Some 20 miles outside of Charleston and yet seemingly a world away sits the infinite charms and unmatched natural beauty of Kiawah Island. A barrier island of the South Carolina coast, Kiawah has a long and storied ancient history marked by magnificent Native American culture, European conquest, sprawling agricultural pursuits, and more. But its only been recently over the last four decades that the island has bloomed as a haven for the rich and famous, a place of soaring oceanside mansions and luxury hotels, championship golf courses and yacht-dotted marinas, all taking full advantage of the serene and seemingly endless beach, river, and creek scene.
The crown jewel of Kiawah Island opened in August 2004 with a name that serves as a fitting moniker for this dreamy piece of Lowcountry paradise. And the Sanctuary Hotel has, in the past eight years, garnered a laudable list of distinctions and awards, including a Forbes Five Star Award, the #1 U.S. Resort Hotel by Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report, and the #1 Family Resort in U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family.
