Best Honeymoon Hotels in South Carolina

Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is our top pick for newlyweds to enjoy a luxurious honeymoon

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From the Upstate’s sprawling state parks and the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of sandy beaches to the iconic spires and cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina’s varied landscape and historic cities make the state a top honeymoon destination. Proximity to nature, dreamy balconies and piazzas, and standout amenities ranging from intimate cooking classes to luxurious spa services can be found at select hotels throughout the state. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or seeking a romantic getaway, these South Carolina hotels from Greenville to the Low Country and in between will ensure your stay is memorable.

Best Honeymoon Hotels in South Carolina

Best Overall : The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island


The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Why We Chose It

This grand seaside hotel situated on ten miles of pristine coastline just 30 minutes outside of Charleston lives up to its name with a tranquil spa and luxurious accommodations with unparalleled ocean views.

Notable Amenities

House Volvos for guest use, indoor and outdoor pools, standout spa

Pros
  • Several on-site dining options

  • Indoor and outdoor pools


Cons
  • Only accessible to Charleston via car

  • Popular with families as well

Surrounded by towering live oaks and an unspoiled beachfront, stately oceanside The Sanctuary is part of the sprawling Kiawah Island Golf Resort on a barrier island just 15 miles south of Charleston. While the resort has a 250-seat chapel, you don’t have to get married at the hotel to enjoy a honeymoon stay in one of 255 spacious guest rooms or larger suites outfitted with cream-colored Frette linens, Penhaligon’s Quercus bath amenities, and private balconies with breathtaking views.

From specialty cocktails and live piano music in the lobby bar to an elegant, high-end steakhouse and more casual, Low Country-inspired restaurant, the resort has 11 distinct on-site dining options. Add in a full-service spa with an exclusive couple’s suite for private treatments, a network of cycling trails, and endless recreational activities ranging from championship golf courses and tennis courts to guided marsh kayaking, archery, and yoga, and The Sanctuary is the perfect destination for an active honeymoon.

Best Luxury : Montage Palmetto Bluff


Balcony at Montage Palmetto Bluff
Courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff
Why We Chose It

A serene setting along South Carolina’s May River combined with top-notch amenities ranging from an acclaimed spa to a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course make this Low Country resort a go-to for honeymooners seeking a luxurious retreat.

Notable Amenities

House Cadillacs for guests, adults-only outdoor pool, several distinct dining options

Pros
  • Acclaimed spa

  • Exceptional service

Cons
  • Also popular with families

  • Remote location

Situated on 20,000 pristine waterfront acres on the Low Country coast just 20 miles from both Hilton Head Island and Savannah, the Montage Palmetto Bluff is as idyllic as it is luxurious. Rooms range from standard kings with marble bathrooms and crisp linens in cool coastal colors to larger suites, villas, and cottages — many with private balconies, wet bars, and outdoor fire pits. With a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, horse stables, stand-up paddleboarding, and guided excursions ranging from dolphin sighting tours to nature walks, the resort is an outdoor lover’s paradise. 

Pedal along misty marshes and scenic waterways on signature Veuve Clicquot bicycles, then enjoy a picnic with a bottle of bubbly under towering oak trees. Indoors, the Spa Montage offers several treatments for honeymooning duos, like the Lowcountry Couple’s Journey, which includes an exfoliation, wrap, soak, and massage. Sip on cocktails at the speakeasy-style bar Hush or dine on the outdoor patio at Octagon, an elegant restaurant serving Carolina-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits along with a barrel-aged Artillery Punch and wine selections from the award-winning house sommelier. 

Best Boutique : Zero George


Kentucky Derby Porch Party at Zero George in Charleston
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow; Floral Design: Juniper and Jasmine
Why We Chose It

With sweeping piazzas, fine dining, and a 24-concierge, this intimate hotel in Charleston’s historic Ansonborough neighborhood is the Holy City at its best: romantic, indulgent, and hospitable.

Notable Amenities

Free house bicycles, complimentary daily wine and cheer hour, fitness center with Peloton Bikes and The MIRROR Home Gym

Pros
  • Beautifully appointed rooms and public spaces

  • Excellent food and drink

Cons
  • Side-street rooms can be noisy

  • No spa

Housed inside restored 19th-century buildings surrounded by a lush central courtyard in the city’s historic Ansonborough neighborhood, Charleston’s 16-room Zero George is intimate in size but big on amenities. From the welcome glass of champagne to elegant, neutral-hued interiors with original heart pine floors and period millwork to daily cheese and wine tastings on the sweeping verandas overlooking the city’s famed cobblestone streets, the hotel offers a romantic experience for honeymooners in the Holy City.

And the food and drink can’t be beaten; opt for the multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings or the a la carte menu at the on-site restaurant, then learn to prepare some of executive chef Vinson Petrillo’s favorite dishes at the hotel’s in-house cooking school. Consult the 24-hour concierge for a curated honeymoon itinerary or pedal past the city’s famed candy-colored homes and through waterfront parks on complimentary house bicycles.

Best Historic Property : Wentworth Mansion


Why We Chose It

From the rooftop cupola with panoramic views of the Holy City’s signature spires to in-room marble fireplaces and a stand-out spa, the 19th century mansion turned intimate bed-and-breakfast has long been a favorite of visitors to downtown Charleston.

Notable Amenities

On-site spa, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres

Pros
  • Free valet parking

  • Excellent on-site restaurant

Cons
  • Off-site fitness center

It doesn’t get more glamorous than the 21-room Wentworth Mansion, located on a quiet street in downtown Charleston. Details like stained glass windows by interior designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, marble fireplaces, and dramatic Italian crystal chandeliers reflect its roots as a grand, 19th-century home while amenities like an on-site spa and award-winning restaurant rooted it firmly in the 21st century. Guest rooms and suites are spacious, with wooden sleigh beds, intricate crown molding, and original marble fireplaces and private porches in select rooms. 

The hotel offers a “Romance Package,” which includes a couples massage at the spa, turndown service with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh flowers, and a three-course dinner at Circa 1886, the modern Southern restaurant that serves refined Low Country fare like local venison with sunchoke hash in the property’s old carriage house. But you can also create your own romance with treatments like foot massages and aromatherapy scrubs at the spa, plush robes and in-room Jacuzzis, and complimentary evening nightcaps to enjoy on the mansion’s stunning rooftop cupola or while strolling through the landscaped gardens. 

Best City Views : The Westin Poinsett


Lobby of Westin Poinsett in Greenville, South Carolina
Courtesy of Westin Poinsett
Why We Chose It

The Westin combines historic elegance with modern amenities like a lobby piano bar and electric charging stations in the heart of Greenville’s bustling downtown.

Notable Amenities

Free airport shuttle, electric vehicle charging stations, lobby lounge

Pros
  • Distinctive historic character and central location

  • Exceptionally friendly service

Cons
  • No pool

  • Some rooms could use a refresh

This iconic, 1920s-era hotel was fully renovated in the late 20th century and combines historic character with modern luxury. Much of the hotel retains its original opulent touches, like 24-foot ceilings with decorative plasterwork and crystal chandeliers-the perfect setting for a romantic trip for two. The more than 200 rooms and suites are elegant yet contemporary, decorated in muted tones with wooden furniture and outfitted with Westin's signature "Heavenly Beds," robes, mini-fridges, and coffee makers.

In addition to a lobby piano bar with live music and cocktails, the Poinsett has an on-site coffee bar and sit-down restaurant serving Southern-inspired food, plus 24-hour room service. And the downtown location is ideal; it's within walking distance of local boutiques, the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, and Falls Park on the River, a stunning 32-acre green space with public gardens, public art installations, and dramatic waterfalls. 

Best Access to the Outdoors : Hotel Domestique


Hotel Domestique
Photo: Ball and Albanese
Why We Chose It

Get European-style elegance without leaving the Upstate at this tranquil resort with a saltwater pool and seven golf courses in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Notable Amenities

Saltwater pool, seven golf courses, in-room massages

Pros
  • Stunning country location

  • Proximity to mountain trails and backcountry cycling

Cons
  • Resort is 20 miles from downtown Greenville

  • No spa

The Domestique is a European-style country manor nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with manicured lawns and continental decor. Owned by famous cyclist George Hincapie, the hotel is the perfect launching point for romantic, nature-based experiences like guided bike tours or hiking in nearby Jones Gap State Park. Or stay on the property to play a round of golf on one of seven courses, take a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool, or receive an in-room couple’s massage.

The 13 rooms — many of which have mountain views — are decorated in warm, Tuscan hues and feature rustic hardwood floors, fireplaces, and abstract art. Wind down with a table for two at the sophisticated Restaurant 17, which specializes in Italian-Mediterranean dishes like mountain trout piccata.

Best Small Town Escape : Hotel Florence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton


Why We Chose It

With historic details like exposed brick walls and original hardwood floors, this boutique-style Hilton property in walkable downtown Florence has a full-service spa and excellent restaurant.

Notable Amenities

Full-service spa, on-site restaurant and bar

Pros
  • Free parking

  • Friendly service

Cons
  • Standard rooms are small

  • Street-facing rooms can be noisy on weekends

Housed in a historic building that retains original features like hardwood floors, Florence’s only boutique hotel is conveniently located near Interstate 95 and just steps from downtown shops, restaurants, and green spaces. Standard queen and king rooms are small but feature modern touches like ergonomic desk chairs and luxury bath amenities. For honeymooners, the larger suites with wet bars, separate living areas, and even private patios are worth the splurge. 

Book a romantic table for two at the on-site restaurant, Victors, where you can’t go wrong with steak or seafood. Vegetarians will also find plenty to eat as well, including generously sized salads and Southern-inspired sides like Carolina rice grits with roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, and fresh basil. The hotel’s spa offers several relaxing treatments, ranging from a customized organic facial to a couple’s massage. 

Best Budget : Marina Inn at Grande Dunes


Why We Chose It

In-room spa service and a private beach make this resort a go-to for Grand Strand honeymooners seeking a tranquil retreat at an affordable price.

Notable Amenities

Two outdoor pools with Jacuzzis, in-room spa services, free beach shuttle

Pros
  • Quiet location

  • On-site restaurants and walking trails

Cons
  • Not on the beachfront

  • Interiors are slightly dated

For laid-back coastal vibes but none of the crowds, opt for this tranquil property situated on over 6,000 manicured acres just outside of Myrtle Beach. The elegant lobby boasts tile floors, a striking chandelier, and antique furniture, while the lush lawns and two outdoor pools with a swim-up bar and Jacuzzis offer views of the surrounding marina and Intercoastal Waterway. With hues of burnt orange and dark wood furniture, the 200 guest rooms and suites are extremely spacious, all with private balconies and the latter with Jacuzzis and fireplaces. 

Indulge in a couple’s massage or invigorating body scrub from the privacy of your room with in-room spa services. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to its private beach with chairs, towels, umbrellas, and facilities for guests. Dine on seafood-centric fares like shrimp and grits and seafood paella at the on-site restaurant, WaterScapes, which has a gorgeous outdoor patio, ideal for watching the sunset. 

Final Verdict

While a small state, South Carolina has a varied landscape that ranges from pastoral mountain foothills to pristine beaches, and its hotel choices are equally distinct. For an indulgent and active getaway, it doesn’t get better than the spa and unparalleled ocean views at The Sanctuary at Kiawah. If a city vacation is more your vibe, you can’t go wrong with Charleston’s intimate and romantic Zero George or the historic Wentworth Mansion. For couples who want to be close to green spaces and parks, head to the Westin Poinsett or European style Hotel Domestique. For small town friendliness with big-city-like amenities, try the quaint and historic Hotel Florence. Finally, laid-back beach vibes and in-room spa services make the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach a great choice for honeymooners on a budget.

Methodology

City or country, beach, mountains, and in between, South Carolina has a variety of romantic hotel options for honeymooners, so we’ve done the hard work for you. We considered dozens of hotels and resorts throughout South Carolina, evaluating everything from the accommodations to on-site activities and room amenities to help you plan your post-“I do” getaway. We also considered the service, location, and common spaces that might contribute to the overall stay, especially those that appeal to couples. 

Aerial view of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Courtesy of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort