Hilton Head Island, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island has completed extensive renovations to enhance guest experiences and strengthen ties with the local community. Key updates include redesigned guest rooms and new dining venues such as the Driftwood Rum Bar and The Patio gastropub. Additional outdoor spaces and event facilities have been improved along with a revitalized spa. These changes position the resort as a premier destination for both travelers and locals, aligning with evolving expectations for resort experiences.
Hilton Head Island Unveils Major Upgrades at Sonesta Resort
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island has recently completed a comprehensive, resort-wide renovation designed to elevate both guest experience and engagement with the local community. The renovation includes significant upgrades to the resort that cater to evolving traveler expectations while enhancing the property’s appeal as a destination.
The first phase of renovations, finalized in summer 2024, focused on modernizing 340 guest rooms with new coastal designs that reflect the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. Following this, the multimillion-dollar second phase is set to introduce new dining and retail outlets, enhanced meeting/event spaces, spa upgrades, and improved outdoor areas.
Renovation Highlights
The freshly remodeled lobby showcases a calming color palette, which draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape of Hilton Head Island, setting a tranquil tone for guests upon arrival.
New dining options have also emerged from this renovation. The Driftwood Rum Bar offers an upscale atmosphere with a focus on artisanal cocktails and gourmet plates, while The Patio gastropub serves casual fare in an open-air setting, featuring comfort food favorites such as blackened redfish sandwiches and burgers. Additionally, the reimagined Seacrest Restaurant & Terrace has returned with a new identity, providing a blend of classic coastal dishes, including shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and peach-and-corn succotash.
Event Spaces and Outdoor Enhancements
The resort is also enhancing its event hosting capabilities with over 23,000 square feet of meeting space and a newly renovated Santee Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,110 guests. Outdoor improvements include a newly added hot tub, an adult pool complete with private cabanas, and new fire pits scattered across the property’s expansive 11-acre grounds.
New Spa and Retail Offerings
The resort’s spa has undergone a makeover and will now be known as The Spa at Sonesta, aiming to provide visitors with an extensive treatment menu to cater to various wellness needs. Alongside the spa, a boutique shop named Sea Glass Provisions has been introduced, offering guests a coastal-inspired shopping experience.
Community Connection and Target Audience
The renovations at the Sonesta Resort aim to foster a stronger connection with both guests and the local Hilton Head community. This strategic focus is intended to enhance the overall tourism and dining scene on the island. The resort caters to a wide range of visitor experiences, from family vacations and romantic getaways to group events, encouraging guests to explore the low-maintenance atmosphere of Hilton Head Island filled with wellness activities, including yoga and dolphin tours.
With these transformative upgrades, the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is poised to establish itself as a premier destination for both vacationers and local residents, setting a new standard for resort experiences in the area.
FAQ
What renovations have been recently completed at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island?
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island has recently undergone a comprehensive, resort-wide renovation including upgrades to 340 guest rooms, new dining and retail outlets, enhanced meeting/event spaces, spa improvements, and outdoor enhancements.
What new dining options are available at the resort?
The resort has introduced two new dining venues: Driftwood Rum Bar and The Patio gastropub. Seacrest Restaurant & Terrace has also returned with a refreshed identity and a blend of classic coastal dishes.
What amenities have been added to the outdoor spaces?
Outdoor enhancements include a new hot tub, an adult pool with private cabanas, and new fire pits throughout the property’s 11 acres.
What are the features of the newly renovated spa?
The redesigned spa is now called The Spa at Sonesta and offers a broader treatment menu for guests.
Key Features of the Renovation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guest Room Upgrades | 340 rooms redesigned with modern coastal themes. |
| New Dining Venues | Driftwood Rum Bar and The Patio gastropub introduced. |
| Event Space | Over 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with a renovated Santee Ballroom. |
| Outdoor Enhancements | New hot tub, adult pool with private cabanas, and fire pits. |
| New Spa | The Spa at Sonesta with an expanded treatment menu. |
| Retail Shop | Sea Glass Provisions offers coastal-inspired shopping. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kidding Around Greenville: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- Hotel Business: Sonesta Resort Completes Renovation
- Google Search: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- Travel and Tour World: Sonesta Resort Unveils New Features
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- Ebony: Hilton Head and Bluffton Travel Guide
- Skift: Sonesta CEO on Strong Bookings
- Travel Pulse: Sonesta Executes Franchise Agreements
- Island Packet: Local News on Sonesta Resort
- Google News: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
