Renaissance Weekend

Situated on one of the nation's most brilliant beaches, Hilton Head Marriott Resort's guest rooms provide the Island's best ocean views.

Hilton Head Island is known as the most family-friendly destination in the world. Guests at Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa (formerly the Hyatt on Hilton Head) enjoy a spectacular beach, large outdoor swimming pool, and a terrific spa, within walking-distance of world-class golf and tennis, and 50 miles of scenic bike trails.

The Program

PANELS

The Weekend is comprised of hundreds of programs in which participants with in-depth knowledge reflect off-the-record on a wide variety of current issues. Lively discussion by all participants is encouraged, and the tone is decidedly relaxed and family-oriented. Afternoons are set aside for recreation, and all participants are encouraged to come and go as they like.

Because panel assignments are not completed until just before the event, the Final Program is only available at Registration, which begins at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 1. (However, a Tentative Draft Program will be sent to all registered lead participants mid-June.)

Participants are assigned roles in the program based on the information provided on the PARTICIPANT PROFILES page of your on-line registration or, if requested, on the equivalent printed form. Thus, it is most important to complete your Profile online as early as possible.

"Camp Renaissance" / Teens / College Students

CHILDREN

Camp Renaissance is an action-packed program tailored for children ages 3-12.  Typical children’s programs include hands-on experiments, indoor and outdoor games, nature walks, musical performances, story-telling and arts & crafts projects. These activities are organized by the Camp Renaissance Counselors, with involvement from adult Renaissance participants whose experiences are of interest to young people. The children’s program runs concurrently with the adult program, and thus does not provide full-time child care. Camp-related costs are included in the children’s Registration Fees for the Weekend.

Younger Children:  There is no organized program or child care provided for children under the age of three.  However, younger children are welcome at Camp Renaissance programs when accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.  Participants should make arrangements for babysitters at least three weeks prior to arrival at the Weekend (843-342-5673; Hilton Head Nannies; children@hiltonheadnannies.com; www.hiltonheadnannies.com).  To maximize enjoyment of the full program, families with young children are encouraged to bring a baby-sitter/“au pair.”  While there is no Registration Fee for such individuals, they are to be registered for Meals at the Children’s rate ($250).  It is understood that they are attending solely for child care and that, if practical, they will assist periodically with Camp Renaissance.  Baby-sitters/“au pairs” are free to attend programs and panel discussions designed specifically for Camp Renaissance participants.

TEENS & COLLEGE STUDENTS

Young people are welcome at all functions. Most teens and college students participate in the regularly-scheduled activities. In addition, they often have designated gathering places and their own activities and discussions. Teens and college students are usually placed on panels reflective of their interests, according to the information provided on the completed PARTICIPANT PROFILES.

The final agenda (available at Registration) will note programs especially for teens, other panels designed with teens in mind, and details for additional teen gatherings.

College students have traditionally integrated themselves into the adult program while also creating a strong bond during a few programs planned specifically for them.

Parents are expected to oversee their children’s and teens’ comings and goings throughout the Weekend. Renaissance Institute and Renaissance Weekend staff can assume no liability regarding children or teens.

Sports & Recreational Activities

Time will be set aside for afternoon recreation (golfing, fishing, biking, boating, swimming) and for enjoying Hilton Head Island.  Please contact the Hilton Head Marriott's Concierge desk (843-686-8400, Ext. 7053) for information regarding activities in and around Hilton Head.

       HILTON HEAD ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Bicycle rentals, canoeing, kayaking, in-shore and deep sea fishing, sailing, golf and tennis, nature tours, sightseeing and shopping are a few activities available.  The Marriott’s Concierge desk will be happy to assist you with any reservations

BOAT CRUISES & RENTALS

CANOES, KAYAKS & NATURE TOURS

Please contact the Hilton Head Marriott's Concierge desk (843-686-8400, Ext. 7053) for information on Nature Tours

HORSEBACK RIDING TOURS 

SAILING

WATERSPORTS & PARASAILING

SHELTER COVE MARINA   

The marina community of Palmetto Dunes is a 230-acre facility.  It is rated as one of the top harbors on the east coast.  This 220 slip, deep-water harbor can handle vessels up to 12 feet.  Wrapping around the harbor is some of your finest shipping and dining on Hilton Head Island.  

DEEP SEA FISHING

Off Shore - Kings, Spanish, Baracuda, Cobia, Grouper, Marlin                        35' Gullah Gal or 32' Marshtacky for up to 6 people - 4 hours - $425.00      Shark Trip - 3 Hours - $350.00                                                                     55' Micabe  - 6 people - Upon Request - $3,000.00 per day                           In Shore - Spanish, Blues, Jack Crevelle, Cobia, Sharks, Redfis, Trout       27' WildCat - 4 people - 4 hours - $375.00 / 5 hours - $450.00                  27' Catamandoo - 4 people - 4 hours - $375.00 / 5 hours - $450.00     

COASTAL DISCOVER MUSEUM

(843)-689-6767

Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

The Coastal Discovery Museum offers programs, activities, and exhibits year-round to make learning about Hilton Head and other sea islands an enjoyable experience for island visitors and residents alike.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Only 38 miles away (about 1 hour of scenic driving) from Hilton Head Island, Savannah, founded in 1733, is "Georgia's First City" and one of the most romantic, and haunted!, destinations in the United States. This charming city is rich with history and Southern hospitality. The Historic District fills Savannah with twenty-two picturesque city squares, extraordinary architecture and lush botanicals.

HILTON HEAD GOLF & TENNIS

Hilton Head Island combines a wealth of golf courses fashioned by some of the game's most well-known architects with the charms of the region itself. It strives for quality versus quantity and it shows. Hilton Head golf courses were voted #10 by Golf Digest readers as one of the world's best golf resort destinations.

To request a free copy of the Hilton Head Island Golf Planner visit http://www.golfisland.com.

View listings for golf reservations, packages and discounts.

Hilton Head tennis fans reap the benefit of what big-star names and groups have sown here: top-rated tennis facilities and programs that are the envy of the country. With over 350 courts in all three Grand Slam surfaces, even grass, Hilton Head Island area's net worth is at an all-time high. In fact, Hilton Head Island’s top-ranked tennis facilities and programs have attracted tennis professionals and amateurs for years.

Rates listed do not include state and local taxes.
Some activities depend on weather and water-level.

Golf tee times and tennis court reservations may be arranged in advance of the Weekend directly with the Marriott's Concierge desk (843-686-8400, Ext. 7053).

Transportation & Rental Cars

Discount airfares (sometimes better than internet fares) and information regarding travel to Hilton Head Island are available from Abbott & Hill Travel at (843) 971-0170.  For reservations, ask for Ted Walker and refer to Renaissance Weekend.

For transportation to/from Hilton Head Airport and the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airports, rental car agencies are available at both airports, and local taxis are available.  Private car service is available through Lowcountry Adventures for $95 inclusive  (up to 3 people).

If you are not driving to Hilton Head, a rental car is strongly recommended.  You are encouraged to make reservations well in advance and reconfirm arrangements close to arrival.  Complimentary “on demand” shuttle service within the Palmetto Dunes resort is available.  Those wishing greater flexibility, those with young children, or those interested in shopping or exploring the Island will find a car necessary.  Complimentary self-parking is available for overnight guests of the resort. For those not staying at the Marriott Resort and Spa, self- parking is currently $10 per day and valet parking is $18.00 per day.

It is essential that you advise BOTH the hotel and Renaissance Weekend if you must cancel at any time! (Otherwise, you may not be eligible for applicable refunds.)

 Starting & Ending Times

Registration opens on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 4:00 P.M.  (Help with Registration is most welcome from early arrivals.  Please notify the Renaissance Weekend staff of your availability.)  The first program begins at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday.  Please note that some Committees—including Music, Fun & Sizzle and Proctors & Moderators—meet between 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.  In addition to obtaining materials at the Renaissance Weekend Registration Desk at the Hilton Head Marriott, participants will need to check in separately with the Resort.  

The final program ends by noon on Monday, July 5, 2010.  More specific advance information will be provided in the Tentative Program and other materials sent to all registered lead participants in mid-June.

Duration of Stay, Arrivals & Departures

Participants are encouraged to arrive early and families often find that staying an extra day or two provides a more relaxed opportunity to enjoy the recreational opportunities in and around Hilton Head Island.  Should you wish to arrive early or extend your stay, stated room rates and privileges apply, subject to certain limitations and availability.  Once Renaissance Weekend hs secured your reservation with the Resort, please communicate directly with the Hilton Head Marriott to change your arrival/departure dates, if necessary.   

Please advise us of your flight information or arrival/departure time as soon as it is confirmed.

Weather & Dress

Hilton Head's weather in July can range from the high 80’s during the day, but always with cooling ocean breezes, to the 70’s at night, though you are urged to check weather reports shortly in advance of the Weekend (www.weather.com).   Dress during the day is informal — “resort casual.”  Jeans are acceptable for day-time programs; men typically wear jackets for dinners.

Meals

Conversation over meals is an important part of the Weekend, and it is assumed that all guests will participate in the Common Meals. (Thus, only children under three are not charged for Common Meals.)

Meals On-Your-Own: Saturday’s dinner and Sunday's lunch are “on-your own,” enabling you to enjoy the 4th of July Holiday, Hilton Head and the surrounding area. For dining recommendations, visit the website for the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce at www.hiltonheadisland.org or contact the Marriott's Concierge desk (843-686-8400, Ext. 7053).   Additional information will also be sent to you in June.

Cancellation Policies

Registration Fees will be refunded for cancellations received in writing (via fax, e-mail or mail) by Renaissance Weekend as noted below. Registrants who cancel in time to receive a full refund will nonetheless incur a $250 processing fee.

• Maximum Refund: Before May 18, 2010 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• 50% Refund:  May 18 – June 18, 2010 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• 25% Refund:  June 23 – June 18, 2010 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• No Refund: After June 18, 2010

Common Meals and Meeting Service Charges can only be refunded if written cancellation is received by Renaissance Weekend on or before June 18, 2010.  Because “head counts” are guaranteed in advance of the Weekend, there can be no such refund after this date, nor can there be reductions of charges for early departures or absence from meals. 

Transfer of Registration from the Summer Weekend to one of the next three Renaissance Weekends may be possible, without penalty, if notice is received in writing by June 18, 2010 (with a transfer fee of $100).

It is essential that you advise BOTH the hotel and Renaissance Weekend if you must cancel at any time! (Otherwise, you may not be eligible for applicable refunds.)

Lodging deposits, refunds and payments are handled in accordance with the Hilton Head Marriott’s policy as noted during the registration process.  The Hilton Head Marriott requires a deposit equal to the room and tax for one night’s stay.  Deposits are refunded if cancellations are received in advance by the deadlines noted below:

Hotel                          Cancellation/Change in Length of Stay Policy
Hilton Head Marriott    7 days prior to scheduled arrival

A reduction in length of stay received within 7 days of arrival will result in forfeiture of room and tax for those nights cancelled