We spent a week here in September with a family of four and 2 guests. We enjoyed it tremendously. We were in a 2BR unit directly across from the pool. Our stay began with an easy check in at their central check in location for all the properties they own. It was about 5-10 away from the condo. We were given lots of info. and nobody bothered us about a presentation.
Our unit was clean and spacious upon arrival. The kitchen was well stocked with cooking tools/dishes/etc. The appliances and cabinets were all clean. I especially loved the breakfast bar for 4 that faced the kitchen. On the other side of the kitchen counter/breakfast bar, was a dining room with a large glass table that seated 6-8 comfortably. it looked out onto the deck and creek outside the back of the unit. The stools and dr chairs were all clean and the upholstery was in excellent condition. The style was typical for the region....palm trees, lots of pineapples, etc. The living room was equally clean and quite spacious. It had a large sofa and 2 comfy easy chairs, 2 end tables, a coffee table and lamps as well as a decent sized tv with dvd/stereo/vcr. The condition of the furniture, carpets, flooring was excellent. The living room led out to the deck which had a table and 4 chairs that looked out onto a small creek and wooded area. There was a spectacular alligator and her babies that we watched every day. At one point she came right up to the area under our deck. The deck was adequate, and appropriately weathered for the location. People sometimes think grey, weathered decks are not maintained, but they don't paint/stain the decking down here. There was also a powder room on this level which was very convenient for everyone.
Upstairs from the lr was the second floor. The master bedroom was very large with great closet space, a soft mattress, and a window seat that easily became a sleeping area for an extra guest. The master bath was HUGE with separate a spacious vanity, vaulted ceiling and skylight, spa tub, stand alone shower and good lighting. There were plenty of towels and linens. The second bedroom was also spacious and had good closet space. It had 2 twins and its own bathroom. There was a shower/tub combo. Again, plenty of linens and towels to go around. The decor was regional and everything was very clean and well maintained. The foyer outside the bedrooms was enormous and the kids often sat up there to "hang out". It overhung the downstairs a bit and had its own landing at the top of the stairs.
We were thrilled that our unit came with 2 bikes, which were delivered and waiting for us once we arrived on property. The pool was very clean, as was the patio. There was plenty of seating and chaise lounges. This might not be the case in peak season. I don't know how crowded the pool gets. It was open until about 11 each night.
The resort itself was more like coming home to a private residence. We honestly did not make use of the clubhouse facility or any activities. We did hit 2 rainy days and were able to sign out games and legos from the clubhouse. The activities offered seemed to be the same kind of thing you get anywhere...low country boil, tie dye, make your own sundae, nature walk, get to know bbq, etc. We never go to these things because we spend every minute at the beach or exploring the area.
Now onto the beach. Being inside Shipyard Plantation is awesome. Once you get the lay of the land/roads you will enjoy your bike ride to the beach. It is not walkable. You can also drive. The private beach for the resort is shared among many resorts in Shipyard Plantation and on the property of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Upon arrival there was plenty of car and bike parking available. There is also a drop off area near the dunes and boardwalk down to the beach. A clubhouse and storage lockers are available to owners. Clean bathrooms and outside showers are available in this area as well. The beach is just wonderful. The sand is like velvet between your toes and immaculately maintained. Chaises, umbrellas and some crazy beach go cart is available for rental right on the beach. There were always lifeguards on duty. Don't expect to get much shelling done here, but do expect the dolphins to swim right by you in the water each evening. Spectacular sunsets and bike rides on the hard packed sand are a must. We would ride all the way down the beach each day to the public access point at Coligny Beach. From there we would go get some dinner supplies and put them in our bike basket and ride home. It truly is heaven on earth.