Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Palmetto-fringed beachfront resort
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Renovated
2025
Price
$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
HiltonPalmetto-fringed beachfront resort
Sandy paths cut through palmetto groves and coastal dunes, connecting freshwater lagoons directly to the Atlantic beach.
What it’s good at
Notable
An eleven-acre oceanfront campus with lagoon swimming pools, bike paths, and beach access.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The towering, light-flooded lobby has huge mirrors and artistic flourishes that elevate the place above its peers.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Paved trails weave through the Shipyard community, leading out to local golf greens and nearby Coligny Plaza.
The rooms
Private balconies open toward the gardens or the sea. Inside, rooms pair crisp neutrals with bright citrus accents.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers sit in the shallow shelf of the heated lagoon pool, shaded by palmettos and straw umbrellas.
The spa
Treatments include warm coconut milk cocoon wraps and cold-stone facials, with fruit-infused water served in the relaxation lounge.
The gym
Green artificial turf lines the workout floor, which is equipped with free weights and Peloton bikes.
Driftwood Rum Bar
The lounge serves regional craft rums under glowing globe lights. Small plates include pineapple-rum glazed wings and sliders.
Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace
Tables and an open terrace look toward the lagoons, serving Lowcountry staples from crab benedict to she-crab soup.
At the table
The poolside bar mixes frozen cocktails, and the open-air gastropub deck lights tiled wall fireplaces in the evening.
How it began
A former nightclub was cleared away during a major overhaul to create the towering, mirror-lined lobby.
Hilton Head Island
More like this
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
“Oceanfront family playground”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.