Stunning natural beauty, luxurious retreat, island hideaway, unspoiled beach front and quiet adventure. All of this and more can be found at Daufuskie Island, S.C., located between Savannah and Hilton Head.
This enchanted island makes for a great vacation escape. As soon as you step off of the boat that takes you to the island, you step back in time to another world.
To get to Daufuskie Island Resort and Spa, you leave your car behind in Savannah or Hilton Head and take a one-hour relaxing boat ride over to the island. Transportation on the island is by bicycle or golf carts. There are no cars, traffic or noise. This makes for a relaxing quiet that gets you in vacation mode right away. You will find unequaled relaxation in this unhurried, calm way of life. It makes for an experience of a lifetime.
The 5,000-acre island is home to a few hundred year-round residents and the 1,200-acre resort that hosts guests from around the world. The island is in its natural state and you will see deer, eagles and other wildlife all around you. There are no skyscrapers, no tacky souvenir shops and no traffic jams found at most beach destinations.
We traveled down an oak-lined pathway to the plantation style Melrose Inn. The inn has old-South architecture with huge white columns and a wrap-around porch with rocking chairs on it. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Other lodging options are two to four bedroom cottages. The pastel-colored cottages line the ocean front. The restaurants, beachfront and pool are all located an easy walk from wherever you choose to stay.
The beach and pool both offer a place to soak up some sun and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. At the beach, you will find a long stretch of clean beach front with plenty of seashells. Chairs are also located along the oceanfront. At the pool, there are plenty of chairs and activities offered for children.
Other amenities at the resort are golf, tennis, ocean-side swimming pools, equestrian center with trail rides and lessons, health club, European spa, kayaking, croquet, volleyball and historical island tours.
For pampering in a tranquil setting, head to the resort’s spa. It offers head to toe pampering with massages, facials, wraps, refloxogy and head and foot treatments available.
I had the Breathe signature wrap with Debbie as my massage therapist. A custom blend of essential oils is applied during a 60-minute full body massage, including face, scalp, neck, back and legs. You are then wrapped in a warm cocoon. It’s a warm relaxing treat.
Another great option is a reflexology massage: All organs in the body correspond to a point in our feet. This massage is designed to activate those trigger points for healing and balance. Rob did a wonderful job.
Several dining options are located at the resort, including lunch at the Beach Club Resaturant. The tomato gaupache soup and lobster roll made for a great lunch. Another day we tried the ahi tuna nachos and they were great. The restaurant also offers nachos, hot dogs, salads, kids menu. You will find casual dining with ceiling fans and wicker chairs. You can eat inside or outside.
Other dining options include Stoddard Bistro for an amazing breakfast buffet with great ocean views and Jack’s Grill for dinner. At Jack’s Grill, seared scallops are a tasty appetizer and the she crab bisque is wonderful. The entrée options include pan roasted chicken breast, baked shrimp, sea bass, pork rib chops and portabella mushroom ravioli. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
One of our favorite things to do each afternoon was going for a ride around the resort on our golf cart. It’s a great way to see all of the different cottages, the ocean front and the natural beauty that surrounds you.
For more information, call 800-960-9089 or go to www.daufuskieislandresort.com.
