The Communities of Hilton Head Island and Beyond The Island's Private Communities Our tour of island plantations begins to the north, with the bridge to the mainland serving as our point of embarkation. The north end of the island is more residential - than resort-oriented. The first private community glimpsed at after crossing over the gateway to Hilton Head Island is Windmill Harbour, located immediately on the right and situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, where breathtaking sunsets can be seen in all their splendor. The community's signature is in the harbour's technologically advanced lock system, protecting the 260-slip basin from wakes, currents and silting while affording direct boating access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Calibogue Sound. In the heart of Windmill Harbour is the award-winning South Carolina Yacht Club. The clubhouse is perched beside the sheltered waters and architecturally reflects the heritage of Charleston and the Lowcountry, a theme found throughout Windmill Harbour. A waterfront sports center provides excellent recreational facilities as well. The next private residential enclave is Spanish Wells, which has historical relevance as the site of the Spanish landing hundreds of years ago. Seemingly tucked away in its own hidden refuge, the plantation of Spanish Wells is etched with streets partially shaded by huge branches of its ancient oaks while fronting the waters of the Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek. Many Spanish Wells homes are situated on deep water lots with a private dock. Within the peaceful community are a private golf course and club. Also on the north end is one of Hilton Head's largest residential neighborhoods, Hilton Head Plantation. Sprawling in size with nearly 4,000 acres sheltered between Port Royal Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, Hilton Head Plantation boasts the full-scale amenities of a country club haven with four golf courses, miles of bike and jogging trails, two nature conservancies, tennis courts, a community recreation center, boating facilities, swimming pools, the Seabrook Farms for gardening and two miles of beautiful beaches. Also located in Hilton Head Plantation is the award-winning Cypress Retirement Community. Sea Pines Plantation ' One of the island's oldest and original resort communities ' Approximately 5000 acres of lush semitropical topography ' 605-acre Sea Pines forest preserve ' Atlantic Ocean on the east, and the Calibogue sound to the west ' Championship courses, or tennis and beach combing ' MCI Heritage of Golf (hosted at the Harbour Town Golf Links) Shipyard Plantation ' Centrally located in the heart of Hilton Head ' 803-acre community ' variety of single family homes in addition to villa (or condominium) residences and even rental properties ' Golf - three 9- hole championship courses ' Crowne Plaza Oceanfront resort ' Shipyard Racquet Club - rated among the top 50 in the entire country Long Cove Plantation ' Upscale communities identify the ultimate in residential luxury living ' Long Cove has become noted for its superb golf course, recently highly ranked amongst private golf communities ' Wide selection of amenities from swimming, fishing, to boating at the plantation marinas Wexford Plantation ' Sophisticated, private neighborhood, graceful in every detail ' 500 acres in size ' Multi-million dollar clubhouse ' Wexford Club provides members with elegant dining, tennis, and challenging golf on the Wexford Golf course Palmetto Dunes / Shelter Cove ' Most any type of home ownership available, from private single family homes, to vacation villas (condominiums) ' Mid-island and encompasses 1800 acres ' Direct Atlantic Ocean access, and the marina community of Shelter Cove Harbour ' Several world class ocean front resorts, such as Hyatt and Hilton hotels ' Golf abounds- three championship golf courses, winding through an