Our family just got back from our surfwatch vacation. Our two and four year olds enjoyed the property so much, they actually started crying as we were leaving. We traded our timeshare week at the Sheraton Vistana in Orlando to stay here in September. They put us in the 5300 building which is the furthest from the ocean. It would have been nice to have been closer to the water but we really couldn't complain. With two small children in tow, it took about five minutes to get to the beach. Considering how manicured the grounds were, it was actually a pleasant walk (except for the bugs). We often took advantage of the golf cart shuttle service which made things convienient. I'm not sure if this service is available all year so I'd call ahead if this is important to you. The outdoor pools were nice but not exactly set up for little children. We would have liked to have seen a zero entry section like they have at the Marriott Barony up the road. The oceanside pool was outstanding as were the frozen drinks at the bar! The staff was very attentive. We requested a high chair over the phone and it was delivered within five minutes. Overall we had a fantastic time.

We recently returned from a week long vacation at surfwatch. We have stayed at two other Marriott Vacation Villas so we have something to compare it to. The resort is beautiful; however, we were in the villas that were the greatest distance from the beach. They do offer golf carts for your "little" hike to beach and beach pool. This is also where the only bar is located in the resort. The cart drivers are fast and efficient, but sometimes if you are walking you have to get out of therir way fast or receive a scowl (even when your on the correct side).

There were definitely times throughout our stay that we would have enjoyed a cool drink (e.g. water, soda, margarita, etc. ) at the main pool; but would have to walk a great distance to the beach. We were in HHI during a week of record high temps so even when you swam in the pools (except the indoor) there was no relief. Even the ocean was record high temp. I know they have no control over the ocean; however putting in some cold water to the pool would have been wonderful

The balconies are not screened or have ceiling fans as other resorts do so we were unable to use it secondary to heat and mosquitoes. The room was lovely but our front door would not close without having to slam with full body weight. We called the front desk and received prompt service but it was not fixed. We also called to let them know that tactless nails under the carpet were protruding at entry points to the carpet. We literally had to step over when entering the living room from the kitchen, bedroom and balcony. I told them that we were rolling towels to prevent further injury. At least 4 of us stepped on the nails. They were goinig to send someone over right away but we were in the middle of something so I asked if they could come later. Never heard from them again.

I was looking forward to this trip for sometime and I felt like it was just an okay beach vacation.

This was our second year at Surf Watch and it is quickly becoming a favorite. Besides the pools and great beach, Surf Watch offers a great naturalist environment...that is a welcome twist to your typical beach resort. Kids loved the numerous activities offered, beach, pools and all the bike trails. Resort is VERY family focused. Rooms are extremely spacious (3 bdrm)and clean. Island offers many things to do as well. Shark fishing, shopping, biking, nature excursions are a few ot the things we participated in this year. The beach is not overly busy, and is great for kids. We cooked in almost every meal...which was a money saver.

My family and I just came back from a long weekend at this resort. From the few posted reviews, we weren't really sure what to expect. Suprisingly, the resort exceeded all of our expectations!

As we were not time share owners, we booked the hotel through their website and received a AAA discount. The room was spacious, elegant, and well decorated. The beds were very comfortable and the kitchen was excellent. We had opted for a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom- which was more than spacious for 5 people. The rooms came equipped with beach towels to borrow during our stay and also as we were hotel guests and not timeshare owners, we received daily housekeeping.

As for the pools/beach...cabanas by the main pool are scarce (there are only 3) and they are first come first serve -no charge. The pool "opens" at 7am. We found that these 3 cabanas were already taken by 7am- so if this interests you, plan to grab one prior to then!

The cabanas at the ocean pool, are rentals. The daily rental charge is $59 per day and that comes with a refrigerator with drinks and an unlimited number of chairs. We rented an ocean pool cabana and found it worth the money! Shade is at a premium and the 5 of us fit under it with no problem and all ate lunch and napped under it. The breeze was beautiful and it was very relaxing. Also with the ocean pool cabanas, there is a cabana boy that will go to the bar for you and grab drinks and/or lunch if you'd like.

The beach itself was great! The restoration is now over and the beach has more sand. The surf can be rough during high tide- beware. There is a strong current that comes when the waves are coming in. During low tide, we walking the coast collecting shells and swimming in the gentler surf. The town of Hilton Head life guards the beach and rents umbrellas and chairs for $30 per day to resort guests.

All in all, we thought the resort was extremely relaxing! As this was a timeshare resort, we were afraid that there would be sales pressure; however, not one person bothered us or asked if we were interested. We loved our vacation and hope to come back again next year.