Arrive at your seaside sabbatical, check into a world-class hotel and discover courses that reserve Kiawah Island as one of the premier golf destinations on the East Coast. Three days will give you enough time to just barely scratch the surface of all that these greens have to offer, so don't miss your tee time!
Check In
Check into The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, your seaside escape for the next 72 hours. Perched on the unspoiled shores of Kiawah Island and surrounded by five pristine courses, this luxury resort will wrap you in splendor and hospitality from the moment you arrive.
Make your way to the Ryder Cup Bar and grab a table on the wraparound deck for a bite to eat before heading to the tee box. Located 150 feet away from The Ocean Course's final hole, this relaxed eatery is both considered the course's "19th hole" and a favorite dining option for those about to take on the tees.
By now, you're surely ready to hit the greens. Perhaps the best way to get a lay of the land is with a lesson from one of the resort's 14 resident golf pros. With tailored lessons for your experience level and preferred instructional style, the PGA certified pros will have you improving your game in no time.
While the whole of the resort exists as a blissful escape to a near-perfect hideaway, perhaps no place at The Sanctuary is as sought-after for serenity-seekers as the resort's spa. Melt your stress away with luxurious treatments in an award-winning haven surrounded by the gentle call of the waves.
Spend your second day getting acquainted with one of the five incredible courses on the property: Cougar Point. The newest of Kiawah Island Resort's 90-hole lineup, this Gary Player course is often considered the most fun on the island and a favorite for visitors looking for a laid-back round.
Breakfast of Champions
The best pre-round golf routines always include a hearty breakfast. Take a lesson from the pros and choose to enjoy room service on your private balcony or make your way to The Market at Town Center to fuel up for another day on the greens.
Head to the tee box at Cougar Point to begin your day on the fairways. Recently rated the "Golf Course of The Year," by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association, this newly renovated course is as visually stunning as it is challenging.
Make your way to the Osprey Point Clubhouse to Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House for a late lunch. Pull up a chair on the veranda and enjoy savory servings of BBQ, specialty sides and your selection of over 60 local, imported, draft and craft beers.
Before the day comes to a close, make your way to the The Lobby Bar for a game of chess, a nightcap and a sampling of the bar's light menu offerings. Enjoy views of the Atlantic while you sip creative concoctions and perhaps make some new golfing buddies at this lively lounge.
If you find yourself asking, "Could this possibly get any better?" - the answer is "Yes, it could." The best of Kiawah was saved for last, so delight in a few final extravagances. Day three promises equal parts reveling in the quiet island's natural beauty and savoring the flavors of the Lowcountry.
Early Bird Boardwalk Stroll
Sneak out to the shore as the sun rises over the horizon. Follow a scenic boardwalk to the beach, where chirping birds will flit alongside the sky blazing view. Depending on the season, you'll spy plovers and sanderlings while picking up a few sand dollars and sharks teeth for the road.
After a few delightful hours in nature, brunch is served at Jasmine Porch. If you've yet to try local shrimp and Geechie Boy grits, here's your moment. Sip a mimosa or fresh squeezed juice as you prepare to keep swinging into the afternoon.
It's your time to shine on the much buzzed about Ocean Course. Rated South Carolina's number one course, these 18 holes have been played by the greats at Ryder Cup and PGA tournaments time and time again. Plus, its placement alongside Kiawah's crashing waves is a lovely added touch.
Pack your Sunday best for this finale dinner at The Ocean Room. As you spend your last hours on the coast of Charleston, seafood and steaks should be a requirement, as should a glass of wine from the 1,000-bottle, Wine Spectator-awarded menu.
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Published annually, the official Charleston Visitors Guide is full of gorgeous photography, insider tips, maps, and resources to help you plan your Charleston vacation.
Published annually, the official Charleston Area Visitors Guide is full of gorgeous photography, insider tips, maps, and resources to help you plan your Charleston vacation.