An Inside Look at the Private Beach Resorts of Charleston

By Christine Heilman

Charleston’s numerous tourist attractions are what make it one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. From fine dining and shopping to sights full of history Charleston has it all within its small peninsula. However, having all of these attractions in such a small area creates crowding of the people and tourists of Charleston. This is why some visitors choose to turn to the secluded private beach resorts located on the outskirts of the city, just a short drive from downtown.

Resorts like Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Wild Dunes boast some of the best golf, tennis, and beach recreation in the country. With miles of pristine beaches, stunning marsh vistas, thriving wildlife, and convenient amenities these resorts are attractive to guests looking for a relaxing vacation. All of these private oases require you to arrange accommodations at the resort in order to gain access to all the amenities offered, providing more exclusive vacation spots. At the same time these havens are only a short drive (30-40 minutes) from the hustle and bustle of downtown, making it easy to eat dinner, go shopping, or visit the historic attractions of Charleston during your stay.

Wild Dunes

Of all the beach resorts, Wild Dunes is the closest to downtown. Located at the tip of Isle of Palms, it is only a 30 minute drive across the Ravanel Bridge. Wild Dunes offers something for every one: golf, tennis, spa treatments, water sports, or just a relaxing chair on the beach.

The resort is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses, both designed by Tom Fazio a world-renowned golf course architect. Private instructional lessons with a pro for players of all levels are available at both courses. If golf isn’t your strong suit Wild Dunes also offers 17 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, five of which are lit at night. Private lessons and clinics are also offered by the tennis pros to players of all levels. Tennis Magazine ranked Wild Dunes a Top 10 Tennis Resort, so you can expect to be pleased.

For those who prefer less physical activity during vacation Wild Dunes offers nearly 2.5 miles of beaches perfect for swimming, sunning, and taking it easy. In the heart of the resort right off the beach stands The Grand Pavilion, a complex famous for its ocean front pools with locations coordinating to the movement of the sun so no matter what time of day you can be sure to enjoy the perfect sun exposure. The Pavilion also features a boardwalk, a café, a fitness center, and croquet courts. This centralized location is a perfect compromise for the entire family as it offers everything anyone could want just steps from the sand dunes. In addition to these amenities, an array of water sport activities and rentals are offered for kids of all ages. The list of fun possibilities includes tubing, wave runner rentals, parasailing, water skiing, and even a waterslide. If mom and dad are looking for some time alone Wild Dunes offers an “Adventures Club” for kids ages 5-12 with daily or weekly programs of activities.

You can book your stay at Wild Dunes at two brand new hotels or by renting a private villa or home. With your booked vacation you gain full access to the resort, priority tee and court times, and certain amenities (pools, business center, fitness center, etc.). Additionally, when you book with one of the two hotels in the resort you receive one hour of free court time compliments the tennis pro shop. For more information you can visit www.wilddunes.com.

Seabrook Island

A bit further from downtown Charleston you will find a more quiet and secluded resort, Seabrook Island. Over the past year Seabrook has renovated all of its clubs and public facilities with a $31 million “Horizon Plan” introducing a brand new beach club, golf club house, tennis pro shop, and activity center. The island’s exclusive gates protect beautiful maritime forests of oak trees, marsh views, and Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. In fact, the island’s two golf courses, Crooked Oaks and Ocean Winds, were the first in South Carolina to become part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf.

Both golf courses on the island are private; making them unique from the other golf resorts. Along with uncrowded play, the undisturbed natural surroundings of both forest and beaches are attractive to golfers. Private and group instruction is offered from the PGA professionals on staff. Just down the road, The Racquet Club at Seabrook Island ranks “Top 25 in The World” according to tennisresortonline.com and a “Top 50 Tennis Resort” by Tennis Magazine. Offering 15 professional quality clay courts and a full service Pro Shop, these rankings are well deserved.

Across from the tennis courts sits a brand new addition to the island, The Lake House, an activities center for all ages. Through the doors of The Lake House you can find a library (run by the honor-system), fitness center, indoor-pool, and banquet hall. Outside behind the building are basketball courts, an outdoor pool, a beach volleyball court, and a gigantic lake. Just next-door to The Lake House you can experience something that no other beach resort in the area has, The Equestrian Center. The Center offers full service facilities for riders of all skill levels and full time boarding for horses. Along with these services, The Equestrian Center offers one of the few beach horseback rides along the east coast.

For those who would like to enjoy the beach animal-free Seabrook has a brand new beach club. The Club lies directly on the beach and features two pools, a full service restaurant and bar, complimentary towel service, poolside and beachfront lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and easily accessible bathrooms. As if this isn’t enough there is also an indoor arcade room with games and large flat screen televisions for those who want to escape the sun for a bit. For parents who want to escape for a little alone time “Camp Seabrook” offers daily and weekly camp sessions all summer long full of fun activities including island excursions, athletic workshops, and movie nights.

A bit less commercialized than its nearby resorts, Seabrook does not offer any hotels on the island. The only accommodations offered are private rentals of homes and villas. With these rentals you gain access to sign up for all of the island’s amenities although, most rentals include many amenities. To learn more about Seabrook Island vacations visit www.discoverseabrook.com.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Just next to Seabrook Island exists the most famous of Charleston’s beach resorts, Kiawah Island. Kiawah is most recognized for the golf offered on the island. Featuring six championship courses: five resort courses and one private club, Kiawah is world-renowned. Some of Kiawah’s courses are seen as the most luxurious and exclusive in the country.

In the past The Ocean Course has hosted The Ryder Cup, The World Cup, and The UBS Cup. In two years The Ocean Course will have the privilege of hosting the PGA Championship so it is no wonder why Golf Digest ranked it the number one golf course in South Carolina. With challenging play, gorgeous vistas, and numerous course options Kiawah offers by far the best golf in the area. Like the other resorts, private and group instruction is available at all of the courses. The tennis offerings on the island are not overshadowed by the prestige of its golf. Kiawah was ranked the number one tennis resort in the world by tennisresortsonline.com and number two on the “Great Tennis Resorts” list published by Tennis Magazine. With two tennis centers featuring combined 23 clay courts and two lighted hard courts Kiawah has room for everyone. Private instructional lessons and group clinics are offered by both centers.

For those looking to relax after a long day of golf or tennis The Sanctuary Hotel is home to one of the best spas in the country according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. All traditional spa services are available as well as lifestyle coaching, which offers suggestions for each individual to lead a healthy and stress-free life. Also located within The Sanctuary is a full-service fitness center, which holds both classes and personal training sessions. While the adults get pampered at the spa and gym the kids can have some fun of their own during the day or night at “Kamp Kiawah.” Activities offered by the camp include arts and crafts, games, and a kids’ night out. For more fun with the kids Kiawah offers many beach rental services for a small fee including: chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, games, ocean kayaks, surfboards, and more.

When visiting Kiawah you can stay at the only hotel on the island, The Sanctuary, or you can rent a private home or villa. With your stay you get access to the island and all of its possible services. For more information and an inside look at the island visit www.kiawahresort.com.

If you’re looking for a relaxing summer vacation or a summerhouse to purchase, be sure check these places out. Whether you’re interested in golf, tennis, or just relaxing these resorts have it all. Perfect for small family vacations or large family reunions Wild Dunes, Seabrook, and Kiawah all offer a range of vacation packages that are sure to please everyone.