Visiting Hilton Head Island South Carolina
A Top Family and Golf Destination
By: Sandy Katz - Dec 03, 2015
After spending several days touring historical Charleston, South Carolina, take the opportunity to extend your visit with over-night trips to Hilton Head Island and Beaufort.
Known for its exclusive resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants and golf courses, Hilton Head Island retains much of its natural beauty.
It is only a two hour drive from Charleston (98 miles) and has become one of eastern seaboard’s favorite family vacation destinations.
Hilton Head Island has old-fashioned southern charm, modern attractions and many chances to be “laid back” as southerners are famous for. How about splashing about in the Atlantic Ocean or running barefoot as white-sand tickles your toes. Noted as a golf-lovers paradise with opportunities to play on many different courses you can soak up natural scenery. There are fabulous restaurants, gracious homes surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss, dozens of shopping venues from upscale to outlets. And fantastic resorts!
Outstanding among all Hilton Head Island resorts is Sonesta resort, a AAA-4 Diamond resort which recently completed a $30 million renovation. This resort has been able to capture the ambiance of all the high-end Caribbean resorts combined. The color scheme was reminiscent of a tranquil spirit. The resort has a flow that brought you full-circle to contentment. Having this resort situated directly on the beach made for an ocean opportunity much appreciated by the guests. It isn’t easy to access beaches if they aren't within your resort. Also there are the gracious and glamorous heated pools. Having a full-service spa helped reduce my stress level.
All the dining opportunities at Sonesta resort were culinary adventures. The outdoor Pavilion buffet featured grilled to order mouth-watering steaks. Each morning I looked forward to the lavish and healthy assortment of breakfast buffet. Ordering from the menu was also an option. For evening dining there were several options and all of which were very satisfying.
While enjoying my spa treatment in the tranquil environment of Arum Spa and spending time in the post-treatment relaxation room, Gerry was fulfilling his adventurous spirit with zip lining. He came back with lots of pictures soaring on 8 zip-lines under a canopy through the trees for 2 hours. He zipped from tower to tree platform to a suspended sky bridge overlooking the marshes. It was one of his most enjoyable eco-adventures. A trained guide makes the thrill ride safe and exhilarating as you are harnessed and helmeted for safety.
Complimentary transportation is provided to and from world-class golf and tennis facilities available within Hilton Head Island Shipyard complex. Since our busy schedule didn't include playing time on the golf course, I requested a tour on a golf cart. I must say this has usually been a very rewarding way of experiencing a golf course when I don't have time to play.
It was ice to have a beautiful and comfortable room with a magnificent view during our stay at Sonesta Resort. I appreciated the opportunity to recharge my batteries as everything about this resort lends itself to gracious southern hospitality.
Congratulations are in order for Sonesta resort Hilton head island on being named “Best Hotel” on the island by Island Packet’s 2013 readers Choice Awards. Hilton Head Island monthly magazine awarded Sonesta resort “Best Bar/Hotel” “Best Nail Salon” and “Best Wedding Venue.”
Sonesta resort is the perfect place to stay while exploring Hilton Head island and Lowcountry region. You may not want to leave the resort!
IF YOU GO
Hilton Head Island Tourism:
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 800-523-3373
Hilton Head Island 1-843-842-2400
Sonesta Resort www.sonesta.com 800-sonesta
ATTRACTIONS:
Zip-line Hilton Head www.ziplinehiltonhead.com
843-682-6000 912-677-0988
Photos by Gerry Katz.