Fodor's Expert Review Wild Dunes Resort

For travelers envisioning easy access to the Atlantic Ocean (plus recreation options aplenty), Wild Dunes Resort—a 1,600-acre beachfront property on Isle of Palms—is a dream come true. The Boardwalk Inn and The Village offer hotel-style accommodations complete with concierge and in-room services. And for those wanting a more hands-off experience, condos and home rentals are available, as well. For all, pools, tennis courts, two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, and a handful of restaurants—not to mention picturesque walkways to a gorgeous strip of the Atlantic Coast—make fun easy to come by.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Like any beachfront resort, Wild Dunes is at its liveliest and loveliest from spring to early fall. If visiting during an off-season, certain pools and other amenities may be closed or have limited hours.

room

The Boardwalk Inn—housed in a cluster of pastel-hued homes lining the resort’s boardwalk—was renovated in 2016 and includes modern hotel-style rooms and suites. Bedrooms are light and bright with either king beds or two queens. At The Village, you can choose between standard guest rooms or suites with one to three bedrooms and a full kitchen. Penthouse and Presidential Suites are available, too.

Wild Dunes partners with Babierge to make top-of-the-line infant and toddler gear—from Pack ‘n Plays and cribs to strollers and toys—easily rentable.

bathroom

Bathrooms vary from suite to suite throughout the resort, but you can expect roomy, mostly updated tile bathrooms. Depending on the suite, perks may include a Jacuzzi tub.

lobby

Custom millwork, mod lighting, comfy furnishings, and original pieces from a downtown art gallery invite you to sit and stay awhile in the recently renovated lobby of The Boardwalk Inn.

pool

Take your pick from a handful of pools, including a 25-meter lap pool, a cabana-lined adults-only pool (where smiling servers keep the libations flowing), and a pair of tot-friendly options.

spa

The Sand & Sea Day Spa puts skin care treatments, massages, and manis and pedis minutes from your room.

gym

Tennis courts, a pair of golf courses, miles of trails (plus rentable bikes), and a lap pool will help keep you active. Past that, you’ll have access to a fully stocked fitness center and a host of group classes ranging from yoga to boot camp.

dining

There are a number of dining options throughout the resort. The highlights? For upscale, locally sourced breakfast, lunch, and dinners, head to the coastal-cool Coastal Provisions in The Boardwalk Inn’s lobby (they also serve lunch to poolside cabanas). And for a simple meal overlooking the ocean, try Beachside Burgers & Bar. Dinner delivery is also an option.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Beachside Burgers & Bar is seasonal.

drinking

Grab a tropical tipple from Beachside Burgers & Bar, enjoy an impressive wine selection at Coastal Provisions, or sip a craft brew alongside locals at The Salty Goat.