At the end of Highway 21 South, 15 miles north of Hilton Head as the crow flies but at least an hour by car, Fripp Island Resort is a complete convention resort in a gated community. It is part of a condominium development but nevertheless eschews commercialism. Moviegoers may recognize the terrain, as parts of both Forrest Gump and Prince of Tides were filmed here.
Taking its name from the captain who defended Beaufort from the English, the island is peaceful enough to attract escapists, and this oasis draws families and conventions with its excellent recreational facilities. Maintenance is good here. A number of the units have seen improvements since the last inspection.
Registration is in a building with a modern twist on Victorian architecture. The resort has seven dining outlets, all of which require the use of exclusive cards for guests. Predictably, seafood specialties predominate in the handsome but casual restaurant at the marina, as well as in the formal and fairly expensive ocean-view dinner room at the beach club. The snack bar at the pro shop offers good service and superb views. Several lounges are on hand.
Guests enjoy the use of seven outdoor pools, 13 tennis courts, three 18-hole golf courses and one golf course especially designed for children. Fishing, boating and biking can be arranged, beach equipment can be rented, and occasional poolside cookouts add to the fun. A fitness center with a reasonable amount of equipment is open all day.
Accommodations include a limited number of efficiencies, though the majority of the accommodations are composed of spacious villas (condominiums), free-standing homes and cozy cottages, some by the ocean. Efficiencies have tiny kitchens and either two double beds or one queen and one Murphy bed. The fully furnished one- to four-bedroom villas contain kitchens and, in most cases, porches. Views range from woods and marshes to sprawling ocean vistas. The two- to eight-bedroom homes and cottages boast all the luxuries of, well, home, including hot tubs. Each unit receives daily housekeeping. All units are wired and outfitted with data ports. Overall, accommodations are well-kept; some are elegant, and a few are large enough for family reunions.
The best units are categorized as premium or club units. A frequent-visitor program allows returnees the benefit of upgrading. Oceanfront and ocean-side houses must be rented for at least one week in summer. Most rentals are taken by the week, and overnight rental availability depends upon occupancy.
This property is a nice resort for relaxing but is not the place for those attracted to the numerous entertainment options on Hilton Head Island. This establishment is a sure bet for those inclined to seek out solitude.
