kiawah island, south carolina

KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
THINGS TO KNOW
QUICK FACTS
CLIMATE
Kiawah Island boasts an enviable semitropical climate with
temperatures that average in the high 80s in the summer and
hover around 50 degrees during the winter months.
Temperature variations between night and day are usually
minimal.
LOCATION
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
One Sanctuary Beach Drive
Kiawah Island, SC
29455
GETTING THERE
You'll fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), a scenic
45-minute drive from Kiawah Island. American, Delta, JetBlue,
Southwest, United and US Airways all provide service here. A
rental car is the best option for getting to your residence from
the airport.
CHECK IN
4 p.m.
GETTING AROUND
A rental car is highly recommended as your residence is a
short drive from restaurants and a variety of amenities. If you
prefer not to rent a car, Kiawah Island is very bike friendly and
your Destination Concierge can arrange for rentals or for
private transportation.
SPECIAL NOTE: Before your arrival, your Destination
Concierge will provide you with a car pass. Please print this
pass and have it displayed on your front window upon arrival.
This will allow you through the first and second gate, on to
your residence. Please keep this pass displayed throughout
your stay as cars without a pass are subject to ticketing.
PARKING
Complimentary parking is available at your residence.
SPECIAL NOTE: Street parking is not allowed within Kiawah.
CHECK OUT
11 a.m.
AIRPORT
CHS
TRAVEL TIP
Amid the amenities of this
resort, you might forget that it
offers 10,000 acres of natural
woodlands. Nature programs,
walking and paddling tours
give you a chance to spot
alligators, loggerhead turtles,
snakes, lizards and bird
species.
THINGS TO KNOW
CHECK IN/ARRIVAL PROCESS
Your Destination Concierge will greet you at your residence, where you will receive a quick tour and
orientation. Be sure to let your concierge know if you plan to arrive late, so that you can receive detailed
instructions.
GROCERIES
For just the cost of groceries, your Destination Concierge will be happy to fulfill your grocery order. Simply
complete the order form on your Inspirato.com account at least 72 hours prior to your arrival. Additional
shopping trips range between $25 to $50 plus the cost of groceries, depending if they require an off-island
trip.
IN-RESIDENCE DINING OPTIONS
Your concierge can have a private chef come to your residence to cook you a meal. Just ask for menus and
chef options.
STAY FIT
Throughout your stay, you will have access to a total of 24 tennis courts split between the Roy Barth Tennis
Centre and the West Beach Tennis Club. The tennis programs at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, under the
direction of Hall of Fame tennis pro Roy Barth, continually generate accolades, including the number one
ranking in the 2004–2005 list of “Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts” by Tennis Magazine. In addition to clay and
hard courts, both facilities have fully stocked pro shops and offer stringing, rental and matchmaking services.
Players must wear proper tennis attire, as determined by the tennis professionals and staff at all times.
Regulation tennis shoes are required.
HOUSEKEEPING
Daily.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
While our Destination Concierge teams and housekeeping staff welcome and appreciate recognition for
exceptional service, tipping is entirely up to you based on your level of satisfaction. If you would like to leave
a gratuity, we suggest the following general guidelines:
+ Destination Concierge: $20-$50 per day depending on the level of service you experienced.
+ Destination Planner: $10-$20 per day depending on the complexity of your trip planning and itinerary. +
Housekeeping: $5-$7 per occupied room per evening is typical for luxury hospitality.
+ Restaurants: The customary 15-20% of your total bill is appropriate.
+ Vendors: Gratuity is dependent on the complexity of the experience or service, so we suggest using
your discretion.
THINGS TO DO
SPA
The Sanctuary Spa offers a serene setting, combined with traditional Southern hospitality, which are reflected in
Lowcountry treatments derived from botanical extracts, nourishing seaweed, mineral-rich mud and natural
enzymes. Kiawah’s vast coastline and lush greenery were the inspiration behind several of the signature
treatments that leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.
GOLF
Kiawah Island lays claim to five championship golf courses, making it one of the premier golf resorts in the
country. Your Destination Concierge can arrange tee times at your convenience. Here's a primer for the links
enthusiast who doesn't plan on five full rounds.
+ Ocean Course – Framed by panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and nestled between the beach and the
tidal marshland, the 18-hole Ocean Course trumpets beauty. Golf Digest named it "America's Toughest Resort
Course" and it's also one of only 16 five-star courses in North America.
+ Turtle Point – Jack Nicklaus designed this course to flow through forests and along backwater lagoons to
finish at three spectacular holes along the ocean. Tight fairways with challenging hazards earned Turtle Point
four stars in Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play."
+ Osprey Point – A Tom Fazio masterpiece, this guest favorite sits amid pristine lagoons, marshes and maritime
forests, offering picturesque views from every hole. Osprey Point earned 4 1/2 stars in Golf Digest's "Best Places
to Play" survey.
+ Cougar Point – This Gary Player design, notable for its sweeping panoramas of the Kiawah River, features
marsh-side fairways and undulating greens thwarted by water hazards and bunkers. Cougar Point earned 4 1/2
stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” survey.
+ Oak Point – Built on the grounds of an old plantation along the historic Haulover Creek, Oak Point mirrors a
Scottish American parkland-style course. The windswept fairways stretch alongside salty marshes interspersed
with forested areas of ancient live oaks, magnolias, palmettos, countless birds, alligators and other wildlife.
BEACHES
The private beach at Kiawah Island is made up of 10 miles of pristine Southern coast with wind-swept dunes,
calm waters and warm water (from April to October). A variety of services and amenities are available for
purchase, including chair rentals, beach toys and games and boogie boards, surfboards and stand-up
paddleboards.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT
Wedged between the Kiawah River and the Atlantic Ocean, Kiawah Island is a great fishing and crabbing
destination because of its many diverse saltwater environments. Area marinas offer surf fishing guides, deep
sea charters, marsh fishing and kayak fishing expeditions.
+ Inshore Fishing – The Kiawah River and its surrounding tidal estuaries provide outstanding inshore fishing
opportunities for the medium and light tackle angler. Redfish, spotted sea trout and flounder are just some of
the seasonal species that you’ll have the opportunity to catch (and release).
+ Offshore Fishing – Offshore fishing off Kiawah’s coast is a fantastic opportunity to hook into wahoo, marlin,
mahi mahi, cobia, sailfish, king mackerel and many other deep sea species.
+ Crabbing – Crabbing is a popular activity on Kiawah Island. A simple crabbing set-up consists of string, a
chicken neck for bait and a long-handled net for scooping up the crabs. Remember, blue crabs must be more
than five inches across the back, tip to tip, to keep. One of the best places to crab on the island is the Kiawah
River Bridge.
FAMILY
This is one of the best places on the East Coast to see dolphins, as it’s home turf to the northernmost
permanent population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins – not to mention the hordes of migratory “biker dolphins”
cruising through the local population. In fact, it’s often a veritable dolphin free-for-all. Your dolphin-watching trip
can start at nearby Bohicket Marina, located between Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island, just south of
Charleston.
THINGS TO DO
MUST-DO
Charleston's culinary and arts scenes, along with its rich history, are well worth the 45-minute drive. The city
claims five James Beard chefs, eclectic galleries, mansion tours and wildlife experiences like the South
Carolina Aquarium.
ROMANTIC
With picture-perfect surroundings, a leisurely picnic beachside or at Middletown Place in Charleston is sure
to make for a memorable afternoon. If you prefer to take your romance on the water, a sunset cruise is
always a pleaser.
ADVENTURE
To completely get away from it all, set sail for a remote and picturesque barrier island, where seashells are
plentiful and time seems to slow down. Dolphins are everywhere and you can often see the local nesting
pair of American bald eagles soaring above. On rare occasions, a giant manatee will break the surface of
the water just off the beach. During nesting season, it’s commonplace to see massive female loggerhead
sea turtles scoping out the beach and finding the perfect spot to go ashore later that night to lay their eggs.
NATURE
During your stay, we invite you to participate in one of the many scheduled nature excursions, or allow the
staff of naturalists to customize a private tour. Please contact your Destination Concierge for a complete list
of tours and more information.
+ Sample Nature Excursions – Alligator Adventures, Biking into History, Back Island Excursion, Kiawah’s
Night Exploration, Marsh Creek Canoeing, Marsh Kayaking, The Nature of Kiawah, Reptile Roundup and
Wildlife in the Wetlands.
LOCAL
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka is made locally on Wadmalaw Island, so the area's must-try cocktail is a Firefly and
Lemonade. Venture to the distillery to see how this sweet vodka is made, then sit back and relax with your
own cocktail.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
+ Bike tours
+ Alligator Adventure
+ Night Heron Park Nature + Turtles’ Nest Art Studio + Shopping
Program
+ Boat charters
+ Disc golf
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
FAMILY
Southern Kitchen (Kiawah Island) – Walk the planks of the boardwalk at The Shops and dive into family fun
and traditional Lowcountry cooking prepared in true Southern style.
ROMANTIC
Peninsula Grill at Planters Inn (Charleston) – Elegant and contemporary, the Peninsula Grill offers four-star,
four-diamond American fare with Southern influences, an award-winning wine list and romantic courtyard
dining. Peninsula Grill requests upscale dress.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
FINE DINING
Ocean Room (Kiawah Island) – Named “Restaurant of the Year” by the Charleston Post and Courier, the
Ocean Room is justifiably renowned for its prime steaks, pampering service and dramatic ocean views.
Reservations are recommended.
LOCAL
King Street Grille (Kiawah Island) – Located in the Freshfields shopping area, King Street Grille is a fun
sports bar and restaurant offering delicious appetizers, salads, burgers and wings. Watch the big game on
large-screen HD TVs.
A LOWCOUNTRY TRADITION
Minho Point Oyster Roast & BBQ (Kiawah Island) – Feast on roasted oysters, watch the sun set on the
beautiful Kiawah River or dance under the moonlight to beach, boogie and blues music. In addition to
oysters, guests can enjoy a number of Southern barbecue specialties, a bounty of side dishes and a fullservice bar.
SPECIAL NOTE: Available June to early September only.
FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES
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Annual Braise and Brew Event – January
Charleston Restaurant Week – January
Art Walk and Wine Tasting – February
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition – February
Festival of House and Gardens – March
Charleston Wine & Food Festival – March
Grits Festival – April
Easter Celebration – April
4th of July Festivities – July
Spoleto Festival USA – June
Mingo Point – August
The Scottish Games and Highland Gathering – September
Mozart in the South – September
MOJA Arts Festival – September
Wickets & Wine – October
Holiday Festival – November
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon – December
Information presented in this Inspirato destination guide is current as of January 8, 2015. While it is believed to be accurate, Inspirato LLC
(and its officers, employees and affiliated entities, collectively “Inspirato”) makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or
completeness of the content presented herein. The contents of this destination guide may change at any time and without notice. This
destination guide is presented for informational purposes only for Inspirato members and guests. Inclusion in this destination guide is not
to be considered an endorsement or recommendation by Inspirato for any of the mentioned third-party products, services, activities or
vendors. Participation in any of the mentioned third-party products, services or activities may require a separate agreement with a third
party and members and guests are encouraged to review any such agreements carefully. Inspirato assumes no liability or responsibility
for any injury, damage or loss that members and guests may incur with any third parties, and members and guests utilizing any
information in this destination guide waive any claims against Inspirato. Inspirato is a registered trademark of Inspirato LLC.