Girls trip to Hilton Head

[gailo]

I am planning a girls trip (3 colleges chums 40 years ago) to Hilton Head in mid October. I know much is written on the different Marriotts on Hilton Head, but which one would be recommended for this group at this time of year. We like the beach and the pool. Would the outdoor pools still be used in October? None of us have been to HH - our girls trips the last 5 years have been Palm Springs and West Palm Beach.

 

[jme]

(from owner at Grande Ocean & Barony)

heated outdoor pools: Grande Ocean - No; Surfwatch-??---none listed on resort website as being heated, so I think No; Barony - Yes...the "outdoor activities pool" at Barony is listed as being heated.

*****HOWEVER, I favor Grande Ocean HIGHLY because the beach there is much wider and closer to you. Surfwatch is not exactly a beachfront resort anyway, so it's a five+ minute walk to beach (they'll use golf cart to take you).

and if you're trading in at Barony, you'll probably get the Garden Villas, which are a 5-minute walk to ocean , and you can't see ocean at all from those. If lucky, you "may" get a Barony villa nearer ocean in the phase II section, but traders-in generally don't. Even so, most villas there have slightly longer walk to beach than GO's average villa (oceanfront villas at Barony are close, tho) .

That's why I think GO is best--- all villas in general are close to ocean, some more than others, but none are farther than 2-3 minute walk to beach. Compare aerial maps of resorts.

Another plus for GO----you get a week-long "Sea Pines Pass", allowing free vehicle entry into Sea Pines Plantation area, where Harbour Town is located, and you WILL WISH to go there more than once. It's a $5 per day pass otherwise. Sea Pines is close to GO, but a good 10-15+ minute drive from Surfwatch or Barony, respectively.

All three have wonderful INDOOR pools, which are obviously all heated and have hot tubs in there too. That's where I'd be during that time of year anyway, not outdoors, despite "heated pools" or not....

One plus for Barony, it has the European Spa on site, if you're into that. But I'm sure that if you're staying at the other resorts, you can book Spa appts and then drive to Barony for that.

First choice GO, 2nd Barony, 3rd SW.....

You've chosen a great destination for a girls' trip----my wife does that all the time with her friends, and they have a blast. HH has tons of great restaurants and decent shopping. two outlet malls and a nice "regular" mall, plus random boutiques all over, esp in Harbour Town, Shelter Cove, and at Wexford. If you want restaurant recommendations, let me know. Marty (jme)

P.S. gailo, you own WAY too many resorts----that's just not nice.

 

[jme]

deleted / double post....(how the heck did i do that? that's 2nd time it's happened after logging in AFTER doing answer to a post....whatever)

 

[FlyerBobcat]

I'd give Grande Ocean (MGO) the nod....

• Great pools
• Located right on a beautiful wide beach
• Close to Sea Pines (access pass included with MGO stay)
• Pool Bar Jims - right by the South Pool (Great drinks)
• Walking distance to Coligny Plaza.

Check out some great photos by fellow TUG'er "jme"


101 Things To Do on HHI

HHI Visitors' Guide

 

[jme]

I'd give Grande Ocean (MGO) the nod....

• Great pools
• Located right on a beautiful wide beach
• Close to Sea Pines (access pass included with MGO stay)
• Pool Bar Jims - right by the South Pool (Great drinks)
• Walking distance to Coligny Plaza.

Hey Tom...who're you trying to fool, listing Pool Bar Jim's at # 4 spot ?????
we know it's # 1. lol, marty (jme)

 

[FlyerBobcat]

I should have stated: In no particular order as you are correct, it would not be #4 if listed in my "favorite" order

(I've purchased my $200 Marriott gift card during the MR bonus points time... that I will use for my Pool Bar Jims bar bill. Can't wait!)

 

[jme]

I should have stated: In no particular order as you are correct, it would not be #4 if listed in my "favorite" order

(I've purchased my $200 Marriott gift card during the MR bonus points time... that I will use for my Pool Bar Jims bar bill. Can't wait!)

What'll you use for the second half of the week?

 

[luv2vacation]

(from owner at Grande Ocean & Barony)

heated outdoor pools: Grande Ocean - No; Surfwatch-??---none listed on resort website as being heated, so I think No; Barony - Yes...the "outdoor activities pool" at Barony is listed as being heated.

Both outdoor pools at Surfwatch are heated. (I was just there for Christmas/NY week.) Yes, at Barony, the outdoor pool closet to the clubhouse is heated but NOT the pool down by the beach. (Have also been there for Christmas/NY week.) At Grande Ocean, I thought the small outdoor pool up by the clubhouse was heated?

*****HOWEVER, I favor Grande Ocean HIGHLY because the beach there is much wider and closer to you. Surfwatch is not exactly a beachfront resort anyway, so it's a five+ minute walk to beach (they'll use golf cart to take you).

and if you're trading in at Barony, you'll probably get the Garden Villas, which are a 5-minute walk to ocean , and you can't see ocean at all from those. If lucky, you "may" get a Barony villa nearer ocean in the phase II section, but traders-in generally don't. Even so, most villas there have slightly longer walk to beach than GO's average villa (oceanfront villas at Barony are close, tho) .

That's why I think GO is best--- all villas in general are close to ocean, some more than others, but none are farther than 2-3 minute walk to beach. Compare aerial maps of resorts.

I have traded into Barony three times, including mid-August, and have always been placed in an oceanside building (on request). The last time, this past summer, we were placed in a villa directly behind the oceanfront unit, where we had a gorgeous view of the beach and ocean from our balcony. (We were also about a minute's walk from the beach.) On the flip side, I have been in one of the back buildings at Grande Ocean and the walk to the ocean was longer than at Surfwatch. (Have also been oceanfront at GO, which was lovely.) Surfwatch does sit back from the beach - it is beyond the protected wetlands. It is a little further but there are still some beautiful unobstructed ocean views.

Another plus for GO----you get a week-long "Sea Pines Pass", allowing free vehicle entry into Sea Pines Plantation area, where Harbour Town is located, and you WILL WISH to go there more than once. It's a $5 per day pass otherwise. Sea Pines is close to GO, but a good 10-15+ minute drive from Surfwatch or Barony, respectively.

I have gone to Hilton Head 2-3 times per year for the past 14 years, and unless I'm staying in Sea Pines (which I have done), I will only go there once in a week-long trip, many times not at all. Don't get me wrong, I love Sea Pines but I also love other parts of the island just as much, including the Port Royal area where both Barony and Surfwatch are located.

All three have wonderful INDOOR pools, which are obviously all heated and have hot tubs in there too. That's where I'd be during that time of year anyway, not outdoors, despite "heated pools" or not....

Surfwatch has the BEST indoor pool complex of the three. It is housed in a building all its own, is large and very 'open' and bright. Unlike jme, I love to swim in the outdoor heated pools in the winter. They're usually very warm, not crowded at all, and I like to finish with a dip in the hot tub. That warms the body up for the walk back to the room. However, in October, it should still be fairly warm on the island, you might even go in the ocean that time of year!

One plus for Barony, it has the European Spa on site, if you're into that. But I'm sure that if you're staying at the other resorts, you can book Spa appts and then drive to Barony for that.

I would think that is a big plus for a 'girls' week! I have a very good friend who lives in a condo at the Jersey shore and lots of times when her husband goes out of town for the weekend, we have a 'sleepover' at her house. There is usually anywhere between 6-10 of us (ranging in age from late 20's to mid 60's) and we eat, drink, talk, play games, stay up late, and just have a great time! The next morning, we have breakfast and head for the outlets in Atlantic City. The point is that I could definitely see us all doing massages (or facials or pedicures) together. That would be awesome! BTW, I have done the massage at the Barony (Hubby and I did them together one year) and we both loved it! It was nice to just have to wander back to our room afterward, not get in the car and drive.

First choice GO, 2nd Barony, 3rd SW.....

You've chosen a great destination for a girls' trip----my wife does that all the time with her friends, and they have a blast. HH has tons of great restaurants and decent shopping. two outlet malls and a nice "regular" mall, plus random boutiques all over, esp in Harbour Town, Shelter Cove, and at Wexford. If you want restaurant recommendations, let me know. Marty (jme)

I am not trying to knock jme, but he is obviously very biased toward Grande Ocean. I have stayed in all three on more than one occasion but do not own at any of them. I have also stayed at other places on the island. (I own at Island Links and Royal Dunes b/c I like the Port Royal section of the island and Hubby loves to golf.) I think for the time of year that you are going and the purpose of the trip my order would be (FWIW):

Barony, Surfwatch, Grande Ocean

However, they are all great resorts.

Wherever you end up, just being on the island is fabulous! Take the time and plan an excursion into Savannah if you've never been. It's a nice day trip, about a 50-60 min drive. Check the advance setting under both the Marriott board and the Eastern board for detailed HHI restaurant information.

Enjoy!!

 

[FlyerBobcat]

On the flip side, I have been in one of the back buildings at Grande Ocean and the walk to the ocean was longer than at Surfwatch.

That statement has to be a mistake, right? What are these "back buildings" at Grande Ocean (MGO map) that are farther than the buildings at Surfwatch (map) ?

I've done that "boardwalk" over the wetlands, and certainly only the Ocean Dunes building at Surwatch even comes close (distance-wise) to the farthest buildings at MGO.

 

[gailo]

On Hold

Thanks for the replies. Right now I have GO on hold for 10/22 - 10/29.
I was hoping for the week before but this would work. Should I go for it or wait- what to do??

 

[LisaRex]

I've been going to HHI for over 20 years. I second GO as the best choice, but I wouldn't rule out the Monarch, which is located in SeaPines. The beach is awesome and we make a lot of use out of the al fresco bar & grill directly next door. It is very crowded in the summer because it is the only publicly accessible beach in SeaPines, but it should be great in October.

Aside from the great oceanfront location, I love SeaPines for its awesome paved and lighted bike paths. We rent bikes and use them at least once a day. SeaPines also has a great shuttle that will take you from the Marriott to HarbourTown or the SeaPines Center so you don't have to worry about drinking and driving.

 

[gailo]

Decided not to chance it - just confirmed to GO - traded a Panama City 1 bed with a $500 maintenance fee so I feel pretty good about it. Thanks everyone.

 

[SueDonJ]

In my experience there is usually Getaway inventory for October on HH as late as August or early September. I don't know what that means for exchanging, though, because I don't know if Getaway inventory comes from units not picked up as exchanges. If it does, then you may not be taking too much of a risk by letting this unit go and waiting a couple weeks more to see if the week you really want becomes available.

Any of the three would make for a good vacation, IMO; my choice for a girls' week away would be Barony, SurfWatch and then GO. Barony because of the spa on property, SW because the grounds are beautiful no matter where you're placed, and GO because of its walking distance to restaurants and pubs. Barony and SW are closer to both Shelter Cove Mall and the Tanger outlets just off-island on 278 - when I go away with just the girls we usually do some shopping.

During October you may be able to swim in the ocean especially during the first couple weeks. Although it's anyone's guess this year because weather all over the east coast this year has been so extreme - this Spring on Hilton Head was much cooler and rainier than in years past.

All three do have heated outdoor pools, but the pool bars/grills may have limited hours depending on occupancy and weather.

At any of the three, as an exchanger you may be placed in the gardenview buildings furthest from the ocean. But then again, all three use a priority system for reservations that favors MVCI owners over others which means you might get lucky with an oceanside unit. Chances are slim that you'll get oceanfront, but it's more likely to happen at GO than SW or Barony because GO has more of those units.

As if you couldn't tell already from replies here, we Hilton Head owners are fiercely protective of our home resorts. (And I'm not sure Tom's maps can be used to figure it out because they say right on them that they're not to scale. Two minutes in the penalty box for you, Tom!) My perception: Barony's Gardenview units will not give you any view of the ocean at all, but the walk to the ocean is a straight shot if you follow the paths on the outer edges of the resort. If you wander through the intererior, it's a pleasant stroll once you pass the entrance to the Westin next door. GO's Gardenview units feel like a concrete jungle to me, it seems very crowded and imposing all the way through the interior. But again, if you follow the paths on the edge of the resort it's a straight shot walk to the ocean. SW's Gardenview units are furthest from the ocean but the walk through either the interior or exterior is gorgeous. SW has more space and beautiful landscaping than any of the three. The birdwatching and photo ops at SW beat anyplace we've stayed on the island including private oceanfront condos in Palmetto Dunes.

You really have no worries whichever resort you choose - Hilton Head is beautiful that time of year, and you'll love it no matter if you do nothing but lounge by the pool/beach or get up and go-go-go every day. Have fun, happy hunting!

 

[SueDonJ]

Decided not to chance it - just to confirmed to GO - traded a Panama City 1 bed with a $500 maintenance fee so I feel pretty good about it. Thanks everyone.

Ah, I didn't see this or Lisa's before I posted. Congrats on getting your week lined up!

Lisa's right about the biking in Sea Pines, you can rent bikes either right there at the resort or from an outside vendor who will deliver and pick up. October will be beautiful for biking.

Don't miss the Sea Shack restaurant, and look for the guy with the guitar at that outdoor restaurant in Harbor Town directly across from the golf course. He does a great version of "Southern Cross."

 

[SueDonJ]

While there's a Hilton Head thread up and running, let me ask all you pros:

Several years ago when we drove home just past dusk from a restaurant we passed a small pond at an intersection where hundreds of herons were roosting in the tall trees that border the back side of the pond. I tried to take pics but didn't have the right equipment; now that I do, the darn pond has disappeared!

The restaurant may have been The Boathouse II and/or we may have been somewhere around either Marshland Road or Squire Pope Road. I know the limited info is pretty much useless, but does anyone have any idea of where we were?

thanks,

 

[LisaRex]

Can't help you with the restaurant, but if you're into animal watching, I highly recommend both the Pinckney Island Nature Preserve (just off the island) and the SeaPines nature preserve.

You'll see snakes, alligators, birds, turtles, herons, and egrets, just to name a few. Pinckney had one island that was completely filled with birds, but I don't remember what kind they were.

If you're into formal nature tours, the Coastal Discovery Museum gives tours of Pinckney Island.

 

[Poette]

If you like motown & oldies, check to see if Deas Guyz are playing at the Jazz Corner when you are there. They are fabulous & it's a fun night.

 

[SueDonJ]

Oh, I love Pinckney Island, we've done both a bike tour and wandered around without a schedule. Gorgeous!

There's another place on the island that I've found online but haven't visited yet, the Audubon Newhall Preserve. That one's on my list and it also may be part of the Sea Pines Preserve.

 

[bobcat]

I am planning a girls trip (3 colleges chums 40 years ago) to Hilton Head in mid October. I know much is written on the different Marriotts on Hilton Head, but which one would be recommended for this group at this time of year. We like the beach and the pool. Would the outdoor pools still be used in October? None of us have been to HH - our girls trips the last 5 years have been Palm Springs and West Palm Beach.

we have stayed at several Marriotts on HH. We own at Barony. We vote for Barony. Make sure you visit the spa. Enjoy.

 

[amisco]

Congrats on the trip

I own at the Owners Club on HHI and have a condo in Indigo Run..(yes bought the timeshare first.. loved the island and bought a place there)..October on HHI is a great time of year... lower humidity..comfortable weather. As for Resturants make sure you try

Charly's Crabb -2 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island... http://www.muer.com/

The Boathouse II (397 Squire Pope Road) (which recently changed owners)... great views of the inter-coastal waterway. http://www.boathouserestaurant.net/


Also one of my favorites on the island is

Santa Fe Resturant see www.santafecafeofhiltonhead.com...

Also there is a new Comedy Club in Pineland Station ... reasonable pricing http://hiltonheadcomedyclub.com/


I am out there about 6 weeks a year ..it's a great place. Have FUN!

 

[jme]

Both outdoor pools at Surfwatch are heated. (I was just there for Christmas/NY week.) Yes, at Barony, the outdoor pool closet to the clubhouse is heated but NOT the pool down by the beach. (Have also been there for Christmas/NY week.) At Grande Ocean, I thought the small outdoor pool up by the clubhouse was heated?



I have traded into Barony three times, including mid-August, and have always been placed in an oceanside building (on request). The last time, this past summer, we were placed in a villa directly behind the oceanfront unit, where we had a gorgeous view of the beach and ocean from our balcony. (We were also about a minute's walk from the beach.) On the flip side, I have been in one of the back buildings at Grande Ocean and the walk to the ocean was longer than at Surfwatch. (Have also been oceanfront at GO, which was lovely.) Surfwatch does sit back from the beach - it is beyond the protected wetlands. It is a little further but there are still some beautiful unobstructed ocean views.



I have gone to Hilton Head 2-3 times per year for the past 14 years, and unless I'm staying in Sea Pines (which I have done), I will only go there once in a week-long trip, many times not at all. Don't get me wrong, I love Sea Pines but I also love other parts of the island just as much, including the Port Royal area where both Barony and Surfwatch are located.



Surfwatch has the BEST indoor pool complex of the three. It is housed in a building all its own, is large and very 'open' and bright. Unlike jme, I love to swim in the outdoor heated pools in the winter. They're usually very warm, not crowded at all, and I like to finish with a dip in the hot tub. That warms the body up for the walk back to the room. However, in October, it should still be fairly warm on the island, you might even go in the ocean that time of year!



I would think that is a big plus for a 'girls' week! I have a very good friend who lives in a condo at the Jersey shore and lots of times when her husband goes out of town for the weekend, we have a 'sleepover' at her house. There is usually anywhere between 6-10 of us (ranging in age from late 20's to mid 60's) and we eat, drink, talk, play games, stay up late, and just have a great time! The next morning, we have breakfast and head for the outlets in Atlantic City. The point is that I could definitely see us all doing massages (or facials or pedicures) together. That would be awesome! BTW, I have done the massage at the Barony (Hubby and I did them together one year) and we both loved it! It was nice to just have to wander back to our room afterward, not get in the car and drive.



I am not trying to knock jme, but he is obviously very biased toward Grande Ocean. I have stayed in all three on more than one occasion but do not own at any of them. I have also stayed at other places on the island. (I own at Island Links and Royal Dunes b/c I like the Port Royal section of the island and Hubby loves to golf.) I think for the time of year that you are going and the purpose of the trip my order would be (FWIW):

Barony, Surfwatch, Grande Ocean

However, they are all great resorts.

Wherever you end up, just being on the island is fabulous! Take the time and plan an excursion into Savannah if you've never been. It's a nice day trip, about a 50-60 min drive. Check the advance setting under both the Marriott board and the Eastern board for detailed HHI restaurant information.

Enjoy!!

Whoa, lots of stuff here, BUT........ I'll stay away from most of it because it boils down to a debate of personal preferences (and that's not productive anyway because we all have our preferences-----we all married different spouses, right?), except for a few things. I'll preface it all by saying that unequivocably Surfwatch, Barony, and Grande Ocean are three fantastic resorts, all very popular, and are all heads and shoulders above most all resorts anywhere (not all, but most), especially outside the Marriott system, and certainly nothing at HH compares, not even Disney, which is the closest....

Check out GOOGLEMAPS for real aerial satellite photos of resorts and actual distances from the beach. No way, no way at all, that ANY bldg at Surfwatch is closer to the beach than "back buildings" of Grande Ocean. "Back bldgs" of GO are a 3-minute walk to beach, and they do not provide, or need, golf cart rides to the beach like they do at SW. No biggie, tho, because SW is fine for what it is.

Here's Surfwatch below, and as you can see, it's a real hike to the beach, to say the least, especially if you've got beach chairs. It's a lovely resort, with fantastic units, but it's not exactly an "oceanfront resort" ---but again that's not so important because HHI has mostly non-oceanfront resorts, and just being there is what's truly important.....Surfwatch is located on a marsh which separates all bldgs from the ocean. A pretty setting for sure.

It takes binoculars to see the ocean, yes it does, (except one lone "front bldg"), and even then it's a shot of horizon only, no sand. But that's not really important because it's still beyond nice, but let's not call it oceanfront. It's a true luxury resort, "near the ocean". I've walked that property even before it was built, and it's a relaxing place, very tranquil....on a marsh and in the woods. I could, but I don't own there for a reason.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...478,-80.695438&spn=0.004222,0.009538&t=h&z=17.

BTW, Surfwatch weeks in bronze season are listed now on Ebay for $1, if anyone's interested. Hmmmmmmm.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hilton-Head-Isl...dZViewItemQQptZTimeshares?hash=item5639657028.


Barony is great, and we own because of the SPA (never used it, but bought pre-construction because of it.....whatever) , but it's a very small resort on a narrower beach. Beautiful units, tho. Only two areas with oceanfront units, those facing the ocean in Morning Glory and Sea Oat. Smaller pools (only 2), sort of cramped and crowded in summer, but again, a true luxury resort. WE TRADE.
Sometimes a girl trip by wife and friends, staying in Morning Glory, section/phase we purchased. Traders-in usually get Garden units (phase I), a few hundred yards away, behind Westin Hotel-----no ocean views possible. Some lucky traders in non-high seasons get phase II units, but not usually.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...861,-80.682296&spn=0.003994,0.009538&t=h&z=17

Grande Ocean is located where the William Hilton Hotel was located originally, which was the very first hotel on the island, and they chose well back then------the very widest stretch of beach on the island. Smart. I stayed there often as a child. Been gong to HH now for 40+ years. Stayed everywhere, in every plantation and virtually in or near every resort, going back decades. Even stayed at Westin Hotel several times.

GO is a large resort, spread out, and with two different sections....a more open area and a lagoon area....totally different, with different feels. Three really LARGE pools and one heated lap pool....several hot tubs. The indoor pool, however, is not as spectacular, imho (still nice, but smaller) as Barony's or SW's, but I think Barony's is the prettiest. SW's is a bit claustrophobic to me, which was my first impression. Barony's is just simply beautiful-----architecturally and esthetically more pleasing. My kids say the same. We've toured SW several times, and we're very very familiar with Barony. All are quality.

I can totally understand why a girls' trip may best be accomplished at Barony----it's the SPA-----All Marriott units, whether at GO, Barony, or SW, are luxurious (and hence, essentially the same), so being at my favorite location Grande Ocean just doesn't matter so much in the long run......I totally understand! There's no wrong answer here. Any of the three Marrott resorts (& even Monarch, which is oceanfront but it's not luxurious) would suffice. My personal preference, tho, for a dozen+ reasons, is still GO. That's why we own 3 highest-end weeks there. And why we never trade them. Wife and kids (now college-aged) would kill me. As a family, we could own SW, but don't. We could stay at Barony, but don't.

We've stayed at GO about 60 times now, for real.. Biased? not really. I'd call it more a judgment call, based on many factors. We went in with no biases when we first toured (that goes for all resorts we've ever toured), and we chose based on certain criteria, being quite objective. I've discovered over the years that all GO owners seem to feel the same way. We think we own the very finest resort on the east coast, and we have both our own personal feelings and non-biased Marriott facts and statistics to back it up.


Barony, notwithstanding its own great reputation, sold because GO was sold out, and they pushed it heavily (Marriott quality anywhere sells), and likewise, SW started selling because Barony was essentially sold out (at least platinum weeks) AND because they were then pushing it heavily (and the 3-BR option was sort of a gimmick, imho, for selling somewhat off the ocean in that particular location. It's not a BAD location, it just needed another selling point to be attractive, and the 3-BR concept did it, because there are scant few 3-BR's at HH.)

Now, does this look "like a concrete jungle" below (as another different poster reported)? (frankly, it's anything but....and that's not a bias)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...686,-80.762188&spn=0.002112,0.004769&t=h&z=18.

See GO pics of landscape
http://www.ritzpix.com/net/Albums/L...F4EC152833D3202CF95927343F6DE634BB14F5C88C762.


The units at GO are larger, no question. Newer resorts always get smaller with the unit sizes. So Barony is slightly smaller, being the second NEW Marriott resort in the 90's at HHI.......SW is smallest yet in unit size and feel (includes sizes of living room, bedrooms, etc), and is the newest. Not a deal-breaker, just a factoid.

GO is closer to Sea Pines. Despite one comment, SP has the best bike trails I've ever seen, has 80% of the island's finest private homes (for a reason), and has many great shops and restaurants---many reasons to visit several times during a vacation week. The Waterfront Cafe (old Cafe Europa) below the lighthouse in Harbour Town, has the best brunch anywhere, and an awesome "regular" lunch menu (dinner too)......and beautiful views of the waterways.

Sea Pines also has one of the world's finest championship golf courses, Harbour Town Golf Club, where a pro tournament is held annually. Sea Pines DOES NOT have the best resorts, but it's one of the major areas, if not THE major area, of visitation on HHI. South Beach is in there, too...a great destination for shopping, entertainment, etc. The world-famous Salty Dog Cafe store is there too. Gotta have those t-shirts. "Not going in there but once a week" is a personal choice, but somebody's missing a ton of stuff.

Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard Plantations are awesome too, I agree...
Port Royal is nice too, but SP has far more to offer in the way of activites (& every other category). Millions of visitors' opinions couldn't be wrong. Imagine this----there are actually people who hate Hilton Head, and so I can therefore understand that there could also then be some who don't particularly like Sea Pines.....There are even some who don't care for Grande Ocean. Ok, that's cool.

That's why we have hundreds and thousands of different resorts, scattered all over the globe. That's why some choose to live in Georgia and some in New Jersey. (delete, delete, delete)
Ok, fine. We do agree, tho, that we love vacations, I hope. Beach sand is a wonderful thing, and has brought us all together, and caused all the more joy and happiness to spill out amongst us and our children, and so we'll repeat it year after year, ad infinitum.

Whatever you do with that girls trip, you'll honestly enjoy whichever Marriott you choose. Can't go wrong. Who knows, for a dollar, you could even own one.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

Whatever you do with that girls trip, you'll honestly enjoy whichever Marriott you choose. Can't go wrong.

jme (Marty),
A great write-up on those three resorts that is worth bookmarking... without-a-doubt. I've already saved a link to it in my HHI folder. Thanks.

Also, while I did head to the sidelines for a while on this thread, I did not accept "Two minutes in the penalty box". When MGO is called a "concrete jungle", and the rather lengthy walk (for an oceanfront resort) from the back units of Barony (behind the Westin Resort) referred to as a "pleasant stroll",
well... I decided to shush for a while.

Thanks for the links to the resorts using GOOGLE-MAPS. For all those using those links, please note that the Grande Ocean aerial view comes up twice as magnified/zoomed. Thus the buildings look much larger than the other two resort links, and thus the distance to the beach might look twice as long.
(The Grande Ocean view can be zoomed to that additional level since all the resort units are so close to the beach.)

 

[Big Matt]

Having been to HHI multiple times, I'm guessing that the "girls" will really like Sea Pines Plantation and all of the things within the gates (shopping, dining, biking, maybe golf?, etc.)

Stay as close to Sea Pines as you can. I love GO and would pick it above all others (I've stayed at Barony and toured Surfwatch). Monarch is in Sea Pines, but it just doesn't really compare to GO.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

Monarch is in Sea Pines, but it just doesn't really compare to GO.

Very true..... and IMO, Matt is being kind to Monarch. Stayed there, and liked it -- but not even remotely close to MGO. Monarch's big advantage is its location right in Sea Pines.

 

[LisaRex]

There's another place on the island that I've found online but haven't visited yet, the Audubon Newhall Preserve. That one's on my list and it also may be part of the Sea Pines Preserve.

I haven't visited the Newhall sanctuary, but I have visited the SeaPines Preserve. A hike and picnic on Lake Mary in the SeaPines preserve is a great way to spend a morning if you're into nature.

You can also take a guided horseback ride through the preserve, but it's eye-poppingly expensive IMO.