South Carolina, October 12, 2025

News Summary

Seven resorts in South Carolina have been honored in the top 20 of the South by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. This ranking showcases the state’s remarkable hospitality and breathtaking scenery, as 757,109 travelers participated in the survey. The recognized resorts include Wild Dunes, Sea Pines, and Montage Palmetto Bluff, among others. This recognition underscores South Carolina’s appeal as a prime destination for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty.

Charleston

Seven resorts in South Carolina have been recognized as among the top 20 in the South by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious ranking is a testament to the state’s exceptional hospitality, stunning scenery, and world-class amenities, which have collectively been celebrated by travelers from across the nation.

South Carolina stood out in the awards, securing more locations on the list than any other southern state. In total, 757,109 travelers participated in the 38th annual survey, casting their votes between April 1 and June 30, 2025. The results of the survey are determined based on a five-point scale, averaged into a percentage for final scores.

The awards cover a range of travel categories, including hotels, resorts, cities, and airports, highlighting excellence in various aspects of the travel experience. The recognized resorts include:

• Wild Dunes: An oceanfront resort near Charleston that combines luxury with Lowcountry charm, offering beaches, golf courses, and spa experiences.
• Sea Pines: A boutique waterfront resort on Hilton Head Island with oceanfront dining, pools, and a full-service spa.
• Montage Palmetto Bluff: Located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, this resort blends Southern charm with luxury and rustic elements.

Other resorts that ranked highly in the survey include destinations from surrounding states like:

• The Sanderling Resort in Duck, NC
• The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA
• The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV
• Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV
• The Swag in Waynesville, NC
• The Cloister at Sea Island in GA
• Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN
• The Tides Inn in Irvington, VA
• The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC
• Blackberry Mountain in Walland, TN
• The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, NC
• The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, GA
• The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection in Meadows of Dan, VA

Condé Nast points out that the Readers’ Choice Awards survey is conducted through a secure platform at cntraveler.com. Each candidate must meet a minimum number of responses and achieve a qualifying rating to be eligible for inclusion.

The resorts recognized in South Carolina offer unique experiences that appeal to a variety of travelers. Travel + Leisure readers preferred Lowcountry getaways in their 2025 survey, further underscoring the appeal of coastal charm. The top resorts in South Carolina are primarily located along the coast, with three situated on Hilton Head Island and others near Charleston.

Noteworthy mentions include Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, both renowned for their luxurious amenities and scenic locations. Additionally, Hotel Hartness ranked No. 2 after previously winning the top spot in 2024, demonstrating its ongoing appeal.

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, which opened last summer, received significant acclaim as the standout new luxury resort for 2025. It scored impressively with a reader rating of 97.92, making it the top property in South Carolina. Other notable properties and their scores are as follows:

• Hotel Hartness: 97.27
• Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection: 92.82
• The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: 91.73
• Montage Palmetto Bluff: 91.67
• Beach House Hilton Head Island: 88.13
• Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: 88.06
• Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort: 87.81
• Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort: 87.75
• The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina: 87.16

The survey methodology involved readers rating characteristics of each property on a scale from excellent to poor, providing a comprehensive view of travel experiences that can serve as a guiding resource for future trips.

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The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Sold to KSL Capital Partners
KSL Capital Partners Acquires Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
KSL Capital Partners Acquires The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Coastal Community Foundation Disapproves Pine Island Development
Major Airport Expansions Planned for Hilton Head Island
OTO Development Acquires Hyatt House Dallas/Uptown
Decline in Canadian Travel to Hilton Head Island

Additional Resources

• Travel + Leisure: World’s Best Awards 2025 Resorts in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Condé Nast Traveler: South U.S. Top Resorts
• Google Search: South Carolina resorts
• Matador Network: Kingston Resorts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Hotel Investment Today: KSL acquires Westin Hilton Head Resort
• Google News: 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

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.