Kiawah Island Golf Resort Celebrates 50 Years

While the country experiences its semiquincentennial year, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is celebrating a milestone of its own: 50 years. The original inn opened for the first time on May 3, 1976, and the rest, as they say, is history. The luxury golf resort is known for its excellent dining, world-class golf, and above all, a reputation for exclusivity. But on a recent visit we learned an exciting fact: The resort has a new public facility and far more access for day-trippers than locals and visitors might realize. Our pro tip: Make sure you have a reservation for all of the options below, and the island will welcome you with open arms.

First, the recently opened Treehouse Activity Center at Night Heron Park houses an impressive facility for both education and entertainment. The new nature center offers up-close viewing of local fauna such as snakes and alligators; both land and boat tours of the island and its surrounding waters are available. Meanwhile, the art studio organizes a daily craft as well as open studio hours, with a painting porch that overlooks the wetlands. For pure enjoyment, reserve a lane at the adjacent Spark Bowling alley and arcade or the GOLFZON simulator, with on-site access to a menu of pub food at The Perch.

Although Kiawah’s culinary reputation is well established, recent updates offer diners a fresh taste. At the Ocean Room, chef de cuisine Steven Brooks has rolled out a Heritage Dinner series, a five-course themed tasting menu with wine pairings that travels around the globe; diners receive a passport stamp for each region, beginning with his home country of Germany. And The Atlantic Room, known for its seafood, is newly under the direction of executive chef Justin Spearman. Four additional restaurants take reservations, making access onto the island a breeze.

Last but certainly not least, golf. Tee times at all five of Kiawah’s renowned golf courses are open to the public. “We are as public as the Muni,” says Bryan Hunter, director of marketing for the resort. He notes that day visitors also have access to 19 tennis courts and six pickleball courts, as well as lessons. Hunter cautions that the pools are only for resort guests. However, those who have reservations to dine, golf, or play on the island can also access Beachwalker Park, the only public beach access on the island, for a small fee.

And of course, a stay at the resort is never ill-advised and accompanied by exclusive guest benefits, including complimentary island transportation. The oceanfront view at the five-star Sanctuary Hotel is available even on the ground floor; or book a resort villa or one of the cottages at The Ocean Court.

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