At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Beauty Is Not Just Skin Deep
Beyond the five-star accommodations and myriad recreational activities lies a steadfast connection to preserving the island’s natural wonders
Aerial view of Kiawah Island / Photo: Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Ocean breezes and countless island adventures greet you at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a luxury resort and meeting destination on the stunning South Carolina coast. The chatter of resident dolphins resonates with the swish of swaying pampas grass and the gentle roar of the Atlantic Ocean. Salt marshes are peppered with ospreys anticipating their morning catch. Loggerhead sea turtles, flanked by dunes and maritime forests, slowly make their annual trek from the ocean, gifting beachgoers a view of a ritual as timeless as the tides.
The atmosphere here is a combination of sheer bliss, Lowcountry luxury and unspoiled tropical landscapes. Although beautiful, it is not only a gift to behold today, but one to preserve for generations to come. At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, this legacy remains top-of-mind and is the catalyst for an array of efforts focused on building coastal resilience.
A demonstration of their commitment to preserve the natural habitats throughout the island, Kiawah Island Golf Resort has partnered with Kiawah Conservancy and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to create a living shoreline. The partnership’s mission is to develop artificial reefs along the shores of Mingo Point on the Kiawah River to create new areas for aquatic life to flourish. To build these reefs, the Resort utilizes an abundant resource from one of its most popular guest experiences: recycled oyster shells from the Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ.
Kiawah Island oysters / Photo: Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
While aimed at conserving and promoting the growth of oyster beds, the reefs provide a valuable resource and a living/learning environment for the Resort Nature Program. Groups have the opportunity to see the results of these revitalizing remedies first-hand during customized boat tours guided by trained naturalists. Additionally, by including a Mingo Point Oyster Roast event in their programming, teams also gain a sense of ownership, knowing they are providing first-hand support to this mission. In fact, guests are encouraged to explore an abundance of endeavors that put them in touch with the natural landscapes of the island, spanning from birding adventures to alligator walks and shelling tours.
Nature envelops every inch of Kiawah Island Golf Resort, including the West Beach Conference Center. Just steps from the ocean, graced by ancient oak-laden trails and sweeping coastal vistas, this meeting oasis offers inviting spaces suitable for events ranging from small executive meetings to gatherings of 1,000 attendees.
Taking in the view on Kiawah Island / Photo: Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
A salute to traditional Lowcountry style and sophistication, the property’s Forbes Triple Five-Star rated luxury hotel, a haven aptly-named The Sanctuary, is one of only 15 hotels worldwide to earn this rare and highly esteemed accolade. Private Villas are another accommodation option, offering full access to world-class resort amenities, including three pool complexes and five championship golf courses consistently ranked among the highest in the nation.
An acclaimed tennis and pickleball center, bicycling on 30-plus miles of paved trails, and wide-ranging watersports add to the ways camaraderie flourishes at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. As do quiet times spent sharing ideas overlooking an expansive, and protected sea.
