HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (Oct. 7, 2026) – Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, with Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport earning national recognition.

This year’s honors include:

• Hilton Head Island was named the #1 island in the U.S. for the 10^th year.
• Coligny Beach was ranked #12 among U.S. beaches and the only S.C. beach recognized.
• The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort (#11) and The Sea Pines Resort (#14) were recognized by readers in the U.S. full-service resort category.
• The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) was named #1 in the U.S. for the 7^th year.

“It's truly amazing to be named the No. 1 island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the 10th consecutive year. It's a reflection of our strong tourism economy and the hospitality visitors experience in our restaurants, on our beaches and at our resorts," said Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry. “It's also quite an honor to have Coligny Beach recognized as the only beach in South Carolina on the list. That recognition reflects our community's long-standing commitment to being good stewards of our environment. We work hard to protect and preserve our coastline, and our recent beach renourishment project enhanced the shoreline at Coligny Beach and other areas so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy this natural amenity for generations to come. We are very proud of these recognitions, and we extend our congratulations to The Sea Pines Resort and to our neighbors in Bluffton and Savannah on their honors.”

SAV, a major gateway for travelers visiting Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the surrounding region, was also recognized as the #1 airport in the U.S.

“Being recognized again by the readers of Conde Nast is a testament to our customer first focus at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport,” said Greg Kelly, SAV Executive Director. “Our airport commission employees are dedicated to ensuring that those who use our airport have a great experience, and this accolade helps affirm that it’s working. I would also like to congratulate Hilton Head Island on its recognition as Number one island for the 10^th year in a row.”

Condé Nast Traveler received more than 798,867 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting.

“Together, these recognitions remind us of the strength of our authentic approach to supporting tourism through the years,” said Bill Miles, Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Chamber of Commerce President & CEO said. “These honors come directly from travelers and that speaks volumes about what our region is known for and continues to provide new and returning visitors.”

Winners are selected by readers through an annual online survey that runs from April 1 - June 30. Read more about the RCA methodology here.

The Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards, the travel industry's longest-running accolades program determined by readers, is a symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at https://cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

###

Conde Nast contact: [email protected]

Town of Hilton Head Island contact: [email protected]

SAV airport contact: [email protected]

HIH & Bluffton Visitor & Convention Bureau: [email protected]