If you have toddlers and preschoolers one of the best times to plan a vacation is during the “shoulder season.” It’s the magical time of year, usually during the months of September and October, when the beaches are less crowded, but the weather is still warm enough to enjoy time in the water. The Island Vista Resort, located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the perfect place to plan a shoulder-season escape.
We were guests of the Island Vista and the Myrtle Beach CVB, but all opinions are our own.
The Island Vista Resort
Family owned and operated, the goal of the Island Vista Resort is to make visitors feel like family. They’re neatly tucked away near a residential neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic. Here you’ll find all the amenities of home, along with spacious accommodations and beautiful ocean views. Even though the resort has a secluded feel, guests are only minutes away from the attractions of the Grand Strand, the Boardwalk, and other attractions for which Myrtle Beach is known. Ready to plan your stay? Here’s what you’ll find at the Island Vista.
Accommodations
Promising “the comforts of a condo, the convenience of a hotel,” rooms range in size from standard guest rooms to four bedroom suites. All the suites at the Island Vista are oceanside and offer a private balcony where visitors can sit and gaze out at the waves lapping onto the sand. We stayed in a Two Bedroom Deluxe suite and felt at home from the moment we walked in the door.
The two-bedroom suites come in three options; the Oceanfront Two Bedroom Suite, the Oceanfront Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite, and the Oceanfront 2 Bedroom Grand Suite. The rooms range in size from 1015 square feet to 1200 square feet. Our suite had 2 bedrooms, one with a king bed and Oceanfront view, and another with two queen sized beds. The suite also included two bathrooms, a living room/dining room combo with a sleeper sofa, a fully equipped kitchen, and a stacked washer and dryer. The 63 square foot balcony was a peaceful place to listen to the relaxing sounds of the ocean.
Both of the bedrooms, as well as the living room, had flat screen televisions, all with deluxe cable channels. These came in handy when we took a few minutes each afternoon to rest and unwind! The kids loved to sit on the sofa, have a snack, and watch some of their favorite programs. While we ate out for all of our meals, it was nice to have storage and plates, utensils, and cups for the kids’ snacks and leftovers. Having a fully stocked kitchen is also a nice option if you have picky eaters, children with food allergies, or want to save money on meals.
I was surprised by how quiet it was at the hotel. Although we saw plenty of families with young children, we never had a problem with noise. I couldn’t even hear the ocean from my room, although I could hear the muffled sound of tides from the living room. Listening to the waves before bed was the perfect way to unwind.
Amenities
You’ll find plenty of amenities at the Island Vista, including:
*Daily Maid Service– Love the convenience of a condo but hating having to clean when on vacation? The Island Vista provides daily maid service with exceptional service. One day I left a couple of dishes in the sink that I planned to wash when we returned for the day. Imagine my surprise to find them washed and placed back in the cabinet. I had expected basic service, but I felt our maid went above and beyond.
*Unlimited DVD Rentals– Need some downtime and want to see some of the hottest new releases? The Island Vista has you covered. At check-in, you’ll be giving a DVD rental card to use whenever you want. While you can only check out one DVD at a time, you’re welcome to exchange it at any time for another selection.
*Free Admission Pass to some of Myrtle Beach’s Hottest Attractions– With each room booked you’ll receive one adult ticket to some of the favorite Myrtle Beach attractions. These change seasonally. Our fall selections included Wonderworks Myrtle Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, and Brookgreen Gardens. A special Exclusive offer is included each season as well. The fall offering was a discounted ticket to an All Access Pass to the Hollywood Wax Museum.
*Complimentary Wireless Internet-You’ll stay connected easily at the Island Vista.
*Complimentary Covered Parking- No need to expose the vehicle to the elements when you have access to the free parking garage. Tip: You’ll find it easier to leave the garage if you back into the spaces.
Family Activities
*Indoor Water Fun– The kids will love the indoor waterpark with a heated pool. Designed to resemble ancient ruins, it includes a lazy river, a waterfall, a tunnel, and a kids’ splash area. Adults can spend time relaxing in the hot tub.
*Outdoor Water Fun– Relax in one of the two outdoor pools or in the hot tub. You’ll be surrounded by perfect beach views. If you don’t want to get wet, stop by the Tiki Bar & Cafe for a drink and then take a comfortable seat on the oceanfront veranda or in a lawn chair in the tanning lawn. For those of us who want to mix business with pleasure or keep in touch with friends, there is also resort wide poolside wireless internet.
*A Private Beach– There’s plenty of room for the kids to spread out and play at the Island Vista. Only steps to the beach access, you’ll find pristine sand, clear water, and an uncrowded stretch of beach. It’s secluded and away from the strip, leaving plenty of space to spread out, splash in the water, or take a leisurely walk.
*The Kid’s Club– This fully-supervised club is staffed by experienced elementary education professional and interns who provide massive fun for the kids. They have activities ranging from the low key, like face painting, to energy-burning, like beach time, scavenger hunts, and pool games.
Activities For Adults
Oceanfront Massage Cabana– What could be more relaxing than lying in a cabana, listening to the ocean waves? The Island Vista has upped the ante and made it more relaxing with their spa services. Who wouldn’t want to get a view of the beach and a massage at the same time? It’s a great way to enjoy some “me time” while the kids are visiting the Kids’ Club. If you prefer more privacy, book an in-room massage.
Fitness Center– Even if you don’t like to exercise, you’ll want to stop in and enjoy the view of the indoor pool and the glimpse of the ocean in the distance. The center was remodeled in 2012
Golf Directors– are available to help you plan a customized golf vacation at the Pine Lakes International Country Club, located across the street.
Dining Options
Cypress Room– Open daily for breakfast and dinner, Chef Michael McKinnon offers specialties like sweet potato pancakes, Lobster Tostados, and Low Country Pimento Cheese Boards. Many of the menu items are gluten-free and/or vegan. Of course, there are lots of traditional dishes like the classic breakfast, which featured 2 eggs prepared to order, bacon or sausage, grits, and a biscuit or toast. They also have a lounge with a daily Happy Hour from 4 PM-6 PM.
Vista Pizza– Features made fresh pizza delivered to your room. You can choose from traditional favorites like meat lovers or branch out to new favorites like Spinach & Feta, Bacon Cheeseburger, and Margherita.
Tiki Hut- Open seasonally, this is the place to stop for casual snacks and delicious drinks, like Polynesian Punch, a mixture of rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and cherry juice. They feature live music and offer room delivery. It’s a fun place to watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
We enjoyed our time at the Island Vista. It was spacious enough to allow the entire family room to unwind. The atmosphere is casual enough for the family, but the amenities are world-class. We can’t wait for another beach retreat.
Have you visited Myrtle Beach? What are your favorite activities?
I have driven through Myrtle Beach once but never stopped! It looks like such a gorgeous place and I would love to stay there one day!
Looks like an amazing getaway spot.That indoor water area looks so relaxing. I am trying to travel more places I hav e not been up the East Coast. Going to keep this in mind.
What a great choice. I can’t believe what amazing maid service you got while you stayed there.
I love Myrtle Beach but it has been years since I have been there. I had a great time at a place called Shell Island.
This looks like the exact type of vacation my family needs. And I have been thinking of Myrtle Beach. These accomodations and activities all look perfect and amazing.
How beautiful is this place! And I love all those indore and outdoor activities that adults and kids can make. A perfect resort for family relax!
This is such a great and awesome beach place. I love all the feature on this post especially the swimming pool with a unique interior design.
Oh, it seems like the perfect time of year to enjoy a beachside resort or Island vista. We’ve gone to Disneyland during this time of year and we agree it was less crowded in October than it was in May when we went.
I’ve heard wonderful things about Myrtle Beach, but I’ve never been. That looks gorgeous, and now I really want to go.
I will definitely try and get down there to visit. I love visiting SC but I’ve never made it to the beach.
This looks like a cozy place to stay! I always love when I’m near the water. I’ve been wanting to visit Myrtle Beach.
oh my gosh this is a stunning place- i love myrtle beach and havent been there in years!
That is such a gorgeous place! I love Myrtle Beach. I’ve been there a few times, but I’ve never been there.
I love traveling off peak season. It seems people appreciate you more. I have not been to Myrtle Beach but it seems like a great place to go any time of year.
Before the grandkids started school, our entire family always spend the week of Labor Day at Myrtle Beach. The beaches were almost deserted and we always had the most fun. Now, we have to go when the kids are out of school. Island Vista looks like a great place to stay.
We vacationed in Myrtle Beach a few times when I was a kid. Funny thing, I’ve never taken my kids there. Of course we lived much closer to Myrtle Beach when I was growing up. So many fun memories.
We have bunch of friends who go to Myrtle Beach every year. I will have to tell them about this great looking place