Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is located at the heart of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina named the #1 Beach Town in the US by Parents Magazine. Palmetto Dunes’ three miles of sun-kissed Atlantic Ocean beachfront provide the perfect venue for three world-class golf courses, vacation rentals, a full-service marina, tennis and pickleball center and an 11-mile lagoon system. The resort enjoys a well-earned reputation for creating unforgettable vacation experiences for the entire family. It’s no coincidence, as vacationers return year after year, many decide to make Palmetto Dunes their permanent residence.
Origins in the 1960s
The story of Palmetto Dunes begins in the mid-1960s, when a group of physicians and business executives from Greenwood, South Carolina, partnered with Charles Fraser, the visionary behind Hilton Head Island. Together, they purchased 2,000 acres of undeveloped land for just $1,000 an acre. The result of their collaboration would later become Palmetto Dunes Resort, a hallmark of coastal luxury and innovation on Hilton Head Island.
Early Developments
A decade before Palmetto Dunes took shape, Jim Self Jr., president of Greenwood Mills, had already been investing in Hilton Head Island when there was no bridge and limited development on the island. He had partnered with Charles Fraser at Sea Pines to build Hilton Head’s first golf course, laying the foundation for future developments. By the mid-1970s, Greenwood was ready to re-enter the Hilton Head scene, this time focusing on Palmetto Dunes.
Palmetto Dunes started gaining traction when Bill Gregory and Charles Bates, key figures in the development of Hilton Head, began planning the Fazio Villas along the Fazio golf course. Greenwood’s involvement grew when the company was approached to assist with the next phase of the project, marking its return to the island.
Greenwood Takes Over
In 1979, Greenwood Development took a bold step, signing a 90-day option to purchase Palmetto Dunes. By November of the same year, Greenwood completed the acquisition, securing its place as one of the largest landowners on Hilton Head Island. This strategic move allowed Greenwood to expand its vision for the island, eventually developing areas like Palmetto Hall and Shelter Cove.
The Iconic Lagoon System
One of the standout features of Palmetto Dunes is its 11-mile lagoon system. Designed as a unique template for future neighborhoods and amenities, the lagoon system is integral to the resort’s identity. Work on this feature began in 1970, when engineers led by Dr. Per Bruun constructed 11-foot-high dunes using sand dredged from the lagoons. This radical approach not only created the resort’s signature waterfront feature but also established a model for coastal community development.
The lagoon system is now a defining characteristic of Palmetto Dunes, providing a serene environment for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, while also serving as a natural irrigation and stormwater management system for the community.
Expansion at Shelter Cove
In the 1980s, Greenwood turned its attention west of Highway 278, embarking on a massive dredging operation to create the deep-water marina at Shelter Cove. This engineering marvel provided 600,000 cubic yards of new sand for the Palmetto Dunes beaches and set the stage for the development of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, now a bustling hub of dining, shopping, and recreation.
Shelter Cove became a cornerstone of Palmetto Dunes’ mixed-use development plan, offering more than 700 residences and a vibrant marina that attracts boaters from around the world. The iconic King Neptune statue at the marina became a symbol of Hilton Head’s welcoming spirit, drawing visitors to its waterfront charm.
Adjusting to Market Shifts
In the 1990s, changing tax laws and evolving market conditions prompted Greenwood Development to shift its focus from multi-family homes to single-family homes. This strategic pivot allowed the company to maintain momentum in a competitive real estate market, selling out properties faster than expected. The careful planning and adjustments made during this time ensured Palmetto Dunes remained a top-tier destination for both residents and vacationers.
A Legacy of Innovation
Since Greenwood Development acquired Palmetto Dunes in 1979, the resort has undergone continuous growth and transformation. Today, Palmetto Dunes is a 2,000-acre resort featuring three world-class golf courses, an award-winning tennis and pickleball center, and miles of navigable lagoons. The resort’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and guest satisfaction has solidified its place as one of the premier oceanfront destinations on Hilton Head Island.
About Palmetto Dunes Today
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is nestled between three miles of Atlantic Ocean beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a serene escape for vacationers. Named one of the best resorts in the South by Condé Nast Traveler and ranked among the world’s top family getaways by Travel + Leisure, the resort continues to offer premier vacation home and villa rentals. With its combination of luxury, natural beauty, and recreational activities, Palmetto Dunes remains a leader in the hospitality and real estate industry on Hilton Head Island.
