Since establishing itself as one of the world's finest hotels, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has continued to build on its tremendous success by creating a variety of special event weekends.
Most of the events take place during the first three months of the year and each feature substantial savings on regular rates, while also providing an assortment of speakers, seminars and lots of fun.
Following is a sample of a few of the weekends, although please note that schedules for each event change every year.
Winter Art Show
For the past two years, this event has been held in conjunction with the Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association and Art & Antiques magazine. The weekend package typically includes a cocktail reception, an art preview in the shopping promenade at The Sanctuary, a gallery tour of Charleston, art show admission and a reception—featuring works from renowned regional and national artists.
Women's Escape Weekend
The Women's Escape Weekend offers special programming, designed for women by women. It includes a variety of interactive workshops, recreational options and dinners.
Past speakers have included: Dorothea Benton Frank, best-selling author of "Sullivan's Island" and "Isle of Palms"; Handbag Designer Mary Norton of MOO ROO fame; Cookbook Author Nathalie Dupree; and Bestselling Author Cassandra King, who shared writing secrets and more from her novel, "Same Sweet Girls." Dom Perignon, Woodford Reserve and a variety of cabaret acts have provided spectacular evening entertainment.
Living in Balance Retreat
The Sanctuary and Spa magazine have teamed up for a weekend dedicated to "living in balance," and exploring a variety of spa treatments.
Previous speakers have included: Dr. Ann Kulze, a nationally recognized physician and nutrition specialist, and author of "Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality;" Barbara Close, founder of Naturopathica Holistic Health and author of "Aromatherapy—The A to Z Guide to Healing…"; Liz Mazurski, editor-in-chief of Spa magazine; and Martha Abbott, a movement therapy specialist, and professional Kripalu Yoga and DansKinetics teacher. The Sanctuary's Executive Chef, Robert Wysong, has also conducted a healthy living cooking demonstration.
Golf for Women Weekend
The Sanctuary and Golf for Women magazine have joined forces to create a weekend of instruction, dining and casual rounds of golf. Participants have enjoyed the oceanfront holes of Jack Nicklaus' Turtle Point and the unique layout of Pete Dye's Ocean Course. In addition, they have received instruction from Carol Preisinger, Director of Instruction at the Kiawah Island Club and a Golf for Women "Top 50 Teacher"; and Krista Dunton, Director of Instruction at Belfair in Hilton Head, SC. The itinerary also typically leaves plenty of time to relax in The Sanctuary's luxurious spa and lounges.
Special Events Program
December 2006
1-3 — Holiday Music Performances
8-10 — Holiday Music Performances
January 2007
18-21 — Winter Art Show
19-21 — Woodford Reserve Bourbon & Cigar Weekend
25-28 — Women's Escape Weekend
25-28 — Women's League Tennis Weekend
February 2007
2-4 — Women's League Tennis Weekend
8-11 — Wine & Music Weekend
15-18 — A Champagne, Chocolate and Caviar Affair
22-25 — Best of South Carolina Weekend
23-25 — Living in Balance Weekend
March 2007
9-11 — Golf for Women Weekend
May/June 2007
25-10 — Piccolo Spoleto Musical Events
To make reservations, or for more and current information, call 1-877-683-1234 or visit online at www.thesanctuary.com/packages, where you can also sign up for online promotions.
All dates, event, speakers and pricing are subject to change.
A Holiday Tradition
While winter is not traditionally the time of year people choose to travel to oceanfront resorts, the opening of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has seen the island's reputation as a sub-tropical, year-round destination soar-especially during the holiday season. In fact, LIFE magazine rates Kiawah Island as one of the top 10 winter island getaways.
"People have begun making Kiawah part of their holiday tradition," says Roger Warren, Kiawah Island Golf Resort President. "Our beautiful decorations and sense of place create an ambience that is hard to match."
As the calendar approaches Thanksgiving, The Sanctuary becomes the resort's center for a six-week-long festive celebration. Whether it's enjoying a walk during the crisp mornings or riding in a horse-drawn carriage underneath the island's grand oak trees, there is a holiday tradition waiting to begin at Kiawah Island.
The resort offers a selection of holiday packages-from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. Guests can stay in either The Sanctuary or one of 600 private villas or homes. In addition, reservation agents can build a custom package for guests upon request.
The Kiawah holiday season begins with a traditional Thanksgiving celebration, filled with cheer and family fun. Kiawah has a variety of Thanksgiving feasts to savor, including a bountiful and traditional meal delivered directly to your villa or home. The Ocean Room, Kiawah's fine dining restaurant, features a refreshing and original approach to the holiday meal, while Jasmine Porch restaurant features a lavish buffet of traditional favorites, along with a chilled seafood display and selection of regional salads. Turtle Point Bar & Grill offers a full menu, in addition to several Thanksgiving specials throughout the day, while Osprey Point Grill serves a bountiful holiday buffet with traditional Thanksgiving favorites and Lowcountry holiday specialties.
Begin the holiday shopping season in style the next morning at Kiawah's outstanding selection of boutique stores before visiting nearby historic Charleston, where antique shops, boutique clothing stores and art galleries abound. Alternatively, enjoy Kiawah's mild climate and play one of the resort's five golf courses, take a tennis lesson or kayak around the island's pristine marsh. As an added value for guests of The Sanctuary, the hotel offers an indoor pool and a variety of fitness classes. For dinner, enjoy freshly roasted oysters and traditional Southern barbeque specialties while watching the sun set on the beautiful Kiawah River at Mingo Point.
The Sanctuary's tree lighting ceremony ushers in the season of glad tidings while delicious refreshments-including hot cider and cocoa and traditional holiday cookies-add cheerful touches to this time-honored holiday tradition. Guests can also stroll through the "Gingerbread Houses of Charleston" village, constructed by The Sanctuary's talented culinary team, as well as many of Charleston's acclaimed chefs.
Throughout the month of December, The Sanctuary offers a variety of activities, including Christmas storytelling and tea with Mrs. Claus, carolers on the Grand Staircase and horse-drawn carriage rides. For guests of the hotel, Santa will make a special appearance to tuck-in to bed young children, and deliver milk and cookies.
On Christmas Eve, both Jasmine Porch and the Ocean Room serve menus enhanced by seasonal specials. On Christmas Day, Jasmine Porch serves a grand buffet, while the Ocean Room presents a special menu, sprinkled with holiday favorites. Both Turtle Point Bar & Grill and Osprey Point Grill also offer special Christmas meals.
On New Year's Eve, both Jasmine Porch and the Ocean Room offer two seatings. At Jasmine Porch, you can enjoy a four- or five-course meal, while The Ocean Room presents a four- or six-course meal and champagne toast. The Sanctuary also hosts a gala that features cocktails, a four-course dinner, live music, and a fireworks show, while there is an event for all ages at Night Heron Park.
Perfect ~ by Nature
Located in the Historic Plantation District, Poplar Grove is an escape to the only backyard that gives you 6,000 acres to play on. Just minutes from Downtown Charleston, yet so far away from the mainstream of traffic, Poplar Grove is home to some of the most natural amenities you’ll find anywhere.
Within the boundaries of the original walled city of Charleston, we are building a home of handsome romance ... an enchanting residence by Sintra Homes. Like a storybook, the sparkling new 4,700 square foot residence features tiered Juliet balconies, secret garden spaces and the most sumptuous spa-style bath in all of Charleston.
Executive Chef Randy Williams and Founding Chef Donald Barickman have created a new menu at Blossom focusing on fresh seafood with local flair. Distinctive flavors enhance seafood producing invigorated American cuisine with southern sensibility. Blossom is perfect for sumptuous seafood.
Visit The Sanctuary 
Perfect ~ by Nature
Located in the Historic Plantation District, Poplar Grove is an escape to the only backyard that gives you 6,000 acres to play on. Just minutes from Downtown Charleston, yet so far away from the mainstream of traffic, Poplar Grove is home to some of the most natural amenities you’ll find anywhere.
Within the boundaries of the original walled city of Charleston, we are building a home of handsome romance ... an enchanting residence by Sintra Homes. Like a storybook, the sparkling new 4,700 square foot residence features tiered Juliet balconies, secret garden spaces and the most sumptuous spa-style bath in all of Charleston.
Executive Chef Randy Williams and Founding Chef Donald Barickman have created a new menu at Blossom focusing on fresh seafood with local flair. Distinctive flavors enhance seafood producing invigorated American cuisine with southern sensibility. Blossom is perfect for sumptuous seafood. 
