Luxury Personified at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Worldwide USA Kiawah Island Hotels and Reviews
Luxury Personified at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Despite my late arrival I just had to admire my elegant surroundings before making my way to my room. Most impressive were the wide winding staircases leading to the East Wing to one side of me and to the West Wing on the other.

The Sanctuary, a large, luxury hotel, lies at the heart of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort that occupies most of Kiawah Island. The island is part of the town of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Sweeping Staircase at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    0447
Sweeping Staircase at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a sea island or barrier island on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is fringed by a ten-mile stretch of beach with sand firm enough to cycle on throughout the day. Bicycles are available to hire at The Sanctuary so its guests can take full advantage of this wonderful gift of nature. As the island is also an area of conservancy and preservation the wildlife is prolific and early in the morning deer will appear on the beach. Throughout the day pelicans fly over it in small squadrons. As the day draws to a close, flocks of birds paddle in the shallows searching for food. The most popular residents here are the alligators which can be seen basking in the shallows of the many lakes that grace the island and its five golf courses.
The Beach at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    4121495
The Beach at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Bedrooms at the Sanctuary

My bedroom was a spacious, beautifully furnished room that overlooked one of the swimming pools, the beach and the ocean. At night I could hear the waves crashing on the beach through the open window which was wonderful. After a day of activity on the island I appreciated the large bath in the big bathroom. The shutters that separated the bathroom from the bedroom could be opened so I could either watch the television or continue to enjoy the view from the window. I preferred the latter.
Bedroom at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    4121452
Bedroom at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Reception Rooms at the Sanctuary

Three large, extravagantly furnished and inter-linked sitting rooms reminiscent of the Regency period in England occupy most of the ground floor. A grand piano is the centre piece of the middle lounge which comes to life in the evening when the music starts. The third lounge, known as The Library, is also the bar and serves drinks and snacks. It resembles the library of stately homes of bygone days and is a popular meeting place as guests return from a round of golf.
The Library, a Bar at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    4121471
The Library, a Bar at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Dining at The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary has two restaurants and a Coffee Shop. The Jasmine Porch Restaurant on the ground floor offers a large breakfast buffet or choice of menu. The latter was my preferred option and I would sit outside on the terrace enjoying the fresh, early morning air. Freshly prepared porridge heaped with fresh berries and accompanied by fresh juice and freshly brewed coffee was my preferred option. The friendly staff were always on hand to ensure my coffee cup was always full. At the top of the elegant staircase leading to the East Wing is the Ocean Room that offers gourmet dining. Gregg, the head waiter provides such wonderful descriptions of each dish I was constantly changing my mind. Gregg is so persuasive I was not surprised to learn that the restaurant sells more bottles of the digestive drink Underberg than any other place in America.
The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    4131549
The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Facilities at The Sanctuary

The Concierge will advise guests regarding the programme for each day (also delivered to the rooms) and book them on their chosen activity which include nature walks, bike rides and boat trips. Other facilities include three swimming pools, a gymnasium, a parade of shops and several sun terraces. The most popular activity here is golf as the island is home to five great golf courses including the championship Ocean Course. A free, on demand shuttle ensures guests get to the first tee on time.
The Cougar Point Golf Course in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    4121535
The Cougar Point Golf Course in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Spa Facilities at The Sanctuary

A wide variety of treatments, many based on natural products, are available in the Spa. Included in the price of a treatment Is the use of all spa facilities. Before my holistic facial I was able to take full advantage of this and spent some time in the steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. After a refreshing shower I made my way to the Solarium where I was able to relax and sip a herbal tea while waiting for Jennifer to come and collect me for my treatment. After my facial, which really did leave my skin feeling soft and silky, I returned to the Solarium to sample their special granola with some fresh fruit.
Reception Area and Shop at the Spa in The Sanctuary at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort    0474
Reception Area and Shop at the Spa in The Sanctuary at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

The Sanctuary really does live up to its reputation as a luxury ocean front hotel and will take you back to the days of the stately, sea front mansion.

This article was based on the personal experience of Valery, an ExperiencedTraveller.