Escape to Paradise: Wyndham Ocean Ridge Edisto Island Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Wyndham Ocean Ridge Edisto Island Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Wyndham Ocean Ridge – My Somewhat Messy, Utterly Human Adventure (and Maybe You'll Like It Too!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because this ain't your grandma's travel review. This is me after a whirlwind trip to Wyndham Ocean Ridge on Edisto Island. And let me tell you, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine, but it was… memorable. Let’s dive in, shall we? (And spoiler alert: I have a lot to say.)
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- Title: Wyndham Ocean Ridge Edisto Island Review: Paradise Found…and Sometimes Lost (My Honest Take!)
- Keywords: Wyndham Ocean Ridge, Edisto Island, South Carolina, Vacation Rental, Review, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Spa, Swimming Pool, Beach, Restaurants, Wheelchair Accessible, Pet Friendly (although not for me!), Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Amenities, Activities, Best Hotels, South Carolina Coast, Oceanfront, Family Vacation, Romantic Getaway, Accessible Travel.
Accessibility: The Okay-ish Start
So, first things first. Accessibility. Wyndham Ocean Ridge says they've got it. And, from what I saw, they make a decent effort. Wheelchair accessible is a big check. The main areas, like the front desk (thankfully, accessible 24-hour front desk!), the elevators (yes!), and at least some of the walkways, were navigable. Now, the devil’s in the details. Not every path was perfectly smooth (hello, Charleston cobblestone envy!) and some of the ramps felt… a little steep. But credit where credit is due – they tried.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This is where things got a tad less clear. While I noted Restaurants on site, I didn't see specific mention of fully accessible dining areas, so I'm cautiously optimistic. It's worth calling ahead and double-checking if this is crucial for you.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (My Digital Existential Crisis)
Okay, so, Internet. Living in the digital age, it's practically a human right. And thankfully Wyndham Ocean Ridge understands. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Praise be! And the Internet access – wireless was generally good – though I swear, at one point, I almost threw my laptop into the ocean. I felt I had to use the Internet access – LAN option to do important work, but, like, I'm on vacation. The Internet services were pretty standard.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Gym Reality
Now, the fun part. Relaxation. Wyndham Ocean Ridge advertises it! The presence of a Spa and Spa/sauna definitely perked my ears up. A Body scrub and Body wrap sounded heavenly. But here’s where my inner cynic perked up. I am also aware of Body scrub, Body wrap, sauna, steamroom, etc.
The pool with view? I'm in! Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor]? Got it. There’s seriously something about lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, that just screams vacation.
Then, the obligatory Fitness center caught my eye. Gym/fitness. I’m not exactly a gym rat, but I do like to say I work out.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19: A Pandemic Diary
Let's get real. These days, Cleanliness and safety are paramount. Wyndham Ocean Ridge seemed to take it seriously. I saw evidence of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere and staff seemed to be practicing proper protocols. There was also Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The hotel's emphasis on Staff trained in safety protocol and the Safe dining setup gave me peace of mind. I also saw the Sterilizing equipment, and thought, "oh, hey, that's pretty cool".
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (that was sometimes a bit of a gamble)
Okay, the food. This is where my experience got …interesting. There was A la carte in restaurant, but also Breakfast [buffet] and Buffet in restaurant, which, for me, felt a bit iffy in these times.. Lots of choices.
I did discover Coffee/tea in restaurant and, oh boy, did I need that! The Poolside bar was a definite bonus. Happy hour? Yes, please! And a Snack bar for those mid-afternoon cravings. The Restaurants were decent, but don’t expect Michelin-star quality.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Basics
Wyndham Ocean Ridge tries to be helpful! Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, all there. The Elevator (bless you, kind invention!), the Gift/souvenir shop to pick up some cheesy, yet necessary, mementos. The Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver.
For the Kids: Because We're All Kids at Heart
I didn’t travel with kids, but Wyndham Ocean Ridge seemed geared up for them. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities, (including a Kids meal) which is a big plus for families.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Let's talk about the inside of the rooms. Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens,
My Personal Ramblings & Verdict
Look, Wyndham Ocean Ridge isn’t perfect. No place is. But it's a solid choice. It has its ups and downs, its quirks, which is really what made the trip memorable. From the slightly less-than-perfect accessibility to the (sometimes) underwhelming food, there are things to be aware of.
But the location? Stunning. The overall vibe? Relaxing. My advice? Go with an open mind, pack your sense of humor, and be prepared to embrace the imperfections. Because sometimes, those are the things that make a vacation truly special.
Final Score: 7.5/10 (Would recommend with caveats!)
Almora's Hidden Gem: Hotel Shikhar & Restaurant - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's rigid timesheet. We're going to Edisto Island, Wyndham Ocean Ridge edition, and we're doing it my way. Which means, expect the unexpected. Expect me to completely lose track of time. Expect me to probably swear a little. And hey, if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on your tolerance), you might just catch a glimpse of my inner monologue spilling onto the page. Here we go…
Edisto Island, SC: A Hot Mess Itinerary (Or, How I Learned to Love the Shrimp Bugs)
Day 1: Arrival and the Unveiling of "The Getaway That Almost Wasn't"
1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Wyndham Ocean Ridge. Let's be honest, travel always starts with a frantic dash. I swear, I triple-checked I had my keys… then spent 10 minutes digging through the abyss that is my purse. Found them. Victory! The check-in process? Smooth. No hiccups. My brain immediately starts calculating the exact number of days until I'm back home. (Maybe that's just me…)
1:30 PM: Unpack. This is a disaster zone. My suitcase explodes, revealing a shocking assortment of clothes, half-used sunscreen bottles that clearly haven't seen the sun in a year, and… a rubber chicken. Don't ask. It just needed to come. The condo itself is… serviceable. Ocean views? Yes, please. Decor? Uh… let's just say it's "coastal grandma chic" meets "thrift store treasure hunt". I already know I'm going to rearrange the furniture.
2:30 PM: The Beach Beckons! Okay, people. This is why we're here, right? Sand, sun, the promise of relaxation. Except, my sunscreen is still packed… ugh. Found it! Slathering myself in SPF 50 like I’m preparing for a nuclear winter. Walk to the beach, the sand is perfect, the water is… a little… murky. But fine. I'm not here to be picky. And then… they appear. The dreaded, tiny, sand-flea-like… things. Shrimp bugs. THE SHRIMP BUGS. I'm instantly itchy. I'm squirming. I've already swallowed a mouthful of salty air. This could be the moment I truly lose it.
3:30 PM: Retreat. Okay, the shrimp bugs won the round, but the beach will always be there… Right now I am in the pool. So much better.
6:00 PM: Dinner at Flowers Seafood. This is the must-do Edisto experience. We're talking fresh, local seafood, and no-frills ambiance. The fried shrimp (shocker, I know) is divine. The hushpuppies? Even better. The sunset over the marsh? Magical, and completely worth the mosquito bites I'm inevitably going to get. (Note to self: BUY BUG SPRAY.)
7:30 PM: Sunset, and… bug spray! My attempt to enjoy the moment is thoroughly interrupted by the overwhelming urge to smash every mosquito within a five-mile radius.
Day 2: Adventures (and Mosquitoes) on the Island
8:00 AM: Attempted yoga on the deck. Failed. I think I'm more of a "wobbly sun salutation" kind of person. But the ocean breeze was lovely.
9:30 AM: Edisto Island Serpentarium. I'm not gonna lie. I was terrified. Snakes. Spiders. All the crawling things. But it was fascinating! The staff is super knowledgeable, and yes, I even held a baby alligator. (I may or may not have screamed a little.)
12:00 PM: Lunch at The Old Post Office Restaurant. Casual, charming, and the Lowcountry boil is pure bliss. I may or may not have ordered a second help. Calories don't count on vacation, right?
2:00 PM: Kayaking. I'm attempting to glide gracefully across the salt marsh. I look more like a drunk duck. I'm also mildly terrified of alligators. So far, so good on the alligator front, though.
4:00 PM: Attempt to Relax by the pool. Fail. The pool is full of kids.
6:00 PM: Dinner at the condo. Let take out from The Old Post Office Restaurant (see above). We're officially calling this 'convenience'.
Day 3: A Day Tripped and a Deep Dive
- 9:00 AM: Day Trip to Charleston!
- 10:00 AM: Fort Sumter.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Charleston
- 1:00 PM: Explore Charleston!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp.
- 8:30 PM: Back at the condo. So. Tired.
Day 4: Beach, Bugs, and a Bit of Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: Beach again, sun, waves, and… you guessed it, shrimp bugs. I've made peace with them. Kinda. More like I'm armed with a good book and a liberal helping of bug spray.
- 12:00 PM: Cookout! I am going to have a cookout. Burgers, hotdogs, and, of course, a side of beachside.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to Pack. This time, the explosion is avoided.
- 6:00 PM: Last Dinner. I'm going to miss the food here.
Day 5: Farewell, Edisto! (Until Next Time?)
- 9:00 AM: Final check-out. The condo is back in (mostly) its original state.
- 9:30 AM: The drive home.
Post-Trip Reflection:
Edisto, you beautiful, buggy, slightly-too-hot-for-me island. I'm leaving slightly sunburned, moderately itchy, and completely charmed. Yes, the shrimp bugs were a nuisance. Yes, I probably ate too many hushpuppies. But I also found a little bit of peace, a lot of laughter, and a whole new appreciation for the simple joy of a sunset over the marsh. Do I recommend it? Hell yeah, I do. Just, seriously, bring the bug spray. And maybe a rubber chicken. You never know…
Escape to Paradise: Tru by Hilton Bradenton - Your Florida Getaway!
So, what *is* this "Wyndham Ocean Ridge Edisto Island" thing, anyway? Is it actually paradise? (And should I pack my swimsuit or a hazmat suit?)
Okay, deep breaths. Wyndham Ocean Ridge on Edisto Island. It *is* paradise, but let's be clear: paradise with a touch of humidity and the occasional biting insect. It's a timeshare resort, which, before you roll your eyes, hear me out. It’s got oceanfront views, beautiful marsh sunsets that’ll knock your socks off, and a vibe that screams relaxation the second you cross the bridge. Think Lowcountry charm meets comfortable, family-friendly fun. And about that hazmat suit? Leave it at home. Unless you're *really* terrified of sand fleas. Trust me, bring the swimsuit, the sunscreen, and a whole lot of bug spray. You'll need it.
Is Edisto Island actually... *island* life? I mean, is it remote? Can I get decent coffee? Crucial question.
Yes! It's very much *island* life. And that’s part of its magic. It's not, like, a bustling metropolis. Edisto is a place where you wave at everyone you pass in the car. It's about slowing down. Now, remote? Kinda. You’re a drive from the nearest major city. Which is the point, right? Decent coffee? Ah, the holy grail. Wyndham Ocean Ridge itself has okay coffee (in my humble, caffeine-addicted opinion). But the real victory is getting to the local coffee shop - Flowers by the Sea. Make the trek, people! Seriously, the lattes are worth the drive, and the atmosphere... pure Edisto bliss. Just... don't expect lightning-fast internet. Embrace the disconnect, I say!
What's the deal with the accommodations? Are we talking cramped motel room or spacious villa? And can I bring my pet squirrel? Hypothetically, of course.
Spacious villa, my friend! Typically. You're looking at condos or villas, with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and usually a balcony or porch. They’re *designed* for families. Now, about the pet squirrel… I'm going to have to say "no." They have rules about pets, and while a squirrel might seem charming, I suspect it'd wreak havoc. Check their official pet policy. But think: comfortable living, ample space to spread out, and likely a washer and dryer. A game-changer when you're dealing with sandy kids.
Okay, so what's there *to do*? Besides, you know, breathing? I have kids! And a husband who claims to be allergic to beaches (I suspect he's just lazy).
Oh, my goodness, the activities! First, the beach. Yes, the beach. Even your husband will succumb. It's gorgeous. Wide, sandy, and calm. You can swim, build sandcastles (the kids will love it!), collect shells while you walk along the shore…Then you have the resort amenities. Pools! Tennis courts! Mini-golf! There are activities for kids, like the kids’ club. My own kids have spent hours there, and they loved it! But listen. The real magic of Edisto is the simple stuff. Rent bikes and explore the island. Visit the Edisto Island State Park, climb the lighthouse. Go fishing. Seriously, the fishing is incredible. My husband (the "beach-allergic" one) actually *loved* the fishing charters and actually admitted he had *fun* and was happy. Take a boat tour and spot dolphins. Go crabbing off the dock. Or just sit on your porch, drink a bottle of wine, and watch the sunset. It’s all good. It's *all* good.
Food! Tell me about the food! Are my arteries in danger? Any recommendations?
Food! Okay, deep breath. Food! Your arteries *might* be in danger, but let's focus on the deliciousness first. Seafood is king. Get ready for fresh shrimp, crab cakes, and the best fried fish you've ever tasted. *Diner 78* has surprisingly good food, especially when you consider it's a resort restaurant, but the real star is *Seaview Restaurant*. It can get busy, but the oysters are divine, and the shrimp and grits... *chef's kiss*! I have to say, on my latest trip, the grits were… *perfect*! And oh, the sunsets. The sunsets! Just... be prepared to wait, especially during peak season. It’s worth it. Seriously. Another great option is *Old Post Office*. It has a more casual, laid-back vibe. And do not, I repeat, *do not* leave without trying the local ice cream. Trust me, it's a necessity.
Anything I should pack that's *not* on a typical vacation packing list? Like, ninja throwing stars for the squirrels I won't be bringing? (Just kidding... mostly.)
Alright, secrets of the Edisto veteran. First, bug spray. Loads of it. The mosquitos and sand fleas are relentless, and they will find you. Secondly, a good book. The beach reading is unparalleled. A beach bag with pockets! Trust me, you'll appreciate the organization when you're juggling sunscreen, snacks, and rogue seashells. Binoculars. You never know when you might spot dolphins or a particularly impressive bird. And finally, a sense of humor. Things happen. The weather might be unpredictable. The kids might have meltdowns. But that's part of the charm, right? Embrace the chaos. That's the Edisto way. Oh, and maybe a small first-aid kit. Just in case you run into those… *ahem*… "sand fleas." They're sneaky.
Okay, I’m sold. Are there any downsides? (Because, let’s be honest, nothing's perfect.)
Alright, let's be real. Edisto isn't for everyone. If you crave the hustle and bustle of a big city, this ain't it. It's quiet. It’s slow. Sometimes, the internet is a bit… spotty. The nearest Wal-Mart is a bit of a drive. And, yes, the timeshare aspect can be a bit of a turnoff. You’ll get the pitch, the pressure. But I try to ignore it and focus on the good stuff. The tranquility. the natural beauty, and the fact that it’s a perfect place to reconnect with your family. Plus, can I come visit?
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