The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort

“We stay here every year and love it - but beware of holiday weekends!”

We’ve spent a weekend (varied time of year) at the Sanctuary almost every year for the past 14 years, and have never seen crowds like this past Easter weekend. We have always come back to Kiawah for the peace and for the lack of “a scene” at other resorts (looking at you, Sea Island), but it felt … more

We’ve spent a weekend (varied time of year) at the Sanctuary almost every year for the past 14 years, and have never seen crowds like this past Easter weekend. We have always come back to Kiawah for the peace and for the lack of “a scene” at other resorts (looking at you, Sea Island), but it felt like more of a scene this trip and so my goal with this particular review is to raise a flag about how popular it is getting if you are looking to have a more relaxed, unscheduled weekend. I grew up coming here as a kid, and even when most people where we live go to the Gulf beaches or to Sea Island, I always suggest Kiawah to those looking for a great Southeastern weekend. All that to say I hate to give a less than stellar review. You still can’t beat the property itself, the views, the golf, the staff that we see year after year, and the activities on the island, so we’ll continue to return but will be more vigilant in making our plans and specifying our preferences in advance. It also doesn't seem like the opening of the Dunlin is taking any of the guest load off of the Sanctuary. For starters, the concierge was slower than usual to respond to inquiries ahead of time, and was unable to help with dining reservations even weeks in advance due to everything being full. Others told us they were unable to get into kids clubs and activities despite requesting weeks in advance. In the past we’ve had no wait for breakfast, this year it was an hour-ish on Sunday (meanwhile, there is a reservations-only Easter brunch going on at the same time which usually takes some of the pressure off the restaurant, but not this time). Service was very slow in the restaurants, although the staff is always lovely. Attempting to get lunch at the pool was a fiasco - the staff was working so hard, but they were just completely overrun. Luckily my mother in law had been down at the beach all day so we had chairs under an umbrella there. In contrast, Easter weekend 2024 we were the only family on the beach, ours was the only kid in the pool, etc. and it was the same time in April. On a positive note, we have loved that they have opened a grab and go spot in place of the former sundries shop in the past few years. This saved us multiple times when we didn't want to wait for meals. Huge points for this addition. Our rooms were in the oceanview category we booked, but were probably one of the lesser in the category (tucked into a corner) whereas many times we’ve been upgraded to fantastic rooms which I’ve always attributed to being repeat visitors. This trip was the first time we’ve booked through a Travel Advisor’s portal, and I wonder if our profile wasn’t associated properly or if there were just too many people for it to matter. I know this sounds SO picky, and there are truly no bad rooms, but just something I noticed amidst everything else. There was also a live roach (Palmetto Bug #iykyk) in our room one night which I’ve NEVER experienced there. Some of the rooms are starting to feel tired, but I've never encountered a bug. All in all we still had a wonderful weekend, and we will of course come back next year, but be warned that holiday weeks/weekends can be a little crazy and plan ahead and accordingly :)

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“Hawaii-EAST??? NO THANKS!”

This is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country on the most beautiful Island on the East coast and I still love most of it. However, the current GM, despite many complaints from guests and staff, requires that the music played around the pool area include what seems like 30-40% Hawaiian mu… more

This is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country on the most beautiful Island on the East coast and I still love most of it. However, the current GM, despite many complaints from guests and staff, requires that the music played around the pool area include what seems like 30-40% Hawaiian music. It is terrible! Not sure how Hawaiians can stand it (no offense intended). The majority of pool and other staff come from the Caribbean islands and they and every guest I spoke with would much rather hear "Caribbean Island" music or, frankly, anything else. It has been going on for a couple of years now and it needs to stop. The food at the pool needs a big upgrade as well. Otherwise, I love the facilities and staff. I cannot imagine what the GM is thinking! He obviously loves Hawaii. I recommend he move there and take that horrible music with him.

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“No Bathroom Privacy in Rooms At The Sanctuary”

I am writing after one night of what will be a five day stay. The hotel is beautiful and sits on a wonderful stretch of beach. The staff is polite and professional. However, I would check out today if I could. Although this is a classic hotel, the rooms have been renovated with an open bathroom… more

I am writing after one night of what will be a five day stay. The hotel is beautiful and sits on a wonderful stretch of beach. The staff is polite and professional. However, I would check out today if I could. Although this is a classic hotel, the rooms have been renovated with an open bathroom concept. Hotels need to begin to realize that a large percentage of customers do not want a complete lack of privacy when travelling, and at the very least state the bathroom situation in room descriptions. At The Sanctuary, although there are shutters which can close for a bit of visual privacy, they provide no sound or light insulation. It is an uncomfortable situation. Perspective guests should be aware of this situation.

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