Meetings

With so much to do on Kiawah, it's not surprising that many vacationers return to the island with their companies or associations to hold meetings.

'A lot of our guests come back on work related matters,' says Marty Couch, the resort's director of group sales. 'It's primarily a function of Kiawah having so much to offer, and delivering a superior quality of service.'

An extensive roster of exciting, entertaining and informative programs can be customized for any group. Planners can choose a Lowcountry Oyster Roast and Barbeque at Mingo Point, as well as island recreation that includes nature excursions, golf, tennis, fishing, cooking classes, sweetgrass basket weaving, and spa and salon treatments. Off island excursions can also be arranged and include transportation to and from Charleston, and activities such as carriage tours, historic home and garden tours, shopping, dining and waterfront programs.

Groups can meet in several locations, including the clubhouse at Turtle Point Golf Club and East Beach Conference Center, which is conveniently and centrally located on the island. Both locations offer wireless Internet access.

At The Sanctuary, groups enjoy more than 18,000 square feet of lavish function space. The Sanctuary provides the flexibility to arrange executive level meetings in the richly appointed 6,200 square foot Grand Ballroom, the elegant Ocean Room and a variety of exclusive boardrooms. Each facility offers fiber optic technology, in addition to the hotel's wireless connectivity capability. The Sanctuary also offers two exceptional outdoor function spaces punctuated by spectacular ocean views.

Since The Sanctuary opened in August 2004, it has been earning rave reviews from meeting planners and attendees alike.

Here is just a sampling of some happy clients:

'Our 600 plus delegation loved The Sanctuary. There is no doubt that you will have many of them returning, personally, while many others will recommend to their businesses that they schedule special meetings on your superior property. We have nothing with which to compare it. It stands alone. After just one year, you and your people are at their best. Everyone is at the top of their game.'

— Thad Woodard, North Carolina Bankers Association

'From the minute we landed in Charleston, the trip from the airport, the welcome we received as we stepped from our car at the entrance to The Sanctuary, our check in, the beautifully appointed rooms, the dining at the restaurants and the banquet set ups ....everything was just wonderful. The staff couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. We also enjoyed the spa experience and wonderful golf at The Ocean Course. I would definitely look forward to having a future event at The Sanctuary. We'll be back.'

— Kathy Meyers, Goldman Sachs

Weddings

Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a variety of spectacular locations for that very special day.

'From elegant plated dinners served in The Sanctuary's oceanfront ballroom under crystal chandeliers to a casual outdoor barbeque with spectacular sunsets at Mingo Point, our resort offers a true variety of locations for your special day,' says Rudi Witzel, the resort's director of catering and conference services.

Some of the most popular locations for weddings include two of the resort's five golf clubhouses. The elegant clubhouse at Turtle Point Golf Club looks out across the Jack Nicklaus designed course, while the clubhouse at Osprey Point Golf Club provides a beautiful setting amid lagoons and saltwater marsh.

Of course, The Sanctuary offers several options in which to celebrate, including two oceanfront lawns and two separate ballrooms. The two grand staircases that flank the lobby have become traditional locations for wedding photos, while the hotel's convenient access to the beach allows for the wedding party to capture the essence of an oceanfront ceremony.

The resort's experienced catering staff will gladly help arrange the ceremony location, reception, catering, spa services, transportation and accommodations. Specialty wedding services at The Sanctuary include:

• Elegant ballrooms that accommodate up to 350 guests for a served dinner
• Specially designed wedding cakes prepared by The Sanctuary's pastry chef
• Floor length ivory linens and glass encased votive candles
• Wedding ceremonies on oceanfront lawns
• Specially reduced guest rooms rates for friends and family, based on availability and season of the year
• Airport transportation, if required, for bride and groom following wedding
• Arrangements for rehearsal dinner and post event brunch
• Spa and salon services, including hair, makeup, manicures and pedicures
• Golf, tennis and other recreational activities

Visit The Sanctuary online.

Look for Connoisseur: The Magazine of Kiawah Island Golf Resort in your guest room.

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