Upon entering the driveway, you feel as if you are arriving at the estate of a well-to-do Southern gentleman. Surrounded by more than 400 live oak and palmetto trees, it seems as if this expansive yet comfortable resort has been rooted to this spot for decades rather than just a few months. And that’s just the way the developers planned it.

Located just south of Charleston, S.C., The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island blends in with its surroundings as naturally as the sea meets the shore. In fact, the architecture and design reinforce this sentiment. The idea was to construct the four-story hotel as if various homeowners had renovated and expanded it through the years. This explains the different exterior finishes: Charleston brick, stone, stucco, wood, slate, copper and ironwork. They come together in one cohesive package to form one unique retreat.

Step inside The Sanctuary, and you will find yourself in a grand lobby with high ceilings, antique walnut hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, which showcase breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. This elegance carries over into your personal accommodations. Featuring marble entries, custom-made furniture, and five-fixture bathrooms with large marble walk-in showers and soaking tubs, these rooms offer the perfect haven for relaxing. Given that almost every room has an ocean view and 24-hour in-room dining, you may never leave until checkout time arrives.

However, for those venturing out, they will find plenty of things to occupy their time, both on the property and off. The Sanctuary boasts two outdoor pools (one family and one adults-only) and one indoor pool. The hotel’s fitness center contains fitness machines, weights, and a special studio for yoga and Pilates. Personal training sessions also are available.

If you’re after some pampering, head to The Sanctuary’s spa, where you can indulge in a variety of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. In addition to 12 treatment rooms, the spa also has a sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

For those guests who must indulge in some outdoor activity, The Sanctuary aims to please. Five championship golf courses meander throughout Kiawah Island, providing beautiful lagoon and ocean views along the way. While I don’t golf, I did visit the courses, and they are breathtaking. Also on the island, two world-class tennis clubs invite guests to play a match on one of their 23 clay courts and five hard courts.

When it comes to exploring the island, The Sanctuary offers the best mode of transportation: bicycles. Bike trails make traversing the island a breeze. Cyclists can take their time seeing the sights and watching the wildlife. Bikes even are allowed on the beach, which makes for an invigorating experience. Trust me when I say this was one of the most enjoyable activities during my visit.

If all this exercise works up your appetite, you’re in luck. The Sanctuary houses two incredible restaurants. For an upscale dinner out, The Ocean Room serves succulent dishes such as seared diver scallops with a potato-black truffle pave, lobster “deconstructed” (butter poached tail, lobster and corn risotto, lobster toast, and asparagus and baby corn) and champagne steamed shellfish (scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, fennel, champagne nage and garlic toast). It literally melts in your mouth.

Those guests more interested in a casual meal will find it at the Jasmine Porch. The menu is inspired by Southern Lowcountry cuisine and contains selections such as fried green tomatoes with boursin, pancetta and plum tomato jam; lowcountry boil, which includes jumbo shrimp, mussels, oysters, andouille sausage, sweet corn and new potatoes; and side dishes like sweet and sour collards, antebellum cheddar grits, and buttermilk mashed potatoes.

Great food, great amenities and great location–The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island has it all. The only thing missing is you. www.thesanctuary.com