Outdoor hospitality brand Trailborn, has announced the official opening of Trailborn Surf & Sound, a revitalised property creating a new hospitality landmark in one of the America’s best surf towns, creating a new design-forward destination for beach goers across the South and East Coast…
Marking the brand’s fourth property, Trailborn Surf & Sound has emerged as an exceptional waterfront escape, featuring breathtaking ocean and sound views from every room and direct access to a variety of water activities along with curated programming and brand-new food and beverage concepts, including La Duna Paradiso, a destination restaurant; Bar Duna, the hotel’s lobby bar and gathering point; and a new beach and poolside retreat, Blockade Surf Bar.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
“Trailborn is thrilled to uphold the legendary status of this coastal gem and create a higher quality experience that ensures the hotel continues to be a beloved spot for locals, while also meeting the evolving expectations of travellers,” said Mike Weiss, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Trailborn.”
“Trailborn Surf & Sound will have so much to offer – including a one-of-a-kind location with both beach and sound access, elegantly designed guest rooms and spaces inspired by the region’s maritime heritage, and curated experiential programming perfect for enjoying the town’s incredible coastal activities and offerings,” added Ben Weinberg, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Trailborn.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
As part of Trailborn’s extensive renovations, the team worked with the award-winning design firm, Post Company, to breathe new life into the public spaces, guest rooms, and food and beverage concepts to create an on-property experience deeply inspired by Wrightsville Beach and the hotel’s unparalleled location.
Renovation highlights include a refreshed arrival, with the exterior enhanced by white brick accents and Juliet balconies offering stunning views of the coastline and sound. A new wood-accented entryway with a minimal wood and stone-clad desk warmly greets guests as they arrive at the hotel. The property’s dynamic lobby space is furnished with an abundance of comfortable seating areas, spanning French doors leading to the beach, and artwork inspired by the surrounding coast and beach town. The lobby serves as the heart of the on-property experience and channels guests to the hotel’s extensive boardwalk and the property grounds’ expansive lawn and beautifully landscaped gardens – where guests can enjoy curated programming exclusively offered by Trailborn.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
Each of the 151 guest rooms has undergone a meticulous redesign intended to encourage relaxation after a day in the sun, and all include either full balconies opening up to the ocean or picturesque Juliet balconies providing views of both the ocean and sound sides. Inspired by the maritime location, rooms feature rattan-accented benches, ceilings with blue detailing, blue-hued tile flooring in the spacious bathrooms, a subtle wave motif at the minibar, and locally curated artwork.
The property will unveil a variety of new dining options opening this spring that will serve as new spaces for travellers and locals to gather and enjoy seaside dining. Guests will be able to indulge in Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at La Duna Paradiso, the resort’s destination restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and house-made pasta. The vibrant atmosphere, adorned with natural materials, patterned fabrics, oak floors, patinated leather, and ocean views, creates the perfect backdrop for festive brunches and dinners. For events and gatherings, La Duna Paradiso will also include La Costa, a private dining room capable of seating groups of up to 14.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
Bar Duna, the hotel’s forthcoming lobby bar, will offer both bar and lounge seating and is designed as a centrepiece of the hotel experience – a nexus between restaurant and lobby, guest and community, detail and style. The space will feature a wooden bar detailed with tile and a surrounding lounge space outfitted with brass accents, textured terracotta flooring, vintage armchairs, ceramic wall sconces, natural leather lounge chairs, plush seating, and wood wall panelling to impart a sense of warmth and timeless design meant to look better with age as the space is frequented over time.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
The property’s renovated Blockade Surf Bar, a nod to the previous resort, is one of the few bars in Wrightsville Beach offering direct beach access, Blockade Surf Bar is an ideally situated conduit between the resort and beach welcoming all who are looking for a respite from the sun, a social gathering spot, to refuel. The space was created to encourage effortless poolside dining and libating that perfectly pairs with new, ultra-comfortable reservable cabanas, pool loungers, ample bar seating, and lounge areas perfect for groups to gather and enjoy ocean views.
Central to the Trailborn experience and to ensure guests can make the most of Wrightsville Beach, Trailborn Surf & Sound provides a variety of exclusive experiences and programming, such as surf lessons, boat cruises, fishing trips, and sailboat, surfboard, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. At the resort, guests can also rent complimentary bikes or reserve pool cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas. The property will also host a variety of events for guests and locals.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
A pillar of the Trailborn brand’s commitment to sustainability through its ‘Keep Extraordinary’ initiative, the property will donate a portion of every direct stay booked on trailborn.com to the NC Coastal Federation to support the organization’s efforts on cleaning coastal waters, living shorelines, thriving oysters, effective coastal management, and marine debris removal.
Included in the redesign are newly updated event venues, including The Tides Ballroom with capabilities to host up to 200 guests; the Sunset and Sunrise Rooms which can be adjusted to accommodate various meeting sizes; The Great Lawn providing an airy setting for cocktails parties, team building events, wedding ceremonies, and seated dinners; and the Promenade which can host versatile outdoor events next to the property’s oceanfront gardens. Across the street, Soundside provides an intimate lawn and dock for additional gatherings, as well as access to private cruises and water activities.
Image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
“We are incredibly excited to unveil Trailborn Surf & Sound and introduce an exciting new way for both locals and travellers to experience the unique charm of our town,” said Nicolas Montoya, General Manager of Trailborn Surf & Sound and former General Manager of the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. “Our team has poured their hearts into creating a resort that seamlessly blends modern comfort with the natural beauty of our town and the surrounding coastline. We’re excited to welcome back our neighbours and guests, offering an experience so exceptional that it will keep them coming back time and time again.”
Trailborn Surf & Sound signals the next step forward for the historic property, which has existed since 1897. The debut of Trailborn Surf & Sound marks a new era for the hotel that celebrates the charm of its past while introducing modern luxury, elevated design, and an upgraded experience for both guests and locals.
Main image credit: Leslie Ryann McKellar
