Choose from one- to four-bedroom villas and three- to seven-bedroom private homes in two upscale resort villages on 10,000 wooded and oceanfront acres. The decades-old inn complex is no longer open, but a number of the smaller two-bedroom condo-villas are still fairly affordable. Or you can opt to stay at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, an amazing 255-room luxury waterfront hotel and spa. Its vast lobby is stunning, with walnut floors covered with hand-woven rugs and a wonderful collection of artworks. When a pianist plays in the lobby lounge it is dreamlike. The West Indies theme is evident in the guest rooms; bedposts are carved with impressionistic pineapple patterns, and plantation-style ceilings with exposed planks are painted white. The Ocean Room has incredible architectural details—wrought-iron gates and sculptures and a stained-glass dome. Its contemporary cuisine is of an international caliber. Along with the 10 mi of island beaches, recreational options include kayak and surfboard rental, nature tours, and arts-and-crafts classes. Pros: one of the most prestigious resorts in the country, it is still kid-friendly; the Ocean Room is an ideal venue for an anniversary or a proposal. Cons: not all hotel rooms have even an angular view of the ocean; it is pricey and a substantial drive from town.
Reviewed by Andrew67 from Atlanta, GA on 7/30/07
A mismanaged mess. When they over-booked the Sanctuary and placed some of their conference "guests" in villas, our business conference turned into a "haves" vs. "have-nots". When conference speakers staying in villas attempted to swim in the Sanctuary pool, they were promptly (and embarrassingly) "removed". Once friendly staff turned cold and dismissive when they discovered you were only a "villa person". These people are evil.
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