HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – (August 1, 2025) – Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, a AAA Four Diamond rated oceanfront property, is thrilled to announce the completion of its comprehensive, resort-wide renovation. Phase one was completed in summer 2024, unveiling 340 beautifully updated, comfortably designed guestrooms. With the completion of phase two, the multi-million-dollar transformation now extends across dining and retail outlets, meeting and event spaces, outdoor areas, the spa and more—enhancing the guest experience for both leisure and business travelers.
“We’re beyond thrilled to officially unveil the full transformation of our resort,” said Bob Cosgrove, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “Every detail of the renovation was thoughtfully designed to reflect the charm, culture and serene ambiance of the Lowcountry while enhancing the comfort and overall guest experience.”
Guests are welcomed into an elevated lobby featuring a soothing color palette inspired by the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island, setting the tone for the resort-wide redesign. A custom wood-paneled reception desk sits before an ocean-toned accent wall, while rope-wrapped lounge chairs create a relaxed setting. At the heart of the space, the resort’s Tapestry of Self installation—designed to capture the hotel’s unique spirit—weaves together visual elements of the island’s beaches, iconic lighthouse, golf and wildlife.
New and Reimagined Culinary Experiences:
The resort has reimagined its food and beverage outlets with new and refreshed concepts that blend creative design and elevated coastal cuisine.
- Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace offers regionally inspired breakfast and dinner menus featuring fresh seafood and Lowcountry favorites. Overlooking the lagoon, the space is warmed by ocean-toned carpets, seafoam green and tan leather seating, wave-patterned banquettes and gold-accented dome lighting.
- Sweet Cane Bar and Grille, located poolside, features an expanded full-service bar specializing in frozen drinks and classic fare. Guests can sip and snack at the shaded bar, under the pergola or from lounge chairs around the pool.
- Sea Glass Market & Provisions, conveniently located in the lobby, offers handcrafted espresso drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, artisan-style pizzas, gelato and more—perfect for grab-and-go moments throughout the day.
Two entirely new dining venues add to the resort’s culinary appeal:
- Driftwood Rum Bar is a moody, coastal-inspired lounge offering shareable bites and handcrafted cocktails with an emphasis on rum and local spirits. The intimate space features curved wood paneling, plush banquettes, a sculptural chandelier and a bar finished with vertical sea-glass-hued tile and warm wood trim.
- The Patio serves elevated bar fare and a rotating selection of draft beer. A bright interior with rattan accents opens via garage doors to an expansive outdoor patio with blue-and-white tilework, cozy firepits and mounted TVs for a lively, open-air dining experience.
Enhanced Outdoor Amenities:
Outdoor enhancements include a brand-new hot tub and relaxation swimming pool complete with private cabanas for added comfort, as well as updated fire pits and seating areas scattered throughout the resort’s 11-acre property. Rounding out the outdoor additions is the new Sea Glass Provisions Shop, a coastal-inspired boutique offering everything from beach toys and stylish swimwear to unique gifts and accessories.
Revitalized Meeting & Event Space:
Beyond its leisure amenities, the resort has enhanced its group offerings with a full transformation of more than 23,000 square feet of meeting and event space. This includes 17 refreshed meeting rooms and the reimagined Santee Ballroom, a 10,000-square-foot venue that accommodates up to 1,110 guests. Ideal for corporate conferences and social celebrations alike, the updated ballroom blends style and function, featuring a spacious foyer, layered crown molding and striking multi-tiered crystal chandeliers. The resort also offers flexible outdoor venues, including a beachfront pavilion and lush gardens, surrounded by newly enhanced landscaping that captures the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
Elevated Wellness Offerings:
The resort’s wellness offerings were refreshed with the renovation and rebranding of its on-site spa. Formerly known as Arum Spa, The Spa at Sonesta now offers an elevated, serene and restorative sanctuary with a thoughtfully expanded treatment menu. Infused with Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises’ new brand pillars—self-care, discovery and fun—the refreshed spa invites guests to align their body, mind and spirit through astrology-inspired experiences, offering fully customizable relaxation journeys based on zodiac signs, moon phases and other celestial influences. In addition to these themed offerings, the spa provides a variety of traditional massages, body treatments, facials and nail services—each thoughtfully designed to restore balance and enhance overall well-being. Guests also have access to a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, an ADA-accessible design and brand-new Peloton bikes.
“Like any project of this scale, there were challenges along the way, but it’s deeply rewarding to see our vision come to life after years of planning and hard work,” said Cosgrove. “From the start, our goal was to exceed the expectations of returning guests and captivate those visiting for the first time. This renovation marks an exciting new chapter for the resort, and we look forward to welcoming guests into our revitalized spaces.”
Guests who book as Sonesta Travel Pass members using promo code TPMEM can enjoy a discounted resort fee of $25 for stays through October 31, 2025. Membership is free, and nonmembers are automatically enrolled upon booking. The Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program unlocks exclusive benefits, including access to the best available rates on every stay, a faster path to elite status, points toward free nights and more. With fewer crowds and ideal weather, late summer and early fall are among the best times to experience Hilton Head Island.
To book a stay or to learn more about the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, visit Sonesta.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news, by following on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
