Visit South Carolina's Sanctuary Resort, Kiawah Island

by Jeff Voth

The drive to Kiawah Island is a spiritual journey back to a simpler time. Bohicket Road, a well-utilized two-lane highway, points arrow straight through the heart of Bible Belt country. History tells us that South Carolina was founded on the principles of religious tolerance and freedom. Big and small churches provide evidence to this, lining both sides of the road leading to the island, wherein lies a Sanctuary of a different sort for both mind and body.

Closer to the guarded entrance at Kiawah Island, large trees chronicle the passage of time like old sentinels graced with beards of Spanish Moss. If trees could talk, their stories would be endless.

Kiawah is private resort island, its multi-million dollar views reserved for a selected few. Passing through a security checkpoint, the short drive to the resort takes us past well- manicured lawns and driveways, eventually leading to our exclusive destination.

The Sanctuary, Kiawa Island

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is a stunning accomplishment of architectural design and Southern hospitality. Opened in August 2004, it offers appearance and character well beyond its years.

Outside, the Sanctuary emulates the grandeur of a seaside mansion. A central meeting room and lobby inhabit the primary space of the property, while two guest wings flank one on each side.

The intended look is that of a centuries old home pre-existing the two outer wings by several decades. This provides the illusion of expansion, as if the residence passed from one imaginary proprietor to the next. Careful consideration was paid to each section of Charleston brick, stone, stucco, wood, slate, copper and ironwork. With such care taken to craft each detail of this full service, ultra-luxurious resort and spa, the resulting exterior is breathtaking.

Upon entering the main building, we are greeted by warm walnut floors and brilliant sunshine. A special aging process has stressed the hardwood beyond its years. The Sanctuary's designers went so far as to incorporate squeaks in the floorboards in undisclosed locations within the building, adding to its sense of heritage.

What strikes you first when entering the Sanctuary is the lack of an obvious front check-in desk. Instead, a wall of windows looks out on the South Carolina coastline, inviting guests to be inquisitive and look around.

Two large sitting rooms flank the center lobby. In each you will find portraits of the imaginary family who at one time owned the resort. As in years gone by, a men's "smoking" room plays host to the bar, while conversation is served in the woman's "morning" room.

There are a total of 255 guest rooms and suites at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. This includes eleven junior suites, one executive suite and one palatial, 3,100 sq. ft presidential suite. Over 90% of the guest rooms offer unrestricted views of the ocean.

A tour of the resort with Matt Owen, Public Relations Manager, showed each room is exquisitely detailed. At only four floors, the Sanctuary is modest in height, but magnificent in scope. Halls are extra wide and beautifully carpeted.

The Sanctuary Guest Rooms

Entering our room, I am struck by the immensity of the handcrafted European style four poster bed. Layered with down-filled comforters and large overstuffed pillows, it encourages long naps and time spent reading a favorite novel. Decorated in soft tones, the walls and plush carpet provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and that home away from home feeling.

Intricate tray moldings frame the ceiling, and rich patterned drapery complimented by peach and vanilla shears provide shaded access to the iron railed balcony for two. Each room offers comfortable seating, with a wing back chair and a refined antique styled couch. An ornate desk and chair offer a suitable place to set up a laptop. High speed Internet access and fiber optic cable connections are available in every room.

The marble tiled bathroom, accessible off the main hallway of the room, features a double shuttered window looking into the bedroom. Strategically placed, it provides a clear view of the entertainment center from the bathtub. It's perfect for those times when unwinding means catching up on the latest sports scores or home improvement program, while soaking in the tub.

The Sanctuary offers two unique restaurants: The Ocean Room and The Jasmine Porch. Dining at either one is an experience sure to be enjoyed by even the most demanding guest.

The Sanctuary Dining

The Ocean Room is the Sanctuary's specialty restaurant. It offers seating for 110, has a private wine room and ocean view terrace. Views of the South Carolina coastline are spectacular. Rich mahogany wood and elaborate ironwork add depth to the overall dining experience.

Our host for the evening, Mr. Vijay Singh- Food and Beverage Director at The Sanctuary, treated us to the finest in New American Cuisine as prepared by Chef Chris Brandt. Each entrée was superb and prepared to perfection.

The Jasmine Porch offers a casual dining experience rich in its own way. Exposed brick and oak floors provide the perfect place to catch a light lunch or early morning breakfast. Of course if you are truly hungry, a full range of local favorites and traditional Lowcountry dishes is served at dinner.

Kiawah Island is a magnet for golf enthusiasts from around the world. Five championship courses are all within close proximity of the resort. This includes The Ocean Course by Pete Dye; Osprey Point by Tom Fazio; Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus; Cougar Point by Gary Player; and Oak Point by Clyde Johnston.

The island is also ranked the #1 tennis facility in the U.S. by Tennis Magazine. Under the direction of Roy Barth, guests of the resort can take advantage of individual or group instruction, or just head out on to the court and let the games begin.

At the end of a day on the links, few things rejuvenate the mind and body more than a massage at the Sanctuary's luxurious Spa.

Blissful serenity is inspired throughout the spa with the use of natural elements. Outside light streams into each of the 12 spacious treatment rooms, bathing guests in warm sunshine.

A large private whirlpool offers momentary sanctity from the outside world, complete with a waterfall cascading out from the wall and into the multi-colored, porcelain tiled pool. Thick towels and robes are in abundance, and the professional staff is ever ready to attend to your every need.

The Sanctuary Pools & SPas

Three pools- one indoor and two outdoor- offer the chance to get a little exercise, or cool off from a hard day on the links. A highlight is the adult infinity pool that looks out towards the ocean. Order drinks from the comfort of a lounge chair, or satisfy a bigger hunger with sandwiches and snacks, either way the service is excellent.

Historically speaking, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is very young. A picturesque setting surrounded by many of the finest recreation facilities on the east coast; it offers the discerning traveler a unique vacation experience. A distinctly southern resort, it is only a matter of time before the Sanctuary is recognized as one of the premier vacation destinations in North America.