Watermen's Retreat in OBX, NC, USA
If you are looking for a place to stay in the OBX for your kiting vacation there are many amazing options. I have always rented a large house in Mirlo beach every spring and fall and booked well in advance with friends.
This weekend, however, we did a last minute trip with a small group of friends and it was difficult to find place in a pinch. We got lucky and landed a room at the Watermen's Retreat. The location is amazing, and the staff have been very helpful and friendly.
The resort is geared to the watersports enthusiast and they specifically have thought of everything that a kite boarder may need while on vacation.
- air compressors for pumping your kites
- large grass landing area
- outside storage lockers
- modern clean rooms stocked with basic essentials
- a retail shop with everything you can imagine wanting
- a restaurant with live entertainment at night
- a rental shop for light wind days with SUP, kayaks, and surfboards for rent
The accommodations are very clean and modern. Each room in the 3 bedroom suite we stayed in has everything you might want. Nice clean linens, bedside lighting, and private balconies. The shared living area is comfortable for hanging out and there is a nice big table for group meals. All the appliances are new and in great working condition.
The rooms are clean and modern, and the beds are comfortable with nice linens
living/kitchen area with comfortable seating and updated appliances-
The food at the restaurant is a bit pricey, but they do support local fisheries and use fresh ingredients. They also serve beer from the local Carolina Brewery. They also have live entertainment with sunset views for dinner. The service is a bit strange though. You basically have to serve yourself by placing an order at the front counter and then returning if you wanted anything.
stage/restaurant area
The area for kiting is pretty great. With waist deep water it reminds me of my home spot in the Bogue Sound. The property, however, is right on the Pamlico Sound and is rideable on S/SW/W/NW/N wind directions. If it is blowing SE/E/NE then their are options to the north and sound for riding on the sound. On a southerly wind direction there is an island that buffers the chop out of the water and creates a nice slick.
To use the resort property you have to be staying at the resort. They give you a wrist band that you put on your harness.