A key destination on Wrightsville Beach since 1964 has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and will celebrate its grand reopening on April 10.

Trailborn Surf & Sound (previously called The Blockade Runner Beach Resort) “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,” said Ben Weinberg, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn.

The resort is responding to demand. Tourism is the main industry in Wrightsville Beach, and revenues from the town’s room occupancy tax have more than doubled since 2014, town officials noted in Wrightsville Beach’s financial report for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which ended June 30.

Trailborn Surf & Sound’s renovations include updates to all 151 guest rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor public spaces, restaurant and bar concepts and private event rooms. The renovations offer an upgraded guest experience, make the hotel’s accommodations more comfortable and functional and introduce a fresh design that blends contemporary style with a celebration of Wrightsville Beach, hotel officials said. The principal architect was the DLR Group, and the Post Company collaborated with Trailborn on the interior design of the property.

The rooms feature full or Juliet balconies with ocean and sound views, and inspired by the maritime setting, they include rattan-accented benches, blue-detailed ceilings, blue-tiled bathrooms, a wave motif at the minibar and locally curated artwork.

Trailborn Surf & Sound officially opened Jan. 29, but the property’s grand opening is scheduled for April 10, coinciding with the debut of its new restaurant and bar concepts.

Guests can enjoy Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at La Duna Paradiso, the resort’s signature restaurant, which specializes in fresh seafood and house-made pasta.

Bar Duna, the hotel’s lobby bar, offers both bar and lounge seating, serving as a central hub that connects the restaurant and lobby.

The property’s renovated Blockade Surf Bar, a tribute to the resort’s history, will offer a selection of popular bites and dishes for lunch and dinner. It will also feature a full bar, including tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and a selection of local beers on draft.

“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 travelers,” said Mike Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn.

Another significant hotel project in Wrightsville Beach was the Holiday Inn Resort at Wrightsville Beach, which reopened in 2022 after an 18-month renovation. Now known as Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, the property was renovated by OTO Development, a subsidiary of The Johnson Group, which acquired it in December 2020.

The Lumina name “draws on the storied history of an iconic pavilion constructed in 1905 to showcase the wonder of electricity while beckoning people out to the beach,” an OTO announcement stated. Corry Oakes, the company CEO, said at the time, “This resort is designed to recapture the spirit of the beloved Lumina pavilion – a space lit with camaraderie and the bright promise of food, fun and fellowship. We’ve drawn on history, but now it’s all about creating new memories.”

Throughout the Wilmington area, demand has increased for hotel rooms, but officials have not seen any new accommodation plans come through for Wrightsville Beach.

“The CVB is not aware of any new hotel projects on the island of Wrightsville Beach,” said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “However, there is a new Element Hotel by Westin currently under construction in the Mayfaire area in Wilmington (near Wrightsville Beach) that is expected to open in June 2025.”
 
In The Zone is a monthly feature focusing on specific areas throughout the region. Coming up next are Surf City (May) and Bald Head Island (June). For story suggestions, email [email protected].