Sonesta Resort Hilton Head completes massive renovation. See what’s new
One of Hilton Head’s premier beachfront resorts completed a massive, multi-million dollar renovation project this summer, breathing new life into the 11-acre property.
The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head at 130 Shipyard Drive completed a renovation project in two phases over the past few years. The most recent renovations, finished over the summer, include a transformation of the resort’s shopping and dining offerings, outdoor amenities, meetings space and its on-site spa.
Two new dining venues were added to Sonesta’s repertoire, including a cocktail lounge called Driftwood Rum Bar, and The Patio, which serves “elevated” bar fare and a rotating draft beer selection. The indoor/outdoor Patio has a bright interior and garage doors opening to a tiled outdoor area, according to the hotel.
The resort’s existing dining offerings were also reimagined. The new concepts include Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace, which serves fresh seafood and “Lowcountry favorites” for breakfast and dinner; Sweet Cane Bar and Grille, a poolside bar with frozen drinks; and the lobby’s Sea Glass Market & Provisions, serving coffee, pastries, gelato and other grab-and-go foods.
A reimagined ballroom and a rebranded Spa
Business travelers will find 17 refreshed meeting rooms and the “fully reimagined” Santee Ballroom, a 10,000-square-foot venue for corporate conferences and social events. The ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,110 guests, has layered crown molding, multi-tiered crystal chandeliers and a spacious foyer. Landscaping updates were also done outside around the hotel’s outdoor beachfront pavilion and gardens.
The hotel’s Arum Spa has been rebranded as The Spa at Sonesta. It offers a menu of traditional spa services like massages, facials and nail services, but the rebrand includes new customizable astrology-inspired experiences.
“Guests can enjoy fully customizable relaxation journeys based on zodiac signs, moon phases and other celestial influences,” the hotel said in a press release.
The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center has new equipment, an ADA-accessible design and new Peloton bikes. There’s also a brand-new hot tub, a swimming pool with private cabanas and updated fire pits, according to the resort.
Last year, the Sonesta completed renovations on 340 guest rooms, according to the hotel.
The Sonesta is the latest hotel on the island to finish a renovation project. The Westin Hilton Head Island resort finished $13.8 million makeover last year.
The Sonesta property is owned by an entity registered to Sonesta International Hotels Corporation in Newton, Massachusetts. It was purchased for $26.8 million in March 2005.
This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 12:20 PM.