Grand Getaways: The Sanctuary

Grand Getaways: The Sanctuary
By Annalise DeVries

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne

It’s home to pristine beaches, an opulent hotel, five golf courses, and one of the top tennis resorts in the world. While any one of those features is enough to attract a stay at the Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the real appeal of this coastal South Carolina destination is the innate beauty that provides the backdrop for relaxation and fun.

Although it’s just 20 miles from Charleston, Kiawah feels enchantingly remote. And the resort was developed to showcase the natural wonders of this barrier island, offering guests ample opportunities for activity and escape. “It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, and slow down,” says Elisabeth King, the resort’s director of nature programming. “It’s a place where you can regain your self-awareness through a connection with nature.”

Grand Getaways: The Sanctuary
A rustic retreat, however, this is not. The Sanctuary offers uncompromising five-star luxury. With classic décor that complements the island setting, the interiors have an air of refined Southern charm. Well-appointed guestrooms feature fine linens, deep garden bathtubs, and private balconies for taking in the ocean views. The hotel is also home to nine palatial suites, the largest of which features a vaulted ceiling, fireplace, and grand oceanfront balcony. The Sanctuary additionally features a state-of-the-art spa, where light, airy spaces and wicker furniture speak to the Lowcountry surroundings.