Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Jan 5, 2004 12:00 PM, Larry Keltto

Are you a meeting planner who’s been longing for a fresh East Coast destination with world-class everything: oceanfront hotel, golf, spa, beach, water activities, meeting facilities, dining, and sightseeing? Your wait will be over in March, and your destination is The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, near Charleston, S.C.

Ownership and management of Kiawah Island Golf Resort think that The Sanctuary, a new, $125 million "resort within the resort," is the missing piece that will make Kiawah Island the finest golf resort on the planet.

Yes, that’s the stated goal: to make Kiawah Island the finest golf resort in the world, in the same company as Turnberry in Scotland and Pebble Beach in California.

Prem Devadas, managing director for Kiawah Island Golf Resort, believes it’s a realistic goal, given Kiawah’s unspoiled, 10 mile-long beach, its unparalleled natural beauty, its collection of five golf courses, and its proximity (35 miles) to charming Charleston.

"We want The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island to stand the test of time, to become an icon of American hospitality," Devadas says. He also feels AAA’s Five-Diamond and Mobil’s Five Star ratings are well within reach; it’s a feat recently accomplished by the resort’s sister property, The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Va.

After spending a few days last week at Kiawah, I will be surprised if the Kiawah team doesn’t reach its goals.

The Sanctuary is a stunning achievement on an astounding site—directly on the beach, but built in a manner that fits the environmentally sensitive surroundings.

The attention to detail at the 255-room hotel is extraordinary. Here’s one example: Not only do all the guest rooms have fine views of the ocean, but the bathrooms were constructed so you have an ocean view while soaking in the bathtub. Here’s another example: to give The Sanctuary a timeless, this-place-has-been-here-forever feeling, 160 mature oak trees (big ones!) were transplanted onto the hotel grounds.

For meetings, The Sanctuary has more than 18,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, including a 6,200-square-foot ballroom with grand pre-function area and courtyard garden and the 3,200-square-foot Ocean Room with outdoor terrace, function lawn, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

From dining to golf, the level of execution at Kiawah is so satisfying. If your attendees include wine experts, the wine lists at Kiawah will not disappoint; the selections are deep and smart.

Is it difficult to impress your golfers? Get them on the Pete Dye–designed Ocean Course, site of the famous 1991 "War By the Shore" Ryder Cup competition and one of five courses at Kiawah. Not only does the Ocean Course have caddies (very rare these days), but the caddies are first-rate. They’re hardworking and knowledgeable, with impeccable etiquette, the result of an extensive, in-house training program.

The Ocean Course hosted golf’s World Cup competition in November, and it’s no secret that Kiawah wants to land the U.S. Open or the PGA Championship (two of golf’s four major championships). There’s no question in my mind that the windswept Ocean Course is worthy. In fact, I feel it’s superior to many courses in the United States and Great Britain that have hosted major championships, including Royal Troon, site of the 2004 British Open.

"It is the goal for the Ocean Course to host a major golf event. The U.S. Open or the PGA —we would be honored to host. It’s our goal, and we expect to be successful," Devadas says.