Coastal Carolina

Travel America, March-April, 2005

South Carolina's The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is now open. Owned and operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Sanctuary has been designed to reflect the style of a grand Southern seaside mansion and is located along 10 miles of pristine beach only 30 minutes from Charleston. The 255-room, $125-million oceanfront resort features some of the largest and most luxurious guest rooms in America, including a spectacular 3,100-square-foot Presidential Suite. The Sanctuary has two oceanfront restaurants, a casual seaside grill, two bars, seven boutique shops, and a nature-based spa. The Sanctuary experience also includes access to Kiawah's Ocean Course (home of the 1991 Ryder Cup and one of five championship golf courses), two tennis clubs, and extensive recreational and nature programs.

The entrance driveway is lined with more than 150 transplanted live oak trees over 50 feet high. The exterior brick, slate, and ironwork are all made with the same care and design that helped build Lowcountry manor houses 200 years ago. Inside, the lobby flooring uses hand-distressed walnut planks on top of an intricate "sleeper" system that gives and creaks slightly underfoot, while staircases are flanked by 30-foot-high murals depicting Kiawah nature scenes. The collection of art and antiques is so extensive that guests receive a brochure highlighting various artifacts.

Contact: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455; (877) 683-1234; www.thesanctuary.com.