North Carolina’s Outer Banks Has a Chic New Hotel — and It Offers Dune Buggy Adventures, a Private Chef, and Cold Plunges

Hatteras Island, one of the barrier islands in the beloved Outer Banks coastal region of North Carolina, is known for its breathtaking beaches and storied maritime legacy, but less so for its style, trendiness, or fashion.

But that may change on June 11, when boutique hotel Edgecamp Pamlico Station opens its doors to guests. It has a fair chance to elevate the destination’s fashion cred thanks to a design by the one and only Jonathan Adler, who was taken with the area’s natural beauty.

“The first time I visited Pamlico Station, I was in awe of the landscape,” Adler told Travel + Leisure. “The hotel sits alongside one of the largest preserved parcels of the Outer Banks’ shoreline, and when you’re there, you are surrounded by the blue of the sky, the yellow of the sun, and the white of the clouds. I was immediately drawn to the project upon visiting it and knew I wanted to create something that was unlike anything else in the Outer Banks.”

Adler had full design reign over the 14 accommodations of the all-suite hotel (from $475 per night), including decor and furnishings. Each spacious suite has a living room, dining area, fully-equipped kitchen, and bedroom.

“I believe Mother Nature is the world’s best designer, so the mind-blowing nature surrounding Pamlico Station was the initial inspiration,” Adler said. “From there we considered other glamorous beachside locales like the Italian and French Rivieras in the ’50s and ’60s, as well as the robust kitesurfing community in the Outer Banks.”

This resulted in details like laminated oak cabinetry, cream-colored boucle dining chairs and navy blue tiles in the kitchen; ochre and white striped tiled bathrooms with bright green circular mirrors; orange wood-burning hanging fireplaces and teal couches in the living area; and curvy bed frames with fluffy faux-fur rugs in the bedroom. Adler’s ceramics are used throughout.

“We utilized a neutral palette with pops of greens and blues, interesting materials like mohair and bouclé, and mixed brass with black metals for a luxe yet grounded feel,” Adler explained. “The rooms also feature ceramic tile art (I’m first and foremost a potter), art by Slim Aarons, Lord Bodner, and C. Jeré, as well as custom Peruvian flatweave tapestries that I think are particularly groovy. The final touch? Malm fireplaces for cozy warmth.” 

Owner Richard Fertig knew the area deserved a hospitality brand to match its spectacular outdoor offerings. Before Edgecamp came along, Hatteras Island only had midrange and budget inns, motels, and vacation rental homes with classic coastal decor. The handful of luxury properties in the greater Outer Banks region remain very traditional. 

“There’s nothing else like this in the Outer Banks,” said Fertig. “Our goal was to create a truly unique hospitality experience — one that’s luxurious and high-end, yet still embodies the laid-back, adventurous spirit that makes this place so special.”

To that end, the hotel has a concierge to assist with water sport rentals and lessons (the Outer Banks are known for kite surfing in particular and Fertig states it as one of his main inspirations for the property), dune buggy adventures, biking, as well as kitchen stocking and a private chef. The property also features a wellness center equipped with saunas, cold plunges, and a hot tub. In-room massages can be scheduled. 

Still to come in the next year will be the adjacent Edgecamp Sporting Club, an added amenity for hotel guests and club members where they can enjoy waterfront dining, a kiteboarding membership, pool access, and more.

Edgecamp Pamlico Station is only the first of several Edgecamp properties planned for the future, including locations in the Hamptons; Nosara, Costa Rica; Palm Beach; and Palm Springs.

“The Edgecamp brand is all about design-inspired spaces that open the door to world-class sports and adventure,” Fertig said. “We’re big on wellness, rest, and recovery because we know they’re essential for creating those joyful, lasting memories.”