Pure Pleasue at Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC

Somewhere between the rocky coasts of Maine and the sandy beaches of Florida exists the Low Country: a most harmonious confluence of land, water, nature and people.  More specifically, Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head, an island off the coast near Charleston, S.C., is a testament to the preservation of the Low Country and its wealth of natural resources and beauty.

A creature of habit myself, I typically migrate to both extreme geographical coastlines each year, with little thought of what lies in between. For some unknown explanation, Hilton Head conjured up a commercialized, over-developed island cramming with ubiquitous, chain restaurants and suffocating, skyscraping condominiums. So, it was with some preconceived misguided notions I set off to discover the beauty of the Low Country and Sea Pines Resort. Fortunately, I couldn’t have been more wrong…

Sea Pines Resort is triumphantly celebrating its 50th anniversary in business. Generations of families have migrated here year after year to reconnect. Lovers come to rejuvenate and relax and honeymooners, as well as nuptial seekers. come for the pristine and romantic surroundings, professional event planning and diversity of recreation.

Sea Pines Resort comprises over 5,200 acres and offers diverse accommodations and locations on the island.  Whatever your profile – couple, honeymooners, family, golfer, sailor, tennis player; Sea Pine’s has the right accommodations for you and their staff is highly motivated to placing you accordingly.

Charles Fraser was to Sea Pines Resort as Walt Disney was to Disneyworld. A masterful planner with great vision he developed the island with genius deliberation and his vision continues today with a conscientious consideration for an environmental-friendly and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle. Homes and buildings all blend into the landscaping further enhancing the beauty of the island. Golf courses are Audubon approved; meaning you tee off on non-toxic greens and walk the course admiring myriad birdhouses purposefully placed to invite the astonishing array of birds the Island attracts.

As nature is always prevalent on the island, you’ll most likely also witness a few alligators sunning themselves along the course. Golf is king on the island, but gators are the gatekeepers. Alligators are more than an after thought in this area and life and people have the utmost respect for nature and live accordingly. Gators are incredibly fascinating, versatile and downright mesmerizing and a visit to the Sea Pine’s Preserve; another brilliant conservation consideration of 605 acres by Charles Fraser, is a definite time worthy event. For those searching for a kinder and gentler creature, you can take a Loggerhead Turtle Search, or an all time favorite: crabbing at the Preserve, as well.

I have always had a bittersweet relationship with a vacation on the coastline. I typically feel compelled to be at the beach or wherever I can touch, see and hear the ocean. If I’m not there, I feel anxious and cheated, after all, I live in Memphis and the Mississippi just doesn’t quench or satisfy my need for hydrotherapy.

That is where the magic lies of Sea Pines Resort. There is a wealth of beauty, amenities and activities that exist beyond the border of the coast. From land sports of golf, tennis and biking to dolphin and gator gazing, to parasailing and boating, I spent an inspiring and fun-filled weekend enjoying the beach, water, land and the low country’s indigenous creatures.  The magic also lies within the Harbour Inn at Sea Pines. Step into the foyer of the resort and you’ll appreciate the tradition of this 50-year-old establishment that was designed after the finer Inn’s of Europe. The international staff includes men in kilts who greet and welcome you, and the English-inspired butler service invites you to test their expert skills. You can then move on to the beautifully decorated In that exudes a casual elegance with exquisite polished pine floors, charming French and English antiques, ornate carpets and amazing views of the golf course where the famous Heritage Professional Golf Tournament is dramatically played out every year.

The guest rooms are also freshly and beautifully decorated in a charming, not overdone, blend of rustic nautical theme with captivating views of the golf course and resort area. Beds are a luxurious place to lay your head at the end of a busy day.  Bathrooms are surprisingly on the large side with a separate shower and soaking bath area. I could have unpacked my belongings and spent the weekend between the lobby and my room but the call of nature was pulsating through my veins and I was too curious and eager to discover all there was to this area that has been notoriously written and sung about so much.

Discovering the Island is both relaxing and invigorating. You can enjoy biking for miles on designated paths to numerous activities including, golf, tennis, shopping, dining or even the spa, all under a canopy of old oak trees bearing animated twisted and spiraling limbs.

In search of pure romance one evening, we chartered the Mystique for an evening cocktail-dinner cruise around the Calibougue Sound. Fine food and wine served by charming international staff provides a truly memorable experience. The Mystique crew comes with loads of experience and knows just how to highlight the scenery of Hilton Head. You will see inspirational views of the marshy coastline and the infamous and most photographed, candy cane–striped lighthouse while listening to equally inspirational music from the talented musicians showcased almost nightly from the Harbour center square. (Be sure to go back to the light-house tomorrow and visit this Low Country icon and learn all about its history).  I did wander away from the water long enough to take a golf and tennis lesson.  The level of professional instruction was such that not only was it an amazing experience but it turned me totally anti- “what kind of waste of time is that to chase a little white ball” to feeling a total fulfillment out of a 250 yard shot. The instructor told me it looked like I’d been playing all my life and that compliment could not have been more appreciated had he told me I looked 20 years younger than my age. So, now I get it… and now I can not wait to take more lessons and realize my golf-potential.

Sea Pines is also famous for their tennis. The instructor of the Stan Smith clinic was so engaging and encouraging that I endured 90 plus degrees running around on the court and loved every pounding step of it! The level of expertise is such that if you have any athletic or natural skill, they are going to bring it out and you are going to shine like no other time.

For more water-based activities there’s H2O, which caters to all your hydro needs.  We took a dolphin cruise and could not have been more delighted by this mammal and also the tour leader. Once again, the respect for nature and the animals was so impressive and made the excursion all the more informative and enjoyable. H20 is also your source for windsurfing, kayaking and any other sort of water based activity.

Of course, all this activity builds up an appetite and the Island is bountiful with noshing holes. The island serves up plenty of fresh water catches and other tantalizing dishes. The Surfside Grill, right on the coast, has a casual island feel with island inspired dishes, tropical drinks, music and awesome views of the coast. Do not miss the infamous Salty Dog Café, which offers satisfying pub food for lunch in a quirky fun atmosphere located in the South BeachMarina Village. Grab a t-shirt and shop for other treasures at the myriad boutiques along the waterfront. The Old Fort Pub provides an elegant supper-club feel with a more sophisticated menu. Order a pre-dinner cocktail and head to the spiral stairs that take you to a tree top area where you’ll catch your breath from the climb and from the breathtaking sunset island views. Gather your thoughts and your loved one, clink your glasses and toast to each other and the memories you’ll have of Sea Pines and all of its wonder.

The Sea Pines Resort: (www.seapines.com) 800.925.4653

Sea Pines Preserve and Nature Center: 843.363.4530

H20 at Harbour Town Marina: 843.671.4386

Surfside Grill: (www.seapines.com) 843.842.1888Salty

Dog Café: (www.saltydog.com) 843.363.2198

Old Fort Pub:  (www.oldfortpub.com) 843.681.2386

Other recommendations:

Harbour Town Bakery (yummy baked goods, hearty sandwiches) 843.363.2021

Café’ Europa (contemporary cuisine)Truffles (contemporary and eclectic)

South Seaport Café (Low Country fare) 843.671.7327

The Sweet Shoppe (frozen treats)