Marriott OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Marriott's Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Marriott's Ocean Watch Villas is oceanfront in the prestigious Grande Dunes private development, amidst a spectacular stretch of Carolina coastline. This quiet enclave is only a few minutes' drive away from the golf, shows, shopping, and attractions of Myrtle Beach. Restaurants, bars and shopping are still only a short drive away. Thanks to its newness, privacy and breadth of facilities, this is a candidate for "Best Resort in Myrtle Beach."

This fine, well-rounded resort is a lovely strand between North Myrtle and the Myrtle Beach downtown area. Marriot's Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes features a classical architecture and interior styling, unlike the typical beachfront style of most resorts here. Guests find comfortable seating and cool lemonade in the lobby, as well as a helpful concierge and front-desk staff. Huge windows overlook the patio area and huge pool. Hungry guests can order from the bar and cafe poolside and dine at their lounge chair in season. The main restaurant dishes up three meals all day long, and the lobby bar is popular in the evening hours. That pool is surrounded by a generous seating area for sunbathers, and whirlpools and children's areas are within a few steps. An indoor pool provides refuge from the summertime afternoon storms, and a well-equipped fitness center is nearby. The Hibiscus Spa offers a full menu of treatments and massages, and its relaxing steam room and plunge pools are better than the spas at nearby properties. Large groups fare well here with multiple options for meeting space, including a ballroom that seats up to 1,600 people. Guest rooms show classic Marriott design in floral print duvets and feather pillows on the standard king or queen beds. This resort is a pleasant spot for upscale beach lovers who currently share the sand only with hotel guests.

Another resort in the area you may like is Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East. Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East is located in Murrells Inlet on Wachesaw Plantation East golf course and situated south of Myrtle Beach on the Wachesaw East Golf Course. The area has many quality tennis facilities, as well as nearly 125 championship golf courses. Other attractions include historic Georgetown and many music theaters that feature shows for every member of the family.