It doesn’t get much more remote or beautiful than Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Located on a secluded barrier island about a half hour from Charleston, South Carolina, this luxe property provides everything you need for a stay that involves two of life’s best treasures, relaxation and rejuvenation. From the moment you enter the grand southern mansion of The Sanctuary, you will understand its true meaning. This hidden gem sits on 10 miles of pristine beaches surrounded by wandering lagoons and marshlands so you know you are in for something special.
The natural beauty of the South Carolina coast shines through everywhere you look, but most especially with its golf courses (it was host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012 PGA Championship and has already been selected as the host of the 2021 PGA). There are five golf courses to choose from here (the Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point and Oak Point) designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston. The resort has everything you need for a resort staycation so once you arrive, you may never want to leave. Take a two-mile run to the Night Heron Park past the Nature Center and onto the boardwalk that will bring you directly to the beach, rent a bike to explore 30 miles of bike paths or request the Mercedes convertible for a complimentary test drive around the island.
When it comes to waterfront accommodations, The Sanctuary certainly delivers with 90 percent of all rooms offering an ocean view. There are 225 rooms to choose from here along with resort-managed private homes and villas situated among quiet maritime forests, manicured golf courses and serene marshes for the ultimate in privacy. To complement your stay, the Club level accommodations offer guests the highest level of comfort and service available at the resort. Here, you can enjoy daily presentations, including a continental breakfast, light lunch fare, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The private concierge is also available to assist with reservations for dining or spa as well as transportation and tours. For the ultimate stay, book the 3,000 square foot Presidential Suite, the property’s most luxe accommodation that includes everything from a fireplace, king four poster bed and second bedroom along with a formal study and dining room to a spacious balcony that offers beautiful oceanfront views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dining options include the poolside Loggerhead Grill, casual dining of Jasmine Porch (be sure to try the shrimp and grits and melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon), golf course view of Osprey Point Cherrywood BBQ, and the more formal Ocean Room (evening resort dress required). Be sure to reserve a table at Ocean Room, the property’s on-site steakhouse. If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, ask to be seated on the bar side of the Ocean Room where you can enjoy the same menu as the Ocean Room (think grouper ceviche, South Carolina white shrimp, seared scallops and a bone-in ribeye) in a more casual atmosphere (jeans are permitted).
A stay here would be remiss without a visit to the Spa. Tranquility exudes from the vitality mineral whirlpools, waterfalls and steam rooms that prepare you for your customized treatment. From luxurious southern elegance facials to the aromatic Sodashi luxury facials, they have designed an entire line of lavish treatments. The 60-minute Sanctuary Signature Massage combines heated grain and herb filled wraps placed on key tension areas to melt away your tension while the therapeutic aromas will eliminate all of your stress.
