Part of the restorative nature of the staycation can be to rekindle old romances or help new ones bloom. Spa treatments for couples or an oceanfront dream house rental can go a long way without busting the budget. The perfect luxury accommodations, the perfect fine-dining meal and the ultimate pampering experience are the ingredients in this simple but oh-so-powerful recipe.
North Beach Plantation
100 North Beach Blvd., North Myrtle Beach
Here’s your stop for the ultimate luxury staycation you’ve always dreamed of. It’s hard to miss the enormous oceanfront double towers and giant arch that make up the bulk of the accommodations at North Beach Plantation, but condo-styled rooms and townhomes in the surrounding beautifully landscaped neighborhoods are also a part of the offerings. Reservations fill up fast, so don’t delay. northbeachrentals.com
21 Main at North Beach
719 North Beach Blvd.
First opened in 2011, 21 Main quickly drew a loyal clientele who came for its sophistication and elegant yet comfortable ambience, spectacular service and fine aged beef. Today, diners include guests staying at North Beach Plantation Resort, but the restaurant has grown its core of local enthusiasts as well. The menu features award-wining beef, chops, seafood and creative side dishes, along with fine wines and top shelf spirits. 21mainatnorthbeach.com
Cinzia Spa
719 North Beach Blvd.
Pamper your mind, body and spirit by choosing from Cinzia Spa’s vast array of services. Licensed and trained estheticians, massage therapists and attentive staff will help you melt away the cares of the day with a la carte treatments, day packages, hand and foot treatments, body treatments, an infrared sauna, or, for the romantically inclined, couples packages. Quiet music, a soothing ambience, exotic tropical and nut oils, and the finest service are certain to enhance any romantic interlude. thecinziaspa.com
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes & WaterScapes
8121 Amalfi Place, Myrtle Beach
Among the finest resorts on the Grand Strand, the Triple AAA Four Diamond Marina Inn and its fine dining partner, WaterScapes, offer a couple in search of luxury and seclusion the perfect staycation. Stunning waterway and marina views, not to mention stunning sunsets, await the discriminating guest at this boutique resort, set far away from the crowds at the beach. Check in and never feel the need to leave. The two- and three-bedroom units feature full kitchens. WaterScapes offers chef-inspired meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Reflections Lounge stays open late based on demand and in-room spa packages and room service round out the offerings. What more could you need? marinainnatgrandedunes.com
Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
8400 Costa Verde Drive, Myrtle Beach
Almost hidden amid maritime forests, this beautiful Triple AAA Four Diamond oceanfront hotel and resort are set apart from the high-rises and towers known throughout most of Myrtle Beach. Between two residential neighborhoods, the hotel is very private, yet very accommodating. The resort offers spectacular oceanfront and ocean view rooms with room service, all-day dining at Ocean’s on 82nd, a cozy bar with an outdoor oceanfront balcony deck, a large pool area with a bar and restaurant (Ocean Blu) and a pool deck complete with hammocks and umbrellas that encourage you to stay on site. The Resort’s Hibiscus Spa treats guests to luxurious services seven days a week by appointment, making this resort a top staycation option. marriott.com/hotels/travel/myrgd
Split the rent with another couple or two and splurge on a summertime, oceanfront dream home. From high-end sophistication to accessible family-friendly oceanfront neighborhoods, you can find what you’re looking for from the beaches of southern North Carolina all the way through Georgetown County. If you can’t afford to buy a multi-million dollar home, at least you can rent one for a while. Live a little and let one of these expert real estate companies help you find and make the reservations:
Peace Vacations, peace-vacations.com
Condo Lux, condolux.net
Surfside Realty Company, surfsiderealty.com
Elliott Realty, elliottbeachrentals.com
Starheel Properties, starheelvacationrentals.com
Less than a one-minute drive over the state line via U.S. 17, Calabash, N.C., has everything a romantic staycationing couple might desire. Spa treatments, a whimsical tearoom, fantastic and eclectic shopping, excellent restaurants and more await.
Sacred Willow Spa
9160 Beach Drive SW
A variety of spa services are offered at the family-owned-and-operated Sacred Willow Spa, including massage, energy therapy, waxing, skin and body treatments, wraps, scrubs and more from licensed, award-winning massage and bodywork therapists and estheticians. In their own purpose-built facility, you’ll find eight large treatment rooms, soothing music and two showers. Get pampered. sacredwillowspa.com
Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop
10152 Beach Drive SW
This tea room is a Victorian fairyland with antiques, fine linens, indoor/outdoor dining, an open-air garden and two seatings per day (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). Transcend the worries of today as you sip and relax. Enjoy traditional English tea, scones, finger sandwiches, soups, salads and more. The gift shop is filled with reminders of your visit including teapots, cups, the salad dressings and teas featured in the service, and gifts of all kinds. What a treat! calabashgardentearoom.com
The Oyster Rock
9931 Nance St.
From the family behind The Boundary House Restaurant and Clark’s Seafood & Chophouse comes The Oyster Rock on the Calabash Waterfront. The restaurant opened in May 2018 after renovating and rebuilding the 77-year-old Coleman’s Original Calabash Restaurant. The tradition of serving fresh locally and regionally sourced seafood, plus plenty of beef, pork and chicken dishes, continues. One look at their menu and you’ll know you’re in for a treat. Try our favorite —the Oysters Rockefeller made from large, fresh select oysters, topped with a spinach prosciutto bacon mixture, oven broiled and finished with hollandaise and Parmesan cheese. theoysterrock.com
Shop Until You Drop
While in this quaint fishing village, you’ll notice all the intriguing shops on the way in and out of town. Antiques, second-hand consignment, artisan crafts and fine art, Callahan’s massive gift shop and charming little boutiques and art galleries all combine to give you a unique shopping experience. Couples who take the time to shop together, stay together.
PHOTOS BY JON STELL AND COURTESY OF MYRTLE BEACH MARRIOTT
