North Beach Plantation Raises The Bar

The towers, visible from US 17 in North Myrtle Beach, rise from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean like an entrance into another world, alerting guests well before they arrive that North Beach Plantation is a different type of resort property.

North Beach opened in August of 2009 and immediately staked its claim to being one of the nicest and most unique properties on the East Coast. The towers, which feature condos that range in size from one to five bedrooms, also house a 2 ½-acre, 15-pool water park that includes a lazy river and a swim-up pool bar.

North Beach’s condos, whether you are staying in a one-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot model or the 3,200-square-foot, five-bedroom unit, all have luxury appointments.

“That room is unbelievable,” said Carmen DeFalco, a North Beach Plantation guest. “It’s about twice the size and nicer than my condo back home in Chicago. It’s completely furnished, beautiful artwork, leather couches (and has) flat screen (televisions) in every room. I actually called me wife and said, ‘If you saw this place, you would want to move right now.’”

If the Towers, 15 pools and brand-spanking-new rooms weren’t enough, North Beach also has a restaurant that is the equal of the resort’s other amenities. Led by chef Lou Petrozza, a finalist on the popular reality show Hell’s Kitchen, the restaurant specializes in the Southern cuisine (try the fried green tomatoes) and the banana walnut pancakes are without peer.

Built on an “island” between the Atlantic and White Point Swash, the Towers and the view offered from each room’s oversized balcony dominate any conversation about North Beach, but the property, which encompasses a total of 60 acres, has much more to offer.

North Beach also rents newly constructed single-family homes, which could be of particular interest to traveling golfers. The homes are located near the beach, and there is an always-at-your-disposal shuttle ready to take guests to the water.

North Beach hopes to begin construction this winter on a steakhouse that will be on par with Ruth’s Chris or New York Prime, but it already features Cinzia Spa, a full service operation that offers a eucalyptus steam bath and, get ready, a golfer’s massage.

 “When men come here they are golfing, golfing, golfing and not allowing that muscle tissue to relax,” Tammy Pahel, the managing director of Cinzia, said. “It’s just tight and gets tighter every time you go out and play. If a golfer would do that massage two times a week before playing, his swing would improve 20 percent.”

While a massage might improve your game, a stay at North Beach will definitely enhance your trip. The one-year-old resort, located just across from Barefoot Landing, has quickly established itself as one nicest properties in Myrtle Beach and beyond.

“There is no other place like this in Myrtle Beach and perhaps the East Coast,” said North Beach’s general manager,” Steve Jones.