What it is

A 255 oceanfront gem with two al fresco pools and a renowned spa.

What it isn't

Skimping on space. King rooms start at a whopping 520-square-feet.

What we think

There’s a reason guests return to Kiawah year after year after year, and it’s not the beach (although, this particular stretch of powdery white sand is stellar.) No, it’s because staying here is akin to checking into your own staffed seaside manse, where anything you could want is on-site. Shopping? Stop by six on-site boutiques, which include Sanctuary Home, where you’ll find Lowcountry-made jewelry. Need to chill after a stressful work week? We recommend the spa’s warm citrus oil head-to-toe massage. It should go without saying, but even hardened urbanites will tell you that dining in the Sanctuary’s five restaurants is every bit as delish as what you’ll find in Manhattan or San Francisco—you can tuck into locally caught sushi at The Ocean Room or Charleston-made Wholly Cow Ice Cream at Beaches & Cream soda fountain. (Don’t worry: if you want to work it off, just hop on a loaner bike and hit the 30 miles of paved trails on-site). Did we mention Kiawah is set to open a new nondenominational Sanctuary Chapel decked by lush gardens?

You're here because

Southern comfort is taken extremely seriously here, and not just for grown-ups: staffers treat every tot with kid gloves. You’ll want to go back in time so you can join the tween crew at Adventure Camp for cast netting, archery and motorboat jaunts.

The Moment

You spent the entire day exploring the island, so are blissfully happy to return to your room for some chillaxing time—and find there’s no better place for it than here. Italian linens and robes? Check. A deep soaking tub? Check. When you discover your private 40-square-foot balcony, you audibly sigh in delight. Home sweet home!

Restaurants & Bars

The Ocean Room - Kiawah’s signature steakhouse

The Sushi Lounge - Traditional sushi dishes are served along with “sushi southern style” plus a menu of small plates and classic cocktails

Jasmine Porch - Pairing the finest of Lowcountry-style seafood and certified organic local produce with sweeping views of the Atlantic

Loggerhead Grill - A Tropical Oceanfront Café, enjoy gourmet sandwiches, grilled burgers, salads and wraps, or wet the whistle with a specialty drink or cocktail poolside

Beaches & Cream - Kiawah’s sweet shop, Offers a selection of quick meals, specialty lemonades, iced coffees, locally homemade ice creams and sweets. Open seasonally

The Atlantic Room - The Island’s signature sustainable seafood restaurant, showcasing modern American cuisine and fresh regional ingredients

Tomasso at Turtle Point - Feast on exciting new takes on authentic classic dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere of true family-style Italian hospitality

Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House - Southern Bar-B-Que at its best, featuring succulent meats smoked daily in-house, signature sauces & sides, and over 60 local & imported beers

Southern Kitchen - Serves breakfast all day including chicken and waffles, specialty omelets and praline French toast.

The Night Heron Grill Dine poolside in the heart of the park, a great place for lunch for the family. With such a variety of drinks, sandwiches, burgers and salads, it is always happy hour at the Grill

The Market at Town Center - Eat-in or take out at Kiawah’s neighborhood market, featuring daily specials and a wide variety of grocery items

The Lobby Bar - Wine by the glass, craft, imported and domestic beers, classic cocktails and find spirits

The Ryder Cup Bar - Offers modern pub fare and exciting drinks, all set in a relaxed atmosphere

Location

Only 21 miles from Charleston on a pristine stretch of land the resort stocked with more than 400 trees, among them 160 Live Oaks for a “We’ve always been here” vibe.