The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Kiawah Island is more known for its stately residences than hotels, but one of the few luxury hotels available is the elegant Sanctuary Hotel. It's also the only hotel immediately on the island's 10 miles of shoreline. King bedrooms begin at 520 square feet with custom-made mattresses with matelassé bed covers. Lounge on them in the Italian linen robes provided, or just savor the stunning bathrooms with marble walk-in showers, double vanities, and soaking tubs.

If the beach begins to pall, visit two separate pools, one for adults and one for families, which are tended by beach concierges. Enjoy LCD flat-panel touch screens on cardio equipment, followed by a plunge into the indoor pool, to continue your workout regimen. Alternatively, private Pilates and yoga sessions with personal instructors are available. Play outdoors on any of the five world-class golf courses or tennis on the 22 courts in the famous Roy Barth Tennis Center, now directed by Roy's son, Jonathan. As guest after guest notes, you get what you pay for at The Sanctuary Hotel. A room might not come cheaply, but the experience lingers.

Category: Luxury

Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Typical starting/peak prices: $346/$605

Best for: Couples, families

Booking: https://bom.so/PXsDwM