Best Spa Hotels in Hilton Head

Some see Bluffton, South Carolina, as the gateway into Hilton Head Island, which is just 8 miles farther east. But this quaint town is also rife with opportunities to explore the South Carolina low country. And for recent visitors, there's no better place to make your home base than the alluring Montage Palmetto Bluff. You don't even need to leave the resort premises to enjoy the culture – the property's screened-in shabby-chic porches are a prime setting to enjoy a Carolina sunset. You can dine on the area's freshest seafood at the inn's Canoe Club and experience some of the South's trademark charm from the ever-present and accommodating staff members. Guests can choose to stay in a room within the main house, or within a private cottage. There's also a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course on-site, as well as alligator-spotting excursions, day trips to Daufuskie Island and marshland kayaking in the surrounding area. (Though the resort also charges a $40 daily amenities fee.) The Montage Palmetto Bluff sits on Village Park Square, right along the May River (about 95 miles south of Charleston and around 20 miles northeast of Savannah).

This Westin rides the middle – it's not so luxurious that it out-prices visitors, nor is it in any way a downgrade from the other island resorts. It's not flooded with children like some of its competitors, but there are still plenty of kid-friendly amenities to make young families feel at home. And guests say the service they received was ideal, and that the restaurants all offer tasty fare. When it comes to rest and relaxation, the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa has three swimming pools and a whirlpool, plus the brand's Heavenly Spa. For youngsters, the hotel hosts movie nights and offers a kids club day camp and excursions the whole family can participate in. The resort is located on the northeastern tip of Hilton Head. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort has 28 luxury and oceanfront suites with extra large balconies, but recent guests say that the 295 basic rooms are jumbo enough and thankfully cheaper. These rooms, which got a new look after a $17 million renovation, feature kitchenettes and private balconies. The staff needed no renovation, however – travelers unanimously praise their attentiveness. As this hotel's name implies, you're right on the waterfront, but you also have access to adult, family and wading pools and a fitness center. The grounds also host a well-received day spa. And for golf or tennis, lodgers have access to the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, where you'll find Hilton Head's most-coveted golf courses and tennis courts. Plus, members of the Omni Select Guest program can enjoy complimentary perks by choosing to stay here.

According to recent guests, this Marriott is one of the premier hotels to book for a Hilton Head vacation. For one thing, there's delicious local cuisine served steaming in one of the resort's best restaurants, Blue. For another, the hotel has a whopping 513 rooms and suites, many of which have balconies that look out on the Atlantic Ocean. But before you reserve your room, know that that the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa is usually crawling with kids – which could be good or bad for you, depending on whether you're planning on bringing your own. This property sits on a sandy strip on Hilton Head's east-central coast and if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member you can accrue or cash in points by choosing to stay here.

Spreading out across 11 acres on Hilton Head Island's east coast, the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head invites visitors to take advantage of its prime location and top-notch amenities. Thanks to a $30 million facelift in 2013, the resort now features a heated lagoon swimming pool and the full-service Arum Spa. After you're feeling replenished, retire to your digs and admire views of the ocean, gardens or Shipyard Plantation grounds from your private balcony or patio. Each room also comes appointed with an iHome docking station, a coffee maker and a small refrigerator. When your stomach starts to rumble, recent guests recommend sampling the delectable low country fare served at Heyward's Restaurant. If you'd prefer to dine outdoors, you can enjoy lighter fare and creative cocktails at Seacrest Terrace and Patio, or venture to Bayley's Bar and Terrace for a quick bite. Ordering a la carte meals at Sweet Cane Bar and Grille is another dining option. Apart from the tasty cuisine, previous visitors highlight the hotel staff's genuine Southern hospitality as a compelling reason to plan a future stay.