↑

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • About Us
  • Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Eat Move Make

recipes | DIY | lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty
Home » Travel » Sonesta Hilton Head Island is the Ultimate Dream Resort

Sonesta Hilton Head Island is the Ultimate Dream Resort

By: Liz  /  Published: April 19, 2019  /  Updated: December 24, 2020  /   Leave a comment

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Share
  • Tweet

The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is magical! With a lush and enchanting garden landscape opening up to the Atlantic Ocean, a zero entry lagoon swimming pool, four fabulous restaurants, a full-service spa, beautifully designed guest rooms with stunning views and a heaping dose of Southern hospitality, there isn’t much one could want for when staying at the Sonesta Hilton Head except a few more days to stay there. 

A large pool of water

Sonesta Hilton Head Island

I had never been to Hilton Head Island before, so it was interesting that much of it is made up of gated communities, known as plantations, and the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head is the crowning jewel of the Shipyard Plantation located on the island’s south side.

It’s easy to see why the Sonesta was chosen out of all Hilton Head resorts to be the backdrop for a rose ceremony on ABC’s The Bachelorette. The resort and grounds are simply stunning from the moment you turn onto the plantation drive.

Sonesta Hilton Head entrance

I love a hotel with an abundance of natural light, so I was thrilled to walk into such a bright and airy lobby space. The decor is fresh and modern and the floor-to-ceiling hanging mobile with sea glass, crystals and driftwood is a showstopper.

a lobby filled with furniture and a large window

Resort on Hilton Head Island

A sitting area filled with furniture and a lamp

Our room (we stayed as complimentary guests of the resort) was just as light and airy as the lobby, the bathroom was fresh and up-to-date and the view overlooking the pool area was too good to be true!

Sonesta Hilton Head guest room

If you need to get up in the night, motion sensitive floor lights near the bed turn on to guide you in the dark. Brilliant!

A bathroom with a sink and a mirror

Shower dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

How fabulous is this zero-gravity pool? The pool deck area is huge so there are plenty of chairs and umbrellas. Also, towels are provided so you don’t need to bring your own. If you’re a cabana person, there are some of those in the area and snacks and drinks can be ordered at the Sweet Cane pool bar.

A group of palm trees by pool

Lounge chairs by pool

There’s also a shaded pool you can enter directly from the resort; the fun doesn’t need to stop when it’s raining!

Sonesta Hilton Head shade pool

Upon arriving, I realized I’d forgotten to pack my flip flops, but the Sonesta has an amazing gift shop – Pearls – and it saved the day. 

boutique in Sonesta Village Resort

A pair of sandals on beach

Remember to pack your flip-flops!

We couldn’t wait to explore the lush, verdant gardens surrounding the resort. There are lots of cozy places to tuck up and enjoy the view, some conversation or a cocktail.

A table next to a palm tree

For the ultimate in relaxation, park yourself in a hammock for a while. There’s room for two!

A man in a hammock

We let ourselves wander the many winding pathways when strolling the grounds, and I must have taken hundreds of photos. It’s absolutely gorgeous at the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island!

A tree along walkway

A body of water with fountain coming out of a lake

A colorful flower garden in front of a palm tree

A body of water surrounded by palm trees

We really enjoyed seeing the water birds and wildlife throughout the property, and ‘Turtle Beach’ quickly became one of our favorite hangout spots. It’s a turtles-only beach for their protection, but guests are welcome to watch them from the shore or from one of the floating docks.

Another guest perk is the chance to see the daily turtle feedings at mid-day – a favorite activity for families.

A sign on the side of a body of water

A turtle swimming under water

After visiting the turtles, we spotted a sign leading to the beach so we headed off in that direction.

A sign in front of a palm tree

The ocean is just steps from the lagoon and garden area and I couldn’t wait to dip my toesies in the surf.

A close up of a sandy beach

A man standing on a beach next to the ocean, with Hilton Head Island

My old man and the sea

The Sonesta Resort has bikes available for rent and we saw them all over the island throughout the weekend. It’s a wonderful activity for couples and families to enjoy together and a great way to explore the beach and the resort.

A group of people on a beach

A group of bikes on a beach

Having worked up an appetite, we walked up to Sandbar at Marker 72, a covered beach deck bar and restaurant. Tables overlook both the ocean and the lagoon and there is daily live entertainment in the summer.

The food, the hospitality and the entertainment were top notch, and the early evening view was spectacular.

A tray filled with different types of food on a plate

A plate of food on a table

Food on a table

hospitality - Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

live music - Sonesta Hilton Head

A group of palm trees next to a body of water

Resort and Hilton Head Island

The next morning, I visited the Arum Spa for a full body massage and it was fabulous! I also appreciated the fact I was able to change in and out of my clothes right in the treatment room, rather than in an open locker room environment.

A bedroom with large prints

spa in Sonesta Village Resort

I enjoyed a foot soak in one of those copper tubs after my massage was finished. What a treat!

Next, my boyfriend and I stopped by the Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, available on weekends. The server pours your desired drink and then it’s up to you how you want to frou-frou it! There’s a whole bar of veggies, citrus and fruits to choose from.

Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar

We spent the afternoon at the annual Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival at Sea Pines Resort, home to the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

A group of rocking chairs sitting on top of a porch

A boat is docked next to a lighthouse

My favorite part of the festival was watching the cooking demonstrations (and tasting the results), but the wine sampling wasn’t far behind.

Tip: Wear bug repellant – the no-see-’ems were out in full force!

A person holding a dish of food

A cooking demo sample

a crowd of people

A group of people playing music

And then we returned to the Sonesta Hilton Head and enjoyed dinner at Heyward’s. My boyfriend ordered a ribeye steak and I ordered quinoa and roasted veggies. Everything was incredible.

A plate of food on a table

A close up of a plate of food with broccoli

A dining room

Unfortunately, the next morning it was time to leave the island and head back to reality, but not before we enjoyed a hearty breakfast bowl send-off at Heyward’s. Delicious!

a breakfast bowl

Although we didn’t eat there, Bayley’s Bar and Terrace was always busy and when I peeked inside before they opened, I could see why. What a lovely ambiance!

Bayley's Bar and Grill - Sonesta Hilton Head

We were so relaxed after our Sonesta Hilton Head getaway and couldn’t have loved our stay more. It felt like we had our own private hideaway on the island – so heavenly!

A colorful flower garden in front of a tree

When choosing which of the Hilton Head resorts to stay at, you won’t go wrong if you pick the Sonesta Hilton Head. It’s the ultimate dream resort!

Pin this post for travel inspo!

Sonesta Resort - Hilton Head Island, SC

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Website
130 Shipyard Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Also in South Carolina — the charming town of Beaufort — don’t miss it!

Related topics
South Carolina Travel

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sara lafountain says

    April 23, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    This hotel looks like an amazing destination for families! I have not been to Hilton Head Island in way too long!

    Reply
  2. Beth says

    April 21, 2019 at 3:06 pm

    Hilton Head is a beautiful place to visit! The resort has so many nice amenities and looks like a wonderful place to stay!

    Reply
  3. Nikka Shae says

    April 20, 2019 at 11:44 pm

    This brings back so many memories of my family and I going to Hilton Head at least twice a year. I miss those days.

    Reply
  4. Vanessa Delia says

    April 20, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    What an absolutely gorgeous and stunning place to visit. I am a little jealous….it looks so relaxing.

    Reply
  5. Lynndee says

    April 20, 2019 at 11:16 am

    That looks like a dream resort indeed. And the food looks amazing. I would love to go there in the summer with my boys.

    Reply
  6. Ruth I says

    April 20, 2019 at 7:16 am

    This place looks amazing! Truly a wonderful place for the whole family. My family would love this place!

    Reply
  7. Cathy Mini says

    April 19, 2019 at 11:49 pm

    Looks like a wonderful spot for family. I’d love to visit there, looks so relaxing place.

    Reply
  8. Theresa says

    April 19, 2019 at 11:25 pm

    Sonesta looks so inviting! Such a lovely place to kick back and relax. I’m glad you had a wonderful stay. You definitely have me itching to book a vacay there now!

    Reply
  9. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    April 19, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    Looking at your photos and reading through your post made me want to pack my bags and head over to the Sonesta Hilton. The place offers so much to see and do, you don’t need to go far to enjoy a really good vacation.

    Reply
  10. Melissa Dixon says

    April 19, 2019 at 7:01 pm

    Wow this does look like a dream! I would love to head there right about now. I could use some relaxation and beautiful sights. This past Winter was hard to get through for me and I usually do better than everyone else but I struggled. I would love to start this beautiful season off with a fun trip.

    Reply
  11. Candy says

    April 19, 2019 at 11:34 am

    Sure looks like all the people who go and stay at the island totally enjoy themselves. Looks like a beautiful place!

    Reply
  12. Alli Smith says

    April 19, 2019 at 10:06 am

    We love Hilton Head! My daughter and her husband were just there a month ago. I’ll have to check out the Sonesta the next time we visit.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

liz mays photo

Welcome!

I’m Liz! Thank you for visiting Eat Move Make. Here you will find a collection of easy & delicious year-round recipes, seasonal ideas and DIY craft inspiration as well as exciting travel destination ideas! Visit my About Me page for more of my story.

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Summer Favorites

chocolate oozing from side of black and white s'mores

Black and White S’mores (A Twist on the Black and White Cookie)

bowl of strawberry banana cheesecake salad with strawberries and bananas on top

Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

patriotic jello cups in small clear cups

Red, White and Blue Jello Cups

hand holding spicy burger

Grilled Spicy Burgers

blueberry cheesecake salad

Blueberry Cheesecake Salad

A close up of a sandwich sitting on top of a table

Fiesta Burgers – Grilled Burgers with a Mexican Twist

slice of strawberry cream cheese pie

Strawberry Cream Cheese Jello Pie

dessert bars on plate

Red, White and Blue Bars

Slush and Strawberry

Skinny Strawberry White Wine Slush

firecracker cupcakes

Firecracker Cupcakes

Popular Posts

swamp soup in white bowls on white table with basket of corn muffins

Easy Turnip Green Soup (Swamp Soup)

hand holding symphony brownie

Symphony Brownies

close-up Bisquick impossible cheeseburger pie

Bisquick Impossible Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

mock chow mein casserole in dish on table

Mock Chow Mein Casserole Recipe

cranberry chili meatballs

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chili Meatballs Recipe

slow cooker turkey tenderloin

Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin with Maple Glaze and Wild Rice

A plate of cookies

Pistachio Pudding Cookies with Chocolate Chips

olive salad in bowl

Muffuletta Olive Salad Recipe

eat move make featured in graphic

Footer

Meet Liz

Meet Liz

Hey there, i’m Liz!

I’m the founder of Eat Move Make and a North Carolina mom of two humans and six cats. I love to cook, bake, craft and travel. I’m also addicted to tea (but not sweet tea).

When I’m not creating something in my kitchen, and since my kids are now adults, I’m all about my bucket list of travel destinations and adventures.

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
©2022, Eat Move Make / About / Terms Of Use / Privacy Policy / Site by Pixel Me Designs