Kiawah Island Communities

Kiawah Island is synonymous with luxury lifestyle. The 2,700-acre island is a tropical oasis and features nationally ranked beaches, biking trails, and nature preserves. Named after the friendly Kiawah indians, who inhabited the area, the island was purchased through a barter deal by European settlers in 1675. Today, after decades of sustainable and environmentally conscious growth, the paradiscial island is a tranquil retreat for full-time residents, seasonal residents, and visitors alike.

Apart from the pristine beaches, Kiawah is perhaps best known for its world class golf and tennis. With five championship courses, including the famed Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, Kiawah Island Resort is a golf haven. Centered by the five-star Sanctuary Hotel, the resort boasts a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, oceanside and poolside service, southern-infused dining options, and an outstanding tennis center. In fact, the tennis center, led by a Hall of Fame tennis professional, is ranked among one of the best in the country, according to Tennis Magazine.

Property owners have the opportunity to join the exclusive, members-only Kiawah Island Club. Operated by Kiawah Partners, this private club includes two golf courses, the Cassique and River Course, as well as the Beach Club and Sasanqua Spa. Casually called “club life,” members of Kiawah Island Club relish the privacy, individual attention, and overall amicable atmosphere. Additionally, members appreciate the array of amenities which include swimming pools, fitness classes, dining options, and weekly events for both children and adults. An exclusive club, membership is only offered to those who purchase a brand new homesite or to those who purchase a property from an existing member who relinquishes his membership. Here real estate owners and club members relish the privacy, individual attention, and amicable atmosphere.

As Kiawah Island has grown in popularity, surrounding commercial development has emerged as well. Carefully monitoring the natural landscape and environment, the Freshfields Village is a shopping complex comprised of a Harris Teeter Village Market and restaurants including Forty Eight Wine Bar, King Street Bar and Grille, Ladles, Hege’s, La Tela Pizzeria, and Fuji Sushi. Additionally, Freshfields has numerous specialty and service shops such as Urban Nirvana Salon and Spa, Vincent’s Drug Store, Southern Tide, Scott and Molly’s, Seacoast Sports Outfitters, Lilly Pulitzer, J. Mclaughlin, and many others. At the entrance of Kiawah and Seabrook Island, Bohicket Marina, which is directly behind the NV Realty office, is a full service marina that offers storage, charters, and rentals. Restaurants here include Red’s Icehouse and Lokal Seabar.

Children residing on Kiawah Island are zoned for Mt. Zion Elementary School, Haut Gap Middle School, and St. John’s High School. Nearby private school options include the Charleston Collegiate School, Porter Gaud, First Baptist, Mason Preparatory, Charles Towne Montessori, Charleston Day School and Ashley Hall. Families on Kiawah Island appreciate the tranquil lifestyle and the close proximity to recreational activities and sports leagues through the City of Charleston. Retirees enjoy the pleasant year round weather, available golf tee times, access to the tennis courts, and the ability to walk, bike, or take the golf cart to beach, to dinner, and to the store.

Kiawah Island continues to be the gold standard when it comes to clean beaches, environmental sustainability, premier golf, and luxurious living in an unpretentious manner.