Located a mere 15 miles from the historic district of Charleston, Wild Dunes is one of the rare resorts to afford the diversions of golf, tennis, beach, and marina within easy striking distance of a cultured city. The 1,600-acre property encompasses the northern tip of the Isle of Palms, a long, club-shaped barrier island on South Carolina's Atlantic Coast. It gets its name from the mounds of sea oats-tufted sand lining its 2½-mile-long beach.

The preservation of those dunes is a clue to the environmental sensitivity adopted when the resort was first planned in 1972. At that point all 1,600 acres were still in their natural state. One of the original partners was the Sea Pines Company whose founder Charles Fraser first preached the gospel of sensitive development, first at Sea Pines Resort and subsequently at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Amelia Island Plantation before undertaking what was originally called the Isle of Palms Beach and Racquet Club.

Overview

I first visited the resort in the 1980s and immediately fell under its spell. That glorious beach aside, it had a very active tennis program and became the host site for the U.S. Clay Court Championships, both of which helped it garner a ranking among the finest resorts in the country. There was one superb restaurant not far from the tennis courts. Bike lanes and a free on-property shuttle made it easy to get around. And best of all Charleston was close enough that you could stay at the beach and drive into town for dinner, an historic houses tour, or the annual Spoleto Festival.

Then in September of 1989 disaster struck in the form of Hurricane Hugo. This Category 5 storm sent a 15-foot wall of water crashing across the island. Winds as high as 179 miles per hour felled many of the trees and defoliated the rest. Whole houses were shifted off their foundations. The boats docked in the marina washed up on shore on the mainland side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Sand was piled several feet deep on the golf course. Many were doubtful that the resort would ever recover.

And yet it has, fully. Whatever could be repaired and rebuilt has been, and under the current management company, Destination Hotels & Resorts, the pace of development has accelerated. The resort looks spiffier than it has in years. Though there are fewer trees and shrubs, those that survive or have been planted are lush and green. And there is even a new causeway that makes getting to Charleston and its airport easier than ever.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 843-886-6000, ext. 2113

As the one-time site of the U.S. Claycourt Championships, Wild Dunes has a long history of devotion to tennis. Recent work upgraded the court surfaces, added shingle-roofed gazebos and wooden benches to the courtside amenities, improved the landscaping (and drainage), and replaced the fencing and fence posts.

Tennis Staff. Tennis director Charly Rasheed played Division I tennis at Clemson and Ole Miss. Certified by the U.S. Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR) and active in the USTA Southern Section, he comes to Wild Dunes after stints at several clubs in South Carolina and Texas. Under him—he arrived September 2005—an historically well-run program has only gotten better. He's enthusiastic about the recent upgrades to the court complex, saying "We've basically got a brand-new facility here." But he and his staff are also masters at finding what guests and members want—and at what times—and modifying the roster of activities accordingly. When the demand for their Peak Performance drills became huge, they added a second session, so it's now available from 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-noon. When some couldn't attend their morning cardio tennis workouts, they added evening sessions. That kind of responsiveness is what has made Wild Dunes a popular destination for avid tennis players.
Tennis Programs. Wild Dunes kicks off each week in season with a well-attended Monday night exhibition, whose centerpiece is a doubles contest featuring staff. That event also provides a venue to introduce the weekly programs and services. Those include conscientious game matching, often drawing on local members, and a diverse calendar of weekly adult and junior clinics and round robins, among them sessions for beginning, intermediate, and advanced adults and for children as young as 4 years. The pro shop manager also coordinates activities, like the adult and junior round robins that take place each week, and matches guests looking for games. Rasheed and head tennis professional Shawn Harris continue to pursue group and team business. There are morning and afternoon programs for all skill levels and ages year round. The local membership includes 100 active players, further adding to the overall tennis atmosphere.
Courts & Fees. There are 18 courts at Wild Dunes, all but one of them clay, several of which were recently reworked. That includes a stadium court, with permanent seating on one side, and a pro shop on the second story overlooking the complex. Five of the clay courts have lights. Light meals are as close as the deli in the nearby golf clubhouse. Court fees: $15/hour before noon; free afternoon.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Wild Dunes Resort.

• "The resort was good for a trip with children. The tennis was outstanding. I have been to 5 resorts in the last 18 months (top notch,2 four seasons and a ritz) and the tennis at wild dunes was the best. The large numbers of players allowed for a decent spread of clinics with similar standard players and a choice of people to play with after clinics. The court conditions were of a very high standard yet what set the tennis apart was the approach of the pros.
  I have only been playing tennis 3 years but I have been taught by a good number of different pros so I am in a position to make an informed evaluation. The pros focused on an area of the game and gave several solid tips. These tips ranged from stroke-making to game strategy tips and were always followed by interesting and active drills to reinforce the instruction. My high opinion of the coaching was shared by all the other people who took the clinics. The pros had a professional energy and that was infectious.
  I watched our children (7 and 6) being coached and the were kept very busy for 2 hours! They came away very keen to play more. I know that this insruction suited me and the wonderful atmosphere that was created by the staff clearly was carried through to all the guests I saw."—J.G., Int., May 2008

• "I have visited WD several times and have played tennis at the resort. The courts are well kept and the staff is very qualified. They have always been very helpful. Great facility and staff."—H.M., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "Excellent tennis facility, the best and friendliest pros.. They have helped me regain my game after hip replacement - My strokes are better than ever.. Thanks Wild Dunes."—E.T., Int., April 2008

• ""—P.R., Int., April 2008

• "This was my family's 2nd tennis trip to Wild Dunes & it was awesome! Charly & Shawn and all the other instructors were so professional and precise with their instruction. Every clinic ran smooth and my children had the best time in Jr. Masters and Tiny Tots! We really enjoyed the doubles strategy and stroke perfection that Charly & Shawn focused on! Thanks guys and see you in a couple of months b/c we are coming back for summer vacation!!!"—H.N., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "Wild Dunes is a wonderful place to visit. It is so close to downtown Charleston that it is the best of two worlds, the charm of an old historic city and the energy of a beautiful beach."—K.S., Beg., April 2008

• "The atmosphere at the entire Wild Dunes Resort is beautiful and people friendly. My wife and I returned once again this year primarily for the tennis instruction. We were not disappointed!! The entire staff (pro shop and tennis professionals) was superb.
  Charly and Shawn run a great program. There is something for everyone. We participated in the clinics and once again were very pleased. The one thing that I am impressed with is how each pro is able to pick up on weaknesses of each person in the group and address it in a manner where we all learn from it. Throughout the entire clinic, you always hear positive reinforcement, along with constructive teaching. You always feel motivated throughout the entire clinic.
  The pros bring much enthusiasm to each clinic and have a way of making it so enjoyable for all, you know that you want to come back. They give us plenty of tips to take back home to work on.
  My wife and I hope to return once again next year. I do commend the entire tennis staff (pro shop, Charly, Shawn, Josh, Shaw and others), for making our vacation a most enjoyable one and improving our tennis game. thanks....wild dunes."—D.H., Int., April 2008

• "The pros did not try to change our individual games. They gave us numerous pointers on technique and strategy to work on. I have been to several tennis outings at this resort and this is by far the best one ever. The pros were personable, friendly and were lively and fun with our group. Thanks for a fabulous 15 hours of tennis!"—T.L., Low Int., March 2008

• "Wild Dunes is a great family resort with friendly staff working there. The tennis and golf are exceptional. The staff is motivated in teaching drills and they make it fun to play tennis. Each instructor has his own technique, but all of them have enthusiasm. It's a perfect vacation spot and we've been going there for 20 years. We love this resort and the people there."—J.S., Adv. Int., March 2008

• "This is the 3rd year in a row that our family has come to Wild Dunes. We spend a great deal of our time on the tennis courts. As always, everyone if personable, helpful and efficient from Jessica at the front desk to all of the Teaching Professionals. Charly, Shawn, Josh, Shaw and all the rest of the Pros meet us on the court with enthusiasm. They demonstrate and explain the techniques in a way that is understandable to all levels of the game and always offer positive reinforcement along the way.
  My family and I take group and private lessons throughout the week and enjoy every minute! Monday night exhibitions are fun and exciting. They put you in the mood to sign up the next morning. We look forward to returning next year."—K.K., Int., March 2008

• "Wild Dunes Resort offers a true paradise. The staff was extremely courteous, the beach was beautiful, the room was immaculate, and the tennis courts were top notch. We had no problems reserving a court and we were able to play for as long as we wanted. The tennis clinics were reasonably priced and the instructor was very knowledgeable and fun. I can't wait to visit Wild Dunes again in the near future."—D.D., Low Int., March 2008

• "This was our second visit to Wild Dunes for tennis. Our group of 6 ladies engaged 2 pros (Charly and Shawn) for 3 hours on Friday and 3 hours on Saturday. The 3 hours flew by. Charly and Shawn quickly learned our names, strengths and weaknesses. We split off for the last hour into a set of 2 doubles with Shawn and a pair of singles with Charly. They were able to help us with strategy in each area. Charly helped me immensely with my serve. Thanks, guys! We look forward to our next visit. Good luck with Med School, Seth!"—E.D., Int., March 2008

Other Recreation

Beach. The beach at Wild Dunes extends for 2½ miles, much of it bordered by tall dunes tufted with sea oats. Its dunes are higher than others found along this coast because there were no cotton or rice plantations of Isle of Palms and therefore its landscape was left untouched. The Grand Pavilion partway along sits just behind the dunes and provides a seasonal place for light meals, snacks, ice cream, and beverages. It also has two swimming pools.

Golf Courses. Tom Fazio designed the resort's Links and Harbor Courses, the first in 1980, the second in 1986.

Links Course: Fazio used the natural landscape of dunes, marsh, and oceanfront to carve out a true links course. Its finishing holes border the Atlantic at the very tip of the Isle of Palms. Both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have ranked it among the Top 100 courses in the U.S. Par: 72. Length: 6,722 yards.
Harbor Course: More challenging than appears, given the relatively short yardage, since water or marsh comes into play on 17 of the 18 holes. Par: 70. Length: 6,359 yards.

Spa & Fitness Center. The Fitness Center has new cardiovascular and strength-training equipment distributed through three small rooms. There is also a day spa in the reception center, which offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments.

And ... There are two swimming pools at the Grand Pavilion, another at the Boardwalk Inn, and two junior Olympic pools (one restricted to adults from April to October) at the Swim Center. There is also a children's Playground called the "Tot Lot" in Sports Pavilion. Bikes and inline skates can be rented at the tennis center, and fishing and boating excursions leave from the marina.

Children's Programs

Wild Dunes' children's programs stand out for two reasons: they have a solid reputation for quality and they are free to guests who book their lodging directly with Wild Dunes. Teens, meanwhile, can look forward to their own diversions, including basketball shoot outs, lockout parties, and beach bashes. Activities are most frequent from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Lodging

The 93-room Boardwalk Inn, though inland, is an easy stroll from the resort's sinuous 2½-mile beach. The five-story lodge was modeled, say the architects, on a turn-of-the-century Caribbean plantation house. It stands at one end of a grand boardwalk framed by colorful townhouses.

This small hotel brings a new dimension of lodging to a resort that previously could offer only villas and houses. The rooms on the front face west and have only little wrought iron French balconies, but many of those on the ocean side have full terraces and views of the courtyard pool below and of the rainbow-hued townhouses that line both sides of the boardwalk. Although the rooms are pleasantly decorated with reproduction antiques, rattan and wrought iron and decked out with a full spate of amenities—including minibars and coffeemakers—what makes them stand out is the range of services unavailable in condos, including room service, valet parking, and the sybaritic ease of having to go no farther than downstairs for drinks at a mahogany bar, excellent Low Country-influenced cuisine at the Sea Island Grill (which is also open for breakfast), or coffee and billiards in the cigar-friendly Club Room. Free shuttles leave from the main entrance for anywhere in the resort, including Tom Fazio's exceptionally beautiful Links Course, whose 17th and 18th holes skirt grass-tufted dunes along the Atlantic Ocean. But the inn is so centrally located you can walk to virtually everything else, including the tennis complex, which is literally directly across from the inn's entrance.

Otherwise, the lodging consists of a varied collection of villas and cottages, which range in size from one to four bedrooms, and of privately owned houses with as many as six bedrooms. Some of these villas and houses front the ocean, others the Intracoastal Waterway, while others are inland, including a complex adjacent to the tennis complex.

Restaurants

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Sea Island Grill at the Boardwalk Inn has roughly a dozen tables inside and spills out onto the piazza around the pool in warm weather. Chef Enzo Steffenelli features Low Country dishes like she crab soup, raw bar platters, and his signature flounder Boardwalk (stuffed with crab), as well as Black Angus beef and Porterhouse steaks. The Bar adjacent to it has a selection of scotches and bourbons.

Edgar's Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Links Golf Course, is very informal.Its menu runs to focaccia and panini sandwiches, create your own pasta, veal marsala, chicken parmesan, and Italian-inspired seafood, complemented by a wine list long on California and Italian selections. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

During the day, the Dunes Deli and Pizzeria in the Harbor Golf Shop, 50 yards from the tennis shop, serves light breakfast, beverages, sandwiches, pizza, and snacks. You have the option of sitting on a patio overlooking the action that has views of the action on Court 13. They also deliver.

Finally, during the height of the season, the Cabana Bar & Grill in the beachfront Grand Pavilion serves sandwiches, ice cream, and cocktails.

See Also

If you're looking for other beach, golf, tennis resorts that also have good children's programs, also check out:

• Amelia Island Plantation, Florida
• Callaway, Georgia as long as you don't mind that the beach is on a lake
• Club Med-Sandpiper, Florida
• Grand View Lodge, Minnesota though like Callaway above its beach is on a lake not the ocean
• Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
• South Seas Island Resort, Florida

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Year-round but potentially chilly in winter. The greatest concentration of family activities occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Wild Dunes Resort
5757 Palm Blvd.
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
843-886-6000
Toll-free: 888-845-8880
Fax: 843-886-2916
Web Link: Wild Dunes Resort

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Travel Instructions. From the airport: Take I-526 East to the Georgetown exit, Hwy. 17 North. Turn left at the light and follow Hwy. 17 North to Hwy. 517, the Isle of Palms Connector. Turn right only Hwy. 517 and proceed over the Intracoastal Waterway to the Isle of Palms. Once on the island, turn left at the light at the foot of the bridge onto Palm Blvd., Hwy. 703. Follow Palm Blvd. north to 41st Avenue, where you'll see the Wild Dunes directional sign to turn right onto Palm Blvd. (Extension). Go past the main gate to the Reception Center on your left.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Charleston Visitor Reception and Transportation Center web site or contact them at 375 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403. Phone: 800-774-0006.

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