Condé Nast Traveler editorial staff were not involved with the creation of this content.

Before the island awakens, the gentle roar of the Atlantic Ocean steadies its harmony along the shoreline. The rustle of pampas grass drifts through the air, blending seamlessly with the cool serenity of the misty ocean breeze. Sunlight quietly warms the world-class fairways and meandering waterways, while ospreys eye up the salt marshes, anticipating their morning catch.

This is Kiawah Island at its most intimate. A paradise where the day begins not with noise, but with possibility.

Approximately 21 miles from Charleston, the unspoiled, private island is where nature, sport, and luxury intertwine. Experiences range from spa treatments, tennis, fine dining, and pickleball to naturalist tours, kayaking, and championship golf. It’s more than a destination. It’s an oasis of Southern hospitality, sun-warmed paths, and towering palms that stir the senses—and make you feel worlds away.

Unpretentious elegance leads to unforgettable impressions

A leisurely drive under canopies of Spanish moss-draped live oaks leads to the entrance of The Sanctuary, the property’s acclaimed crown jewel. Enveloped with subtropical surroundings, this aptly named haven is bestowed with South Carolina’s only Forbes Triple Five-Star rating for dining, accommodations, and spa. The reasons why are apparent.

Sincere welcomes are a constant here. As is a serenade of rolling surf, pristine sands, and far-reaching landscapes, all framed by expansive windows. This is where the journey begins. The unplugging. The clarity. The serenity.

Inside The Sanctuary, grand staircases positioned at either side of the lobby lead the way to world-class accommodations anchored by 255 exquisite guest rooms and suites. Décor throughout is refined without sacrificing Southern charm. Luxe amenities create an environment that is both exceptional and endearing—whether traveling solo or with family.

The botanical solitude of the Forbes Five-Star spa is a source of endless bliss. Think trickling water fountains, the calming aroma of essential oils, detoxifying mineral-based massages, and holistic facials. Expect no pretense. Just pure, award-winning renewal and rejuvenation.

Seven resorts across the Palmetto State have been ranked among the top 20 in the South by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

From oceanfront escapes to serene Lowcountry retreats, these South Carolina resorts made the ranks for their hospitality, scenery and world-class amenities — with more locations on the list than any other southern state.

There were 757,109 travelers who participated in the 38th annual survey, casting votes between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Results are based on a five-point scale and averaged to a percentage to determine final scores. The awards recognize excellence across a wide range of travel categories, including hotels, resorts, cities, and airports.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, where you stay matters just as much as where you go.

Here are the South Carolina resort destinations that made the ranks and how each location scored.

This oceanfront resort blends luxury with Lowcountry charm, offering pristine beaches, world-class golf and spa experiences all nestled within a barrier island setting.

Located just outside Charleston, Wild Dunes offers a relaxing beach atmosphere and easy access to historic charm, complete with golf courses, bike trails, and upscale accommodations.

Set along the Atlantic Ocean, just steps away from the beach, this resort features oceanfront dining, three pools, and a full-service spa, making it a top pick for both relaxation and recreation.

This boutique waterfront resort combines coastal elegance with Southern hospitality, all just a short drive from the city.

Famous for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse and scenic bike trails, Sea Pines offers an immersive experience in nature, golf, and coastal living on Hilton Head’s southern tip.

With spacious suites, beachfront access, golf, trails, and tennis courts, this resort provides a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere ideal for both couples and families.

Tucked between Hilton Head and Savannah, Montage Palmetto Bluff delivers Southern charm and luxury with a rustic twist in its moss-draped oaks, gourmet dining and homes on the water.

What other resorts in the South made the list?

The other top resorts in this ranking by Condé Nast readers include:

The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina

The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia

The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia

The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina

The Cloister at Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia

Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee

The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina

Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee

The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia

The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection in Meadows of Dan, Virginia

How does Condé Nast conduct these surveys?

Condé Nast states that the Readers’ Choice Awards survey is administered via a secure platform from cntraveler.com and includes a range of criteria relevant to each category.

Categories range from cities, resorts, hotels, and more. For a candidate to be voted on in a respective category, it must meet a minimum number of responses and achieve a qualifying rating to be eligible.

Results are based on a five-point scale and averaged to a percentage to determine final scores.

The rankings aim to highlight places and experiences that travelers value most and serve as a guide for future travel planning.

To view the full list of top resorts in the South and other awards from Condé Nast readers, click here.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Kiawah Island could be expanding its Town Hall campus with a Civic and Cultural Center and Wednesday, the town is taking a unique approach to the process.

After launching a national design competition, the town has selected three firms as finalists. Those teams will present their conceptual designs to the public Wednesday afternoon at the Town Hall.

The event will be held inside the Council Chambers, where residents can view the designs and learn more about the project. The presentations are scheduled to occur between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The competition is not about choosing one specific design. Instead, the town is selecting the firm and team behind the concept. The finalists were picked from 12 national submissions earlier this summer. Over the last six to eight weeks, each of the three remaining teams has developed its own vision for a Civic and Cultural Center on the existing 21-acre Town Hall campus.

Town officials said the proposed center could feature a performing arts auditorium, gallery space and flexible areas for meetings and community events— all amenities the island currently lacks.

“I think why everybody’s so excited about the potential is because the Kiawah Arts Council has been putting on programming for more than two decades. The challenge has been that all of these are held in churches nearby, clubhouses; all of those venues are less than desirable from a sound quality standpoint, comfort seating, et cetera. This is an opportunity to have a dedicated purpose-built facility that will provide an opportunity to the community to really truly benefit from the programming that the council’s been putting on for a long period of time,” Mayor Bradley Belt said.

Belt said that, although they want the best design and the most efficient process, there are a variety of factors that go into a project like this one. Considerations like funding, functionality and long-term planning are still ahead.

“We’re choosing the firm based upon their creative vision and the depth and breadth of their team because it’s not just the architectural firm. They’ve also got affiliates that deal with theater design acoustics, construction firms and landscape related issues,” Belt said. “We want to make sure that the team that’s selected is the right one to lead this project.”

Belt said Wednesday’s unveiling is about getting residents involved and helping them envision the potential of the space, rather than letting them decide.

“There’s not really an opportunity to vote on one design or another because there’s a whole host of considerations,” Belt said. “The public may be blown away by one design, but that may not be a cost-effective option. It might not be the best team or it might not take the best advantage of the site conditions. So, this is really just a chance for the community to see what we’ve been seeing evolve over the last several weeks.”

Belt said the main goal of this addition is to take advantage of the full 21-acre campus by utilizing it to give back to the area and the people who live there.

“This is really an underutilized campus right now, 21 acres that just houses administrative buildings and the council chambers. But, we hope this becomes a true asset for the community, for residents of the sea islands, not just Kiawah Island residents, but also visitors to the islands,” Belt said.

Once the design selection committee chooses a winning team, the project will still need Town Council approval before moving forward. If approved, officials expect construction to take at least two years.