Kiawah Island is a world famous location, especially for golfers. And the Kiawah Island Golf Resort is what has put Kiawah on the map. The resort offers:
- Championship golf courses
- Elegant accommodations
- And fine dining, to boot
Ready to discover the hidden gem of the South Carolina coast?
Table of Contents
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Hotel Experience
An elegant lobby adorned with cozy antique furnishings greets you upon arrival at the Sanctuary Hotel. It sets the tone for a sophisticated stay at the resort.
Accommodation Options
The Sanctuary Hotel has a range of luxurious accommodations. The array includes standard guest rooms with tasteful decor to the opulent Presidential Suite. The higher-end suites offer unique designs and a spacious layout.
The resort also offers villas and homes for rent. And booking your accommodations is a breeze thanks to Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s user-friendly website.
Amenities and Services
Relax and rejuvenate in the hotel’s luxurious bathrooms. They’re complete with roomy walk-in marble showers, double vanities, and soaking tubs. Suites offer upgraded amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs and waterfall showerheads for an extra touch of indulgence.
The Sanctuary Hotel provides:
- Daily housekeeping
- Beach access
- Three restaurants
- Three bars/lounges
- A full-service spa
- Two outdoor pools
- And an indoor pool
Don’t miss out on the exclusive treatments available at the spa, like the Kiawah golf ball massage and oxygen-infusion facial.
The hotel also offers an extensive range of amenities in its fully equipped fitness center. The fitness center is equipped with the latest in cardio and strength training equipment. And group fitness classes offer a variety of options for all levels of fitness. Private Pilates and yoga classes as well as personal training sessions are also available.
The resort also offers outdoor recreational activities such as bike, stand-up paddle board, and kayak rentals. Over 30 miles of paved bike paths wind through maritime forests and past freshwater and salt marsh enclaves. It’s a great place to try out biking in Charleston.
Kiawah Island Golf – Five Championship Courses
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a golfer’s paradise. The resort is home to five championship golf courses: Ocean Course, Cougar Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, and Turtle Point.
Each course offers its own unique features and challenges. And each ensure an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The first course is the most famous, for obvious reasons.
Ocean Course
The Ocean Course, designed by Pete Dye, is a world-renowned course. It combines links, land and lagoons for a truly unique golfing experience. The wind plays a significant role in the course’s difficulty, making each round a different challenge.
The course’s stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and strategically placed hazards have earned it a spot as the No. 4 Greatest Public Course in the country for 2021-’22 edition. The Ocean Course also made history as the site of Phil Mickelson’s victory at the 2021 PGA Championship.
All in all, the Ocean Course provides spectacular views and challenging holes for a memorable round of golf. The course has more seaside holes than anywhere else in North America, in fact. It may be downright frustrating to play when the wind is blowing, but it’s still worth it.
Cougar Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, and Turtle Point
Aside from the Ocean Course, the resort features four other championship courses. Cougar Point, designed by Gary Player, offers:
- Rolling fairways
- Challenging greens
- And fantastic views of the Kiawah River
The course is accompanied by a beautiful clubhouse with a pro shop, locker rooms, and cozy seating areas overlooking the landscape.
Tom Fazio’s Osprey Point boasts a unique layout filled with water hazards. Meanwhile Clyde Johnston’s Oak Point features wide fairways and large greens. Jack Nicklaus’ Turtle Point presents a classic layout with plenty of bunkers and water hazards.
Ocean Course Clubhouse
After a round of golf, the Ocean Course Clubhouse invites you to unwind in its 24,000 square feet of luxurious space. It hosts several group spaces for 12 to 325 guests. The clubhouse is equipped with a pro shop, bar, and restaurant.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and golf course from the Ryder Cup Bar, a modern pub offering indoor and outdoor seating options. The bar provides the perfect spot to relax, reflect on your game, and share stories with your friends and fellow golf enthusiasts.
Dining Delights: A Dozen Restaurants to Choose From
When hunger strikes, Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a diverse range of dining options. About 10 restaurants cater to various tastes and preferences. One standout dining experience is The Ocean Room, a popular steak house located within the Sanctuary Hotel. This exquisite restaurant features architectural details such as a stained glass dome. And the menu features an impressive caviar and oyster appetizer list.
When dining at The Ocean Room, be sure to dress the part, as denim and flip-flops are not allowed. Instead, opt for your nicest slacks and sundresses to enjoy a refined evening of fine cuisine.
Guest Reviews and Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it – Kiawah Island Golf Resort has received glowing reviews from past guests. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, out of an impressive 1645 reviews, the resort lives up to its reputation.
Activities Beyond Golf
Golf is the main attraction at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. And yet the resort offers a plethora of other activities beyond the fairways. Embrace the natural beauty of the island by:
- Embarking on nature tours
- Exploring the artistic side of the island
- Going horseback riding
- Or trying your hand at archery
For water-based activities, Kiawah Island Golf Resort has plenty to offer. Sail, fish, paddleboard, kayak, or jet ski in the surrounding waters and enjoy the stunning scenery of the South Carolina coast.
Other places to stay on Kiawah Island, aside from Kiawah Island Resort
Kiawah Island has a limited number of lodging options. It seems appropriate for an island known for its untouched natural beauty and sparse development.
Choices are thus limited, and prices are high.
Just a heads-up.
The Andell Inn Kiawah Island
The Andell Inn, a boutique hotel also on Kiawah Island, offers luxurious accommodations. Every room has beautiful views and a fully functional kitchen. Both the lounge areas near the saltwater pool and the pool cabana offer breathtaking views of the surrounding marshes. During the summer, visitors can cool off in the pool or order drinks from pool servers. The wraparound patio, where guests can eat breakfast in the morning, overlooks a tranquil lake. Unlike the Sanctuary Hotel, the Andell Inn is not beachfront. That said, the 24-hour front desk provides a daily shuttle to Beachwalker Park. Be sure to pickup a craft cocktail at the Porch Bar.
Visiting Kiawah: What to Know Before You Go
Known for its stunning beaches, lush nature, and relaxed vibe, Kiawah Island offers travelers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Be prepared for higher prices compared to other South Carolina beach destinations.
Kiawah Island is just an hour’s drive from Charleston. So it’s easily accessible for a relaxing vacation or a weekend getaway. Whether you’re a golfer, a beach lover, or simply seeking a luxurious retreat, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a destination sure to please everyone.
More Charleston Sea Islands to explore, and places to stay
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is world famous, but it’s not the only place to stay in the area. And staying on a resort for the entirety of your vacation sounds glamorous, but the South Carolina Lowcountry is too fascinating to miss out.
Head to some other beach islands near Charleston, like:
- Seabrook Island
- Johns Island
- Or Isle of Palms, for a less exclusive version of Kiawah Island
Isle of Palms hotels and Folly Beach hotels offer a similar beach experience, sans fairways. Except on Isle of Palms, of course.
