HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. – Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island recently completed phase one of a comprehensive resort renovation program, unveiling  its 340 redesigned guestrooms during a July 9th “Find the Light”-themed ribbon-cutting celebration. Inspired by the island’s natural beauty, guestrooms now feature several stylish upgrades and enhancements, serving as a serene backdrop for a breathtaking island escape.

“We are thrilled to officially unveil our newly renovated guestrooms just in time for the peak summer season,” said Bob Cosgrove, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “We are committed to providing exceptional accommodations and amenities to travelers visiting us from around the world, and this is just the beginning of what is to come.” 

Cosgrove was joined during the ribbon-cutting by hotel leadership and local VIPs including Bill Miles, president of the Hilton Head Island VCB and David Ames, Mayor Pro-Tem of Hilton Head Island. The celebratory event featured a program of remarks, entertainment by a DJ, food and refreshments surrounding a branded ice sculpture and property tours.

Renovated room

Phase one of the extensive project began in December 2023, resulting in 340 beautifully updated and comfortably designed guestrooms. The redesign incorporates a soothing color palette to reflect the serene ambiance of Hilton Head Island. All guestrooms now feature revitalized bathrooms, luxurious bedding, coastal-inspired furnishings and décor, flat-screen LCD televisions, custom hardwood finishes and more. Seamlessly blending comfort and coastal elegance, shades of blue and brown complement thoughtful details throughout the guestrooms, such as stylish wall hooks for swimsuits and hats, textured wall coverings and unique bedside light fixtures suspended from leather handles.

Renovated room.

Next up as part of the resort’s multi-million-dollar transformation is a focus on enhancing the resort’s ballrooms and meeting spaces, dining and retail facilities, outdoor areas, spa and more. Planned upgrades during phase two – which is anticipated to be complete by May 2025 – include the addition of a new hot tub and adult pool with private cabanas, a refreshed lobby bar, an expanded pool bar, a new poolside retail area and other exciting improvements.

With 24 different room types, including deluxe rooms, executive suites, signature suites and fully accessible rooms, the resort caters to a variety of travelers and price points. The presidential suite, known as the Palmetto Suite, offers panoramic views of lush tropical gardens from two private balconies. Its expansive living area and parlor are flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and the full marble bathroom is equipped with a jetted spa tub for a spa-like experience. The Palmetto Suite also features a large dining room table, a convenient wet bar and numerous other luxury amenities. As an added touch, suites and VIP guests will also find personalized, embroidered hand towels in their rooms upon arrival.

Renovated room.

SonestaSonesta International Hotels Corporation

Built toward the back of the sand dune and surrounded by palmetto and palm trees, the property embraces the Lowcountry nature of Hilton Head Island. Hammocks and firepits are scattered throughout the 11-acre resort, fostering harmony among guests, the resort and its natural surroundings. The resort’s U-shaped layout further enhances tranquility by allowing all guestrooms to boast spacious and private balconies.

Located within the Shipyard gated community, the resort grants all guests exclusive membership access to Shipyard’s clubhouse, championship tennis courts and six world-class golf courses. Its central location allows guests to conveniently walk or bike to Hilton Head Island’s renowned dining scene, local shops and more. The resort is just 8.5 miles from Hilton Head Airport and 47 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, making it easily accessible to travelers from near and far.

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

Elliott Investment Management on Monday detailed its holdings in Southwest Airlines and reiterated its call for changes to top management at the carrier, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

The investment firm in June announced it had taken a stake worth approximately $1.9 billion in Southwest and called for the carrier’s CEO, Bob Jordan, to be replaced.

Monday’s SEC filing noted that Elliott representatives had met with Jordan, Southwest chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly and other members of the board, but did not provide details. In addition, Elliott noted it has “identified and had discussions with a number of highly qualified former airline executives, industry leaders and other qualified persons with relevant experience who are eager to serve on the board,” according to the filing. 

As indicated in its July 8 letter to Southwest, Elliott in the SEC filing said it intends to provide shareholders with the opportunity to elect new leadership and board members either by calling a special shareholder meeting or at an annual meeting of shareholders. That same day, Southwest announced the addition of a new board member, and on July 3 adopted a shareholder rights plan, also known as a “poison pill” defense strategy, to deter activist investors or acquirers from gaining a controlling interest.

In addition, Elliott purchased 17.3 million shares of Southwest common stock via 14 transactions between July 11 and Aug. 5, for a total of just under 42 million shares when added to its previous shares, according to the filing. 

The investment company now has a 7 percent beneficial ownership of the company, as well as a 4 percent economic exposure in cash derivative agreements, for a total 11 percent economic interest in the carrier, which is the same as it had in June when it made its initial $1.9 billion purchase. 

Investors are required to file with the SEC within 10 days after a purchase exceeds a 5 percent ownership stake in a company. 

Southwest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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