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She’s Big, She’s Bold, She’s Beautiful:

The Sanctuary is Kiawah Island’s Newest Resort Hotel

By Murray D. Laurie

Not at all shy and reclusive, as her name implies, The Sanctuary reaches out her arms to embrace the Atlantic Ocean from her majestic seat overlooking the broad beach on Kiawah Island.  I cannot resist thinking of this grand resort hotel as a beautiful woman, secure enough of her powerful appeal to flaunt it a bit.  Yet her manners are impeccable, and she is as proud of the cuisine served to her guests as she is attentive to their every wish. 

The Sanctuary made her debut in August, finally throwing open the doors to her 255 luxury guest rooms, although her dance card was booked solid for months. Very much in the Southern style so jealously guarded in nearby Charleston and the neighboring plantations, she favors fine materials and architectural traditions.  No expense has been spared to embellish her setting with landscaped gardens shaded by majestic live oak trees. 

A connoisseur of fine antiques, she enjoys sharing her priceless collections with her guests, among them a legendary set of wooden puzzles, cabinets of prized porcelain birds, a handsome 19th century English armillary sphere, and the Scottish grandfather clock in the entry.  An impeccable eye for art is evident in her choice of the landscapes, portraits and other canvasses displayed on walls and easels throughout the hotel.  Affection for the atmospheric scenery of the South Carolina marshlands is dramatically displayed in the magnificent murals especially commissioned to set off the two grand staircases at either end of the main lobby.  

While her gentlemen guests are enjoying a game of golf on the famed Ocean Course (whose bragging rights include the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 1997 World Cup golf matches), she invites her lady friends to gather upstairs in her spa. Within this oasis of casual and comfortable seclusion they may chat a bit and indulge in feminine beauty secrets, emerging refreshed and eager for new conquests.  She also caters to those in need of retail therapy with a lovely selection of shops and boutiques.

The mesmerizing view of the Atlantic Ocean is the backdrop of fine dining in the splendidly appointed Ocean Room, featuring New American cuisine, and the more informal Jasmine Porch where guests will enjoy regional Lowcountry favorites. The Sanctuary is proud of luring some of the country’s finest young chefs to her kitchens and of her well-stocked wine cellar.  

Although The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island is new-born, rising like Venus from the sea, she is wise and knowing when it comes to pleasing her guests with unparalleled service and impressing her visitors with elegant furnishing and Old South refinement.

For reservations at The Sanctuary of Kiawah Island call toll-free at (877) 683-1234 or visit online at www.thesanctuary.com 

Images

#1 & 2 are courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort & The Sanctuary

#3, an image from the mural, is by the author

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