If combining a casual and relaxing beach getaway with luxury-level accommodations and services meets your vacation expectations, this list of top rated resort hotels along the Atlantic coast from Virginia to Georgia will help you choose a great destination. Award-winners with AAA 4 or 5 Stars and / or Mobil 4 or 5 Diamonds, these coastal resorts offer top accommodations and amenities and are situated along some of East Coast's most striking stretches of oceanfront or tidal waterfront areas.
1. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - South Carolina
Aerial View of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Photo: © Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Rated - AAA 5 Diamond, Mobil 5 star - This multi-award winning resort ranks at the top of the list, having received these three coveted awards and many others since opening in August 2004. Located within a secluded complex on a pristine barrier island about 45 minutes from Charleston, this hotel offers casual oceanfront luxury at an exceptional level and is considered to be one of the best destinations in the nation for both romance and family fun.Amenities and activities include swimming, five championship golf courses, world class tennis, a garden designed spa, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, cookouts, oyster roasts and more.
More About The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Related Article: Seashore Inspired Spa Pampering
More About The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Related Article: Seashore Inspired Spa Pampering
2. Sea Island Resorts - Georgia
The Cloister at Sea Island, Beach Club Suite Balcony - Photo: Courtesy of The Sea Island Company
Sea Island Resorts, located halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, features three championship golf courses, state-of-the-art tennis courts, spa and fitness services, riding stables, a beach club and more:
- The Lodge at Sea Island
Rated - AAA 5 Diamond, Mobil 5 star - This a 40-room property which opened in 2001 offers spacious and exquisitely appointed accommodations, Atlantic Ocean or golf course views, personal butler service and more.
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- The Cloister at Sea Island
Rated - Mobil 5 Star - Following a major restoration, completed in 2006, this celebrated hotel features 156 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites and an array of personalized amenities.
More About The Cloister
3. The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Rated - AAA 4 Diamond - Situated on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a picturesque barrier island off the South Carolina coast, Wild Dunes Resort encompasses 1,600 acres of private, oceanfront property, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Less than 30 minutes from historic Charleston, Wild Dunes offers year-round golf, tennis, spa services, bike and walking paths, several dining options and more. The Boardwalk Inn features 93 luxurious rooms and suites, designed in the Lowcountry style with residential touches.The Boardwalk Inn Web Site
4. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina
Private outdoor bathing verandas at the Spa. Photo: Courtesy of Inn at Palmetto Bluff
Rated - AAA 4 Diamond, Mobil 4 Star - Located about 12 miles from Hilton Head and 30 miles from Savannah Airport along the picturesque May River, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff offers a haven for relaxation in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry. Accommodations include an array of cottages and village homes, many with fireplaces and scenic water views.
More About the Inn at Palmetto Bluff
Related Article: Seashore Inspired Spa Pampering
More About the Inn at Palmetto Bluff
Related Article: Seashore Inspired Spa Pampering
5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island - Photo: © 2007 George Alexander
Five Hotels Rated - AAA 4 Diamond, One rated Mobil 4 Star - World renowned for its pristine beaches, abundant golf courses, superb tennis facilities and picturesque natural environment of seascapes, salt marshes, pine forests and majestic moss draped oaks, Hilton Head attracts close to 2.5 million annual visitors. Five top rated hotels, located within various Hilton Head resort communities include:
The Inn at Harbour Town - AAA 4 Diamond, Mobil 4 Star - golf and tennis club views in Sea Pines Resort.
Crowne Plaza Beach Resort - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
Hilton Head Marriott Beach & Golf Resort - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
Hilton Oceanfront Resort - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
Westin Resort and Spa - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
The Inn at Harbour Town - AAA 4 Diamond, Mobil 4 Star - golf and tennis club views in Sea Pines Resort.
Crowne Plaza Beach Resort - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
Hilton Head Marriott Beach & Golf Resort - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
Hilton Oceanfront Resort - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
Westin Resort and Spa - AAA 4 Diamond - oceanfront.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The famous Myrtle Beach Strand - Photo: Courtesy of Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Myrtle Beach area attracts close to 14 million annual visitors to enjoy the beaches, great entertainment, over 100 golf courses and plenty of fun attractions for all ages. Two Myrtle Beach award-winning resort hotels are located in the upscale area of Grande Dunes:
- Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
Rated: AAA 4 Diamond - Located in the planned resort, Grande Dunes, this hotel offers attentive service, views of the Intracoastal Waterway and an array of amenities.
Marina Inn Web Site
- Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes
Rated: AAA 4 Diamond - This oceanfront hotel features 405 guestrooms, most with ocean views, a large tropical beachfront pool, a European Spa and indoor pool and more.
Myrtle Beach Marriott Grande Dunes Web Site
7. The Tides Inn, Irvington, Virginia
Aerial view of the Tides Inn - Photo: Courtesy of The Leading Hotels of the World
Rated - AAA 4 Diamond - A great destination for a romantic or family getaway, the Tides Inn is situated on a bluff overlooking a tidal creek surrounded by the manicured grounds of a private peninsula. The setting, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River and the Rappahannock River offers picturesque views and many activity options.
More About The Tides Inn
More About The Tides Inn
