kiawah traditions
TRANSCRIPT
Kiawah is calling you back...
kiawah traditions s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
2s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Fifteen years ago, Kiawah Island Golf Resort opened a stunning new beachfront hotel, The Sanctuary, right in the heart of the island. Thanks to the tireless dedication of our staff, the hotel and the spa consistently rank first in South Carolina by the travel industry’s two most highly respected rating authorities, Forbes Travel Guide and AAA. Thanks to you, our valued guests, for continuing to choose to spend your leisure time with us and for demanding that we provide you the very best service and amenities.
As the last issue of Traditions detailed, we’re not satisfied to rest on our laurels. Last spring, we embarked on a resort-wide expansion that will position Kiawah Island Golf Resort to remain the premier golf and recreation destination in the U.S. into the next generation. You can find full details on the expansion here. I am happy to report that we’re making good progress.
The stunning new Cougar Point Clubhouse is mere months from opening. In addition to ably serving the recently renovated course, it will also greatly complement our current dining and entertainment amenities—see the full story on the following page.
The Sanctuary Chapel is quickly taking shape on the hotel’s east wing. Eight of our ten new Har-Tru HydroCourts are in service at the Roy Barth Tennis Center, with the final two nearing completion. Work on the rest of the developments is moving along nicely.
Even amidst all this progress, as you’ll discover in the following pages, our pledge to you remains constant: to continue to deliver the same great experience you’ve come to expect from Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The only change is that we promise to exceed your expectations by making the experience even better.
Thanks again for continuing to choose Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Sincerely,
Cougar Point Clubhouse Nears Completion The opening of the stunning new clubhouse for Cougar Point Golf Course is imminent. With an anticipated opening in May, the clubhouse designed by world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects will be the first among the new resort-wide expansions to be completed.
Sitting on a prominent knoll overlooking the 18th fairway, the clubhouse will be anchored by a 40-seat bar and a 125-seat sports tavern, The Players’ Pub, where guests will enjoy upscale pub fare with a recognizable Southern infusion focused on the finest local and regional ingredients. The Players’ Pub will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it an ideal place for pre- or post- round nourishment or as a communal gathering place for residents and resort guests of all ages.
To find out more information about the new Cougar Point Clubhouse and the rest of our island-wide additions and renovations, visit kiawahresort.com/expansion.
3s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Walk On The Ocean Course has adopted a walking- only policy. Carts are provided for those requiring one due to a medical condition and cart requests will be honored after 10:00 AM, June through August. Pete and Alice Dye designed The Ocean Course for walking, with minimal distance between greens and tee boxes. Offering walking with a caddie is also the resort’s way of preserving one of the most enduring traditions in golf.
SPRING GOLF STAY & PLAY VILLAS from $235*
THE SANCTUARY from $445*
*See website for details.
Book your package today
4s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
That New Court Smell This spring, the Roy Barth Tennis Center cut the ribbon on 10 new, all-lighted Har-Tru HydroCourts, expanding the resort’s tennis program beyond its already world’s- best offerings and marking the consolidation of all tennis facilities into one location. (The West Beach Tennis Club closed to make way for the redevelopment of West Beach Village.) Before you hit the new courts, make sure you check out our online pro shop for your Kiawah Island tennis gear.
Pickleball, Anyone? Invented in 1965, pickleball bears a close resemblance to tennis, except it’s played on a more compact court divided by a lower net. Players use paddles rather than a strung racquet to hit a hollow plastic ball with holes (similar to a whiffle ball). In response to a steady increase in guest requests for the game, we are expanding our pickleball offerings.
Jonathan Barth, director of tennis, explains, “We started with informal drop-in socials, but will launch formal instruction for the first time in 2019. Eight of our courts are now permanently lined for pickleball—with four of them lighted for nighttime play.”
Two of the factors fueling pickleball’s popularity are schools around the country introducing the game to students and pickleball’s more simplified approach to scoring. End result? Pickleball can demand much less time than a tennis match. Given the rush-rush pace we all seem to keep, even on vacation, it’s no surprise that pickleball is quickly gaining fans around the world. And the resort is proud to offer this popular option to our guests.
The Kiawah Culinary Team Welcomes Two Renowned Chefs Last month, Kiawah Island Golf Resort celebrated its signature
culinary event over four days—raising $770,000 for the Hollings Cancer Center. James Beard Award–winning guest chefs from Donald Link’s New Orleans eateries lent this year’s edition a Gulf Coast flavor. The Gourmet & Grain evening featured Bourbon royalty with Julian Van Winkle. And James Beard Award– winning chef and cancer survivor Steve McHugh, who was awarded the 2018 Courage in Cancer Award, was honored at a Gourmet Culinary Luncheon.
11th Annual Gourmet & Grapes Highlights
Before John Ondo joined Kiawah Island Golf Resort as chef de cuisine of The Atlantic Room, he was chef-owner of Lana, a celebrated downtown Charleston restaurant that highlighted Ondo’s innovative approach to rustic Mediterranean cooking. His philosophy of developing menus of unpretentious “just good food” allows the honesty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients to shine through in The Atlantic Room.
Charleston native Jordan Snider returned home to become executive pastry chef for The Sanctuary Hotel. He brings a wealth of rich experience, as both a competitor on team USA at the biennial Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in France and through former posts in Las Vegas at the Mandarin Oriental, among others.
5s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Swim Against Cancer On August 4, Kiawah Island Golf Resort will partner with Swim Across America (SAA) to host the third annual Charleston-Kiawah Island Open Water Charity Swim. As a national non-profit, SAA hosts swim events that raise funds to fight cancer. Kiawah’s SAA event will benefit the groundbreaking work being done by the Medical University of South Carolina’s Hollings Cancer Center.
“One of our main goals is to have all funds raised granted to local beneficiaries,” says Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher. “Partnering with a local cancer research program with a great national reputation such as Hollings Cancer Center will create a tangible impact in the greater Charleston area as well as bring excitement to our Charleston-Kiawah swim community.”
More than 100 Olympians have participated nationwide in SAA events, which raised over $80 million to combat cancer in the past three decades—and Kiawah is no exception. Olympic swimmers will be on hand to meet-and-greet and share performance tips. This open-water, non-competitive swim is ideal for those considering the Kiawah Triathlon. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Learn more here.
New In Recreation This season is all about heavenly bodies. Our naturalists are now developing sky-gazing adventures to make use of the recreation department’s new telescope. We’ve also added three new fitness programs: Aqua Boot Camp, Aqua Yoga and Yogilates. Learn more about all of the resort’s recreational offerings on our website, where you can filter activities by interest, type and age group.
6s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
More Exciting News For Groups Already award-winning, Kiawah Island Golf Resort expects to deliver an even stronger meeting product with our new 23,000-square-foot West Beach Conference Center showcasing enhanced capabilities. “We’re already accepting reservations for the new conference center, scheduled for completion early in 2020,” says Couch. To plan your group gathering at the resort, please call 800.576.1585 to speak with one of our meetings professionals.
Raising The Bar For Meetings Northstar Meetings Group—publisher of two of the industry’s most respected journals, Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings, and presenters of the prestigious Stella Awards—named Kiawah Island Golf Resort the Best Golf Resort in the Southeast for 2018. This Gold Stella Award capped off a season of recognition for Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s meetings services. Among other accolades, the resort received the Best of Meetings Today 2018 and SmartMeetings Smart Stars 2018.
“Seasoned industry professionals are well-traveled and have a keen critical eye for detail, so they offer a very good gauge on which properties deliver the best services and amenities across the board,” explains Marty Couch, Director of Sales for Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Couch notes that the resort consistently gets high marks from meeting planners for its diverse venues, high level of accommodation, service and hospitality, as well as its recreational activities. “We may host a group that has an elegant multicourse dinner at The Ocean Room one night, then a laid-back oyster roast at Mingo Point the next,” explains Couch. “Then when all the meetings for the day are over, attendees can enjoy any of the recreational activities we offer.”
7s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Each November, guests make their pilgrimage to Kiawah Island to experience luxury and music at its finest. Over the past nine years, Earl Klugh has invited world-class entertainers to share the stage on the Grand Lawn at The Sanctuary, including the likes of George Benson, Michael McDonald, Vanessa Williams, Burt Bacharach, Natalie Cole and many more.
The resort’s spectacular oceanfront setting is the perfect backdrop for concerts held under the stars. The weekend combines unforgettable musical performances with specially curated culinary, wine, cocktail and craft beer tastings; PGA Champion-led golf clinics and outings; plus nature and fitness experiences. The celebration of friendships old and new, and the lasting memories of great times shared, is what many consider the most cherished part of the Weekend of Jazz experience.
2018’s stellar lineup featured Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum trumpeter extraordinaire Chris Botti; two-time Oscar and two-time Grammy Award-winner Peabo Bryson; four-time Grammy Award-winner Deniece Williams; three-time Grammy nominee and R & B sensation KEM; two-time Oscar Nominee and Grammy Award Winner Patti Austin; Grammy nominee and multi-platinum selling artist, Najee; and Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group The Rippingtons. The sold-out weekend also featured special shows from Klugh bandmates Al Turner and David Lee and performances from local musicians, including The East Coast Party Band.
8s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Plan Ahead For Earl Klugh’s Weekend Of Jazz
The 10th Annual Weekend of Jazz at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is scheduled
to take place November 6–9, 2019. Plan ahead and secure your package
for this sell-out event online or by calling 800.654.2924.
One Sanctuary Beach Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455
800.654.2924 • kiawahresort.com >
Join Our e-Club Receive special offers and notices about upcoming events
Follow Us On Social Media @KiawahResort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Kiawah Island Tennis Gourmet & Grapes at The Sanctuary Kiawah Island Nature Program Kiawah Island Marathon
@kiawahresort
Our Sister Properties Kiawah Island has two sister hotels that rank amongst America’s finest:
The Jefferson Hotel Richmond, Virginia 800.424.8014 • jeffersonhotel.com >
The Sea Pines Resort Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 866.561.8802 • seapines.com >
Visit the resort’s blog
Check out our all-new website
kiawah traditions s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
2s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Fifteen years ago, Kiawah Island Golf Resort opened a stunning new beachfront hotel, The Sanctuary, right in the heart of the island. Thanks to the tireless dedication of our staff, the hotel and the spa consistently rank first in South Carolina by the travel industry’s two most highly respected rating authorities, Forbes Travel Guide and AAA. Thanks to you, our valued guests, for continuing to choose to spend your leisure time with us and for demanding that we provide you the very best service and amenities.
As the last issue of Traditions detailed, we’re not satisfied to rest on our laurels. Last spring, we embarked on a resort-wide expansion that will position Kiawah Island Golf Resort to remain the premier golf and recreation destination in the U.S. into the next generation. You can find full details on the expansion here. I am happy to report that we’re making good progress.
The stunning new Cougar Point Clubhouse is mere months from opening. In addition to ably serving the recently renovated course, it will also greatly complement our current dining and entertainment amenities—see the full story on the following page.
The Sanctuary Chapel is quickly taking shape on the hotel’s east wing. Eight of our ten new Har-Tru HydroCourts are in service at the Roy Barth Tennis Center, with the final two nearing completion. Work on the rest of the developments is moving along nicely.
Even amidst all this progress, as you’ll discover in the following pages, our pledge to you remains constant: to continue to deliver the same great experience you’ve come to expect from Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The only change is that we promise to exceed your expectations by making the experience even better.
Thanks again for continuing to choose Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Sincerely,
Cougar Point Clubhouse Nears Completion The opening of the stunning new clubhouse for Cougar Point Golf Course is imminent. With an anticipated opening in May, the clubhouse designed by world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects will be the first among the new resort-wide expansions to be completed.
Sitting on a prominent knoll overlooking the 18th fairway, the clubhouse will be anchored by a 40-seat bar and a 125-seat sports tavern, The Players’ Pub, where guests will enjoy upscale pub fare with a recognizable Southern infusion focused on the finest local and regional ingredients. The Players’ Pub will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it an ideal place for pre- or post- round nourishment or as a communal gathering place for residents and resort guests of all ages.
To find out more information about the new Cougar Point Clubhouse and the rest of our island-wide additions and renovations, visit kiawahresort.com/expansion.
3s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Walk On The Ocean Course has adopted a walking- only policy. Carts are provided for those requiring one due to a medical condition and cart requests will be honored after 10:00 AM, June through August. Pete and Alice Dye designed The Ocean Course for walking, with minimal distance between greens and tee boxes. Offering walking with a caddie is also the resort’s way of preserving one of the most enduring traditions in golf.
SPRING GOLF STAY & PLAY VILLAS from $235*
THE SANCTUARY from $445*
*See website for details.
Book your package today
4s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
That New Court Smell This spring, the Roy Barth Tennis Center cut the ribbon on 10 new, all-lighted Har-Tru HydroCourts, expanding the resort’s tennis program beyond its already world’s- best offerings and marking the consolidation of all tennis facilities into one location. (The West Beach Tennis Club closed to make way for the redevelopment of West Beach Village.) Before you hit the new courts, make sure you check out our online pro shop for your Kiawah Island tennis gear.
Pickleball, Anyone? Invented in 1965, pickleball bears a close resemblance to tennis, except it’s played on a more compact court divided by a lower net. Players use paddles rather than a strung racquet to hit a hollow plastic ball with holes (similar to a whiffle ball). In response to a steady increase in guest requests for the game, we are expanding our pickleball offerings.
Jonathan Barth, director of tennis, explains, “We started with informal drop-in socials, but will launch formal instruction for the first time in 2019. Eight of our courts are now permanently lined for pickleball—with four of them lighted for nighttime play.”
Two of the factors fueling pickleball’s popularity are schools around the country introducing the game to students and pickleball’s more simplified approach to scoring. End result? Pickleball can demand much less time than a tennis match. Given the rush-rush pace we all seem to keep, even on vacation, it’s no surprise that pickleball is quickly gaining fans around the world. And the resort is proud to offer this popular option to our guests.
The Kiawah Culinary Team Welcomes Two Renowned Chefs Last month, Kiawah Island Golf Resort celebrated its signature
culinary event over four days—raising $770,000 for the Hollings Cancer Center. James Beard Award–winning guest chefs from Donald Link’s New Orleans eateries lent this year’s edition a Gulf Coast flavor. The Gourmet & Grain evening featured Bourbon royalty with Julian Van Winkle. And James Beard Award– winning chef and cancer survivor Steve McHugh, who was awarded the 2018 Courage in Cancer Award, was honored at a Gourmet Culinary Luncheon.
11th Annual Gourmet & Grapes Highlights
Before John Ondo joined Kiawah Island Golf Resort as chef de cuisine of The Atlantic Room, he was chef-owner of Lana, a celebrated downtown Charleston restaurant that highlighted Ondo’s innovative approach to rustic Mediterranean cooking. His philosophy of developing menus of unpretentious “just good food” allows the honesty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients to shine through in The Atlantic Room.
Charleston native Jordan Snider returned home to become executive pastry chef for The Sanctuary Hotel. He brings a wealth of rich experience, as both a competitor on team USA at the biennial Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in France and through former posts in Las Vegas at the Mandarin Oriental, among others.
5s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Swim Against Cancer On August 4, Kiawah Island Golf Resort will partner with Swim Across America (SAA) to host the third annual Charleston-Kiawah Island Open Water Charity Swim. As a national non-profit, SAA hosts swim events that raise funds to fight cancer. Kiawah’s SAA event will benefit the groundbreaking work being done by the Medical University of South Carolina’s Hollings Cancer Center.
“One of our main goals is to have all funds raised granted to local beneficiaries,” says Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher. “Partnering with a local cancer research program with a great national reputation such as Hollings Cancer Center will create a tangible impact in the greater Charleston area as well as bring excitement to our Charleston-Kiawah swim community.”
More than 100 Olympians have participated nationwide in SAA events, which raised over $80 million to combat cancer in the past three decades—and Kiawah is no exception. Olympic swimmers will be on hand to meet-and-greet and share performance tips. This open-water, non-competitive swim is ideal for those considering the Kiawah Triathlon. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Learn more here.
New In Recreation This season is all about heavenly bodies. Our naturalists are now developing sky-gazing adventures to make use of the recreation department’s new telescope. We’ve also added three new fitness programs: Aqua Boot Camp, Aqua Yoga and Yogilates. Learn more about all of the resort’s recreational offerings on our website, where you can filter activities by interest, type and age group.
6s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
More Exciting News For Groups Already award-winning, Kiawah Island Golf Resort expects to deliver an even stronger meeting product with our new 23,000-square-foot West Beach Conference Center showcasing enhanced capabilities. “We’re already accepting reservations for the new conference center, scheduled for completion early in 2020,” says Couch. To plan your group gathering at the resort, please call 800.576.1585 to speak with one of our meetings professionals.
Raising The Bar For Meetings Northstar Meetings Group—publisher of two of the industry’s most respected journals, Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings, and presenters of the prestigious Stella Awards—named Kiawah Island Golf Resort the Best Golf Resort in the Southeast for 2018. This Gold Stella Award capped off a season of recognition for Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s meetings services. Among other accolades, the resort received the Best of Meetings Today 2018 and SmartMeetings Smart Stars 2018.
“Seasoned industry professionals are well-traveled and have a keen critical eye for detail, so they offer a very good gauge on which properties deliver the best services and amenities across the board,” explains Marty Couch, Director of Sales for Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Couch notes that the resort consistently gets high marks from meeting planners for its diverse venues, high level of accommodation, service and hospitality, as well as its recreational activities. “We may host a group that has an elegant multicourse dinner at The Ocean Room one night, then a laid-back oyster roast at Mingo Point the next,” explains Couch. “Then when all the meetings for the day are over, attendees can enjoy any of the recreational activities we offer.”
7s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Each November, guests make their pilgrimage to Kiawah Island to experience luxury and music at its finest. Over the past nine years, Earl Klugh has invited world-class entertainers to share the stage on the Grand Lawn at The Sanctuary, including the likes of George Benson, Michael McDonald, Vanessa Williams, Burt Bacharach, Natalie Cole and many more.
The resort’s spectacular oceanfront setting is the perfect backdrop for concerts held under the stars. The weekend combines unforgettable musical performances with specially curated culinary, wine, cocktail and craft beer tastings; PGA Champion-led golf clinics and outings; plus nature and fitness experiences. The celebration of friendships old and new, and the lasting memories of great times shared, is what many consider the most cherished part of the Weekend of Jazz experience.
2018’s stellar lineup featured Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum trumpeter extraordinaire Chris Botti; two-time Oscar and two-time Grammy Award-winner Peabo Bryson; four-time Grammy Award-winner Deniece Williams; three-time Grammy nominee and R & B sensation KEM; two-time Oscar Nominee and Grammy Award Winner Patti Austin; Grammy nominee and multi-platinum selling artist, Najee; and Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group The Rippingtons. The sold-out weekend also featured special shows from Klugh bandmates Al Turner and David Lee and performances from local musicians, including The East Coast Party Band.
8s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 1 9
Plan Ahead For Earl Klugh’s Weekend Of Jazz
The 10th Annual Weekend of Jazz at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is scheduled
to take place November 6–9, 2019. Plan ahead and secure your package
for this sell-out event online or by calling 800.654.2924.
One Sanctuary Beach Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455
800.654.2924 • kiawahresort.com >
Join Our e-Club Receive special offers and notices about upcoming events
Follow Us On Social Media @KiawahResort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Kiawah Island Tennis Gourmet & Grapes at The Sanctuary Kiawah Island Nature Program Kiawah Island Marathon
@kiawahresort
Our Sister Properties Kiawah Island has two sister hotels that rank amongst America’s finest:
The Jefferson Hotel Richmond, Virginia 800.424.8014 • jeffersonhotel.com >
The Sea Pines Resort Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 866.561.8802 • seapines.com >
Visit the resort’s blog
Check out our all-new website