The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Resort

The Sanctuary is definitely one of the nicer coastal resorts in the southeastern USA and really was hoping it would live up to expectations. Areas where it did were the pre-visit communications regarding check in, reservations, activities, etc. The concierge service was very attentive. Also we thought the included beach chair/umbrella service was excellent as were the staff taking orders for drinks and food out there. The meals and service at the Ocean Room restaurant were very nice. The room was very clean and spacious as was the bathroom. But there were aspects of The Sanctuary that were befuddling leaving us to wonder whether management had challenges putting themselves into the guests' shoes. When we arrived between 10PM and 11PM, we pulled up to the entrance and there was absolutely no one around. We ventured in to the hotel and into the lobby and looked around until we found the front desk. We waited for about 5 minutes or so while the lone front desk agent worked on some charge issue with a colleague and were not greeted during that time. Once we were getting checked in, the service was cordial. But arrival felt like checking into a Courtyard Hotel in Rockford Illinois. As you enter and walk around the public areas, the decor does ooze traditional southern charm but there is nothing about the decor of this place that sets it apart from other southern resorts of this type. No attempt is made by the interior to surprise or engage the guest. It is definitely a nice traditional decor but really a yawner. Other aspects of the resort surprised us as well. The health club/gym was very small for a resort of this purported quality. 4 treadmills. 4 elliptical style machines. A very tight free weight area with some dumbells up to 50lbs and a rack. A few machines. The place was packed and the ventilation was poor. I get that they want you golfing perhaps but the place was packed. This place needs to be twice as big. Especially if it rains. Another odd aspect was the goofy bar service. The outside bar by the pool was tiny and really needs to be bigger given the number of guests. The inside bar service was OK. But when you order an expensive glass of wine at the main lobby, they want to but it into a plastic cup if you are going outside. They have nicer cups at NASCAR races. Perhaps they think guests will take real glasses on the beach? or by the pool? I have never seen this practice apply to a lobby bar at a seaside hotel in my entire life. Why doesn't the hotel invest in acrylic glasses. From a mixology perspective, you expect craft cockails made from scratch. Amazingly, staff advised us that they used a MIX for pina coladas. Heck, I could get in the car and drive over to the Piggly Wiggly or Bi Lo and get some Creme de Coconut and other mixins to help the bartenders. As to not to belabor this, where were enough oddities that earn the Sanctuary deductions from being a 5 Star. Except for the lobby bar, service was very good in the places we ate and the best folks are in the ice cream/coffee shop! I looked forward to seeing them every day.

We absolutely loved our experience. So many wow moments but our favorite is probably seeing the sunrise. We were provided an info sheet at turndown with the sunrise and sunset times. The next morning we headed downstairs to be greeted with smiles and complimentary coffee. We walked to the beach and took in that moment. Special thanks to Deena from the Spa, Wesley from Jasmine Porch and Yvonne from Security. You truly have special people who provide an extraordinary experiences. We will be back!

I cannot say enough about The Sanctuary. A perfect getaway; close enough to Charleston but secluded enough to feel like you’re far away. Fantastic staff, great rooms and wonderful dining options. I try to come as regularly as possible. The Mingo Point Oyster Roast is a MUST.

My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary. We booked a club level room and we were well served. The room exceeded expectations. The restaurant service was superb. All amenities were five star. I wish The Ocean Course had not been closed.

Live going here to be waited on by a very professional staff. The rooms are gorgeous. Prices on drinks and food are a little too high. Got.a massage last year, but this year it was $205 for a 60 min....needless to say,I can get 3 for that anywhere else and they are A lot better. The place itself is beautiful!!

I surprised my husband with a three day getaway to the Sanctuary in September. We stayed on Club level which was totally worth the extra expense. Great food presentations - breakfast - lunch - appetizers and cordials/desserts. It is a quiet retreat within the hotel...many times we were the only ones there. Nicole Marien (concierge level manager) went above and beyond to make our vacation perfect. While planning activities prior to arrival, she responded to emails promptly and professionally. All dining and golf reservations were executed perfectly. My husband felt like the whole island knew it was his birthday! This is a very well run resort. The staff is highly trained and beyond professional. If you're looking for a worthy splurge...book it now.

We've been coming here for several years. Always so friendly and a great place to stay! Lots of fun things to do. The staff is fantastic! The place is so nice and comfortable. Really pretty and relaxing.

We read it was a nice place to visit but weren't really sure what to expect. It was great. The property is beautiful and well kept. The beach is wide, calm and the water is warm. They have daily activities which you can sign up for. We did something nearly each day and there was something for everyone in our family to enjoy (2 adults + 2 young kids). Patti at Concierge was so helpful and really made our overall experience great with all her recommendations. She was a delight! There was a bellman, Chris, who remembered our names every day for the week - I guess that's what you call southern hospitality. We stayed in the 2 Queen bed which works out well if you have 2 young kids. We hit the beach and pools every day. As great as the beach and pools were - I highly recommend trying their activities. Kids did the reptiles class the the Jedi training camp. We also went shark fishing and did the nature walk and the ocean seining (my husband thought this activity really over delivered compared to it's description). It was a relaxing and fun vacation.

What a great resort! This was my first time in South Carolina, and if this is what the South is all about, then the South is fabulous! The resort is very nice. I appreciated the attention to detail by the housekeeping staff (one night, they noticed I wore glasses, and left a glasses cleaner, another night, they noticed all my cosmetics and left makeup remover and other essentials). Rooms are great, and turn down is consistent and lovely. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The beach crew were very hospitable. Coming from California, I love my beaches, and this beach was wonderful. The chairs and umbrellas are included with the stay (but remember to always tip the beach staff), and drinks are promptly served on the beach. The ocean was warm and beautiful. I attended a Yoga class (additional $20), and it was great. Nice walks along the water. I ate at two of their restaurants. The Jasmine Porch was great for authentic Southern style cooking. I also ate at The Ocean Room. If you can't get a reservation, you can always in the the bar area which is set up nicely with tables. This is a MUST!! The food and service were superb. From the wine, to the Lobster Bisque to the main course (lots of great choices) and the desserts, this is a destination dinner. I was not there for golf, but my friends loved the courses. I experienced the dolphin excursion, which was delightful and I enjoyed seeing the Southern homes from the boat. I also did a lot of shopping in their gift stores! Enjoy this special place ....believe me, you will love South Carolina after this.