Oceanfront complex met gemeenschappelijk zwembad, 11 personen.

I moved to North Carolina from Brazil in 1997 to help my twin sister, who had recently become a young widow, care for her daughter. Since then, Raleigh and Wake Forest have become home. Today, I share my life with my husband, Alec — a New York native — our 18-year-old daughter, Molly a University of North Carolina Freshman and our two adorable dogs: Louie, a sweet cockapoo, and Oliver, our lovable Yorkie, who completely has my heart.

In 2018, my husband and I decided to sell a long-term rental property and purchase a vacation rental instead. We wanted to continue investing in real estate while also creating a place our family could personally enjoy.

Our search took us all along the North Carolina coast. We first explored Emerald Isle, a peaceful area I had visited with friends and loved, though it was a bit farther from home. Then we considered Carolina Beach, which offered a closer drive but felt much busier.

When our fabulous agent sent us this property, we instantly fell in love. It had everything we were looking for — the peaceful charm of Emerald Isle combined with the convenience and accessibility of Carolina Beach.

For us, Copa Cabana is more than just a vacation rental — it’s a place where families gather, memories are made, and guests can experience the beauty and slower pace of coastal North Carolina.

Copa Cabana was thoughtfully designed to comfortably accommodate families and groups while offering both privacy and inviting shared spaces. The home features two spacious primary suites, making it ideal for multiple couples, extended families, or guests who appreciate a little extra comfort and privacy during their stay. Each suite provides a relaxing retreat after a fun day at the beach, with plenty of room to unwind and recharge.

The additional bedrooms are perfect for kids, teens, or extra guests, each featuring twin-over-full bunk beds that maximize sleeping space without sacrificing comfort. These rooms were designed with both functionality and fun in mind, making them ideal for cousins, siblings, or groups traveling together. The bunk room setup allows the home to comfortably host larger families while maintaining a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Recently renovated, Copa Cabana combines modern coastal style with practical luxury. The heart of the home is the beautifully updated open-concept living area, designed to bring everyone together. The spacious kitchen features a large island that quickly becomes the gathering place for morning coffee, casual meals, appetizers after the beach, or late-night conversations with family and friends.

With abundant countertop space, meal preparation is easy even for larger groups, and the open floor plan allows the kitchen, dining, and living spaces to flow seamlessly together. Whether cooking, entertaining, or simply relaxing, everyone can stay connected and enjoy the space together.

The kitchen has also been upgraded with new appliances, including a refrigerator and stove, plus a wine fridge that adds an extra touch of convenience and vacation luxury. Every detail of the renovation was designed to create a comfortable, stylish, and functional beach home experience where guests can relax, gather, and make lasting memories.