Farm-to-resort is a movement that is taking over the travel industry.
What is it? It’s pretty simple. Farm-to-resort is the idea of sourcing food and ingredients from local farms and offering them in resorts and hotels. This is a trend that has been growing for the last few years, as people become more interested in where their food comes from.
Marriott’s Vacation Club introduced a “farm to resort” partnership with local Bluffton business, Lowcountry Fresh Market & Cafe, back in September of this year.
And the guests are loving it. Grande Ocean’s Facebook follower and guest of the Vacation Club, Annie Chermol, writes, “Great new way to support local purveyors while on vacation! Thank you for making it easy for us Marriott’s Grande Ocean!”
The partnership allow you to stock your vacation home with locally-grown, freshly-made groceries, baked goods & meals. Guests just shop the online store and get farmers’ market fresh foods from Lowcountry farmers and fishermen delivered right to your Vacation Club accommodation.
Guests in Hilton Head’s resort properties can now order locally grown produce, freshly made baked goods, locally raised and caught meats and seafood, and meal kits. All of this local deliciousness is delivered right to the resort. Marriott wants their guests to feel good about doing good during their vacation. By simply cooking a family meal to enjoy in their villa with ingredients from Lowcountry Fresh, they support the local farming community. Additionally, using locally sourced food also helps to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food from far away.
About Lowcountry Fresh Market & Cafe:
Located in Washington Square on Buckwalter Parkway, Lowcountry Fresh Market & Cafe is family owned & operated out of Bluffton. They support over 100 individual growers, harvesters, and makers whose families have been farming the rich Lowcountry soil for over 150 years. Lowcountry Fresh prioritizes diversity hiring, currently employing 35+ people in management, vendor development, procurement, food preparation, and customer service.
Lowcountry Fresh Market & Cafe receives the freshest, tastiest vegetables and fruits from right around the corner on the Sea Islands. Their seafood comes off the boats in nearby waters with sweet local shrimp, crabs and oysters. Deep-sea fishing vessels bring delicious cold-water fish straight from the ocean to our market. They also offer house-smoked meats, house-baked breads, local craft beers and more! You, too can shop their online store, by going to www.lowcountryfresh.storebyweb.com.
Participating Marriott’s Vacation Club properties include:
Barony Beach Club:
This oceanfront, oceanside and garden retreat offers numerous on-site amenities, including an indoor pool.
Grande Ocean:
This retreat offers a coveted beachfront location. Nearby you’ll discover challenging golf courses as well as other outdoor activities and attractions to entertain the entire family.
SurfWatch®:
Located along the shores of Hilton Head Island, Marriott’s SurfWatch® offers scenic views of the Atlantic and rolling sand dunes. Nearby, enjoy golf, tennis and miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Sunset Pointe:
Tucked into picturesque Shelter Cove Harbour, this intimate, private resort puts you in the heart of Hilton Head Island and its many recreational options. Deep-sea fishing, scenic sandy beaches and more than 20 PGA-sanctioned golf courses are all nearby.
Harbour Point:
Shelter Cove Harbour is home to Marriott’s Harbour Point, near local shops and restaurants, as well as the beaches and golf courses of Hilton Head. Swim in sparkling resort-style outdoor pools, bask in the sun on a 2,400-square-foot sundeck or play a game of basketball or pickleball with friends. In the evening, relax by the fire pit or prepare dinner on one of our BBQ grills.
