You’re driving over the Barefoot Swing Bridge, the sun is hitting the Intracoastal Waterway just right, and there they are. Those four towering buildings. If you’ve spent any time in North Myrtle Beach, you know the Yacht Club Villas at Barefoot Resort. They aren't just "another condo." They’re basically the grandfathers of luxury high-rise living in this specific pocket of the Grand Strand.
Most people see the blue glass and the balconies and assume it's just a pricey hotel. It's not. It’s a weirdly perfect mix of high-end residential living and a golfer's fever dream.
I’ve walked these halls. Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the granite or the tile. It’s the sheer scale. We’re talking about floor plans that actually let you breathe, which is a rarity in a market where "oceanfront" usually means "living in a shoebox." At the Yacht Club Villas, the "standard" starts at two bedrooms and goes all the way up to sprawling four-bedroom corner units that feel more like suburban homes than vacation rentals.
What Actually Sets Yacht Club Villas at Barefoot Resort Apart
Look, the North Myrtle Beach market is flooded. You can’t throw a seashell without hitting a condo development. So why do people keep coming back here?
It’s the view. But not the view you think.
While everyone else is fighting for a sliver of oceanfront sand, the Yacht Club Villas face the Waterway. You’re watching multimillion-dollar yachts crawl toward the Atlantic. You’re watching the sunset over the Greg Norman golf course. It’s a different kind of energy. It’s quieter. It’s more "old money" than "spring break."
The amenities are, frankly, a bit ridiculous. You have access to what is widely considered the largest outdoor pool in South Carolina. It’s a massive, saltwater monstrosity that sits right on the marina. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze into a hotel pool in July, you’ll appreciate the 15,000 square feet of water here.
The Golf Factor
You can’t talk about Barefoot Resort without talking about the four horsemen: Norman, Fazio, Love, and Dye. These are the championship courses that put this place on the map.
📖 Related: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
If you're staying at the Yacht Club Villas, you aren't just near the golf; you’re in the nerve center of it. The Dye Club is the crown jewel, often hosting the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Pier. It’s prestigious. It’s difficult. It’s expensive. But for a certain type of traveler, being able to roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and be on a world-class fairway in five minutes is the whole point of the trip.
Many owners here have "Golf Memberships" that transfer to renters, which is a huge SEO-friendly perk that savvy travelers look for. It saves hundreds of dollars in greens fees.
The Reality of the "North" Location
Let’s be real for a second.
If you want to be in the middle of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk mayhem, this isn't for you. You’re in North Myrtle Beach. It’s a different city, literally and figuratively. You’re across the street from Barefoot Landing, which is great for dinner at Greg Norman’s Australian Grille or a show at the House of Blues.
But you are a drive away from the actual beach.
The resort runs a shuttle. It’s reliable, sure. But you aren't walking to the surf with a cooler and three kids in tow. You’re trading immediate sand access for a massive balcony and a view of the marina. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s the reason they buy here. They want the luxury of the resort without the sand in their sheets.
Floor Plans and Internal Specs
The construction quality in these buildings—built largely in the early to mid-2000s—is surprisingly beefy. You don't hear your neighbors' TV through the walls like you do in the older wooden-frame villas spread across the rest of the resort.
👉 See also: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
- 2-Bedroom Units: Usually around 1,300 to 1,500 square feet. Great for a small family.
- 3-Bedroom Units: The sweet spot. You get a massive primary suite and plenty of room for guests.
- 4-Bedroom Penthouses: These are the "wow" factors. Wraparound balconies. Multiple en-suites.
Kitchens usually feature granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, though, because these are privately owned, the "vibe" varies. One unit might look like a modern Crate & Barrel showroom, and the next might have 1990s wicker furniture and floral wallpaper. That's the gamble of the rental market.
The Investment Side: What the Numbers Look Like
Buying a unit at Yacht Club Villas at Barefoot Resort isn't a casual "let's buy a beach shack" move. It’s a business decision.
HOA fees here are high. There’s no way around it. You’re paying for that massive pool, the 24-hour security, the landscaping, and the insurance on a massive high-rise. However, the rental income potential is significant. Because these villas accommodate large groups (especially golf groups in the spring and fall), the occupancy rates stay higher than average throughout the "shoulder seasons."
Investors look at the "Turnkey" nature of these units. Most come fully furnished. You buy it on Monday, and you have a rental check coming in by Friday.
But watch out for the assessments. With any building this close to the water, maintenance is a constant battle against salt air. Smart buyers look at the HOA meeting minutes to see if a big roof project or a parking lot repaving is looming.
The Marina Lifestyle
If you own a boat, this is basically the only place to be. The Barefoot Marina is right there. You can dock your boat, walk to your condo, shower, and then walk over to Taco Mundo for a margarita.
It’s a lifestyle that feels very "Florida" in the middle of South Carolina. The Intracoastal Waterway acts as a highway for people moving up and down the coast. Sitting on a Yacht Club Villa balcony is basically like having a front-row seat to a parade of millions of dollars of naval engineering.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Nutty Putty Cave Seal is Permanent: What Most People Get Wrong About the John Jones Site
Common Misconceptions
People think Barefoot Resort is one giant hotel. It’s actually a collection of dozens of different neighborhoods. You have the "Villas" (the cheaper, three-story walk-ups), the "Havens," and then the "Yacht Club."
Don't get them confused.
The Yacht Club Villas are the high-rises. If you book a "Barefoot Villa" and expect a 10th-floor view of the water, you’re going to be disappointed when you end up in a woodland-view condo two miles inland.
Also, the "beach cabana." Barefoot Resort has its own private oceanfront cabana for owners and guests. It’s located at 46th Avenue South. It’s a great perk, but again, you have to take the shuttle or find parking, which can be a nightmare in July.
Is it Worth the Hype?
Honestly, it depends on what you value.
If you want a quiet, gated-feeling environment with the best views in the city and world-class golf at your doorstep, then yes. The Yacht Club Villas at Barefoot Resort are the gold standard.
If you want to walk out your door and have your toes in the sand in sixty seconds, go find a place on Ocean Blvd.
The beauty of this spot is that it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It’s specifically designed for people who want space, luxury, and a view that doesn't end at the horizon.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers and Buyers
- For Renters: Always ask if the specific unit includes a Golf Membership transfer. This can save you hundreds on the four Barefoot courses. Also, check which building you're in; Building 1 and 2 are generally closer to the marina action.
- For Buyers: Look closely at the HOA reserve funds. A high-rise requires a lot of capital. Ensure the association isn't planning a massive assessment for elevator upgrades or balcony railings.
- For Everyone: Check the Barefoot Landing event schedule. Staying here during the 4th of July or New Year’s means you have the best seat in the house for the fireworks over the lake, but it also means traffic will be a beast.
- The Shuttle Tip: If you're heading to the beach, download the shuttle tracker app (if available during your stay) or get the front desk's direct number. Timing the shuttle is the difference between a great day and standing in 95-degree heat for twenty minutes.
- Dining: Skip the tourist traps. Walk over to Blueberry’s Grill for breakfast. It’s right there at Barefoot Landing and is legitimately some of the best food in North Myrtle Beach.
The Yacht Club Villas at Barefoot Resort remain a powerhouse in the local market because they offer something the oceanfront high-rises can't: a sense of scale and a view of the "other" side of coastal living. Whether you're here for the Dye Course or just to watch the boats go by, it’s a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.