The Sanctuary- Kiawah Island, SC

The Sanctuary has an old soul. While the hotel is relatively new, it exudes the charm of a classic Seaside Resort. Gracious and Luxurious sum up the experience that awaits you at this barrier island golf mecca, located an hour outside of Charleston.

From the moment you pull through the porte cochere, you’ll feel like a house guest at a grand Southern mansion.  The hotel is at once both formal and friendly, and most definitely grand.  The tastefully furnished lobby is flanked by grand staircases on either side, with a magnificent view of the ocean front and center.

The lobby is a comfortable space, with several sitting areas, complete with fireplaces and fabulous flower arrangements. There is also a clubby bar, which has the feel of an old palm court, which begs for a Manhattan to be ordered.

The rooms themselves are just as comfortable as you would imagine, and even more so, as they solicit your preferences before your arrival.  You will also have a welcome gift waiting for you, ours consisted of a bucket of craft beer and a basket of snacks. All good. Spring for the Ocean Front, and you will be rewarded with amazing unobstructed views. Also, request extra sea salt caramels with your turn down service. They are sublime.

The Sanctuary also has the all important ocean front infinity pool, and ample loungers. Really. It was far from the usual mad max scene I have encountered at other resorts, even on a stunning day.

They also have quality pina coladas; no cloyingly sweet artificial mix found here. Talking about you Island Oasis, nemesis of tasty frozen pool beverages everywhere.

Finally, the golf courses. They are fabulous. The Ocean Course is the most well known as it has hosted several tournaments, but all 5 resort courses are excellent. Each has a different character, and the golf package is a great opportunity to try them all, at least once.  Once will probably be enough for the Ocean Course; it is stupidly expensive, but is a course you will feel the need to play nonetheless if you are an avid golfer. It is an extremely challenging course, to put it mildly. It will beat you up. However, it will also be a course you will always remember.

In sum, The Sanctuary is aptly named. It is a fabulous resort, and you will want for nothing. It is also amazingly expensive, but you really do get what you pay for, and for a special occasion, few places compare.