The Sea Pines Resort set the precedent for resort communities both locally and nationally in the 1950s. Now more than 50 years later it is revitalizing its wellestablished name, while honoring its celebrated heritage.
The unique and beautiful design of Sea Pines is still admired and emulated today, however many of the original facilities were in need of renovation after welcoming generations of travelers.
With the encouragement and financial support of resort-owners, The Riverstone Group, The Sea Pines Resort will enhance its offerings and introduce several first-class facilities in the coming year.
The Riverstone Group purchased The Sea Pines Resort in 2005, and also owns several other esteemed resorts and hotels, including: Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Charleston; The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.; Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Va.; and The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Va.
“We are extremely excited about the future of The Sea Pines Resort, and the new facilities we have planned,” said President Steve Birdwell. “The outstanding commitment from The Riverstone Group has given us the opportunity to remain competitive and set new goals to enhance our guest experience.”
After many years of discussion regarding resort development, the plans for a new Plantation Golf Club were unveiled in 2012 and set in motion a phase of vibrant revitalization at The Sea Pines Resort.
Now The Sea Pines Resort is preparing to open the doors at the Plantation Golf Club this spring, providing a glimpse into the caliber of future development to be anticipated in this new era of improvement.
In addition to the Plantation Golf Club, redevelopment plans include: the Sea Pines Beach Club; the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse; and potential projects in and around Harbour Town.
The new Sea Pines Beach Club will be introduced summer 2014 and will appeal to both residents and guests alike.
“It is really unlike any other venue on Hilton Head,” said John Munro, Vice President of Hospitality, Sales and Marketing at The Sea Pines Resort. “It will absolutely be a one-of-a-kind restaurant and event space, and accomplishes our goal of maximizing the ocean view.”
The two-story facility will reside on the site of the former Sea Pines Beach Club and will maintain a relaxed, beachside atmosphere, while providing new conveniences that promote year-round enjoyment.
Amenities at the beach club include: a casual beachside restaurant; oceanfront beach bar; fast casual express concessions; retail shop; and perhaps the most unique feature of the new building, the second floor rooftop bar and event space overlooking the ocean.
The architecture and interior design of the building comfortably combines Lowcountry, coastal and traditional elements in a very inviting and casual setting. A warm, coastal palette of soft driftwood tones, complemented by light cream trim, will blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings and is consistent with the design found throughout Sea Pines.
With goals to continue to enhance the golf experience resort-wide, The Sea Pines Resort will begin construction on a brand new Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse, following the 2014 RBC Heritage, with completion scheduled prior to the 2015 tournament.
The new clubhouse will replace the original facility, which was built in 1969, the first year the Heritage Classic debuted at The Sea Pines Resort and Arnold Palmer took home the trophy.
The updated design will satisfy the needs of the PGA TOUR and provide a world-class venue for the RBC Heritage every April, encouraging the success and longevity of the tournament.
Rich in tradition, the new clubhouse will highlight The Sea Pines Resort’s significant role in the history of the RBC Heritage and showcase trophies and portraits of past champions in an area deemed the “Hall of Champions.”
The interior design will feature a subtle tie-in to the game’s Scottish history, as well as rich colors, wood accents, and collectible items with historical relevance to both The Sea Pines Resort and RBC Heritage.
Although the new clubhouse will be built with the RBC Heritage in mind, the true objective is to elevate the experience for the everyday golfer and provide a facility that guests expect and deserve.
Additional features at the new clubhouse include: a living room lounge; indoor and outdoor dining space; signature pro shop; terraces and covered porches; a 4,000 square-foot locker room, suitable to meet the needs of the PGA Tour, but available to the everyday player; and an elegant 2,200 square-foot event room.
Guests that enjoy the dining experience at the Harbour Town Grill will enjoy The Sea Pines Resort’s new signature steakhouse that is planned in the new clubhouse.
“This is an incredibly exciting time in our resort’s history to be constructing facilities that honor the game of golf and our rich history of hosting the RBC Heritage,” said John Farrell, Director of Golf at Harbour Town Golf Links. “All the many touch points in a resort experience, including golf and dining, are being dramatically upgraded to unparalleled levels. It will be easy to see how committed The Sea Pines Resort is to excellence once the buildings are completed and guests can enjoy the total resort experience.”
