Marriott's Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe at Shelter Cove: Two Hilton Head Timeshare Resorts

What You'll Find at Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe

Marriott's Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe are two separate timeshare resorts on Hilton Head Island, both located at Shelter Cove. Harbour Point sits directly on Calibogue Sound with views across the water toward Daufuskie Island, while Sunset Pointe overlooks the marina and the broader Shelter Cove community. Both properties operate as vacation ownership resorts where guests purchase points or weeks to reserve accommodations, rather than booking nightly hotel stays. If you're considering either property—whether as a potential owner, a renter of someone else's points, or simply to understand what they offer—knowing the layout, amenities, and how each operates will help you decide if either fits what you're looking for.

The two resorts share similar unit configurations and Marriott's points-based system, but they differ in setting and walkability. Harbour Point emphasizes waterfront access and a more spread-out resort feel, while Sunset Pointe prioritizes proximity to Shelter Cove's shops, restaurants, and marina boardwalk. Both offer full kitchens, in-unit laundry, pools, and fitness centers, making them suitable for families or groups who want more space and cooking flexibility than a standard hotel room provides.

Key Takeaways

• Harbour Point offers waterfront units with sound views and direct beach access to Shelter Cove's recreational areas, while Sunset Pointe provides marina views and is steps from shops and restaurants within the Shelter Cove complex.
• Both resorts feature full kitchens in their units, multiple pools, fitness centers, and access to Shelter Cove's amenities including a marina, golf course, and dining venues.
• Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe operate on Marriott's points-based system, meaning owners purchase annual points that can be used to reserve stays of varying lengths rather than owning a fixed week.
• Shelter Cove itself is a mixed-use community on Hilton Head's south end, combining residential, retail, dining, and recreational spaces within walking distance of both resorts.
• Renters can book stays at either property through Marriott's rental program or through third-party vacation rental platforms if owners are making their points available.

Harbour Point's Waterfront Location and Layout

Harbour Point occupies the waterfront edge of Shelter Cove, with its main building and villa clusters positioned to face Calibogue Sound. The resort's units range from studios to three-bedroom villas, and most feature full kitchens, washer-dryer combinations, and private balconies or patios. The waterfront setting means many units have unobstructed views of the sound, and the property includes a dedicated beach area—a rarity on Hilton Head, where most "beaches" are actually marsh-front access points. This beach area connects to the broader Shelter Cove recreational zone, giving guests direct access to the marina, paddleboard rentals, and boat launch facilities.

The resort's main amenities cluster near the sound-facing side: a heated pool overlooking the water, a fitness center, and a small market for basic groceries and supplies. Harbour Point's architecture blends low-rise residential buildings with villa-style units scattered across landscaped grounds, so the property doesn't feel like a dense hotel complex. Parking is available at each building, though during peak season (November through March) finding a spot near your unit can require a short walk. The property's spread-out design gives it a quieter, more residential character than Sunset Pointe, though it means longer walks between your unit and some amenities.

Sunset Pointe's Marina-View Setting and Walkability

Sunset Pointe sits slightly inland from Harbour Point but still within Shelter Cove, with views of the marina and the community's central plaza. The resort's units are similarly configured—studios through three-bedroom villas with full kitchens and in-unit laundry—but the property's main advantage is its proximity to Shelter Cove's retail and dining core. From Sunset Pointe, you can walk to restaurants, a grocery store, boutique shops, and the marina boardwalk in five to ten minutes, making it a better choice if you prefer walkable access to dining and shopping without driving.

Sunset Pointe's pool area faces the marina, and the resort includes a fitness center and business center. The property's layout is more compact than Harbour Point, with buildings arranged around central courtyards rather than spread across waterfront grounds. This density means shorter distances between your unit and common areas, though it also means less of the "resort escape" feel that Harbour Point's waterfront setting provides. Parking is plentiful and typically easier to navigate than at Harbour Point, and the location makes it simpler to explore Shelter Cove's community spaces on foot.

How the Points System Works at Both Resorts

Both Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe operate under Marriott's Vacation Club Points system. Owners purchase an annual allotment of points, which they then use to reserve stays at either property or at thousands of other Marriott Vacation Club resorts worldwide. The number of points required for a stay depends on the unit size, the season (peak, standard, or off-season), and the length of stay. A studio in off-season might cost 4,000 points for a week, while a three-bedroom in peak season could require 10,000 or more points for the same week.

Owners receive their annual points allocation each year and can roll unused points into the following year (up to a limit), bank them for future use, or rent them out through Marriott's rental program. The system offers flexibility—you don't own a specific week or unit, so you can vary your travel dates and unit sizes year to year. However, peak-season weeks (particularly around Christmas and spring break) require booking well in advance, sometimes a year or more ahead, because demand for points during those periods is high. Owners also pay annual maintenance fees, which cover property upkeep, utilities, and resort operations.

Shelter Cove as a Community and What's Nearby

Shelter Cove is a planned community on Hilton Head's southern end, developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a mixed-use village combining residential neighborhoods, retail, dining, and recreation. The marina is the community's centerpiece, offering boat rentals, fishing charters, and casual waterfront dining at spots like The Salty Dog Cafe. The central plaza hosts a grocery store, pharmacy, and various shops, and the community includes a public golf course (Calibogue Sound Golf Club) and multiple restaurants ranging from casual to upscale.

Both Marriott resorts sit within this larger Shelter Cove framework, so guests have access to all community amenities without leaving the area. The community is quieter and more residential than Hilton Head's main tourist corridor along US 278, making it appealing if you prefer a less crowded atmosphere. However, it's also farther from Hilton Head's main beaches (Coligny Beach Park and Folly Field Beach), which are a 10- to 15-minute drive away. Calibogue Sound itself is a working waterway with boat traffic, so the water views, while scenic, include the sight and sound of passing boats rather than the open ocean.

Renting at Harbour Point or Sunset Pointe Without Owning

If you want to stay at either resort without purchasing points, you have two main options. Marriott's rental program allows owners to rent their unused points to guests, and you can search for available weeks directly through Marriott Vacation Club's website. Alternatively, third-party vacation rental platforms like VRBO, Airbnb, and Vacasa list units at both properties when owners make them available for short-term rental. Rental rates vary by season and unit size, but expect to pay more than a standard Hilton Head hotel for a comparable night, since you're renting a full kitchen unit rather than a hotel room.

Renting through Marriott's official program typically offers more consistency in terms of what you're getting—the resort handles the transaction, and you have Marriott's customer service backing the reservation. Third-party rentals may offer more flexibility in booking windows and sometimes lower rates, but you're dealing directly with individual owners, so communication and cancellation policies vary. Read reviews carefully on any platform before booking, particularly regarding check-in procedures and the condition of the unit. Peak-season rentals should be booked several months in advance to secure availability.

When to Visit and What to Expect Seasonally

Hilton Head's peak season runs from November through March, when temperatures are mild (50s to 60s Fahrenheit during the day) and the island draws visitors escaping colder climates. This is also when points are most expensive and hardest to book at either resort. Summer (June through August) brings heat and humidity but fewer crowds and lower points costs. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer moderate temperatures and moderate pricing, making them good middle-ground options if you're flexible on timing.

Hurricane season officially runs June through November, with the highest risk in September and October. Marriott resorts have hurricane protocols in place, and the company typically waives cancellation fees if a hurricane threatens the area. Winter months occasionally bring cold snaps, but snow is rare. If you're planning a specific trip, book as far in advance as possible—both resorts fill quickly during peak season, and availability can be limited even six months out for popular weeks. Shoulder seasons offer the best combination of pleasant weather and reasonable availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe in the same trip?

Yes. Both properties are within Shelter Cove, about a five-minute drive apart, and you can book stays at each resort in back-to-back weeks if you have enough points. Some owners split their annual points between the two properties to experience both locations. However, you'll need to check out of one and check into the other, so plan for a transition day.

What's the difference between owning points and renting them?

Owners purchase points annually and own the right to use them indefinitely (though they pay annual maintenance fees). Renters book specific stays through owners or Marriott's rental program and have no ongoing ownership or fees. Renting is simpler if you want a one-time or occasional stay; owning makes sense if you plan to visit regularly and want predictable annual costs.

Are there beaches at either resort?

Harbour Point has a dedicated beach area on Calibogue Sound, though it's a sound beach (calm, marsh-backed) rather than an ocean beach. Sunset Pointe doesn't have its own beach but is close to Shelter Cove's recreational areas. Hilton Head's main ocean beaches (Coligny, Folly Field) are a 10- to 15-minute drive away.

What's included in the nightly rate if I rent a unit?

Rental rates typically include the unit, utilities, and access to resort amenities like pools and fitness centers. They do not include parking fees (if charged separately), resort activities, dining, or attractions outside the property. Check the specific listing to confirm what's included, as rental terms vary by owner.

Do I need a car to get around Shelter Cove?

Sunset Pointe is walkable to shops and restaurants within Shelter Cove. Harbour Point is more spread out and benefits from a car, though you can walk to some marina areas. To explore Hilton Head beyond Shelter Cove—beaches, downtown Hilton Head, attractions—you'll need a car or ride service.