Both resorts have their own unique charms, but we prefer VB over HHI... (We own at VB and have been to HHI twice)..
For us, VB is where we go to relax and rejuvinate... It's a quiet community, and with the exception of occaisional shopping, you can stay onsite.. You get the ocean breezes, palm trees, and the sound of surf...
We do love HHI though... The live oaks... "Crabbing" on the boardwalk.. Marsh hares... Bullfrogs.. B'lou Crabbie and Shadow... The only critism I have of HHI is no onsite restaurants, other than take out counter by the Big Dipper Pool.. Also... They need to have a poolside bar by the Big Dipper pool..
In terms of communities, VB and HHI are sharp contrasts... VB is smaller.. There are things to do and places to eat, but it is definately not a touristy town... HHI has hundreds of restaurants.. Quite a few within walking distance..
VB is right on the beach... To get to the ocean at HHI, you have to either walk, bike, drive, or shuttle to the beach house...