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This Resort Right Outside of Charleston Was Just Named No. 1 in South Carolina—and It Has a Marshfront Pool, Carolina Coastal Cruising, and Southern Hospitality
And while there are plenty of vacation-worthy places across South Carolina, from the marshy Lowcountry to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, one region is a clear winner this year. Eight of our readers' 10 favorite South Carolina resorts can be found along the coast; three winners are located on Hilton Head Island (with another just off the island in Bluffton), and four are located in the communities surrounding the reader-favorite city, Charleston. Of course, the Upstate is home to a couple of standout properties as well—two of this year's winners are in Greenville, a blossoming city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
It's clear the South Carolina Lowcountry has captured our readers' hearts. Both Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island, frequently voted among the top islands in the continental U.S., are home to some of our readers' favorite coastal resorts. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, voted No. 8 this year, offers a family-friendly escape in a scenic natural setting (far from Disney's famous theme parks), while The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (No. 4) is a prime golf getaway with world-renowned courses just minutes away.
Of course, no matter which of these hotels you pick across the Palmetto State, one thing remains consistent: the dedication to that warm Southern hospitality the region is known for. Of Hotel Hartness, which made No. 2 this year after winning the top spot in 2024, one reader commented, 'This hotel continues to provide excellent and bespoke service, as well as a truly unique experience.'
While there are several returning favorites, the top property for 2025 is a luxe newcomer—but more on that below.
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection Lounge chairs on the lawn at The Dunlin.
Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure
One of South Carolina's newest luxury resorts is also the state's best, according to T+L readers. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection opened last summer in the new Kiawah River development on Johns Island, about 20 miles from downtown Charleston. The WBA newcomer has 72 rooms and suites spread across several buildings that feel like a Lowcountry home away from home. The luxe property features a marshfront pool lined with mint green loungers, an elevated take on Carolinian coastal cuisine at Linnette's, and guest rooms decked out in gingham and pastels. One reader described it as a 'new gem just outside Charleston' with 'incredible interior design.'
1. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection: Johns Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 97.92
2. Hotel Hartness: Greenville, South Carolina
Reader Score: 97.27
3. Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection: Greenville, South Carolina
Reader Score: 92.82
4. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 91.73
5. Montage Palmetto Bluff: Bluffton, South Carolina
Reader Score: 91.67
6. Beach House Hilton Head Island: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 88.13
7. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 88.06
8. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 87.81
9. Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort: Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Reader Score: 87.75
10. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Reader Score: 87.16
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