South Carolina’s Nautical Oasis
By: Suzanne Ferrara

In the midst of one of the most stunning places in America lies a world-class oasis that would surely astonish the colonists who landed here in the 1600s.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina– which sits at the very tip of South Carolina’s Mount Pleasant along the magnificent Charleston harbor– is surely a transformative escape. This seaside resort, which has earned the revered title as A Leading Hotel of the World, is surrounded by glistening waters, Sea Islands, magnificent beaches and historic Charleston. Adding to its intrigue, Fort Sumter (the site of the first fired shots in the American Civil War), and Patriots Point (where the U.S.S. Yorktown and the largest naval and maritime museum in state) are all conveniently located around this luxury getaway.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina has also been voted the #1 Resort in Charleston by Conde Nast Traveler and has been rated one of the Best Hotels in the World by Fodor’s Travel. Personalized service and luxury amenities, including a private beach and a 30,000 square-foot waterfront pool sanctuary (with private cabanas) awaits your escape, as do four bars, and an award winning restaurant.

The Beach Club also offers several daily wellness activities like beach yoga and complimentary spa treatments. The Schwinn Bike-to-Beach ride to neighboring Sullivan’s Island Beach, Shem Creek or Old Village Mount Pleasant is a great way to explore the historic area and get a workout. (Tip: You can choose to ride alone or take part in a guided trip).

Need even more mental decompressing? The resort also offers mental tranquility activities like Mindful Movies where guests can watch nature’s wonders unfold before their eyes as they recline in their seats inside a surround-sound theater. (Sunset Tip: For one of the most amazing shows from Mother Nature, be sure to witness the stunning sunsets over the historic port city. Some of the best locations to view this are from the resort’s expansive marina docks which jet out into the harbor; the rooftop Bridge Bar which overlooks the entire Charleston skyline; your private balcony; or the Beach Club Tiki Bar).

(Wildlife Tip: Guests can easily view dolphins and numerous types of birds from the resort’s marina and private beach)! (Fun Fact: Charleston is known as “The Holy City” because it is home to 400 churches of all denominations, many of which date back to the 1670s. You will see a myriad of church steeples punching through the skyline, and one could argue that the best place to see this is from your private suite balcony and several other fantastic spots at the Beach Club Resort and Marina).

For the ultimate indulgence experience— one not to be missed—head to The Estuary Spa. The moment you walk into this refuge your cares will begin to instantly melt away as intoxicating aromas encircle the air along with an ambiance sure to soothe. Sumptuous, natural and organic products from the Naturopathica line are used in all services to extend this journey of relaxation. (Tip: The Nirvana Stress Relief and the Estuary Signature Swedish Massages are among the most popular services; be sure to add the Wild Lime Scalp and Hair Treatment to your experience. Spa manager Tiffany Plestis is second-to-none and lives to make sure every guest has the ultimate spa experience, a quality that also exudes from her team of professional therapists and technicians). While you will find it very hard to tear yourself away from this sanctuary, you will leave refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

While you may find it hard to ever leave the actual resort, you really must. Right next to the resort is the awe-inspiring and revered Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum which includes the massive USS YORKTOWN World War II Aircraft carrier. You can also take a boating excursion to one of the neighboring Sea Islands or Fort Sumter or join a fishing charter right from the resort’s marina. Oh did we mention, Charleston’s downtown historic district is just a half nautical mile across the harbor so hop aboard the Charleston Water Taxi which will take you there right from the resort. You can also opt to take the resort’s shuttle service which travels to and from downtown every two hours.

To say this is a hotspot for southern foodies is an understatement. The Charleston coastal area is known for its mouthwatering, quality cuisine. While you can hardly make a bad choice of restaurants here, one you will certainly fall in love with is the Charleston Harbor Fish House. This waterfront resort restaurant is very popular with locals and has been voted one of the “Top 25 Restaurants in Charleston” by Charleston Living Magazine. Many dishes include the freshest catches of the day and are made with local ingredients and they serve Breakfast, lunch and dinner.(Menu Tip: The Chilled Seafood Castle & Tower, Local She Crab Bisque and Smoked Fish Dip are mouthwatering starters. Great entrees are the Pan Roasted Wanchese Scallops, Charleston Shrimp & Grits and for lunch only the Mahi Tacos).

Every table in the Charleston Harbor Fish House has a great view of the harbor, Charleston skyline and the USS Yorktown and there’s a great rooftop bar called the Bridge Bar with panoramic views of historic Charleston. You won’t leave here empty handed if you spend some time inside the Harbor Marina Store, which is a nautical chic store chock-full eclectic locally made and designer items including resort wear, home décor and unique toys for the kids. Speaking of kids, the resort has fantastic kid’s programs and activities, including a Mariners Camp to keep the little ones busy while you relax.

You will get the best goodnight’s sleep in your resort room or suite. The Beach Club boasts rooms and suites with over-sized private balconies that have sweeping views of the Charleston skyline, Charleston Harbor and much more. Electric fireplaces, custom furniture are all laced in soothing coastal hues, add to this mini-sanctuary.

A getaway to the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is a true indulgence of relaxation and exploration. The memories made at this nautical oasis will be unforgettable.