Kiawah features a 10 mile-long pristine beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Recreational possibilities are endless, including world-class golf and tennis, bicycling, kayaking, observing wildlife, or, probably the best activity, relaxing.
Our villa is located close (within easy walking distance) to the Sanctuary, a Mobil Five Star resort. It is the perfect location if you are staying at the Sanctuary, possibly with a convention, and would like your friends or family to join you while at Kiawah. We are also in close proximity to the East Beach Center, with its tennis center, cafeteria, and small grocery store. Night Heron Park is just past the East Beach Center, with various venues for the entire family, including many programs for children and teens.
We are only a few hundred yards from the beach as the crow flies; about a ten minute walk or four minute bike ride. We are located at the far end of the resort property, so our end of the beach is less crowded than other parts of Kiawah. Crowding is relative at Kiawah; since the island is private, even a "crowded" period such as July 4th is uncrowded by other beach standards. The beach has a very gentle slope, and the water is warmed by the gulf stream.
Kiawah Resort has two pools available for resort guests. We offer our guests full resort amenities, so that you have use of the Night Heron Park pool, and the pool located at the East Beach Tennis Center, which is adults only and a short walk from our villa.
Bicycle riding is a very popular activity at Kiawah. Bike paths go everywhere on the island, so you don't have to "mix it up" with car traffic to go most places. There are numerous bike rental agencies on or near Kiawah, and we can recommend some to our guests.
Kiawah Island has a very active nature conservation program, and wildlife is abundant. Kiawah is a nesting area for loggerhead turtles. Except in cold weather, it is common to see alligators in or near the many ponds. Bird watching is a popular activity. Other animals on the island include deer, bobcats, raccoons, gray foxes, and river otters.
There are five championship golf courses available for guests to play. The famed Ocean Course, designed by Pete Dye, has played host to the Ryder Cup, the 2007 Senior PGA, and in 2012 will host the PGA Championship. Turtle Point, designed by Jack Nicklaus, winds through wooded areas with numerous water hazards, and features three ocean-side fairways. Other courses are Osprey Point, Oak Point, and Cougar Point.
If tennis is your game, Kiawah was ranked by one tennis organization as the #1 tennis resort in the world. Kiawah has two tennis centers, with the East Beach location within short walking distance of our villa. Guests staying at our villa receive Resort priveleges, including reduced court fees and advance reservations.
There are endless possibilities for dining in or around Kiawah. On Kiawah Island itself, choices range from elegant dining (such as the Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course Clubhouse, with its breathtaking ocean views), to casual eating (like the Market at the East Beach Village). Just outside the main gate, there are several restaurants located at the Freshfields shopping area. There are also restaurants located at Bohicket Marina and on the road to Seabrook. Adjoining Johns Island also has several restaurants, and Charleston is less than an hour away.