he Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, just outside of historic Charleston, South Carolina opened in August 2004 and from the onset has been setting the standard for luxury. The hotel started out with a solid foundation being built on the small barrier island resort, which had long been known for its world-class facilities.

Driving on Kiawah

They had the golf, of which there are five championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, Clyde Johnson and the famed Ocean Course by Pete Dye. The pros do not only designed the courses on Kiawah, they play them too. The Ocean Course was the site for the famous “War on the Shore,” the 1991 Ryder Cup. Other events have included the 1997 and 2003 World Cup, 2001 USB Warburg Cup, 2007 Seniors PGA Championship and will host the 2012 PGA Championship.

The Tennis is All Aces

They had the Tennis with two nationally recognized tennis centers boasting some 23 Har-Tru clay courts and five hard courts several of which are lighted. Tennis on the Island is under the direction of Roy Barth who has built the program in to what Tennis Magazine has ranked #4 among the “50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts.”

The Natural Beauty

The Sanctuary’s foundation was also built on one of the most beautiful islands in the country. The Travel Channel ranks the Kiawah beach as one of America’s top ten, and also called it “America’s Best Wildlife Getaway Beach.” The natural beauty of the island has been preserved throughout its development; just ask the local Alligators, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Bobcats and Pelicans who all still call Kiawah home.

The Sanctuary on Kiawah Arrives

With all of this and more already in place the Sanctuary on Kiawah rose from the sand dunes overlooking one of the most beautiful sections of the islands ten mile long uninterrupted beach. The initial plan was for an ultra-luxurious resort and spa. The result is one of only three Mobil Five Star spas in the US and one of only 44 Mobil Five Star hotels.

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