Kiawah Island Golf Resort on the private island located just south of Charleston is home to golf courses, wildlife encounters, exciting dining options and more.
1. Check out the Natural Beauty
The ecosystem here ranges from marshland, to forest and shoreline. One of the best ways to get aerial view of the landscape is from the three watch towers spread throughout the property. Sit by the ocean, watch birds roost, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings.
2. Get in the Water
Whether you want to take a stroll along the 10 mile beach, paddleboard, kayak or choose from a host of other water activities, there’s always something happening on the water.
3. Ride Your Bike
The island boasts 30 miles of biking trails and guests can choose the Wildlife in the Wetlands Bike Tour for an ecological biking tour of the island. Biking is an excellent way to access places where vehicles cannot pass, and observe nature up close. One of the most memorable experiences is riding on the beach – where compacted sand replaces asphalt roadways – making for spectacular scenery and people watching.
4. A Food Experience for Every Taste
One dozen dining options means you’ll never be bored. Try the Ocean Room for swanky dining including a camping style cast iron pot of cooked oysters, and a melting chocolate dome. For sweeping views of the Ocean Course and one of the best dining experiences on the island, under the tutelage of Chef Jonathan Banta, opt for the Atlantic Room. The burrata and peach salad and crispy shrimp will not disappoint. For casual southern style breakfast try Southern Kitchen, at Straw Market. For a fun, casual Southern barbecue experience Cherrywood BBQ with its smoked meats, nachos and chicken quesadilla and great local beer is a great choice. Craving a sweet pick-me up? Beaches and cream serves ice cream, candy, cookies, sandwiches and their specialty praline. Stop by to taste one of their specialty flavours beaches and cream and Laurel’s salted caramel and to enjoy their fabulous coffee. “It’s more about the experience than just the food here. Southern hospitality is genuine not taken for granted,” says Brendon Bashford executive Chef at The Sanctuary summing up the dining experience.
5. Wonderful Service
The resort operates with true Southern hospitality. From the genteel front desk staff the hilarious Charles Concierge Supervisor to the shuttle drivers, naturalists and wait staff the resort cultivates genuine service.
6. Golf at one of the Most Beautiful Courses in the USA
With 5 championship golf courses including the magnificent The Ocean Course, you can choose from a full-range of programs whether you’re new to the game or an avid golfer.
7. There’s So Much Wildlife to See
From snakes, bobcats, alligators, and birds, there is always an exciting encounter on the island. The real draw, however, are the estimated 25 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins that strand feed (corral fish onto land to eat) at Captain Sam’s Inlet. It is one of only a few places worldwide where this behaviour has been observed.
This article is based on an original story that appeared in the Winter 2014/15 issue of City Style and Living Magazine. Want more South Carolina?
