OVERVIEW of The Sanctuary

Perched majestically on the shores of Kiawah Island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Sanctuary is a blend of modern convenience and Southern charm. The design goal was to create a seaside mansion that seemed as if it had been there for hundreds of years, passed from one homeowner to another. 50 foot live oaks were brought in to give a centuries old look. Walnut flooring was set on sleepers so the floor would “give” and creak. The public rooms have soaring ceilings and sweeping staircases…one could almost envision Scarlett O’Hara descending from above. The decor manages to be elegant and sophisticated without being stuffy.

This resort opened in 2004 and has taken its place among the country’s greats. Most come for the golf, but miles of sandy beach are ideal for leisurely strolls, the Spa is world class, the fishing terrific, the tennis facilities top notch and the dining exquisite.

AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star recipient. #38, Top 100 Golf Courses in the US, Golf Digest. #56, Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, Golf Magazine.Top 10 North American Resorts, Conde Nast Traveler. Ranked #14 of Golf Digest Top 75 U.S. Golf Resort.

THE ROOMS at The Sanctuary

If you are traveling with just one other person, the hotel rooms are large and comfortable with wonderful views. For couples traveling together or for families the Resort Villas or the Maritime Condominiums are ideal. When your requirement is 5 or more bedrooms, the resort offers a collection of stunning private homes for rent.

The Sanctuary offers 255 rooms and suites. King rooms measure a hefty 520 square feet and guests can choose ocean front, ocean view or garden and dune views rooms. 40 foot balconies furnished with two chairs and a cocktail table afford wonderful views of the coastline. Rooms are decorated in rich fabrics with a handcrafted desk and armoire and an elegantly appointed sofa and chair. Beds are custom made and draped with Matelasse bed covers and Italian linens.

Marble bathrooms are oversized with a walk-in shower, separate water closet, a deep soaking tub and Elemis bath toiletries. Plantation shutters open from the bath to the living area.

DINING at The Sanctuary

The Ocean Room
Dark woods, beamed ceilings, elegant furnishings and spectacular views set the stage for The Santuary’s signature AAA Four Diamond steakhouse, The Ocean Room. Sourcing their meats from artisan and local cattle ranches, the restaurant serves delicious steaks and sides from an interesting if limited menu. Opt for the tasting menu paired with wines for the best value, I think. Heirloom potato and leek soup with shaved black truffles and lump crab meat was paired with a 2007 St. Innocent ‘Vitae Springs Vineyard’, Pinot Gris. A watermelon salad with proscuitto, St; John’s Island chilis and line sorbet was matched with 2007 Damilano, Langhe Arneis, Barolo and a wonderful grilled cap of rib eye with a 2008 Dominio Del Plata ‘Budini’, Malbec. A wonderful farmer’s cheese course was accompanied by a Quinta Do Infantado Tawny Port. Finally a decadent chocolate marquis served with basil ice cream, strawberries, hazelnut was paired with a 2004 olivares, monastrell dulce, jumilla. $125pp.

There are about 20 wines by the glass, a nice selection of about 44 half bottles and some quite spectacular wines on this Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” list. Unfortunately, you will find virtually nothing under $50 and most are priced much more. What a shame…

Dinner only. Monday-Saturday. Jackets Preferred but not Required.

Jasmine Porch
Serving a delicious daily breakfast buffet, wonderful Low Country cuisine at dinner and a fantastic Sunday Jazz Brunch, Jasmine Porch is the more casual choice for dining, but with no less an amazing ocean setting. Authentic Charleston brick, oak-plank floors, billowing curtains and swaying palms conspire to create a breezy and relaxing atmosphere. When the weather cooperates sit on the charming terrace and enjoy the ocean fragrances.
Clubhouse Dining
Lunch is served in the clubhouse of all four golf courses and dinner in the Ocean Course Clubhouse featuring seafood specialties (The Atlantic Room), Turtle Point Clubhouse (Tomasso) where Italian specialties are presented and Osprey Point (Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House)
Loggerhead Grill
Dine poolside and steps from the beach with a wide variety casual fare including sandwiches, burgers, salads and wraps, as well as a great selection of frozen drinks and cocktails.Lunch Daily, Dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fridays “Seaside Family Buffet ”
Beaches & Cream
Indulge your sweet tooth with gourmet ice cream, frozen yogurt, candies, pralines and other sweets. Ice Cream Social on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Express Breakfast Service” from 7:00am – 11:00am daily with coffee, pastries, smoothies and fruit.

RATES at The Sanctuary

From $645 Peak Season Weekend

WHAT OTHERS SAY About The Sanctuary

“Surveyors who “keep coming back” to this “aptly named”, “isolated yet reachable” resort 30 minutes from Charleston find one of the “top places to stay and eat in South Carolina” with “fabulous” rooms sporting four-poster beds, “service of the highest caliber” (“the only thing the staff can’t control is the weather”), a “heavenly spa”, five 18-hole “premier golf” courses and ‘endless white sand beaches”; sure, all this “Southern hospitality” ‘comes at a premium’, but most say it’s “worth it for the food alone.” ZAGAT

PROMOTIONS at The Sanctuary

Click here for this property’s promotions.