Stay
Ten miles wide and 10,000 acres deep, Kiawah Island is a private developmentand spawning ground for various species of reptiles and birdsoccupied by the resort of the same name. Couples and solo travelers will love the intimacy and grandeur of The Sanctuary Hotel at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort ($495 per night); many of the 255 spacious rooms (the smallest being 520 square feet) have oceanfront panoramas of the rugged coastline. Families should opt for one of the Resort Villas ($180 per night), condos and cottages of varying size with self-catering facilities, many of which boast easy beach access and are clustered around a pool.
Explore
Having hosted tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, and World Cup, Kiawah has earned its reputation as a world-class golf destination with five courses comprising 90 holes. If putts and drives aren't your thing, there are plenty of other active pursuits for which the resort is known. Book a lesson or schedule a match at one of the 19 clay and five hard courts divided up between the Roy Barth Tennis Center and West Beach Tennis Club. Rent a kayak from the Nature Center and go for a twilight paddle out on the marsh. Or take advantage of the many guided outings that explore the island's ecosystem, like an alligator adventure, a back island birding excursion, or a night walk to see the native loggerhead sea turtles.
Eat
Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a dozen different dining options, but The Ocean Room Restauranta steakhouse and sushi bar with a AAA 4 Diamond ratingis the grand dame; book one of the 30 coveted tables and enjoy a mix of well-prepared surf and turf (like lobster mac and cheese or wet-aged filet mignon). For more casual cuisine, the Ryder Cup Bar, overlooking the 18th hole of the Ocean Course, is known for its burgers and beers with a view. Just be sure to tuck into the lavish Sunday brunch spread at Jasmine Porch before you check out.
Relax
With golf being the island's biggest draw, it's no surprise there's an entire menu of treatments at The Sanctuary Spa dedicated to those who are fresh off the links. Non-golfers can also indulge in a personal training session followed by an Athletic Recovery Massage, or simply make use of the spa's facilities, which include a vitality mineral whirlpool, a steam room, and a sauna.
Get There
Kiawah Island is 575 miles from Nashville, or a nine-hour drive. Southwest offers up to four daily nonstop flights between Nashville International Airport and Charleston International Airport.