The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
A luxurious oceanfront golf resort offering unparalleled service, fine dining, a world-class spa, and direct beach access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for families.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A luxurious oceanfront golf resort offering unparalleled service, fine dining, a world-class spa, and direct beach access.
"This is hands down one of the best resorts, with accommodating staff and outstanding attention to detail."
Golf Course Alternatives
Opt for Turtle or Cougar courses for a more affordable golf experience than the Ocean Course. :golf:
Room Upgrade Perks
Ask about potential room upgrades, especially for special occasions like birthdays. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ocean Course
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Iconic seaside golf with breathtaking ocean views. A must-play for serious golfers, though pricey.
The Sanctuary Lobby
The Sanctuary Hotel
Stunning grand lobby with expansive dune and ocean views, featuring impressive staircases.
Oceanfront Dining
The Ocean Room / Ryder Cup Bar
Enjoy exquisite meals with unparalleled ocean and golf course vistas.
Pristine Beach Access
Kiawah Island
A clean, peaceful beach that remains uncrowded even during peak season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Experiences
Navigating Resort Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Golf Course Alternatives
Opt for Turtle or Cougar courses for a more affordable golf experience than the Ocean Course. :golf:
Room Upgrade Perks
Ask about potential room upgrades, especially for special occasions like birthdays. :gift:
Concert Venue Comfort
Enjoy concerts with minimal mosquitoes and beautiful ocean views. :notes:
Inside Dining Value
Consider ordering from resort restaurants for better value than outside concert food. :hamburger:
Tips
from all over the internet
Golf Course Alternatives
Opt for Turtle or Cougar courses for a more affordable golf experience than the Ocean Course. :golf:
Room Upgrade Perks
Ask about potential room upgrades, especially for special occasions like birthdays. :gift:
Concert Venue Comfort
Enjoy concerts with minimal mosquitoes and beautiful ocean views. :notes:
Inside Dining Value
Consider ordering from resort restaurants for better value than outside concert food. :hamburger:
Spa & Resort Credit
Inquire about booking packages that include spa treatments or resort credits. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island for its exceptional staff, attention to detail, and luxurious amenities, making it one of the best resorts experienced. While expensive, visitors feel they receive excellent value for the superb food and service. Some find the entry process to the resort can be a hassle during busy periods.
"This is truly an amazing resort, the staff is so accommodating and the attention to detail is outstanding. You can tell everyone here wants you to have the best experience from start to finish. Hotel grounds are so lovely and the restaurants were all great. Having traveled to many resorts this is hands down one of the best. Highly recommend."
Danielle Couch
"The Sanctuary is the nicest hotel we’ve stayed at in years. It was my wife’s 70th birthday and they upgraded our room to club level with excellent views of the ocean and one hole on the golf course. Dinner at the Ocean Room was excellent as well as the service. The hotel is expensive but you get your moneys worth with superb food and service. We had great hamburgers at the Ryder Cup Bar outside on the porch w ocean and golf course view. Doesn’t get any better. The coffee shop in the hotel had very good lattes and almond croissants. Service again was excellent. The staff at the hotel are always friendly and really try to please you at all times. We only stayed two nights but are heading back in October to celebrate our anniversary for 3 nights. The hotel is only 30 minutes from Charleston another fun place to visit."
Jim Anderson
"I came here to see a concert.
I liked the fact that I could use the valet service to park my car even though I was not staying at the resort!
The concert area was nice! When they said they treated the outside so that there weren't any mosquitoes, there wasn't a single one-and I thoroughly enjoyed that! Flies-there were a few but not so many that you couldn't eat and enjoy yourself! There was plenty of space to watch the show and dance if you wanted to. The views behind the concert area was the Atlantic Ocean so that was nice plus!
If you need to go to the bathroom, be ready to walk to the nearest one...and the bathrooms are gorgeous!!
The outside food that they served during the concert was $30 for a hamburger and chips! We ended up going inside and ordering from one of the restaurants and even the kids' meals were starting to $20! I can't eat a lot so I ordered a kid's hamburger meal which came with fries and a drink and let me tell you...that filled me up and it was WAY better than what my friend ordered outside!! I wish I knew what was in the burger meat-lol!
This is a very upscale hotel so if you are planning on staying, you are looking at $300+ a night. Getting on the resort was a PAIN because there's only one check-in line and if you are in the wrong line, you are SCREWED!! If you are visiting, stay to the left!! If you need to get there early, plan on arriving at least an hour beforehand!
Kiawah island is mostly upscale resorts and golf courses so if you aren't into that, I don't recommend coming here."
Truth Be Told '96
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is located about 25 miles from Charleston, SC. If driving, be prepared for potential entry delays, especially during peak times. Arriving an hour early is recommended.
Yes, valet parking is available for guests and even for visitors attending events, even if not staying at the resort.
Pay close attention to signage and choose the correct lane upon arrival. Arriving well in advance of any scheduled events can help mitigate delays.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is conveniently located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, making it an easy day trip or staycation destination.
Public transportation options directly to The Sanctuary are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange for private transport from Charleston.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playing the renowned Ocean Course can be expensive, with green fees around $600. Consider alternative courses like Turtle or Cougar for a more budget-friendly experience, typically around $350.
Yes, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular courses like the Ocean Course, to secure your preferred slot.
Yes, you can visit for dining, events, or to use amenities like valet parking even if you are not a registered guest.
While direct discounts are rare, booking through certain travel partners or during the off-season might offer better rates. Some packages may include resort credits.
The Sanctuary Hotel generally operates 24/7 for guests. Specific amenities like restaurants and the spa have their own operating hours, which are best checked upon arrival or on their official website.
🎫 🛏️ Accommodation & Amenities
The Sanctuary offers luxurious rooms, including options for club-level access with excellent views of the ocean and golf courses.
While villas are available on Kiawah Island, they are typically separate from The Sanctuary Hotel and managed independently.
The resort boasts multiple restaurants, swimming pools, a spa and salon, shopping, and direct beach access.
Yes, The Sanctuary features a highly-rated spa offering various treatments and services for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Sanctuary has a chapel on-site and is a popular venue for weddings and special events, offering a picturesque setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Sanctuary offers a variety of dining experiences, from fine dining at The Ocean Room to casual options like the Ryder Cup Bar and a coffee shop.
Brunch is a popular offering, often enjoyed with beautiful views. It's advisable to check specific restaurant schedules and make reservations.
Dining at The Sanctuary is considered upscale and can be expensive. For example, a hamburger and chips outside during a concert could cost $30, while kids' meals inside start around $20.
Upscale resorts like The Sanctuary typically accommodate dietary restrictions. It's best to inform your server of any specific needs upon ordering.
Yes, room service is available, and it can be a convenient option for enjoying meals in the privacy of your room, especially for breakfast.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots in the grand lobby, along the oceanfront, from the balconies, and at the various golf courses. The beach also offers beautiful backdrops.
Yes, the resort offers direct beach access and oceanfront rooms, making it very easy to capture beautiful ocean photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require permits, especially in sensitive areas or during events.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the lobby and expansive views.
Photography is generally permitted on the golf courses for personal use, but be mindful of golfers and course rules. Drone photography may be restricted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When it comes to dining, while the resort is upscale, options like the Ryder Cup Bar or ordering from the resort's restaurants can be more family-friendly.
+1💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The resort's tranquil beach provides a serene backdrop for leisurely strolls, and the overall sophisticated atmosphere of The Sanctuary lends itself to quiet, quality time.
⛳ Golf Enthusiasts
Booking tee times well in advance is crucial, especially for the Ocean Course.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Golfing at Kiawah Island
Many visitors come specifically for the golf experience, and booking tee times well in advance is essential, especially during peak season. Remember to factor in caddy fees and tips if you opt for a caddied round, as these can add significantly to the overall cost.
Beyond the resort's courses, Kiawah Island offers a total of five championship courses, providing ample opportunities for golf enthusiasts to explore different challenges and landscapes. The focus on preserving the natural beauty of the island is evident in the design of these courses, making for a memorable golfing holiday.
Luxury and Relaxation at The Sanctuary
The resort offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed for relaxation and indulgence. This includes multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa and salon, and various boutique shops.
Guests can enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the spa or simply unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink. The pristine beach, known for its cleanliness and tranquility, provides a perfect escape for sunbathing, long walks, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves. For those seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a girls' trip, The Sanctuary provides an idyllic setting. The resort's commitment to creating a special atmosphere is evident in every aspect, from the comfortable accommodations to the high-quality dining options.
Many guests return year after year, drawn by the consistent excellence and the feeling of being truly pampered. Dining Experiences
Beyond these, the resort features a convenient coffee shop for morning lattes and pastries, and other dining venues that offer a range of cuisines.
When attending events like concerts, food options outside the main restaurants might be more limited and pricier. Many guests find that ordering from the resort's internal restaurants, even for a kid's meal, offers better value and quality compared to event-specific food vendors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit