Monday, April 30, 2012

Marriott's Monarch Resort, Hilton Head Island

Marriott's Monarch at Hilton Head Island, like Harbour Club, and Heritage Club (see two previous posts) is nestled inside the prestigious Sea Pines Plantation. Unlike Harbour Club and Hertiage Club, it is also on the ocean. Monarch is where it all began for Marriott. Marriott got it's start in time shares in Hilton Head and has a huge presence there. Additionally Monarch was the first of all Marriott's time shares. Though it's the oldest, don't let that fool you. It has resently gone a complete rehab. Marriott has on going projects so no facility/resort ever get's truly outdated.
Monarch is the largest of the 3 resorts inside Sea Pines with 4 buildings and a much larger resort area then the other two. Because of it's size, and it's location on the beach; it is more suitable for families with children. The 4 buildings are Magnolia, Dogwood, Camellia, and Azalea...are you getting a feel for the place yet? It's quite pretty with wonderful landscaping that attracts birds and butterflies. While I feel it's more suited to families with children then the other 2 in Sea Pines; it is also quite serene and large enough; it seem you would be able to find quiet-if that was your interest. The lobby can accomodate social gatherings of good size, as you can see by the picture.

Grab a book and rock away in the shade of The Pines and relax. This is the back porch area.I mentioned birds and butterflies...it's a a bit of a bird santuary.
The pool, the bar, and pretty pond area. One of the pools, I should say.
Another pool provides a great view of the ocean below.The buildings you see down the way, are the 4 villas at Monarch from the beach view.

While I can't say I've stayed here, or viewed the inside of the villas, I was indeed impressed with what I did see.

**Parts of the blog theme have been missing for about a week. I blieve it's tied into the many changes blogger and Google are making. Things like scheduled posts haven't been working well. Trying to play through, hoping it will come back on line. The plane white is rather boring. If not, I'll be on the look out for a new travel blog theme.**

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Harbour Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head

Harbour Club in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island has a very nautical feel, as well as a very southern low country atmosphere. It's located only steps from restaurant and shops with fabulous water views, and still within the confines of the prestigious Sea Pines Plantation; just as Heritage Club is. If you're into boating more then beach activity this is an idea location. Tennis and golf activities are at hand as well.
Looking through the moss covered trees towards the resort you truly feel like you're in the low country. In fact, if you don't look carefully....you could miss it.
A comfortable large lobby area with plenty of common space gets plenty of use. Many social activities take place here for both Heritage Club and Harbour Club.
And what we look and feel more southern then a grand staircase leading to wide balcony's where you sit in rocking chairs and enjoy the serenity? Beyond the beautiful waterfall area is a large cheese game if you feel like making a challenge to another quest.
Sit in the shade and swing, or collect up at the nightly fires and review the days activities with friends, family, and other quests. This area is also used for common social activities between both Heritage Club and Harbour Club.
Relax in the hot tub and gaze out on sound, or take a dip in the pool to the left of this picture.

I would highly recommend this resort to those who prefer a quiet, more adult vacation spot.

*Check back for information on Monarch, Marriott's first time share*

*-*-Families are gearing up for the kids to be out of school, planning vacations, and summer activities, let Flat Stanley help you. He used to have a series here; but now he has his own blog that will be filled with ideas to make every activity a learning opportunity and promises to be fun. He's inviting you all, kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, teachers, and baby sitters to get in the act. Please visit Flat Stanley and Friends, click HERE*-*-

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Heritage Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head

sign
The Marriott's Heritage Club at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, is as you can see, in a secluded wooded area. Would be a great place to get in out of the sun during the hotter spring and summer months. It was a bit cool for us in January; but as we traveled about to other areas of the Island we were very comfortable. (if you missed the previous post, scroll back for a color coded map of the Island to help you with locations.........the locations are significant).
stairs
Once you enter to register, these marvelous southern style stair cases take you to the 2nd floor common area. It's quite pretty and relaxing. Many of the resorts social activities take place here. A great way to get to know other quests.
Bar Area
Often there are member meetings held here, special events in the game room for the younger set (teens mostly), are located just beyond the bar area here on the 2nd floor. Welcome nights for the adults, and a fun after golf gathering took place here with wine and cheese. They had a golf open one day pairing the quests up, and gave away a few prizes. Very enjoyable.
Outside Grills
We like to cook the bulk of our meals in when we travel and find the common spaces like these gas grills are a big asset. The grills are always clean, well lite for nighttime use. Often they too become a source of socialization among the quest while the cooking gets done. We took our Martini's down and sat at the table while waiting on the steaks. I highly recommend it.
pool and hot tub
An over view from our balcony showing the hot tub on the left, pool on the right. Under the little gazebo is a more private hot tub.........we enjoyed a late afternoon drink here on several occasions before time to clean up and prepare dinner.

**Next blog post will explore Harbour Town and possible Monarch Resorts. Hope to see you soon.**

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