The 10 Best Resorts in South Carolina

As far as T+L readers are concerned, the combination of charming small towns and white sand beaches makes South Carolina a great choice for a family vacation. And whether the destination is Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, or Kiawah Island, travelers are sure to find plenty of activities — from golf to tennis to paddleboarding to fishing and more.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

Of the 10 South Carolina resorts on this year’s list, nine are repeat honorees from last year. T+L readers seem to enjoy returning to their favorite places again and again — one voter’s family has journeyed to the No. 7 Westin Hilton Head for 12 years. Another visitor called No. 6 Wild Dunes Resort — which has private condos, house rentals, and hotel rooms and suites — “a perfect beach getaway with outstanding service and amenities.”

Aerial view of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

Aerial view of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

Courtesy of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Many of the state’s top-ranked resorts are located along the Atlantic coast. In fact, the one non-coastal resort that made the list is the No. 4 Willcox, located on the state’s western edge, in Aiken. “All-around great hotel in a beautiful setting on the edge of the Hitchcock Woods,” noted one reader.

Once again, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort claimed the top spot. Find out why — and which other resorts made it onto the list of best South Carolina resorts.

1. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island

A guest room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

A guest room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Courtesy of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

As the No. 1 resort for the second year in a row, the Sanctuary hits all the right notes, according to T+L readers. Many praised the impressive grounds, outstanding hospitality, robust fitness facilities (including golf and tennis), and flavorful Lowcountry cuisine at Jasmine Porch. And while the beaches are a big draw in summer, some guests noted that the winter season is just as special. “The Sanctuary goes all out at Christmas,” said one visitor. “There’s a huge tree in the lobby and one outside on the green leading to the ocean. There is also a chef’s creation out of chocolate; this year they made a chocolate train.”

Score: 92.46

More information: kiawahresort.com

2. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant

Pool at the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Pool at the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Courtesy of The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Score: 91.24

More information: charlestonharborresort.com

3. Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton

Entrance to the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina

Entrance to the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina

Courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff

Score: 90.31

More information: montagehotels.com

4. The Willcox, Aiken

A guest room at The Willcox hotel, in South Carolina

A guest room at The Willcox hotel, in South Carolina

Courtesy of The Willcox

Score: 89.64

More information: thewillcox.com

5. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

A fountain at the entrance to the Inn & Club at Harbour Town, in Hilton Head

A fountain at the entrance to the Inn & Club at Harbour Town, in Hilton Head

Courtesy of Hilton Head Island VCB

Score: 86.48

More information: seapines.com

6. Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms

A guest room at Wild Dunes Resort, in South Carolina

A guest room at Wild Dunes Resort, in South Carolina

Courtesy of Wild Dunes

Score: 86.00

More information: destinationhotels.com

7. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island

Exterior of the Westin Hilton Head Island resort

Exterior of the Westin Hilton Head Island resort

Courtesy of Hilton Head Island VCB

Score: 84.80

More information: marriott.com

8. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Hilton Head Island

Exterior of the Disney Hilton Head Resort

Exterior of the Disney Hilton Head Resort

Courtesy of Disney and Hilton Head Island VCB

Score: 81.86

More information: hiltonhead.disney.go.com

9. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach

The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort at Grande Dunes

The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort at Grande Dunes

Courtesy of Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Score: 81.31

More information: marriott.com

10. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island

Outdoor spa area at the Omni Hilton Head resort in SC

Outdoor spa area at the Omni Hilton Head resort in SC

Courtesy of Omni Hotels and Resorts

Score: 79.86

More information: omnihotels.com