Local Hilton Head News Update:
- Seven South Carolina resorts ranked among the top 20 in the South by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Highlights include The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, Sea Pines, Omni Hilton Head, and Montage Palmetto Bluff.
- The awards reflect votes from 757,109 travelers using a five-point scale averaged into final percentages.
- Rankings emphasize hospitality, scenery, amenities, and serve as a guide for future travel planning.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Seven resorts across the Palmetto State have been ranked among the top 20 in the South by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
From oceanfront escapes to serene Lowcountry retreats, these South Carolina resorts made the ranks for their hospitality, scenery and world-class amenities — with more locations on the list than any other southern state.
There were 757,109 travelers who participated in the 38th annual survey, casting votes between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Results are based on a five-point scale and averaged to a percentage to determine final scores. The awards recognize excellence across a wide range of travel categories, including hotels, resorts, cities, and airports.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, where you stay matters just as much as where you go.
Here are the South Carolina resort destinations that made the ranks and how each location scored.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island
This oceanfront resort blends luxury with Lowcountry charm, offering pristine beaches, world-class golf and spa experiences all nestled within a barrier island setting.
Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms
Located just outside Charleston, Wild Dunes offers a relaxing beach atmosphere and easy access to historic charm, complete with golf courses, bike trails, and upscale accommodations.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island
Set along the Atlantic Ocean, just steps away from the beach, this resort features oceanfront dining, three pools, and a full-service spa, making it a top pick for both relaxation and recreation.
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mt. Pleasant
This boutique waterfront resort combines coastal elegance with Southern hospitality, all just a short drive from the city.
The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island
Famous for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse and scenic bike trails, Sea Pines offers an immersive experience in nature, golf, and coastal living on Hilton Head’s southern tip.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island
With spacious suites, beachfront access, golf, trails, and tennis courts, this resort provides a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere ideal for both couples and families.
Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton
Tucked between Hilton Head and Savannah, Montage Palmetto Bluff delivers Southern charm and luxury with a rustic twist in its moss-draped oaks, gourmet dining and homes on the water.
What other resorts in the South made the list?
The other top resorts in this ranking by Condé Nast readers include:
The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina
The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia
The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia
The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina
The Cloister at Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia
Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia
The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee
The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia
The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection in Meadows of Dan, Virginia
How does Condé Nast conduct these surveys?
Condé Nast states that the Readers’ Choice Awards survey is administered via a secure platform from cntraveler.com and includes a range of criteria relevant to each category.
Categories range from cities, resorts, hotels, and more. For a candidate to be voted on in a respective category, it must meet a minimum number of responses and achieve a qualifying rating to be eligible.
Results are based on a five-point scale and averaged to a percentage to determine final scores.
The rankings aim to highlight places and experiences that travelers value most and serve as a guide for future travel planning.
To view the full list of top resorts in the South and other awards from Condé Nast readers, click here.
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