Tree Servicein Wild Dunes, SC

When it comes to resorts, South Carolina does it right. Whether you're looking to relax at a luxurious spa, stroll a sandy beachfront, or enjoy memorable meals, there's a resort in the Palmetto State with your name on it. Browse the amenities at these properties, and find what speaks to you. (There's plenty to choose from at each one.) The next step is booking a stay, packing your gear, and—finally—setting out on an adventure to a resort that feels like an oasis, whether a home away from home or just a break from the day-to-day. Rent bikes and pedal the sands. Order room service and enjoy the view from your windows. Find the poolside bar and relax. Memories, and a whole lot of fun, await. Want to continue traveling? Check out some of the best places to stay in every Southern state.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

This waterfront retreat is a consistently celebrated stay near Charleston. Palmetto trees welcome you to the property, where you'll find wraparound porches, the serenity-inducing Estuary Spa, and a water taxi for ferrying you to downtown adventures. The abundance of patios and porches means you'll get your fill of harbor breezes (and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy while relaxing outdoors).

20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, charlestonharborresort.com

02

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town

Book a stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, part of The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, for a warm welcome and rooms with a view. The boutique luxury hotel has 60 guest rooms and offers opportunities for rounds of golf, swings on the tennis courts, and relaxation at the pool. You can also book private fishing charters, cruises, and boat tours at the nearby full-service marina.

7 Lighthouse Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, seapines.com

03

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Find pools galore at this Myrtle Beach resort. Sun, sand, and plenty of bright blue umbrellas and loungers await when you book a beachfront stay at this inviting spot. There are indoor and outdoor pools, beach access, and opportunities for pampering at Hibiscus Spa. Open your windows to the beach air, enjoy a meal at the resort's restaurants, or stroll outside to the pool deck—there is fun all around here.

8400 Costa Verde Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, marriott.com

04

Montage Palmetto Bluff

This Lowcountry property is situated along the May River in Bluffton, which means it has instant appeal—and a marina on the waterfront. Located between Hilton Head and the Georgia border, this resort is equal parts relaxation and adventure. It has fantastic restaurants, a nature preserve, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

477 Mt Pelia Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910, montagehotels.com

05

The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Book a stay at The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, and enjoy the sea breezes. This resort has something for everyone, including dining, swimming, golfing, and lounging on the sands. In addition to the resort's amenities, you can book packages (like the Family Fun Package with bike and kite rentals) to complement your stay.

23 Ocean Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, omnihotels.com

06

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Find a barrier island getaway at Kiawah Island Golf Resort—an oasis of sandy beachfront and championship golf courses near Charleston. There's also decadent dining at the resort's many stellar restaurants, including Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room. With so much to enjoy, you don't want to miss the opportunity to stay at this luxury property.

1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455, kiawahresort.com

07

Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort

Head to Isle of Palms for a stay at Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre property near Charleston that's a destination for golfing (the Links Course has Atlantic views) and enjoying the coastline. With plenty of pools, bike rentals, and opportunities to relax (check out the Spa at Sweetgrass, where you can contact the spa concierge to customize your stay), you'll never want your vacation to end.

5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, destinationhotels.com

08

The Willcox

While not necessarily classified as a resort, you can find the epitome of South Carolina hospitality at this historic hotel, nestled in the resort town of Aiken. In addition to gracious accommodations, it has fantastic dining offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a relaxing spa, and easy access to the town's shopping, antiquing, arts, equestrian, and cycling opportunities.

100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801, thewillcox.com

Tucked inside the Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort is Coastal Provisions, a restaurant and bar that welcomes hungry diners with hospitality and crave-worthy dishes.

My husband and I are always excited to try local eateries, so we made a Friday reservation, booked a babysitter, and headed out for a much-needed date night.

Since Wild Dunes is a gated resort community on the Isle of Palms, having a reservation is helpful. It’s not very far from where we live in Mount Pleasant, but the atmosphere of the resort and the proximity to the beach feels like being on vacation.

The décor at the spacious restaurant feels upscale beachy and cozy with soft blues and beiges, turquoise accents and watercolor paintings. Our attentive server helped us order cocktails: Provisional Paloma with tequila, pamplemousse liquor, grapefruit and agave for my husband, and a Summer Sip made with Hendricks, St. Germain, cucumber and rose for me.

Chef de Cuisine Thalita Smith has created a menu based around fresh seafood and meat, crafted with seasonal ingredients. The current menu highlights fruits and vegetables such as peaches, heirloom tomatoes and corn, sustainably sourced from local purveyors. Tasty dishes include an Heirloom Tomato Salad; a Crudo appetizer with peaches, pomegranate and jalapeno emulsion; and a Half Chicken entrée featuring corn puree, vegetable giardiniera and heirloom tomato jam.

For starters, we sampled the beef tartar special with caviar that was phenomenal. We also had the octopus appetizer made with panisse, fava beans, pickled fresno chili and piquillo pepper emulsion. The presentation alone was show-stopping, but the octopus was grilled just right.

The scallop and pork belly entrée with a pea puree and maitake mushrooms was excellent as well, with each bite better than the next. The Catch of the Day varies depending on what’s in season locally and comes with summer succotash, squash and saffron beurre blanc. The restaurant focuses on local and sustainable seafood, and is a partner of the South Carolina Aquarium Good Catch Program.

The irresistible dessert menu boasts Cheesecake with Roasted Peaches, Guava Cake with mascarpone cream and lemon and lime curd, and a Bourbon Chocolate Verrine. Even though we were pretty full, my husband and I split the verrine, and it was delectable.

After dinner, we walked over a little bridge that goes over the adults-only pool, and down the adorable boardwalk to the lively beach bar. The spacious outdoor area has plenty of seating, live music, and gorgeous ocean views. We watched the waves for a while and enjoyed the evening breeze, and were reminded yet again why we live in such an amazing place – with all this beauty just 15 minutes from our house.

Delicious food, friendly and attentive staff, and a location that can’t be beat - Coastal Provisions checks all the boxes for a great date night out.

The restaurant is open daily from 5-10 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, call 843-886-2200 or visit www.wilddunes.com.

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Residents on the Isle of Palms voiced concerns about a possible threat to the island’s golf courses, green spaces, and recreation spaces.

Some of the green spaces in the Wild Dunes Resort could be bulldozed if action isn’t taken to prevent development. Neighbors say they’re concerned Wild Dunes Resort owners are looking to build hotels and homes over the spaces.

The overwhelming message from residents during a special called city council meeting Monday was working to protect the green spaces. City council approved the first reading for five ordinances they say will do just that. Some council members warn it could be a lengthy process.

“Who wins when we give away accommodations tax money,” says Randy Bell, a former Isle of Palms City Councilman and concerned resident. “The entities that don’t benefit the community, that is not a benefit to this community.”

Dozens of residents voiced concerns about potential plans to build over Wild Dunes golf courses and recreational spaces saying the development could bring severe consequences.

“Not only to preserve the greenspaces and open spaces that are critical for stormwater management but also to limit the density in Wild Dunes to mitigate the impact on the city’s resources,” says Bev Miller, a concerned resident.

Plans for development within the resort could bring hundreds of homes, hotels, or condos in place of the current green spaces. Residents at the meeting say it would also bring traffic, noise, and parking issues with it.

“And it’s for the purpose of allowing this audience and this community a voice in the affairs of the community,” says Bell.

Council took up five ordinances meant to protect green space and prevent the building. All five ordinances passed with 8 to 1 votes.

“We need to make sure we protect all the interests, protect as much greenspace as we can,” says Councilman Rusty Streetman. “Conservation and all of that is top of mind.”

Councilman Kevin Popson was the only no vote on the ordinances. The ordinances will likely move to second reading in the coming weeks. Council warns the process could be a lengthy one with potential negotiations with Wild Dunes or legal action looming.

“I fully support what we are doing,” says Councilman Blair Hahn. “But this is the beginning of what could be a six-month process.”

During the special called meeting, residents say it’s important to keep fighting to protect the land and recreational spaces.

“We can not back down from these people,” says Tony Santiago, a concerned resident. “They will just keep coming and coming and coming.”

Isle of Palms City Council will hold a public hearing on the topic and five ordinances Tuesday, October 18th at City Hall to allow people to give feedback before they get a second reading. The hearing will start at 5 pm.

New hotel in Charleston’s Wild Dunes beach resort community offers picturesque destination for couples, families, groups and wedding parties

CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lowe, a respected national real estate investor, developer and manager, and partner Dart Interests have completed development of The Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, a 153-room boutique hotel located on the Isle of Palms, just 30 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. The Sweetgrass Inn features a mix of comfortable and tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites, a premier spa, two dining options, an expansive pool deck and first-class meeting and event spaces, in addition to full access to Wild Dunes Resort’s award-winning golf courses, tennis club and white sand beaches.

“The Sweetgrass Inn adds a distinctive boutique option to the array of offerings at the 1,600 acre Wild Dunes Resort. Throughout the decades of our tenure as an owner and managing partner at Wild Dunes we have been committed to maintaining the quality of the Resort and enhancing this one-of-a-kind property to provide a welcoming environment and relaxing escape for all of our guests,” said Matt Walker, Executive Vice President of Lowe.

Developed by longtime Wild Dunes owner Lowe and partner Dart Interests, The Sweetgrass Inn offers spacious accommodations with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lowcountry marshes, Charleston city skyline and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Guest rooms range from king, double queen and one-bedroom suites. Each guestroom embraces modern, contemporary design elements influenced by a coastal aesthetic, incorporating Charleston’s historic charm. The hotel was designed by the Charleston team of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, with interior design by Malcolm Berg of EoA.

The Spa at Sweetgrass is a stunning 10,000-square-foot sanctuary featuring 14 treatment rooms and indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, including a 3,000-square-foot private outdoor spa garden with plunge pools and cabanas.

Visitors to the Sweetgrass Inn will find two culinary experiences: The Laughing Gull, a casual poolside bar and restaurant, and The Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar, a full-service restaurant featuring local fresh seafood delivered daily and a lively gathering place inside the hotel lobby.

One of the most captivating features is the hotel’s new, expansive pool deck with a zero-entry pool, hot tub and kid’s splash pad. Poolside programming will be offered for children and families.

The Sweetgrass Inn elevates Wild Dunes Resort as a premier destination for groups and events in Charleston with the addition of 30,000 square feet of event space. The Sweetgrass Inn’s Indigo Room & Rooftop, the Lowcountry’s only rooftop ballroom and terrace, offers a 3,000-square-foot ballroom and 6,000-square-foot terrace with stunning ocean views for formal events and weddings. The 8,000-square-foot Osprey Ballroom & Terrace is perfect for multi-function events of up to 800. Adjacent to the Osprey Ballroom, the 570-square-foot Avocet Boardroom provides a more intimate space for meetings or private events.

Christopher Kelsey, President of Dart Interests, commented, “The Sweetgrass Inn is a spectacular new hotel that significantly exceeds our expectations. Combined with other major improvements to the resort including major upgrades to the retail shops and the Boardwalk Inn, the opening of the Sweetgrass Inn is transformative to Wild Dunes, creating an entirely new and much higher quality guest experience.”

Wild Dunes Resort offers 2.5 miles of coastline, two Tom Fazio designed Championship golf courses, world-ranked tennis courts, the Boardwalk Inn hotel, vacation rental condominiums and luxury vacation homes. It currently features nine restaurants and cafes, indoor and outdoor meeting and function space including the signature Grand Pavilion, fitness center and retail shops at The Shoppes at Sweetgrass.

Wild Dunes Resort is jointly owned by Lowe and Dart Interests. Lowe acquired Wild Dunes Resort in 1990 following Hurricane Hugo, restored the Resort and has continued to expand and improve Wild Dunes over the past 30 years. Most recently, Lowe completed a three-year, $10 million renovation of the Boardwalk Inn, Links golf course and clubhouse, Grand Pavilion and Sweetgrass Pavilion event space. In 2018, Dart Interests joined Lowe as partner in the Resort and the venture initiated continued improvements and expansion of the property.

About Lowe

Lowe, formerly known as Lowe Enterprises, is a leading national real estate investment, development and management firm. Over the past 48 years, it has developed, acquired or managed more than $32 billion of real estate assets nationwide as it pursued its mission to build value in real estate by creating innovative, lasting environments and meaningful experiences that connect people and place. Lowe currently has more than $2 billion in commercial real estate projects in the pipeline or under development. In addition to its Los Angeles headquarters, Lowe maintains regional offices in Southern California, Northern California, Charleston, Denver, Seattle, and Washington, DC. For more information visit www.Lowe-RE.com.

About Dart Interests

Dart Interests is a U.S. real estate development and investment firm solely owned by the Dart Family. Dart Interests has a growing portfolio of more than $1 billion currently invested in real estate projects across seven states. With an emphasis on long term value creation, our structure enables the firm to be flexible as well as purposeful in developing leading-edge properties in both urban and resort settings. Our combination of available capital and industry expertise gives the organization the freedom to take calculated risks and produce meaningful results. Based in Dallas, Dart Interests also has regional offices in Orlando, Charlotte and Houston. For more information, visit: dartinterests.com.

Isle of Palms is just 30 minutes from Charleston and may just be the area’s best kept secret.

Swaths of uninterrupted white-sand beach, the smell of salty spray, warm sun on your skin, and the rustle of palm fronds gently blowing in the wind—these are the sights, sounds, and scents of Isle of Palms. The South Carolina barrier island packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide. The island's proximity to Charleston (just 18 miles by car), make it a preferred summer hideout for locals. An abundance of vacation rentals and the iconic Wild Dunes resort have been drawing visitors from across the country since the early 1970s.

With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar.

Beach Activities

Six of Isle of Palms' seven total miles are occupied by public beaches, which means you'll have your pick of the litter when looking for a sandy spot where you can post up for the day—or the week. Once you've staked your claim, all the normal beach activities are yours for the choosing, from splashing around in the surprisingly calm seas to building the ultimate sandcastle or playing a game of beach volleyball.

For families, the Isle of Palms County Park, located in the middle of the island's coastline, is ideal. The public beach has lifeguards, outdoor showers, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and even a playground for little ones retreat to once they tire of the sun and surf.

On The Water

Make the most of a visit to Isle of Palms by scheduling a charter to take you offshore. Get your sea legs at the Isle of Palms Marina, where you can easily rent a boat and spend a day exploring the island's bays and waterways. Fishing charters are plentiful and offer both reef fishing and Gulf Stream fishing.

Consider a twilight fishing charter for the family, when sea life such as sharks are more active. Create indelible memories as your party witnesses the sunset over the Atlantic while casting a line for those fish that inhabit the bottom of the depths. Try booking through Barrier Island Fishing Charters for just the right adventure.

Wildlife Viewing

For adventure enthusiasts or wildlife lovers, Barrier Island Eco Tours hosts a range of naturalist-guided tours that take visitors through winding salt marshes, tidal creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the way to uninhabited Capers Island. Animals you might see along the way include loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and every shape and size of coastal birds.

Nets and traps are employed as your excursion unfolds for close-up viewing of some of the marine life that thrives just below the surface. When you arrive on the island, exploring the astonishing natural landscape is top priority. Take a slow walk along “Boneyard Beach,”and wander on the interior trails that provide excellent viewing of untouched ponds, vibrant with the wildlife that call this sanctuary home.

A Culinary Sweet Spot

Breakfast is noteworthy at Sea Biscuit Café. The tiny beachside shack has been dishing out delicious morning meals since 1968. While they offer all the classics, the daily specials are where the magic happens. Past offerings have included chocolate banana challah French toast, lemon lavender pancakes, and tomato pie.

When you need a mid-day refuel for the whole family, Coconut Joe's is the obvious choice. Located on Isle of Palms' main drag, you won't have to venture far to get fresh seafood and impeccable vibes. The open-air covered deck is the ideal spot for munching on the restaurant's namesake shrimp, while rocking sandy toes and sun-bleached hair. When happy hour hits, venture to the rooftop bar for a frozen cocktail or painkiller. Nothing will put you on island time faster.

By the time you're finally ready to come in from the sun and go out to dinner, Isle of Palms will be waiting with plenty of options. The Boathouse and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen are island staples that have stood the test of time thanks to excellent quality food and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. For a special night out, try Coda del Pesce, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian with lots of influence (and fresh catch) from the nearby seas.

All trips to Isle of Palms must include at least one visit to The Windjammer at Front Beach. The legendary local music venue is known for its incredible live shows, stellar views of the water, cold drinks, and unbeatable fried pickles.

Your Dream Accommodations

The obvious choice for places to stay in Isle of Palms is Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre family-friendly resort that offers everything from rooms and suites at two inns, to private beach condos and home rentals. In addition to a more-than-comfortable stay, the resort also features several resort-style pools, a spa, and two championship golf courses.

If you're hoping for a cozier stay, the newly renovated Palms Oceanfront Hotel consists of 68 modern rooms with gorgeous views of the sparkling Atlantic. There are also plenty of rentals through Airbnb and VRBO for everything from multifamily waterfront homes to one-bedroom condos.

Whether you book for a long weekend or stay for an entire week, the memories and magic of Isle of Palms will stay with you for months and years to come—maybe even until you have a chance to make another trip back!