Laidback Luxury on the South Carolina Coast, Kiawah's Crown Jewel

Just twenty-one miles from Charleston, an exclusive island sanctuary awaits, far removed from the everyday. At the end of a leisurely drive beneath arches of Spanish moss-draped live oaks, South Carolina’s cradle of Forbes Five-Star luxury lies veiled within the tranquility of unspoiled surroundings. Long favored by presidents, philanthropists, and the global elite, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is where discerning travelers find the sense of prestige, personal space, and privacy they quietly seek. 

The resort stretches along ten miles of pristine shores, immersed in greenery and marshlands. It’s a paradise where nature and sophistication are perfectly in sync. The rustle of pampas grass blends seamlessly with ocean breezes. Sunlight subtly gilds world-class fairways, while ospreys anticipate their next catch in brackish estuaries. 

Elevated Leisure

The resort’s pairing of ambiance and elegance is a narrative woven throughout, but nowhere is it more beautifully embodied than its crown jewel, a haven aptly named The Sanctuary. Radiating luxury and the warmth of unrivaled southern hospitality, the seaside hotel is the only destination in South Carolina to earn a coveted Triple Forbes Five-Star rating for accommodations, dining, and spa. It’s a rare accolade—shared with only fifteen hotels worldwide.

Inside The Sanctuary, grand staircases positioned at either side of the lobby lead the way to world-class accommodations anchored by 255 exquisite guest rooms and suites. Scrolled balconies overlook the mighty Atlantic. Crisp linens, deep soaking tubs, plush towels, bathrobes, and luxe in-room amenities create an environment that exemplifies indulgence for even the most refined travelers. 

At the award-winning spa, surrender to pure renewal and rejuvenation. Think trickling water fountains that soothe the senses, the calming aroma of essential oils, detoxifying mineral-based massages, and holistic facials that restore body and spirit. 

Epicurean Escapes

Fine dining spans the resort, featuring thoughtfully prepared dishes, superior wine selections, hand-crafted cocktails and sweeping island views. Inspired chef-driven cuisine ranges from The Ocean Room, the property’s premier steakhouse—the only five-star dining experience in South Carolina—to fresh-catch seafood delicacies and authentic flavors of Italy. 

Refined pub fare and cocktails served in distinguished clubhouses are perfect for celebrating a game well played. The property’s longest-standing tradition, the authentic Lowcountry Oyster Roast and BBQ, is both lively and inviting, unfolding along the salt marshes of Kiawah River at Mingo Point.  In all, the resort offers fifteen unforgettable culinary experiences to suit every palate.

Elite Coastal Stays

A second gate on the island reveals the outermost tip of the property—one of the most exclusive enclaves on the East Coast. A striking and serene peninsula home to the PGA-famed Ocean Course, the renowned clubhouse and The Cottages at The Ocean Course. These four discreet Cottages, embracing both the course and the sea, represent golf at its most immaculate for players seeking a truly experiential golf outing, undisturbed meeting or retreat. 

Resort Villas offer a curated selection of accommodations, while the standout Private Homes Collection showcases an elite portfolio of multi-million-dollar estates available for vacation rental. Featuring every imaginable amenity from private pools to state-of-the-art interiors, the properties are surrounded by trees, water, and other natural landscapes for a secluded, peaceful escape. 

All guests of the resort can enjoy golf rounds on all five championship courses, ten miles of beautiful beaches, as well as preferred tee times and award-winning dining. Additional year-round recreational pursuits and privileges include refreshing pool complexes, private boat charters, sunset cruises, guided nature tours, an acclaimed tennis center, racquet programs, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Quiet times are just as rewarding, from basking in the glow of a sunrise or watching pelicans fly in formation across the crystal blue southern sky.

Kiawah Island can be conveniently accessed by private aviation at Charleston Executive Airport (JZI) or Charleston International Airport (CHS). Just a short journey through the clouds and you’re at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, enveloped in the splendor of your own private sanctuary. Connect with Kiawah at KiawahResort.com.