ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: When we arrived at Trailborn Surf & Sound the parking lot was full, but valet parking was available, so we simply dropped off our bags and stepped inside. The bright, spacious lobby offers plenty of seating for guests to gather, and large glass doors open to the pool area with additional spots to relax. It’s easy to see why this hotel is a popular choice for groups and weddings—the lawn, in particular, is a favorite ceremony location.
Check-in was quick, and we both noticed the hotel’s signature scent immediately: a calming aroma similar to a spa that sets a soothing tone upon arrival.
© Trailborn Surf & Sound
GUEST QUARTERS: Rooms at this beachfront property face either the ocean or the sound. Our Soundside Double Queen overlooked the sound, providing beautiful sunset views, sailboats gliding by and even the occasional dolphin. A pair of chairs and a small table sat before a large sliding door so we could fully enjoy the scenery.
The twin queen beds featured a fabric-covered headboard in a terracotta-orange stripe that complements the hotel’s overall palette. The headboard ran the width of both beds, with small cabinets on each side and one between them, so charging ports were convenient no matter where you slept. Thoughtful details stood out, such as a retro-style Tivoli Audio radio that delivered excellent sound, and instead of a standard coffeemaker there was a Fellow Corvo EKG Pro electric kettle to heat water for the hotel’s Trailborn Blend instant coffee from Huckleberry Roasters or for tea. A roomy tote bag was provided for carrying belongings to the beach or pool.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The fitness center is well equipped with modern machines, including Peloton bikes. While there is no full-service spa on site, guests have access to an indoor hot tub, a sauna, and in-room massage services.
© Trailborn Surf & Sound
For dinner we celebrated a birthday at La Duna Paradiso. We began with a burrata appetizer dressed with raw honey, herb oil, peaches, roasted red peppers, chopped cerignola olives and cracked pepper, served with miso toast. I chose the seared halibut accompanied by eggplant and olive caponata, buttered polenta, charred broccolini and pancetta jus—an excellent, balanced dish. My husband had difficulty choosing until our server, Ellie, recommended the New York strip loin with ammoglio sauce, roasted heirloom carrots and balsamic-glazed shallot; he was very pleased with the selection. Ellie also suggested the tiramisu, and despite being full we saved room for dessert and were glad we did.
We wrapped up the evening by the oceanside firepit, chatting with other guests and enjoying the welcoming communal atmosphere.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Trailborn offers many on-property experiences and excursions, including kayak rentals, surf lessons, sunset cruises, island-hopping trips, kite and wing land boarding, morning yoga, dock fishing, beach cruiser bikes and more.
- Guests can borrow a picnic basket to fill with local beer, wine and snacks and watch the sunset from Adirondack chairs on the sound. After dark, s’mores kits are available to roast marshmallows at the firepit on the oceanside lawn. Families can request in-room tents for indoor camping fun with children.
TRAILBORN SURF & SOUND
275 Waynick Blvd.
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
tel 877 684 8024