5 Things I Loved About Hilton Head Health
The South Carolina wellness resort no one under 40 is talking about
Need a full mind and body reset? You might not expect to find it here. I certainly did not, but after a friend told me about her experience and then I was coincidentally invited to check it out for a few days, I have some thoughts! Just 45 minutes by car from Savannah, it’s pretty crazy I had never been to Hilton Head before—since I lived in Savannah for two years during grad school (SCAD) and have continued to visit frequently over the last decade-plus.
A little bit about the property/experience: Hilton Head Health has quietly been transforming people’s lives for nearly 50 years. And as far as I know, they really haven’t changed their ways much over the past five decades, either. Old and young(er), mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, girlfriend groups who are looking to lead healthier, longer, more fulfilled lifestyles come here from all over to learn how to love their bodies. The older women here seemed to really love it—I’m talking 50s, 60s, even 70s—while I met one younger woman (40ish) who was a bit disappointed with her experience. She, like me, visited H3 solo. But she arrived with a weight loss goal in mind and expressed that she was underwhelmed by the program and results.
Activities at H3 include isometric stretching, dance workouts, solo walks, lectures and beating a yoga ball with drumsticks (more on that later). You can sign up for cooking demos, beach days, trips to Daufuskie Island and more. Upon my arrival, this did feel like more of a weight loss program than a wellness resort, which wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but I took the opportunity to do it my way, signing up for classes that seemed the most fun and useful to me/for my body and my brain.
What were my favorite things about Hilton Head Health? I thought you’d never ask!
The resort’s slowed down pace, for one. I was taken aback when I realized all sign ups happen via pen and paper on a printed daily calendar in the lobby. What do you mean I can’t see the class schedules online? I can’t sign up from my phone? This includes daily meals. There are time slots for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it’s preferred you sign up so the kitchen knows how many diners to expect and when. Once I got the hang of it, I came to appreciate my walks down to the sign-up sheet to plan out my activities.
I LOVE that H3 is surrounded by nature. I went on long walks every day during my stay—there were mosquitos and it was hot and there was a warning sign to beware of the alligators, but otherwise this was absolutely perfect. I also waited for the pool area to empty out nightly so I could take dips in the hot tub by myself under the moonlight. I also joined for a beach walk one day, but honestly was unprepared. It’s a hard beach to walk on (sand dunes) so I think I would’ve enjoyed myself more had I just taken a towel and a book.
My treatment at The Indigo Spa was TRULY to die for. I got the arnica and warm towel massage, which is specifically for sore muscles and to reduce inflammation using arnica oil. It was so good I ordered Naturopathica Arnica Muscle & Joint Gel the minute my massage was over. The relaxation room (pictured above) was also gorgeous with big windows looking out to the marsh and lots of greenery.
Drums Alive. This is the class I mentioned above (hitting yoga balls with drumsticks). Yes, I was the youngest person there, like in most of the workout classes I attended, but along with the dance workouts this was such a joy to participate in and I definitely broke a sweat. Music through the decades. Fun little choreography combos and Ann was the instructor. Highly recommend.
You can leave the property, and I did a couple times. Not everyone who stays at H3 comes with a car, but you can grab a bike or go for a walk to explore town. You can also hop on a shuttle to the drugstore or the beach or wherever, really. I did have my car, so I escaped one evening for a trip to Whole Foods. Then I went to Coligny Plaza to check out the wine shop and grab a Rita’s Ice Custard. On my final night at H3, I took myself out to dinner and drinks at Charlie’s Green Star thanks to my friend Caroline’s recommendation. I sat at the bar and had a delicious octopus salad and a cocktail and then the bartender who couldn’t have been older than 22 asked for my number. Fun all around!