North Beach Resort & Villas

North Beach Resort & Villas, still widely known by its original name, North Beach Plantation, is the Grand Strand's most polished big-resort stay and the natural choice for travelers who want space, water and a calmer beach than central Myrtle Beach. It sits on the oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach, on a property cut by a tidal creek that gives it the feel of its own small island, and its centerpiece is a pair of 18-story oceanfront towers filled with fully furnished condos from one to five bedrooms, each with a full kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer and private balcony. Larger groups can choose the low-rise cottages, and the resort's showpiece is The Bridge, a seven-bedroom penthouse that spans the two towers. The real draw for families is the water: a 2.5-acre oceanfront pool area with a swim-up bar, an infinity-edge pool, waterfalls, hot tubs, a lazy river and separate adults-only and kiddie pools, plus a heated indoor pool and lazy river for the cooler months. The resort has historically offered an on-site steakhouse, a casual cafe at the towers and the full-service Cinzia Spa with a fitness center and classes; confirm current dining and spa hours when you book, as outlets change. Parking is free, and a resort fee covers the amenities. Golfers have the four courses of Barefoot Resort nearby, and Barefoot Landing's shops, restaurants and shows are a short drive inland.

Who it suits: families and multi-generation groups who want condo space with resort facilities, golf groups who want to cook breakfast and still have a pool bar to come back to, and couples who prefer North Myrtle Beach's quieter evenings. The towers' upper floors have sweeping views up and down the coast, and the oceanfront units put you directly above the pool complex and beach. Because the units are condos, expect a residential layout with kitchens, living rooms and laundry rather than a classic hotel room, which makes longer stays and winter months comfortable.

The setting is the other big advantage. North Myrtle Beach was formed in 1968 from the communities of Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach, and its beaches are generally less crowded than the central Myrtle Beach strip. From here you are close to Barefoot Landing on the Intracoastal Waterway, with its waterside restaurants, the Alabama Theatre and House of Blues, and to the shag clubs of Ocean Drive. Central Myrtle Beach, the boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach are a 25 to 35 minute drive south, which is the trade-off for the calm.

Practical notes: check-in is in the afternoon, and guests can pre-register and use the facilities if the unit is not yet ready. The indoor pool and lazy river are heated, which makes off-season stays genuinely enjoyable, and winter rates make the bigger units unusually good value for snowbird stays. Book directly or through the resort's accommodations page, and ask about golf packages if you plan to play.