The Honeymoon
The Sanctuary
Kiawah Island, South Carolina

by Linda Holloway, Holloway Photography

Thirty minutes from Charleston, South Carolina, and a world away from the ordinary – The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island offers couples romance in an intimate setting. At first glimpse, the narrow road leading to the Barrier Island is typical until the massive live oak trees come into full view. The sun suddenly dims and dancing streaks of light compete to squeeze through the sprawling branches forming a canopy. The road leads you to one of the most remote yet luxurious resorts to be built on the East Coast in 20 years.

The Sanctuary - appropriately named, is owned by the crown jewel of resorts, Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The 255-room, $125 million hotel is a perfect haven for couples that are ready to de-stress after months of wedding planning. Reviews and accolades are pouring in since the grand opening in August 2004, and Elite Traveler named it “Best New Resort.”

The hotel is designed to resemble a stately Southern seaside mansion where the staff dispenses hospitality in grand style. The spectacular ocean view from the lobby was by design with the developers transporting a quarter million tons of dirt to raise the lobby’s level to 20 feet above the Atlantic -- a view you will not see anywhere on the East Coast. Attention to the theme was emulated to the level that the wood-planked floors of the lobby creek like an old mansion.

The view is the beginning of a special rendezvous with the sights and sounds of nature that only Kiawah Island can provide. Escape from the lobby to your spacious room where the luxury reigns as you experience the honeymoon of your dreams. Our room was designed with two balconies that are perfect for ordering room service, combining the best of scenery and privacy. On a mild day, unfold the plantation shutters in the large bath, swing open the double French doors leading to the balconies and experience the most relaxing sound on earth -- ocean pounding land. Yes, you can have an ocean view while soaking. Slumber time finds you enveloped in ultra fine linens embellishing the hand-carved wooden bed.

When it is time to play, the amenities are unlimited with swimming, canoeing, kayaking and biking. There is also tennis and golf to keep you entertained. It’s no surprise that Conde Nast Traveler’s readers have voted Kiawah Island among the “Top 20” Islands in the World for resort activities. Slow down at the end of the day long enough to visit Mingo Point to witness the sunset over the marshes.

Avid bikers can request a picnic lunch and head to Marsh Island on the residential side of Kiawah. Beginning along a path surrounded by thick Palmetto trees, suddenly you feel like kids on an adventure. Park the bikes at the bridge and walk until you spy a tall wooden tower. Just before you arrive at the top of the tower, there is a bench to gaze out onto the marshes.

We enjoyed the silence surrounding the tower where the water had already crept back into the ocean when we had arrived. The only interruption came from a pair of egrets making an impromptu flight across the marsh to a nearby mini island. Another audible was a clicking sound made by the numerous Fiddler crabs that are active during the low tide when the mud flats are exposed. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery for a perfect moment in time for “memory keeping.”

Experience the Spa at The Sanctuary that features couples’ spa suite facilities with a Southern twist. A spa treatment is a great way to relax before an evening of romantic dining. The Ocean Room is the ultimate in fine dining and features a pair of unique sofa seats, delectable food and a large ocean view terrace. The private wine room is also an escape for romantic dining. For lunch, dine at the Jasmine Porch restaurant and try the Southern standby -- fried green tomatoes.

Do not leave without “flowing” down the two grand staircases flanked by stunning 30-foot-high murals depicting the area’s nature scenes. You can almost imagine if Rhett and Scarlet had an opportunity to visit the Sanctuary, the novel may have had a happier ending.

To complete your perfect honeymoon, travel 25 miles to spend time in one of America’s most romantic cities, Charleston, South Carolina. Stroll on cobblestone streets and catch a horse-drawn carriage to tour the city under gas lit lanterns. The historic Rutledge House Inn is a good choice for historic accommodations. Choose from fine dining at Circa 1886 restaurant or view the city from atop the casual Terrace Restaurant for a lasting romantic experience. Kiawah Island and Charleston are a great combination for celebrating the beginning of your new life.

Fast Facts:

The Sanctuary: 877-683-1234
Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau: 800-774-0006
The John Rutledge House Inn: 1-866-720-2609