There’s no better combination than Southern charm and five star luxury. The Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island is having its moment in the spotlight this week as the world watches the PGA Championship being played on Kiawah’s famed Ocean Course.
Never heard of Kiawah Island? If you’re not a huge golf fan, this island retreat may not have hit your radar – yet.
Kiawah is a barrier island just thirty minutes from historic Charleston, South Carolina. Recently voted “Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living magazine, this uber luxe beach getaway lives up to the hype.
Here’s the 411:
Fly in to Charleston. World’s cutest airport, they even have rocking chairs. A kind gentleman porter will help you to your rental car that is just outside the door. Easiest airport to fly in to – ever.
Booking The Sanctuary. Rooms at the five star Sanctuary can be had for as little as $400 per night. Even their smallest rooms are generously large and all are luxuriously appointed. Think marble baths, swank linens, etc. Check out Preferred Family (The Sanctuary is a partner hotel) and join iPrefer for special benefits.
The beach. Oh the beach. Ten miles of hard packed sand great for a run or long bike ride. Or my favorite sport, reclining. Bike rentals are easy and the best way to see the island. With 30+ miles of paved paths and the gorgeous beach, who would want to drive?
“Caption not necessary”
Speaking of beach, you can rent surfboards, paddle boards and kayaks just step away from The Sanctuary. Learning to surf there is easy (sort of). The water is 85 degrees in the summer, it’s shallow way out in to the ocean, and they have hot young instructors who will hold your board as you attempt to “jump up!” Oh, and did I mention there are dolphins in the water? Um, there are. It’s awesome.
The Food. It’s all about the food in the south. This is low country and it has its own cuisine. Be sure to try the shrimp-n-grits at The Jasmine Porch. My daughter and I reviewed the newest restaurant on the island, Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House. We ate so many pulled pork nachos we could barely walk home, they’re that good. Our family’s favorite eatery though is very not luxury. Red’s Ice House in Bohicket Marina (5 minutes drive) serves up fried oyster po’ boys and kids meals on a frisbee. Go for the sunset over the water, everyone else will be there too.
“Sweet tea in the lobby every afternoon y’all”
“The morning room-perfect for morning coffee and the newspaper”
“Or morning coffee al fresco”
The pools. The refreshing waterfall pool at The Sanctuary is a great retreat from the beach. Also an excellent spot to practice reclining. There is also an adult pool, as usual, I’ve never been to it.
“Of course that’s a non-alcoholic beverage in my hand”
We fell in love with Kiawah five years ago and are now building a home here. I was recently invited to review The Sanctuary Kiawah Island as part of a magazine article I wrote on the PGA Championship. My 14 year old daughter came along and gave the property her stamp of approval, it has not been boy tested, but the staff is so charming, I have no doubt even my wild men would be welcomed here. In addition to our endorsement (which is invaluable), The Sanctuary was named #1 Family Resort in U.S. and Canada by Travel & Leisure Family.