A Taste of Transformation: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Unveils New Culinary Concepts

Oceanfront Resort Introduces New and Reimagined Dining Outlets as Part of Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation, Offering Elevated Flavors and Experiences for Every Guest 

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. – (May 29, 2025) – Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island today unveiled a new look at its on-site food and beverage outlets, marking the first openings of phase two of its multi-million-dollar transformation. At the heart of the resort’s dining refresh is its reimagined signature restaurant, Seacrest Restaurant & Terrace. In addition, the resort has introduced two brand-new concepts – Driftwood Rum Bar, a sophisticated yet inviting lounge, and The Patio, a casual, open-air gastropub – the combination of which offers guests a diverse array of dining options reflecting the island’s coastal charm.

“Our commitment to delivering exceptional guest service extends well-beyond our accommodations – we believe every meal should be an experience,” said Bob Cosgrove, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “Whether it’s a relaxed, gastropub-inspired dish, a handcrafted evening cocktail, or an elegant seafood dinner, each bite and sip have been thoughtfully curated to celebrate the region’s rich flavors and warm hospitality.”

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island’s new food and beverage outlets include:

• Seacrest Restaurant & Terrace – The resort’s main sit-down restaurant, Seacrest Restaurant & Terrace, serves breakfast and dinner, with a menu designed to appeal to all age groups and a focus on regional cuisine and fresh seafood. Menu highlights include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits and pan-seared salmon served with peach and corn succotash, tender broccolini and roasted red pepper cream. An outdoor terrace provides scenic views of the resort’s palm trees, lagoons and live oaks. View Lunch & Dinner Menu | View Breakfast Menu
• Driftwood Rum Bar – Adjacent to the resort lobby, Driftwood Rum Bar features a refined yet inviting ambiance. Open each evening, this upscale bar specializes in creative craft cocktails, with a wide selection of rum and other locally sourced spirits. Highlights include the Balmy & Breezy, made with Kraken Black Spiced Rum, and the Bahama Mama, featuring RumHaven Coconut and Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum. Ideal for sharing with friends or family, the menu includes small gourmet plates such as coconut shrimp served with mango-sriracha dipping sauce and salmon BLT sliders, layered with smoked bacon, arugula, roasted tomato, and spicy tartar. View Menu.
• The Patio – A casual gastropub with multiple TVs and a rotating selection of draft beers, The Patio features garage doors that create an open-air feel and cozy fireplaces throughout, connecting guests with the resort’s lush grounds in a warm, welcoming setting. Just steps from the main resort pool, The Patio serves up elevated pub fare for lunch and dinner, including the blackened redfish sandwich and The Patio Smash Burger topped with pimento cheese, caramelized onions and dill pickles on a pretzel bun. View Menu.

“Our new and enhanced dining experiences cater to not only our resort guests, but also to our local Hilton Head neighbors,” Cosgrove said. “Locals seeking a new casual sports bar hangout or the perfect spot for an upscale special occasion dinner are invited to visit us, discovering a welcoming atmosphere and diverse new options to create long-lasting memories.”

The unveiling of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island’s refreshed dining venues marks the latest milestone in the resort’s multi-million-dollar transformation. Phase one, which was completed in summer 2024, included 340 updated guestrooms, while phase two focuses on enhancing the property’s ballrooms, meeting spaces, retail, dining, and outdoor areas. Anticipated for completion by June 2025, additional upgrades include a new hot tub, an adult pool with private cabanas, and a poolside retail area.

To book a stay or to  learn more about the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, visit HiltonHeadResort.Sonesta.com Stay up-to-date on the latest news, by following on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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About Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Nestled on an 11-acre oasis along the pristine Atlantic coast, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island offers the ultimate vacation experience with lush landscapes and breathtaking views at every turn. The resort’s brand-new, coastal-chic guestrooms are designed to ensure guests feel well-cared for while embracing the natural beauty and relaxed ambiance of the island. Featuring a selection of 24 different room types catering to various budgets, the resort boasts a total of 340 updated guestrooms, including 9 suites with views of Shipyard Plantation, lush tropical gardens, the swimming pool, and the ocean. The resort provides over 23,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space to accommodate groups of 10 to 800, including the impressive 10,000-square-foot Santee Ballroom and the 7,000-square-foot Oceanfront Pavilion. Guests can unwind in the full-service Arum spa or take advantage of access to world-class golf and tennis, local dining, shopping and more.