Looking for Quiet Luxury? Hilton Head Has You More Than Covered
The all-American resort that feels distinctly un-American delivers a more refined approach compared to Miami, Aspen or Long Island.
Ever splurged on the room upgrade or sea view and felt slightly underwhelmed? What about following the herd to try the next unmissable experience, only to feel conned by a serious level of overhyping?
It’s fair to say that the desperation to attract even more guests and ultimately boost earnings has lead to resorts and even cities doing everything they can to go viral, get talked about, or just put on a spectacle that’s hard to ignore. Omnia nightclub in Las Vegas dropped $10 million on a chandelier. Orlando continues to build gigantic theme parks. it’s an endless battle for attention.
However, on the South Carolina Coast barely an hour from Savannah, you can find a level of luxury that doesn’t scream in your face, and weirdly doesn’t feel nearly as pretentious as it could.
We won’t pretend Hilton Head isn’t some hidden gem. But it’s dedication to understatement means it isn’t talked about in the same way as Aspen or Maui. In fact, you could argue that Hilton Head does its best to stay under the radar somewhat.
A Focus on Nature, Not Development
Hilton Head went from sleepy island known for its fishing and lumber to a master-planned resort in the 1950s, when real estate developer Charles E. Fraser opened the Sea Pines Resort. The goal here wasn’t to squeeze in as many holidaymakers as possible, but instead to mould the resort around the landscape. Think low-rise California Modern and Frank Lloyd Wright-esque lowrise buildings and sweeping roads that conform rather than cut through.
The Liberty Tree, a giant oak, was considered so important the entire layout of the resort’s harbour was changed to ensure it wouldn’t have to be cut down. in the 50s, this was revolutionary stuff, and Fraser is now often dubbed the ‘father’ of the modern American resort.
After the roaring success of Sea Pines, the mega corporations moved in to take advantage of a steady flow of well-to-do vacationers and soon the island was covered in construction sites. Brands like the Four Seasons, Marriott and Westin had their own resorts and over a dozen premier golf courses filled in the sand and swampland.
But, unlike somewhere like Atlantic City, Hilton Head locals firmly held the chips when it came to who was allowed to build on Hilton Head, and what they built. Fending off oil refineries, offshore platforms and chemical plants successfully before the big resorts came along, the same unwavering dedication to minimal impact, maximum conversation design means there are no gaudy glass towers, sprawling malls or casinos.
Instead, the resorts are tucked behind trees, the shopping isn’t in your face, and the focus is firmly on the beaches, walkways and mile after mile of cycle tracks. You don’t go to Hilton Head to be enamoured, you go there to escape neon and noise.
Quietly Premium
Despite the reputation, Hilton Head isn’t quite the Hamptons or Martha’s Vineyard. Granted, you’ll see a few supercars and Birkins here and there, but nobody is showing off. Think golf sweaters and expensive sneakers at a maximum, and not a single person flaunting cash, or ordering a table of magnums. Hilton Head just isn’t that.
This is where America’s old money, the quiet, inherited money that just isn’t talked about, comes to get some sun, play a round of golf ,wander along the beach or hop on a bike to wind along the 50+ miles of trails.
However, if you’re heading to Hilton Head Island on a budget (extremely doable), you’ll feel neither out of your depth or priced out. Rather than a location cashing in on the get-rich-quick crowd who are ready to throw their cash around, Hilton Head delivers an experience that is refined, personalised and warm and welcoming, regardless of the size of tip or what you spend while you’re there.
The Ideal Location for Families
One thing you’ll notice about Hilton Head straight away is the number of families visiting the resorts on the island. The blend of beaches, nature, great year-round weather and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for kids young and old to go off and explore.
It’s also ideal for multi-generational families. Grandparents can play golf or stroll, teenagers can surf or kayak, small kids can build sandcastles while parents catch some rays or just enjoy some peace and quiet. Forget water parks, noisy kids clubs or crowded malls, the focus here is on enjoying what nature, and some careful landscaping, provides.
On top of the beaches, resorts, cycle trails and golf courses, it’s very easy to get to Hilton Head stress-free. Although an island, there’s a large multi-lane causeway connecting it to the mainland, so you won’t need to think about ferries.
The island does have a small airport, but the much larger Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in nearby Savannah is 45 minutes to an hour away and has way more national and some international connections. There are plenty of dedicated shuttle services, with some operated by resorts and hotels, but according to Scottsdale Travel Chick, an Uber will set you back 60-80 bucks depending traffic and where you’re staying.
Where to Consider Staying
Hilton Head’s best resorts aren’t posting outlandish social media videos or self-promoting to the point of annoyance, instead relying on reputation, word of mouth, topped up by some discreet nudges online.
One of the island’s most refined addresses is the Inn & Club at Harbour Town. Located inside the Sea Pines Resort, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at an English country house rather than just another big corporate hotel thrown up near the coast. Think muted colours, roaring fireplaces in winter, and attentive staff who remember your drinks order and prompt additional services rather than waiting to be asked.
The most famous and original resort is of course the Sea Pines Resort. This sprawling collection of hotel rooms, villas and even entire mansions feels more like a private world rather than a resort. Families tend to love the fact you can have everything to hand, without being trapped in a bubble. Add in endless swimming, tennis, kayaking, three gold courses and even a masterplanned town where you can pick up a coffee or shop for souvenirs, and you have one heck of a place to vacation.
Although resorts offer the best access to private beaches and amenities like pools, tennis courts and gold courses, most regulars will recommend renting a home for your stay. This is because you’ll find that many rental properties on Hilton Head fully blend into the trees and are completely designed for island life, with wide porches, outdoor showers and of course pools. Many are owned by families who have been coming to Hilton Head since the beginning.
Wrapping Up
If you’re still keen on the flashy, nightlife-heavy vacations you’ll get in Cancun, Aspen or Palm Beach, then Hilton Head probably isn’t right for you. But if the thought of relaxing on a private beach, before biking up to get ready for dinner where a dress code doesn’t feel stuffy at all, then Hilton Head is a wonderful throwback to a time where luxury vacations weren’t about flaunting it or having the best social media content.
Check out the official Hilton Head Island tourism portal for more booking tips and insights and download the VRBO app to search rental properties – just bear in mind the best properties can get booked out very far in advance!
Read Next
