Avista Guest Newsletter Summer 2026
Director of Operations, Avista Resort
Summer has a special way of bringing people together, and nowhere is that more evident than here at Avista Resort. Over the past few months, it has been a pleasure watching families create new traditions, welcoming back familiar faces, hosting groups from near and far, and seeing first-time guests discover everything that makes an oceanfront getaway in North Myrtle Beach so memorable. The laughter around our pools, the excitement during our events, and the smiles shared throughout the resort remind us every day why we love what we do.
This season has been filled with unforgettable celebrations, exciting new additions, and enhancements designed to make every stay even more enjoyable. From crowd-favorite entertainment and holiday festivities to thoughtful resort improvements and new opportunities to experience the best of the Grand Strand, there's always something happening at Avista! On behalf of our entire team, thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. We look forward to continuing to create memorable experiences and welcoming you back to the place where summer truly comes alive.
Honored Again, Thank You for Making it Possible!
At Avista Resort, creating unforgettable vacations has always been at the heart of what we do. That's why we're incredibly proud to once again be recognized with Tripadvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Award, an honor that places us among the top 10% of hotels worldwide based on guest reviews and experiences.
Earning this recognition year after year is something we never take for granted. It reflects the dedication of our incredible team, who work hard each day to provide warm hospitality, exceptional service, and memorable stays for every guest who walks through our doors. Most importantly, it reflects the trust and support of our guests. Every review you share, recommendation you make, and vacation you spend with us plays a part in this achievement.
Being recognized as a Travelers' Choice Award winner once again motivates us to continue exceeding expectations and creating experiences that families, couples, and friends will cherish for years to come. Whether you're relaxing by the ocean, making memories with loved ones, or returning for another favorite beach getaway, we're honored to be part of your vacation traditions.
From all of us at Avista Resort, thank you for your continued loyalty and support. We look forward to welcoming you back for another award-winning stay and creating even more unforgettable memories together!
Where Every Gathering Finds It's Perfect Place
This summer, Avista Resort has had the pleasure of welcoming an incredible variety of groups from across the country, each bringing their own reason for gathering. From competitive sports teams and wellness retreats to annual corporate meetings, motorcoach tours, and cherished family reunions, we're grateful to be a part of so many memorable experiences and honored by the number of groups that return to Avista year after year.
Throughout the season, our resort has been filled with the excitement of baseball, softball, basketball, and lacrosse teams competing at the nearby North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex, while families reunited, businesses collaborated, and guests created lasting memories together by the ocean. We're especially proud to have welcomed several new motorcoach groups this season, whose guests praised not only their accommodations and breakfast buffet but also the warm, attentive service they received from every department throughout the resort.
At the heart of it all is our spacious Avalon Ballroom, a flexible venue that can be customized to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. Whether you're planning an intimate meeting, a large banquet, a family celebration, holiday party, motorcoach tour or a multi-day conference, Avista offers the ideal oceanfront setting, exceptional hospitality, and a team dedicated to making every event a success.
No matter what brings your group together, our experienced Group Sales Team is honored to facilitate it with you! Let Avista Resort provide the perfect oceanfront setting where great events become unforgettable memories.
Hula Fire: An Island-Inspired Evening, Now More Elevated!
Again this year, Hula Fire at Avista Resort continues to be one of our most anticipated summer traditions, and this season we’ve taken the experience to an entirely new level. With incredible performances, delicious food, and unforgettable moments under the coastal sky, Hula Fire has become an evening guests look forward to sharing with family and friends during their beach vacation.
New this year, guests can enjoy an elevated viewing experience with our VIP Seating, offering some of the best views of the breathtaking Polynesian-inspired dancing and spectacular fire performances. Along with the premium view, VIP guests can relax in comfortable seating while enjoying our delicious Hawaiian-themed dinner buffet, a crowd favorite that sets the stage for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
To help guests remember the magic long after their vacation ends, we’ve also introduced exclusive Avista Resort Hula Fire commemorative t-shirts, available for purchase in celebration of this beloved summer tradition. Whether worn during the show or taken home as a keepsake, they’re the perfect way to carry a piece of the experience with you.
Shows are running every Wednesday through September 9th, giving guests plenty of opportunities to experience why Hula Fire has become one of Avista’s most celebrated events. If you haven’t joined us yet, now is the perfect time to reserve your spot and create a memory your family will treasure for years to come. Don't miss your chance to experience the excitement, culture, and unforgettable energy of Hula Fire at Avista Resort this summer.
Celebrating America's 250th in True Avista Style
This year's Fourth of July celebration at Avista Resort was one for the history books as guests joined us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence with a full day of family fun, patriotic traditions, and unforgettable memories by the ocean. The festivities began with our annual holiday barbecue, where guests enjoyed all of the American cookout classics, with barbecue chicken, burgers, hot dogs, sweet corn on the cob and all the summertime favorites. Throughout the day, DJ Jay kept the pool deck energized with patriotic anthems and crowd favorites, creating the perfect soundtrack for an incredible Independence Day celebration.
Our younger guests embraced the holiday spirit with festive tie-dye T-shirt crafts and heartfelt letters to active military members and veterans before everyone gathered to witness one of the Grand Strand's most cherished traditions, the spectacular Salute from the Shore flyover. Watching Apache helicopters, F-16s, and C-17 aircraft soar over the coastline was a moving experience that filled the beach with pride and appreciation.
The excitement continued with duck races, hula hoop competitions, festive prizes, and the watermelon eating contest, bringing smiles, laughter, and friendly competition to guests of every age. As the afternoon gave way to evening, families gathered on their beautifully decorated oceanfront balconies for a commemorative resort photo before ending the celebration with a glowing poolside dance party that kept the festive spirit alive well into the night.
The celebration was such a memorable success that Avista Resort's Independence Day festivities were proudly featured in the North Myrtle Beach newspaper, a wonderful reflection of the incredible atmosphere created by our guests and team. At Avista Resort, holidays are about more than celebrating, they're about creating traditions families look forward to year after year. We can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable Fourth of July celebration by the beach!
Thoughtful Improvements for Memorable Stays
At Avista Resort, we're always looking for ways to make every stay even more enjoyable. Our Engineering Team has completed a variety of thoughtful enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience, from the moment you arrive until the moment you head home.
One of the most noticeable transformations is our newly redesigned lobby entrance. The previous revolving turnstile has been replaced with two spacious sliding glass doors, creating a brighter, more welcoming arrival and a refreshed first impression for guests beginning their beach vacation. To complement the updated space, we've also introduced a brand-new photo opportunity featuring a coastal backdrop, custom Avista Resort surfboard, and fun wayfinding signs inspired by our favorite resort destinations. It's the perfect place to capture a family photo and take home a special postcard memory of your stay!
Beyond the lobby, you'll also find brand-new pool loungers ready for relaxing under the Carolina sunshine, upgraded slip-resistant walkways for added comfort and safety, and enhanced security throughout our parking garage and trailer lot, giving guests even greater peace of mind during their visit.
Every improvement reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional vacation experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Avista Resort and inviting you to enjoy all that's new as you create your next unforgettable beach getaway!
Meet Chef Cory: A New Flavor at Avista Resort
We know that some of the most memorable parts of a vacation happen around the table. This season, we’re excited to welcome Chef Cory Sites to our team as our new Head Chef, bringing more than 20 years of kitchen experience and a lifelong passion for creating great food to our resort.
Cory’s culinary journey began at just 14 years old as a dishwasher, where he worked his way through every level of the kitchen, from prep cook and line cook to sous chef. With a particular passion for seafood, Cory has built his experience creating everything from fresh seafood favorites to his signature crab cakes, bringing a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the dining experience at Avista.
Originally from Maryland, Cory now calls the Grand Strand home with his wife, and their nearly three-year-old daughter. When he’s not in the kitchen, Cory enjoys spending time with his family, watching his favorite football, baseball, and hockey teams, and getting out on the golf course whenever he can.
We’re thrilled to have Cory bringing his passion, experience, and love for great food to Avista Resort. We invite you to pull up a chair, enjoy a delicious meals, and discover the flavors Chef Cory is bringing to your next North Myrtle Beach getaway.
Your Next Tee Time Starts Here!
As another unforgettable summer begins to wind down, one of the Grand Strand's most anticipated seasons is just around the corner, golf season! With cooler temperatures, beautiful course conditions, and championship layouts at their very best, fall is the perfect time to experience why Myrtle Beach is known as the Golf Capital of the World.
Planning your next golf getaway has never been easier thanks to our newly updated MyrtleBeachGolf.net website. From researching renowned courses and comparing exclusive golf packages to booking tee times and accommodations all in one place, everything you need to create your ideal golf vacation is just a few clicks away.
Whether you're looking to play legendary courses in Myrtle Beach, discover hidden gems in North Myrtle Beach, or build a custom golf itinerary with your favorite foursome, you'll find countless options and exceptional savings designed to fit every style of golfer. Your next great round is closer than you think! Start planning your fall golf getaway today, and let Avista Resort be your home away from home both on and off the course.
Having bellhop service to help expedite the move in process is AWESOME! Our family vacations in the North Myrtle Beach area every year and have never stayed at a resort where they have PLENTY of luggage carts and personnel to help families get unloaded and then settled in their condo!
Dani F.
Sometimes the ocean is exactly what the soul needs. My sisters and I came to North Myrtle Beach on empty, and left with full hearts. Thanks Avista for making it an awesome experience, from the friendly staff to the nice, spacious rooms! Until the next time!
Shaunda P.
The Avista Resort has always been a magnificent location for a summer getaway. My family and I have frequented this hotel across countless summers and each time we always conclude the vacation with a feeling of immense euphoria and solid memories. I’m already looking forward to returning to the Avista next summer!
Nelson W.
