Revival At Kiawah's New "Sanctuary"

Four professional women discover whether the grand resort lives up to its name.

by Susan Laccetti Meyers

January 1, 2005

F our professional women looking for respite from cares about jobs, men and family set off to discover if The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, S.C. -the newest beachfront jewel and first luxury resort to be built on the East Coast in 25 years - could live up to the promise of its name.

Three regulars have visited the 10-mile-long Kiawah (pronounced KEE-a-wah) for more than 15 years. LeaAnn, Maureen and Mary Beth make annual treks to this Low Country getaway just outside Charleston to rejuvenate friendships and reminisce. Three of us ex-Yanks call Atlanta home; one still resides up North. In recent years, the annual gathering has become more of a girls-only outing as relationships have petered, babies have been born and work responsibilities have grown.

Maureen and LeaAnn were skeptical about The Sanctuary's impact on the island's natural beauty. Their memories include quiet bike rides along winding paths by lagoons, under aging oaks draped with Spanish moss and along the hard-sand beach. Egrets, crocodiles and deer outnumbered the island's visitors. As we drove up the resort's naturally landscaped entrance, Maureen, the most apprehensive, proclaimed, "It's elegant and yet blends with the seashore at the same time."

To preserve Kiawah's sense of seclusion, the developer transplanted 160 live oaks more than 50 feet tall and 200 palmetto trees so little vegetation was lost. The environmental concern paid off. Despite its size, The Sanctuary projects the charm and intimacy reminiscent of a historic Charleston luxury hotel merged with an antebellum Southern manor.

The Sanctuary's architect, Cooper Carry of Atlanta, created a U-shaped design for the four-story, 255-room structure so 90% of the rooms have ocean views. The architecture fans among us were dazzled by the slate and copper roofs, the Charleston brickwork and two sweeping staircases off the grand lobby, appointed with fine antiques and reproductions by Atlanta interior designer Hirsch Bedner Associates. From the lobby, arriving guests have a commanding view of the Atlantic across the lawn reserved for bocce ball games.

The sun-drenched rooms were no disappointment either, especially for those who have stayed in luxurious beachfront hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Large plantation shutters separate bedrooms from the bathroom allowing a soak in the garden tub while savoring the ocean view.

Once we settled in, we had a lot of catching up to do, so we tucked into the lobby bar where a pianist tinkled the ivories on a Yamaha grand. We sipped cocktails and traded amusing stories about bad hair coloring jobs.

Late that evening, three of us headed to one of the property's two restaurants, the Jasmine Porch. After surveying the sweets buffet, we indulged in mint verbena tea and key lime créme brulee.

The next day rain sent us to The Sanctuary's spa, which unlike most, was flooded with light. Treatment rooms featured small windows overlooking the grounds. I got the signature massage, known as a "Body Wrapture." The moniker "wrapture" is wellsuited to this treatment: The therapist places velvet covered hot pads filled with rice and grain around hands, limbs, feet and down the spine. Stephanie then massaged me through the pads so that her hands hardly touched skin.

Maureen waxed enthusiastic about the "Island Infusion," a treatment similar to a body polish that uses oils laced with tea and herbs. Her therapist placed tea bags on her eyelids during the neck, head and shoulder massage. The waterfall Jacuzzi was also relaxing, and we loved the rain showers in the spa.

The Ocean Room, the resort's fine dining room, went beyond the expectations of the two foodies on the trip. As South Carolina brown pelicans flew by our ocean front table, we vacillated on what to order. Our waiter J.T. brought out a nice touch none of us had seen before: a red velvet-covered "purse stool," lest our purses touch the ground. The Queen would approve.

Dieting went out the window as we carved melt-in-your-mouth filet with mushroom and truffle mousse, lamb chops and pork tenderloin with our Laguile French steak knives with mother of pearl handles. Our consensus was that the Kalamata olive cheese spread should be jarred and sold. We sent our compliments back to the inventive Chef Chris Brandt, formerly of Atlanta's The Food Studio.

The next few days, we spent hours by the infinity pool with a backdrop of South Carolina dunes and waves. Cabana boys brought us complimentary berry smoothies and bottled water, and we did nothing but read, chat and order lunch.
 
Our verdict? The Sanctuary indeed lives up to its name, and we'll be back. Same time, next year.

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Girlfriend Getaway Of The Month
Learn to whip up delectable, healthy meals with "Light & Easy" hands-on classes at The Golden Door Spa at Boulders Resort taught by Executive Chef Michael Stroot and staff supported by the spa's nutritionist. Participants get a copy of The Golden Door Cooks Light & Easy, a 256-page hardcover book; an apron; complimentary spa use on class day; lunch at the Spa Café; and a spa treatment discount. Build the "Spirit of Life" package at the Carefree, Ariz., around the classes slated for Feb. 5, March 5, April 2 or May 7. Contact sales manager Jason Goldberg at (800) 553-1717 to customize your vacation.

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Hideaways For Couples

CAP JULUCA
Double your pleasure with two of the Caribbean's most luxurious hotels. Award-winning Cap Juluca, a secluded enclave on two miles of pristine, sugar white sand beach in Anguilla and Montpelier Plantation Inn, a 17-room boutique hotel nestled on a hillside in Nevis - have teamed up to offer guests twice the luxury with the Blissful Duet Program available April 23-Nov. 12. Situated on a 179-acre site, ultra-luxe, Moorish-style Cap Juluca features oversized rooms with glassed-in showers and roomy tubs designed for two - all steps from the beach. The rate is $395 a night, double occupancy, with a minimum 3-night stay at each property. www.capjuluca.com or www.montpeliernevis.com

L'AUBERGE DE SEDONA
Private dinners under the stars in Sedona's romantic Red Rock country, gourmet meals on the creek-side terrace, Jeep tours and hot-air balloon rides are just a sampling of the activities this resorts' new "Personal Pursuits" package gives guests. Prior to arrival, guests simply respond to a vacation planner questionnaire, and the L'Auberge Customization Concierge builds the perfect getaway. The four-day, three night package is priced at $3,500 a couple, including accommodations at the resort all meals and beverages, daily activities and individualized nightly turndown treats. The package offers up to 50% savings off a la carte pricing. (800) 272-6777 or www.lauberge.com

COYABA BEACH RESORT & CLUB
To celebrate their Montego Bay resort's 10th anniversary, Joanne and Kevin Robertson, who left their corporate jobs to pursue their island dream on Joanne's native Jamaica, shower guests with gifts this intimate, lushly landscaped gem - a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The friendly staff pampers guests with complimentary welcome baskets, afternoon tea, free tennis clinics and nightly entertainment. The 50-room resort features a private lighted dock, sun deck, fitness gazebo, swimming pool with heated Jacuzzi and spa. Joanne acts as wedding planner for Coyaba's many destination weddings. www.coyaba.com

JALOUSIE HILTON RESORT & SPA
This jaw-dropping, Edenic 325-acre resort overlooking Jalousie Bay and snuggled between St. Lucia's signature twin peaks, the Pitons, is offering a romantic getaway package. It includes accommodations in a 550-sq. ft. villa tastefully done in West Indian antiques and with a huge bathroom and small private plunge pool; daily breakfast (in-room available); flowers in room; bottle of champagne; one candle-lit dinner for two; one couple activity; and first-year anniversary "free night" gift certificate for those who say "I do" at the resort. Request plan code HV when making reservations.  www.hiltoncaribbean.com

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Book It Now
Gather your best girlfriends and come enjoy a special getaway weekend Feb. 3-6 - sponsored by Atlanta Woman - at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, just 21 miles from Charleston, S.C. A sampler of the programming, designed for women by women: golf and tennis clinics; a presentation on women and money; "Antiquing 101"; lunch with Dorothea Benton Frank, best-selling author of Shem Creek; and a workshop on entertaining with Nathalie Dupree. To make reservations, call your travel professional or (877) 683-1234 or visit www.thesanctuary.com.

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Susan Laccetti Meyers of Decatur frequently writes about her U.S. and European travels.