Saltwater Resort, a new luxury hotel and event center, is now open for business on Topsail Island off the coast of North Carolina. The resort is in the town of Surf City—just a 45-minute drive from Wilmington—and features 48 suites and a two-story event center.
“We’re excited to be welcoming families and guests to Topsail Island and the beautiful North Carolina coast,” says Richard Stroupe, developer of Saltwater Resort and a North Carolina native, in a prepared statement. “This project is a vote of confidence in Topsail Island’s future, and is already delivering a powerful boost to our local economy.”
Located within walking distance of the beach and downtown Surf City, Saltwater Resort provides easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. The resort is pet-friendly and packed with amenities, including outdoor showers, an outdoor guest common area, tent rentals, and beach cruisers for event attendees to borrow during their stay. Each of its 700-square-foot suites includes a full kitchen, washer, and dryer, and accommodates both short-term and extended stays.
The two-story event center, dubbed the Saltwater Boardroom, includes 900 square feet of indoor space and 900 square feet of covered outdoor deck space with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Indoor space includes a kitchen with a roll-up service door, two bathrooms, a luxurious seating area, 75-inch TV with conferencing capabilities, and high-end audio system. Outdoor space comes equipped with a custom bar, versatile tables and seating, and a weatherproofing option to ensure the space can be enjoyed year-round.
Local leaders and Stroupe celebrated the resort’s grand opening at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25. Stroupe’s vision for Saltwater Resort began in 2017 with the restoration of the historic Loggerhead Inn & Suites nearby. The success of that effort inspired him to pursue additional projects to elevate Topsail Island’s overall appeal.
“We have been welcomed into the community with open arms,” says Stroupe. “Topsail Island is an incredible place with an even brighter future ahead. We’re thrilled to be part of it.”