South Carolina has historically slipped below the radar when it comes to vacation spots. In recent years, this has turned around as excellent resorts have appeared. If golf is your thing, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort will qualify as a slice of heaven.



Your first steps into the resort proper send you into another world of grand southern charm. Imagine a proper parlor decked out in elegant silk covered chairs, a huge fire place and elegant sconce derived lighting along the walls. It is a delightful and imposing beginning.

Lest I get carried away, the resort is not all southern charm. The layout is more of a modern platform with the units to the resort being similar to townhomes running down the golf resort. This makes the resort an old world destination with a seamless modern trend.

The meshing of time periods works even if it is somewhat eccentric. This was obviously given serious consideration by the designers. The real find of this resort which was built in 2004, however, is not on the outside of the facilities but on the inside.

What more could you want than a beautiful golf course on the ocean? A top notch spa, of course and the resort definitely has one. From the wraps to the massages to the skin treatments and so on, the menu is long and luxurious.

So, our day now comprises of golf in the morning, a stroll along the ocean in the afternoon and a spa treatment to follow it up. What else could we possibly need? Food, of course. The restaurants at the resort are top notch and specialize in French and Southern menus.

A stay at the resort is perfect for the soul. It has just enough Southern charm to make you feel welcome, but an equal number of modern amenities that make life a luxury. Oh, and the golf is top notch as well with many golfers traveling from far and wide to play the course.

Think of a perfect vacation. What would it include? Golf. Lodging on the ocean. An incredible spa to relax and rejuvenate in. Quality food from excellent restaurants. At $400 a night, the Sanctuary gives you that and more.