Nothing makes me happier than beachfront accommodation where the sounds of waves lapping against the shore lulls me to sleep. One that provides expansive ocean views from my room and resort style amenities that help me switch off from reality. This is what we experienced at the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach.
Typically, when we travel, we run from one experience and restaurant to another and the accommodation is just a place to sleep, but on this trip, in honor of our senior’s college tour of UNC Wilmington, there was none of that. We finally had time to do nothing but laze around the resort pool and enjoy the facilities.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach with the kids – if that’s your travel style, you’ll be happy to know it’s well suited to family vacations. It’s also well suited to a couple’s getaway, a solo retreat, or a weekend getaway with friends.
It offers everything you need to unwind and recharge by the sea, and its location merely steps from the sandy shores of Wrightsville Beach is another big tick in the box!
Our stay at the IHG Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach (hosted by Wilmington and Beaches CVB) exceeded our expectations and delivered the quintessential beachside escape we were hoping for.
If you’re looking for a place to stay at Wrightsville Beach, we recommend the IHG Holiday Resort Lumina for the following reasons.
Nostalgia Shining Bright
The Lumina Resort, built in 1905 by the Consolidated Railways Light & Power Company at the end of its trolley line, was once the vibrant “Fun Spot of the South” on Wrightsville Beach.
This glowing three-story pavilion, adorned with over a thousand incandescent bulbs, featured a dance hall, bowling alley, movie theater, and promenade, attracting generations of visitors.
Trolley cars brought beachgoers from Wilmington for just 25 cents, creating a lively hub of music, camaraderie, and even a “dive-in” theater over the water.
While its heyday faded with the rise of automotive traffic and the pavilion closed in the mid-1950s, Lumina’s legacy of joy and community remains a cherished part of Wrightsville Beach’s history.
Its glow lingers on, casting warmth and connection in the cherished memories of all vacationers who now experience this Wrightsville Beach hotel’s magic.
Ocean Vista Rooms with Private Balconies
As soon as we opened the door to our room, we were all taken aback by how spacious the suite was – a treat for a family of four sharing a hotel room.
Both queen beds faced the balcony doors, which we kept open while sleeping to enjoy the cool breeze and listen to the gentle sounds of the waves rolling onto the shore.
We like to sit on the beach for morning sunrise, but if you’d prefer to soak it up with your warm coffee on your balcony, then the room allows for that perfect morning as well.
The guest rooms are well-appointed with cozy furnishings and thoughtful amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, microwave, and plenty of storage space for all beach gear.
The layout of the room maximizes space and comfort, with a desk area tucked away out of sight around the corner near the bathroom.
As not all suites have ocean views, be sure to select that when booking. It really is a standout feature of the hotel, and if you’re booking an oceanfront resort, why wouldn’t you want that?
However, if you don’t have an ocean view, you will have a sound view (Intracoastal Waterway) which we feel can be just a beautiful – especially for sunset.
Most rooms also have balconies, and some have bunk beds to better accommodate families. There are 10 accessible rooms at the resort
All rooms on the seven levels of the Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach are furnished with a microwave and a refrigerator, a 32-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
As it’s an IHG Hotel, up to two children aged 17 and under stay free when sharing a room with up to two adults at Holiday Inn hotels. The hotel also comes with ample parking – a luxury in Wrightsville Beach.
Resort Pool
While the ocean is just a few steps away, the resort pool offers a nice change of pace. I like the fact that you have options at the Lumina Resort.
There are plenty of comfortable lounge chairs, shaded by umbrellas, with easy access to refreshing drinks from the pool bar. The pool area is spacious, with a hammock garden and plenty of room for families and couples alike to enjoy the water without feeling crowded.
For those traveling with toddlers or young children, there’s even a shallow section of the pool that’s perfect for the little ones, and there is an indoor heated pool and Jacuzzis for when you need warmer water.
The Hotel’s Amenities Provide Relaxation and Comfort
Recreation opportunities abound, with three pools and direct beach access, a hammock garden, even a beachfront fitness center, plus a full slate of onsite activities and entertainment.
And there are gas fire pits around the pool area perfect for nighttime gatherings.
There are terraced levels with more chairs that give you a better view of the ocean. As there are sand dunes separating the beach from the resort, so you can’t really see the ocean from the pool. But you can smell it!
Let it guide you a few steps down to the main attraction, beautiful Wrightsville Beach, one of our favorite beaches in North Carolina, probably the USA.
Beachfront Access
The beach here is pristine, with soft sand and clear waters that are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply lounging under the sun. The resort also offers beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, so you can set up camp and relax all day.
As mentioned, we love rolling out just a few steps to sit on the sand and enjoy a beach sunrise. The North Carolina coast has some of the best I’ve seen.
One thing I’d change about the Lumina Resort would be to make these available for free to guests and just charge the fee to day visitors, like I experienced on my Outer Banks solo getaway to the Sanderling Resort in Duck.
Choose to either relax on the sand and swim in the ocean (it was lusciously still warm when we visited in September, 75F) or walk along the shoreline down to Johnny Mercer’s Pier or even further into the small Wrightsville town.
We attempted to grab a morning coffee from The Workshop, but we did not have our wallets with us, and they did not take Google Pay – only Apple Pay. We make the mistakes to help you avoid them!
Dining at the onsite Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + Cocktails
The resort’s has three restaurants, but the onsite restaurant, Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + Cocktails, has the to-die-for-dinner views of your dreams.
The main event for Solstice is their coastal inspired dishes highlighting local ingredients for lunch and dinner.
We did not eat dinner or lunch at the restaurant, but looking at the menu I was impressed with the cuisine on offer, featuring many seafood dishes such as shrimp and grits, scallops, and fresh- from-the-ocean seafood, but also other specialties like duck breast, lions mane and a range of burgers and salads.
It tends to focus on Southern cuisine, but has dining options to suit any taste.
The restaurant’s relaxed vibe and coastal decor makes it easy to transition from beach attire to dining mode, perfect for a laid-back beach getaway.
We did enjoy an impressive buffet breakfast though with fresh and flavorful food to kick start our day. Choose from made-to-order omelets, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausages, more traditional breakfast items and a variety of fresh fruits and pastries. And our morning waitress was attentive and friendly.
We recommend eating breakfast on the outside patio with beautiful views out over the ocean.
If you’re looking for bar bites by the pool, Surfside Beach Bar & Grille is the place to go for lighter bites and good food.
BONUS: AT IHG resorts, kids eat for free (under 12) when ordering from the restaurant Kids’ Menu with at least one adult guest.
Evening Entertainment & Live Music
While we did not eat at the restaurant for lunch and dinner we did enjoy unwinding at the resort bar with a pre-dinner drink. With a variety of fine cocktails, local craft beers, and a well-curated wine list, there’s something for every taste.
We were lucky enough to catch a local band one evening and enjoyed the music while savoring our drinks on the terrace and inside at the bar. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy the local music scene without even having to leave the resort!
But we did leave the resort for a delicious dinner at the newly renovated King Neptune for delicious seafood.
Longboard Coffee + Market + Lobby
If you’re more of a late riser, there is a small coffee bar in the lobby, Longboard Coffee + Market, ready for your caffeine pick up with local brews, but also has pastries and grab and go items available.
We grabbed a black coffee from here after our beach walk and I found it to be every good!
The Guest Activities counter is located at Longboard Coffee + Market, if you need help planning day trips, making restaurant reservations, scheduling attractions, suggesting rainy day activities, renting bikes and more.
The market has shop for necessities you need during your stay or souvenirs to take home.
The lobby area also has plenty of comfortable couches and seating areas, all designed with the coastal chic theme to match the stunning natural location.
Family-Friendly Amenities & Activities
The IHG Holiday Inn Resort Lumina is especially well-suited for families. There’s an abundance of activities to keep kids entertained, from pool games to beach volleyball.
The resort also organizes family-friendly events like movie nights and crafts workshops. We noticed plenty of happy families around the property, and it’s easy to see why this resort is a favorite for those with kids.
The resort also has games such as frisbee, cornhole, bocce ball, yard pong, giant Jenga, board games, and oversized connect four.
For a little extra adventure, the resort can help arrange rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, and bicycles, giving you plenty of ways to explore the area.
Proximity to Local Attractions
Wrightsville Beach is a fantastic spot for those looking to explore the local area. The resort is just a short drive or walk from the small Wrightsville Beach downtown Wi area, where you can find quaint shops, cafes, restaurants serving local seafood specialties, and dive bars for your nightly entertainment. The resort has a free area shuttle that can drop you off at local shops and restaurants.
Wilmington, with its historic downtown area, complete with cobblestone streets, historic homes, and a lively riverfront district, is only a twenty-minute drive from the resort.
For nature lovers, Wrightsville Beach is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including nearby hiking trails, birdwatching areas, and the scenic Johnnie Mercer’s Pier.
Some nearby attractions include the Cape Fear Museum which is less than 20-minutes drive away, Airlie Gardens are less than a 10-minute drive, and practically next door is the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History – the IHG Holiday Inn on Wrightsville Beach offer the perfect location for exploring attractions.
Whether you’re interested in fishing, boating, or just strolling along the coast, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Our 2 day itinerary of Wilmington will help you plan out your sightseeing, as will our list of best thing to do in Wilmington and our 2 day itinerary of Wrightsville Beach. We have also curated a list of our favorite places to eat in Wrightsville Beach and favorite places to eat in Wilmington.
In Summary
The IHG Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach is more than just a place to stay; it’s a full-on beachside experience that brings together the best of coastal living with excellent amenities and outstanding service.
Whether you’re looking for a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo retreat to recharge, this resort has something for everyone.
With its prime location, spacious rooms, and thoughtful extras like live music and oceanfront yoga, it’s easy to see why so many guests return year after year.
We left feeling refreshed and can’t wait for our next visit to this beautiful slice of paradise. We’re always ready to visit Wrightsville Beach at any time of the year. And who knows, if our daughter ends up at UNC Wilmington next year, we may just be visiting a lot. Oh shucks!
What are you most looking for in a beachside resort like the Lumina on Wrightsville Beach?
Stay Connected to Raleigh
Join our free email community to receive free checklists, guides, insider tips, personal stories, fun finds, and the best events in Raleigh each week. We'll show you how to stay connected to Raleigh and love where you live! Join Below 👇
“Your weekly newsletter is a lifesaver for me. Yesterday we didn’t know what to do, I just check your list of events for the weekend, and we ended up in Cary at the Carolina Circus Festival. We had a great time so thanks a lot for all your good work 😊 we really appreciate you” Subscriber
