Kiawah Island is a unique and beautiful retreat just off the coast of Charleston,Guest Posting South Carolina. What makes Kiawah unique? First, Kiawah Island has one of the few beaches on the East Coast that runs east-to-west and actually faces south. Nestled in this harbored area where the coastline cuts inward, the surf on Kiawah is almost always gentle and calm. Second, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort owns the majority of the Island including the only hotel on Kiawah, the Five-Diamond rated Sanctuary Hotel. The Resort has carefully controlled development on the Island, limiting encroachment of Scuba diving in Komodo commercial activity. This has created a one-of-a-kind pristine environment lush with a maritime forest and native wildlife. You will find no fast food chains, no outlet malls, nothing to mentally pull you out of the cocoon of coastal beauty that is Kiawah Island.

To begin enjoying your vacation on Kiawah Island, you will first need to plan where to stay. If you are looking for luxury and elegance, The Sanctuary is a must. This five-diamond hotel was completed in 2004 with intense attention to detail. It is beautifully decorated and offers every comfort plus two excellent restaurants, the Ocean Room Prime and the more casual Jasmine Porch.

For a more private, laid-back Kiawah experience, though, you can rent a villa instead of staying at the hotel. The Resort rents out villas ranging from small condos to elegant, oceanfront mansions and everything in between. Some private home owners on the Island rent out their homes to guests who elect not to stay with the Resort, but be aware that if you do not rent through the Resort you will not have access to a pool or to the Resort’s activity programs.

Once you have a place to stay, you need a place to eat. For a special occasion, the Sanctuary’s Ocean Room Prime is a great choice. This upscale steakhouse has spectacular views of the ocean and the service will make you feel like royalty. If you’re looking for more casual everyday dining, head up to Freshfields Village at the entrance to the Island. This new town center offers several restaurants featuring French cuisine, pizza, burgers, and paninis. At Vincent’s Pharmacy, you can also get an old-fashioned malt or ice cream.