Ocean Club Villas: Oceanfront Living in Forest Beach

Ocean Club Villas stands as one of Forest Beach's most desirable oceanfront communities, offering the rare combination of direct beach access, a walkable location, and the intimate feel of a low-density residential complex. Located at 31 S. Forest Beach Drive, this 52-unit community provides owners with townhouse-style villas just steps from Hilton Head Island's pristine Atlantic beaches and the vibrant shopping and dining scene at Coligny Plaza.

Unlike the larger high-rise developments that dominate much of Hilton Head's oceanfront, Ocean Club maintains a boutique atmosphere with beautifully landscaped grounds, a private heated pool, and a gated community feel that appeals to both vacation homeowners and those seeking a permanent beach residence.

Location and Accessibility

Ocean Club's South Forest Beach location puts residents at the heart of Hilton Head Island's most accessible beach community. The complex sits approximately 100-110 yards from the beach, with a private boardwalk providing direct access to the sand. An outdoor shower at the beach entrance makes transitioning between beach and villa convenient.

Walking distance to Coligny Plaza (approximately 0.5 miles) means residents can leave their cars parked and stroll to dozens of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The Lowcountry Celebration Park, with its playground and water features, is also nearby. For cyclists, Hilton Head's extensive network of over 60 miles of bike trails begins just outside the community gates.

Villa Floor Plans and Features

Ocean Club offers two primary configurations to suit different lifestyle needs. The 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units range from approximately 1,200 to 1,314 square feet and are available in both flat (single-level) and townhouse-style layouts. The flat floor plans with no interior stairs appeal to buyers seeking accessibility, while the townhouse configurations maximize space and often include private patios.

The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouses range from approximately 1,860 to 1,964 square feet and feature a distinctive third-floor rooftop deck—a signature amenity that provides panoramic ocean views and additional outdoor living space. These larger units are particularly popular for vacation rentals due to their capacity and the unique rooftop entertaining area.

Most units have been updated over the years with modern finishes including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood or tile flooring, and renovated bathrooms. In-unit washers and dryers are standard, and private patios or balconies extend the living space outdoors.

Community Amenities

The centerpiece of Ocean Club's amenities is the heated community pool, which features a spacious sundeck with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The pool is heated during spring (March-April) and fall (October-November) seasons when outdoor temperatures permit, extending the swimming season beyond summer months.

The complex maintains beautifully landscaped grounds with lush tropical plantings that create a resort-like atmosphere. The private boardwalk to the beach includes an outdoor shower for rinsing off sand before returning to your villa. Designated parking spaces are provided, with many units offering the convenience of parking directly in front of the villa.

Investment and Rental Potential

Ocean Club's combination of oceanfront location, walkable amenities, and well-maintained units makes it a strong performer in Hilton Head's vacation rental market. Units in the complex regularly generate significant rental income, with 3-bedroom oceanfront units reporting annual rental revenues exceeding $60,000 in recent years.

The complex permits short-term rentals, making it attractive to investors and vacation homeowners who want to offset ownership costs. The location near Coligny Plaza drives consistent rental demand throughout the season, as guests appreciate being able to walk to dining and shopping without relying on a vehicle.

Regime Fees and Ownership Costs

Ocean Club operates under a condominium regime with monthly fees based on each unit's square footage as a percentage of the total complex. The regime fee covers a comprehensive package of services and expenses including exterior building and grounds maintenance, common area landscaping, pool maintenance and heating, pest control, water and sewer, trash removal, basic cable television, and building insurance (wind, hail, fire, and flood coverage for the building structure).

There is no separate POA fee for Ocean Club, as Forest Beach is not a gated community with additional association dues. The Town of Hilton Head Island does levy a one-time transfer fee of 0.25% on all property sales island-wide. Ocean Club does not charge a regime transfer fee to the association.

Owners should budget for their own HO6 insurance policy to cover personal contents, interior upgrades, and additional liability protection beyond the master building policy.

Recent Complex Improvements

Ocean Club has invested significantly in complex-wide improvements over recent years. These upgrades include a renovated and heated pool, new roofing, fresh exterior paint, updated walkways and lighting, and enhanced landscaping throughout the grounds. These improvements demonstrate the community's commitment to maintaining property values and the overall ownership experience.