Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Chef Robert Wysong and the culinary team of Kiawah Island are committed to preserving this island’s natural environment and work hard to support local farmers, fisherman and agriculture and have been doing so for decades.  Their focus on coexisting with the environment is what local and sustainable is all about.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has twelve dining options.  Some are very casual while others offer a more elegant dining experience.  The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary has earned both the Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond ratings and is the only steakhouse in the U.S. with that recognition.  Jasmine Porch (also at The Sanctuary), features Lowcountry inspired cuisine and has been named “Best Down Home Cookery” by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.

The public rooms are beautifully appointed

You feel more like you a visiting a private estate rather than a hotel

For those guests requiring a little extra pampering, The Spa at The Sanctuary was named one of the best hotel spas in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure.  The theme of nature is present in this beautiful spa with its ocean, forest and botanical garden treatments.

There are numerous activities for individuals or families seeking outdoor adventure.  Biking trails meander through every part of the island.  Ocean kayaking, canoeing, fishing and naturalist walks abound.  For tennis enthusiasts, Kiawah Resort was named the #1 Tennis Resort in the World.  If you want to take a break, perhaps you would enjoy the sounds of the surf while relaxing on the beach.

There are many outdoor activities that include time on the waterways, nature walks or biking

Relax and enjoy a little bird watching on the beach

And then there is golf.  We must not forget the golf. 🙂

Kiawah Island is known for its five beautiful golf courses, including the magnificent Ocean Course.  Host to the 2007 Senior PGA Championship, the Ocean Course will also host this year’s (2012) PGA Championship in August.

The Ocean Course Clubhouse

The views from the golf course are impressive

The Atlantic Room, located at The Ocean Course, is known for its seafood specialties, with most of the fish locally caught.  The restaurant overlooks an expansive lawn bordering the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.  Sitting on the Adirondack chairs on the lawn, you are reminded of a scene from The Great Gatsby.  Not to be missed is a sunset from this vantage point.  It was truly spectacular.

The sunset from the clubhouse at The Ocean Course

Mr. B at The Ocean Course

The level of service and attention to detail at Kiawah Island is what makes this resort truly exceptional.  There is not an opportunity missed to make your experience memorable.  Almost every need is anticipated by their well-trained staff.  Our stay felt more like we were visiting a private estate rather than a hotel.

Although it had been ten years since we last visited Kiawah, the beauty and magic were brought back the moment we arrived on the island.  When it was time to leave after our recent stay, there was a real sense of melancholy.  I look forward to those magical moments that await our return.

Sunset at Mingo Point

* If you are interested in vacationing at Kiawah Island, the resort offers many options for rental properties in addition to the accommodations at The Sanctuary.

Disclosure – Kiawah Island Golf Resort provided a media package for our visit.  I was not asked to write any articles about my stay and have in no way been compensated.  The opinions expressed regarding our experience are my own.