Fripp Island Resort

Fripp Island Resort is a residential vacation resort on a beautiful private island on South Carolina's coast. The resort consists of a collection of private homes, villas, and cottages that are available for rent as well as extensive leisure and entertainment facilities such as several restaurants and bars, outdoor pools, golf courses, and a kids' activity center. The beautiful location has appeared in a number of movies including Forrest Gump and The Prince of Tides. Nature abounds on the island, which is home to over 175 species of birds, loggerhead turtles, and plenty of deer, while the waters are rich with bass, trout, and blue crabs. Guests can even watch dolphins playing in the inlet and can take part in recreation program events like crabbing and learning about sea turtles. The resort attracts mostly families and retirees, and the island maintains a year-round population of about 800 people.

Fripp Island is located near the southern tip of South Carolina around an hour north of Savannah and two hours south of Charleston. This beautiful barrier island spans about 3000 acres and has three miles of beaches. There is only one road in and out of the island, and it’s about a half-hour drive from the nearest town of Beaufort. Savannah/Hilton Head Airport is around a 90-minute drive. 

The resort comprises private residences that are available for rent, which vary in size, decor, and amenities, and range from studios to eight-bedroom units. We looked at a charming one-bedroom cottage with breezy, light interiors and porches facing the ocean. The cottage was equipped with a full kitchen, two flat-screen TVs, a beautiful modern bathroom with a walk-in shower, and an outdoor whirlpool. We also looked at four-bedroom houses, including one oceanfront property with brightly painted rooms and another one overlooking a lake with a more subdued color palette. All residences have pin code access making a front desk check-in stop unnecessary, and many come with golf carts, barbecue grills, and Wi-Fi. There have been some complaints from past guests about cleanliness of some the homes, so taking the ratings into consideration when booking is recommended.

The resort has four separate pool areas including the Cabana Club with a lagoon-style pool, several children’s pools as well as an adult pool, plus a pool bar at the Beach Club with live music. Dining options are vast and varied, including a seafood restaurant with ocean views, a food court with pizza and a Starbucks, and several bars, though the food gets mixed reviews. The hotel has two beautiful golf courses and a tennis club with 10 courts where guests can take lessons or participate in tournaments, but there is a court fee imposed. Rentals are available for a fee and include mopeds, bicycles, and golf carts as well as boats. Kayak tours and pontoon excursions can be purchased including a popular sunset cruise that guests should book in advance. There’s a small fitness center with a variety of exercise machines and shops selling clothing, souvenirs, and fishing supplies. Guests should note that club cards are needed to access most facilities and should ensure that they receive enough from residence owners.