Granite Countertops in Wild Dunes, SC

Wild Dunes Resort announced its two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses will undergo $8 million of upgrades and enhancements in 2024. Rebuilding and expanding greens and tees and improving the irrigation systems are among the projects scheduled for the courses located on the Isle of Palms near Charleston, South Carolina. Work is set to begin March 2024, with completion currently set for October 2024.

The resort and its partners have invested more than $150 million in property renovations since 2021, with the new signature hotel, The Sweetgrass Inn. The resort also has added five new pickleball courts.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the continued growth and investment in the resort,” Wild Dunes managing director Tom Nolan said. “After years of continued improvements to the property with our guests and members in mind, enhancing our overall golf product was the natural next step. We’re looking forward to delivering this elevated offering through both the Harbor Course – Tom Fazio’s original South Carolina gem – along with the Links Course, creating an exceptional coastal championship golf experience.”

After engaging with world-class consultants, researching golf trends and surveying The Golf Club at Wild Dunes membership, Wild Dunes established an enhancement plan including:

The Harbor Course

The Harbor Course has been a centerpiece of Wild Dunes for more than 40 years. Beginning in spring 2024, the greens will be rebuilt and expanded to meet the modern standards of the game to challenge and excite every level of golfer. Tees will be rebuilt and leveled, and in some cases, expanded while the irrigation systems will be replaced with improved turf conditions and a design that’s more efficient in water use. Greenside and fairway bunkers will be restored. Some bunkers will be repositioned to enhance the design features of certain holes. Multiple golf cart bridges will also be restored over the next 12 months, some of which have already been completed.

The Links Course

The resort teams are currently evaluating ways in which the Links Course’s 18th hole, which has been impacted by the threat of erosion and washout. Various options are being considered to improve play.

“Upon the completion of the Harbor Course restoration, golfers that are familiar with the course will experience newly designed putting surfaces that are sure to test their putting skills, smooth upgraded golf cart paths and several new strategically placed bunkers intended to complement the current hole designs,” director of golf Jeff Minton said. “For those who have not experienced golf at Wild Dunes, from the moment you step foot on property and are greeted by our friendly team, you will know you are somewhere special.”

The project demonstrates the ongoing commitment from the resort and its ownership company, Lowe and Dart, to further develop the Wild Dunes property, as well as its offerings, amenities and overall experience for visitors and locals.

“Lowe and Dart are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Wild Dunes Resort community, and we intend to continue to be part of what makes Isle of Palms great today, tomorrow, and for years to come,” said Terri A. Haack, senior vice president of Lowe, on behalf of resort ownership. “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving both of our golf courses for the recreation and open space that all members of the Wild Dunes community treasure."

Find the perfect stay for the South Carolina beach trip of your dreams.

South Carolina’s coastal towns are not only full of charm, they offer beaches and hotels to suit every type of traveler. From bustling Myrtle Beach with its shops, restaurants, and attractions for all ages, to peaceful and pristine spots like Pawley’s Island, you can plan a beach trip here that’s just your speed.

Finding the right hotel is key, especially if you’re looking for activities and amenities beyond having the ocean steps away from your door. South Carolina is home to lavish resorts (and even a private resort island) that offer championship golf courses, spas, and just about every customized experience you could ask for, from falconry lessons to kayak trips. If you’re looking for something more simple, we have suggestions for old-fashioned beach bungalows and hotels for a fun and nostalgic beach trip. And for those traveling with kids, there are family-friendly resorts and hotels aplenty—one even has two waterparks.

One thing all of these stays have in common is that you’ll be located right on the beach. So whatever you choose, you really can't go wrong!

Surfside Beach: Surfside Hotel

Located on the “Grand Strand” between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, Surfside Hotel is a laid-back stay that will remind you of the simple beach vacations of your childhood. This property isn’t packed with luxurious amenities, but it has everything you need for a fun and relaxing stay. There’s a pool and a hot tub, rooms and suites with ocean views, and private beach access. Plus, you can head right next door to Scotty’s Beach Bar for tropical cocktails (and lunch and dinner) on an outdoor patio.

surfsideoceanfronthotel.com; 15 South Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach, SC; 843-238-4444

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Folly Beach: Tides Folly Beach

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach trip that only requires you to pack one pair of flip flops, Folly Beach fits the bill. And Tides Folly Beach is a comfortable and convenient place to rest your head while you’re there. Each room has an ocean view and either a private balcony or patio. There’s a heated oceanfront pool, a tiki bar, and pets are welcome. When you’re ready for a break from the beach, the hotel is within easy walking distance of plenty of shops and restaurants.

tidesfollybeach.com; 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC; 843-588-6464

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Isle of Palms: Wild Dunes Resort

Whether you’re traveling with a group or just the two of you, Wild Dunes is a massive resort complex on the Isle of Palms that offers just about every type of accommodations you could imagine, plus amenities including multiple pools (for kids and adults), a spa, and two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses. Sweetgrass Inn, the resort’s newest addition, offers beachfront rooms and suites, as does The Boardwalk Inn. Or, for more privacy, rent a vacation home or condo within the property.

destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes; 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC; 866-359-5593

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Myrtle Beach: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

A stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes comes with private beach access, but that’s just one of many perks that this hotel offers its guests. Enjoy spacious indoor and outdoor pools, the Hibiscus Spa, on-site dining options, a fitness center, and more. The hotel provides guests with beach umbrellas, chairs, and towels. The location is great, too. The Marina Inn is right near The Marina Parkway trails for walking and running, Myrtle Beach Water Sports where you can rent jet skis and pontoon boats, and the 18-hole Grande Dunes Resort Course.

marinainnatgrandedunes.com/beachclub; 8121 Amalfi Place, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-913-1333

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Myrtle Beach: Dunes Village Resort

If the words “lazy river” make you instantly feel relaxed, head to Dunes Village Resort. The property, which bills itself as “Myrtle Beach's favorite waterpark resort,” has two indoor water parks with slides, whirlpools, fountains, and swimming pools for everyone. There are four on-site dining options, a fitness center, and plenty of activities for kids. And, of course, the beach is just outside the hotel’s doors, once you’ve had your fill of waterslides.

dunesvillage.com; 5200 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC; 855-340-7301

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Hilton Head Island: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

This beautiful Hilton Head property offers the perks of a resort, with all the comforts of home (and more). Three miles of sweeping ocean views offer plenty of room to spread out and soak in the sun. And with multiple restaurants, a full-service marina, two lakes, a lagoon, a tennis center, and three golf courses, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you’d like at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Choose from a villa, condo, or house rental—many come with their own pools. All the lodging options offer more privacy and space than a hotel, making them ideal for families or groups.

palmettodunes.com; 4 Queens Folly Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC

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Hilton Head Island: Omni Hilton Head

This family-friendly hotel is ideal for travelers who like to stay active. Choose from 25 tennis courts, three pools (one is adults-only), volleyball, kayaking, canoeing, and access to Palmetto Dune’s 54-hole golf course. And that’s not even counting the beautiful white sand beaches. If you do find that you need a little downtime, the on-site spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and more. With the Omni’s six dining options, you’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable vacation under one roof.

omnihotels.com/hiltonhead; 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head, SC; 843-842-8000

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Hilton Head Island: Disney Hilton Head Resort

You probably don’t associate South Carolina with Disney, but the famed company actually has a resort in Hilton Head that’s as family-friendly as the theme parks themselves. Situated on 12 miles of beach, the property is inspired by a “1940s hunting and fishing lodge.” Kids will love the enormous pool with a waterslide, old timey general store, and dolphin-watching boat tours. Grown-ups will appreciate the cozy Live Oak Lodge, golf course, and fitness center. Rooms have views of the woodlands or the ocean, and range from studios to two-bedroom villas.

hiltonhead.disney.go.com; 22 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head, SC; 843-341-4100

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Pawley’s Island: Sea View Inn

This old-school, family-run stay calls itself “a barefoot paradise since 1937.” The Sea View Inn isn’t as fancy as other lodging options along the South Carolina coast, but it is a special one. With just 20 rooms, Lowcountry cooking (breakfast and dinner is included for guests), and the beach just steps away, this is the kind of place where you can really get away from it all.

Choose from three types of rooms: oceanside, oceanfront, or cottage rooms. With quilts on the beds and wooden floors and walls, rooms at this inn are like stepping back in time in the best way.

seaviewinn.net; 414 Myrtle Avenue, Pawleys Island, SC; 843-237-4253

Explore The Sea Islands

Kiawah Island: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Open since 2004, this grand four-story hotel is a luxurious getaway. Obviously, golf is a major draw here—there are five beautiful championship courses on the property—but that’s not all this resort has to offer. Get pampered at The Spa at The Sanctuary, explore nature with a guided kayak tour, take a swim in one of two pools (one is reserved for adults only), or stroll the pristine coastline. There are three restaurants–a steakhouse, a Lowcountry-inspired restaurant, and a poolside grill–plus a cafe, ice cream shop, and bar.

There are four ways to stay here: The Sanctuary Hotel (with 255 rooms), private villas and homes, and the Cottages at the Ocean Course. Each option is decorated in Lowcountry coastal style and furnished with everything you could ever need. (And if not, a concierge is never far away.)

kiawahresort.com; One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC; 800-654-2924

An Isle of Palms vacation getaway is undertaking a multimillion-dollar renovation of its two 18-hole golf layouts, adding to a recent string of investments in the seaside property.

Wild Dunes Resort announced this week it will spend $8 million on the upgrades starting in March.

Only the 37-year-old Harbor Course will need to be closed during the project, which will mark the first major tee-to-green renovation for the 18-hole property. It’s expected to reopen in October 2024.

Jeff Minton, director of golf at Wild Dunes, said players can expect to see a revamped Harbor Course next fall, with newly designed putting surfaces, upgraded cart paths and bridges and new bunkers.

Also, he said, the existing irrigation system will be replaced to improve turf conditions and water-use efficiency.

Both of the courses, which are open to the public, were designed by noted architect Tom Fazio, whose staff was tapped to help with the latest project.

The Harbor layout will largely remain the same, with the exception of adding some features.

The work on the Links Course, which was opened in 1979 and was renovated in 2015, will focus on the exposed oceanfront 18th hole, which has been affected by erosion and washout.

Minton said the closing stretch is “at the mercy of Mother Nature” so designers are looking how it can be reconstructed.

Wild Dunes has been owned for years by Lowe, a Los Angeles real estate investment firm. Dallas-based Dart Interests, a family-owned company, bought a stake in the 1,600-acre property in 2018.

Together, their joint venture has invested more than $150 million into the golf and tennis getaway over the past few years, including the completion of the 153-room Sweetgrass Inn and conference center. Earlier this year, Wild Dunes added five pickleball courts in response to the sport’s fast-growing popularity.

SC resorts and hotels are picking up pickleball as new business priority resorts and hotels are picking up pickleball as new business priority. “After years of continued improvements to the property with our guests and members in mind, enhancing our overall golf product was the natural next step,” said Tom Nolan, managing director.

The game is a major economic driver for the tourism industry, especially along the coast from the Grand Strand to Hilton Head Island. Its financial impact based on spending both on and off the fairways was estimated at $3.3 billion in a 2021 economic analysis.

The state continues to invest heavily to promote South Carolina as a premier golf destination.

Minton said the rise of Topgolf and other simulator venues has helped boost demand by introducing the swing basics to more potential participants.

“We’ve seen more new players who are sticking with the game, and that’s a great thing for the sport long term,” he said. “The regulars are always going to come back and play, but it’s great to see more people seeing that golf is something anyone at any skill level can enjoy.”

(https://www.postandcourier.com/business/wild-dunes-resort-golf-south-carolina-isle-of-palms-tourism/article_124c58de-74d3-11ee-9605-5b9b87dd4727.html)

Grandmother and granddaughter hung onto every word while learning the fine art of sweetgrass basket weaving at Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, South Carolina.

Sarah Edwards-Hammond, a noted Lowcountry artist, teaches this traditional art form to guests at the resort. Participants leave with their own one-of-a kind woven basket and a new appreciation of the African-American culture in this part of the country.

The skill of sewing sweetgrass baskets, brought to the New World by enslaved West Africans, has been practiced in the Lowcountry — South Carolina’s southernmost coastal counties — for 300 years. The baskets are sewn from grasses such as palm, bulrush and pine needles.

Wild Dunes Resort is on Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina 30 minutes from the historic charm of downtown Charleston. The resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a long beachfront boardwalk.

Wild Dunes is ideal for a multi-generational family getaway, offering activities and events for all ages. Drop-in sports, cornhole, table tennis, bingo and arts and crafts workshops are popular, as are movie and game nights.

The new Sweetgrass Inn features an eye-catching, expansive pool deck with a zero-entry pool, hot tub and kids splash pad. The new rooftop bar, The Nest, offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

The inn’s décor reflects the outdoors and sea life — open, airy and light. Nautical themes abound, such as a rope chandelier and one entire wall designed with fanciful sailors’ knots.

Multi-gen travel tops the vacation wish list for families who are eager to get together and experience hospitality after a long, hard pandemic. Resorts and hotels are trying to appeal to varied interests and attention spans.

Emeline, a glamorous boutique hotel in downtown Charleston, is ideal for a girls’ getaway. Located in the historic district, the 212-room property is steps away from the aquarium and shopping at the city market.

In the age of COVID-19, the expansive courtyard and greenhouse are a welcome retreat. The social garden is filled with layers of storied charm with couches and chairs to relax. Emeline offers house bikes and cars for getting around town, as well as city travel guides.

For many multi-gen travelers, animals are an important part of their lives. Pets are welcome at Emeline. A Pawsome Package offers CBD-infused pet treats, mat, bowl and comfy bed.

For friends groups or couples, the Four Diamond-rated Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, S.C., three hours northwest of Charleston, is steps away from the excitement and buzz of a downtown cityscape filled with chic restaurants and the Peace Center, a stellar performing arts venue. Guests can leave their car and walk to Falls Park on the Reedy River. This elegant landmark hotel dates to 1925 and is named after Joel Poinsett, a U.S. ambassador to Mexico. He brought back a bright red flowering plant to South Carolina, the poinsettia.

In North Carolina, The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge is a luxury four-star getaway minutes from downtown Charlotte. The hotel’s delightful afternoon high tea service on weekends is an exciting treat for all ages. Reminiscent of the English custom, pastries and candied delicacies are elegantly presented on three-tiered cake plates. A glass of champagne is included.

The Ballantyne is a chic American classic with 244 rooms in the main building and 35 in the lodge. It showcases the works of local and regional artists in its carefully curated art collection on display in the Gallery Restaurant. The pink rose painting over the lobby fireplace is a favorite of guests and staff alike.

Wild Dunes, Charleston’s island resort located on Isle of Palms, has developed their popular destination location to provide locals and tourists a new experience that is both luxurious and memorable. A new hotel, meeting and event space and shopping center have recently been added to their coastal haven.

The new Sweetgrass Inn hotel, part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, opened to the public on March 26, 2021. “We believe Sweetgrass Inn resonates with today’s traveler seeking a warm sense of belonging through connections to our unique Lowcountry culture,” said Robb Walker, managing director at Wild Dunes Resort. “When families visit Wild Dunes Resort, they have the opportunity to create a tradition. We are fortunate to welcome generations of families that have been coming year after year and have fallen in love with the history and beauty of the Lowcountry.”

“The growth of our resort experience continues this tradition, and the opening and addition of Sweetgrass Inn as a distinct, true-to-place resort is certain to serve as the backdrop for countless family memories,” he added.

Offering 153 rooms decorated in a coastal contemporary style — many featuring spectacular views — the Sweetgrass Inn is “rooted in culture and inherently tied to Wild Dunes Resort’s island setting (and) inspired by the native sweetgrass that peppers the Lowcountry’s barrier islands,” explained Ashley Irving, marketing director at Wild Dunes. Currently under construction but open and taking reservations, the Sweetgrass Inn encompasses four acres and features state-of-the-art amenities, including a lobby lounge, pools, jacuzzis, a kids’ splash pad, poolside restaurant and bar, rooftop bar, a 10,000-square-foot luxurious spa and salon with 14-treatment rooms, a top-notch 2,750-square-foot fitness center, retail spaces and more.

The hotel also includes 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including the 8,000-square-foot Osprey Ballroom & Terrace, Avocet Boardroom, and the stunning Indigo Room & Rooftop, located on the top floor and featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Palms.

Locals and guests are also welcomed to experience the Shoppes at Sweetgrass, located on the Sweetgrass Plaza, which connects the new Sweetgrass Inn Hotel to the Residences at Sweetgrass. This unique collection of shops promises to offer an array of apparel, accessories, keepsakes and so much more. With a focus on locally sourced goods and Lowcountry-inspired styles, The Shoppes at Sweetgrass is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The Gallery at Sweetgrass, curated by Sarah Miller of Miller Gallery in Downtown Charleston, features local and regional artists in an array of styles and mediums. The Gallery hosts an Artist in Residence program with a featured artist, who will be on site working on select days. This chance to speak with the artist while viewing their work is a unique opportunity that the team at Wild Dunes is excited to provide at the resort.

Considered by many locals to be a beach resort like no other, Wild Dunes has been a destination for couples, families, corporate teams and honeymooners for decades. These exciting new additions are sure to offer a bevy of reasons for Lowcountry lovers to head to Isle of Palms’ most coveted retreat.