Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Completes Full Property Renovation

Multi-Million-Dollar Transformation Enhances Guestrooms, Dining, Outdoor Amenities, Spa and Meeting Space at AAA Four Diamond Rated Oceanfront Resort

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, completed in summer 2024, unveiled 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 stands 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—intertwines visual elements of the island’s beaches, iconic lighthouse, golf, and wildlife.

New and Reimagined Culinary Experiences

The resort’s food and beverage outlets have been completely reimagined 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. The lagoon-facing space features ocean-toned carpets, seafoam green and tan leather seating, wave-patterned banquettes, and gold-accented dome lighting.

• Sweet Cane Bar and Grille, located poolside, boasts an expanded full-service bar specializing in frozen drinks and classic fare. Guests can relax at the shaded bar, under the pergola, or on lounge chairs around the pool.

• Sea Glass Market & Provisions, conveniently located in the lobby, provides 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 a focus on rum and local spirits. The intimate space includes 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. Its bright interior with rattan accents opens via garage doors to a spacious outdoor patio with blue-and-white tilework, cozy firepits, and mounted TVs for a lively, open-air dining experience.

Enhanced Outdoor Amenities

New outdoor enhancements include a brand-new hot tub and relaxation swimming pool, complete with private cabanas. Updated fire pits and cozy seating areas are now scattered throughout the resort’s 11-acre property. The new Sea Glass Provisions Shop, a coastal-inspired boutique, offers everything from beach toys and stylish swimwear to unique gifts and accessories.

Revitalized Meeting & Event Space

The resort’s group offerings have been significantly upgraded, featuring a transformation of more than 23,000 square feet of meeting and event space. This includes 17 refreshed meeting rooms and the fully reimagined Santee Ballroom, a 10,000-square-foot venue that accommodates up to 1,110 guests. Ideal for corporate conferences and social celebrations, the ballroom blends style and function, with a spacious foyer, layered crown molding, and striking multi-tiered crystal chandeliers. Flexible outdoor venues, including a beachfront pavilion and lush gardens, are now surrounded by enhanced landscaping that captures the beauty of the Lowcountry.

Elevated Wellness Offerings

The resort’s on-site spa has been renovated and rebranded as The Spa at Sonesta. Formerly known as Arum Spa, the updated space offers a serene and restorative sanctuary with an expanded treatment menu. Infused with Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises’ new brand pillars—self-care, discovery, and fun—the spa now includes astrology-inspired experiences. Guests can enjoy fully customizable relaxation journeys based on zodiac signs, moon phases, and other celestial influences.

In addition to themed treatments, the spa provides a variety of traditional massages, body treatments, facials, and nail services. A newly updated 24-hour fitness center includes state-of-the-art equipment, 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.”