark, and a fitness center, with plans in the works to expand and include even more luxury amenities.

With all of the Outer Banks' best activities and attributes found right at home, it's not surprising to most local experts that area resorts are enjoying a wave of popularity.

Owning your Vacation

A number of Outer Banks resorts offer the option for frequent visitors to purchase a timeshare, (also referred to in the local real estate market as a "partial ownership" or "co-op.") While a timeshare is typically coveted by Outer Banks lovers who return to the region again and again, it has its own varied set of benefits for all vacationers. If you are interested in speaking with someone about partial ownership of your vacation resort, please fill out the Beachwoods Resort contact form.

• Budgeting - Timeshare owners do not have to increase their budget for the variable rise of vacation rental and motel prices in the coming years, as their accommodations are set at a fixed cost that represents today's current vacation prices.
• Maintenance - Unlike a vacation rental home, which requires continual upkeep and attention, a timeshare is managed by the resort company, with a set maintenance fee tied in for any ongoing expenses. This alleviates any "surprise" repair or damage costs, as well as the stress of constantly fixing and maintaining a property.
• Flexibility - Timeshare owners can decide upfront how much vacation they want to purchase, and how large a space they require, allowing them the freedom to head to the beach on their schedule and terms.
• Additional Vacation Opportunities - Many resorts, (like Beachwoods, which is one of the most expansive resorts on the Outer Banks), allow owners to "trade" their time at other exclusive resorts, allowing visitors the opportunity and flexibility to explore new beach destinations across the country without adjusting their budget.

Types of amenities available at Outer Banks resorts

The big lure of an Outer Banks resort are the amenities. Gone are the days when an Outer Banks resort's top attributes were a central office and coin-operated laundry - today's resorts rival the best East Coast beach hotels, and boast a long list of features and accoutrements.

Amenities that are often available at grand Outer Banks resorts include the following:

• Outdoor and Indoor Pools
• Golf courses and / or mini golf courses
• On-site spas and fitness centers
• Community club rooms, lounges, on-site restaurants and / or bars
• Water parks, playgrounds, and other kid-friendly amenities
• Ocean and sound accesses
• Hiking and biking trails
• Fully-equipped kitchens, living areas, decks and separate bedrooms
• On-site offices and visitors centers for questions, area information and concierge services
• Special events designed for resort guests

Essentially, a resort can offer a full collection of Outer Banks entertainment but without the extra cost, travel, and scheduling involved to enjoy a world of activities.

Where to Find Outer Banks Resorts

Outer Banks resorts can be found from Corolla to Hatteras Island, and each region has a handful of options that are as unique as their individual area or town.

• Central Outer Banks: The bustling and popular central Outer Banks is home to several resorts, including the Hilton Kitty Hawk and the Beachwoods Resort. Beachwoods is an especially enticing property, as it is in the process of expanding its accommodations to include an indoor water park, spa, a recreational park, and additional upscale accommodations.
• Northern Outer Banks: The Corolla and Duck areas are home to two resorts, the Sanderling and Barrier Island Duck, which are close to the water and mirror the elite surroundings of their Northern Outer Banks communities.
• Hatteras Island: Resorts in Hatteras Island include chain campground complexes like Camp Hatteras/KOA, more upscale resorts like Koru Village Resort and Spa, and specialty resorts which are designed for the region's enthusiastic watersports fans. These resorts, which include Waves Village and REAL Watersport's Watermen's Retreat, feature exceptional sound access and often offer clinics, camps and lessons to coincide with a vacation.

Though not a new concept, the modern Outer Banks resorts are gaining popularity because they are combining all the amenities and attributes that the new generation of OBX visitors are looking for in an enjoyable vacation.

Convenient, cost-effective, and with a wealth of stress-free amenities, the new resort scene on the beach is clearly making waves with Outer Banks visitors.