K i a w a h I s l a n d AMENITY GUIDE
Kiawah Island
S outh Carolina
Kiawah Island is a place where natural beauty, world-class amenities, and an unmistakably relaxed coastal spirit come together to create one of the most desirable residential communities on the East Coast. Tucked just outside historic Charleston, the island is celebrated for its ten miles of pristine beaches, maritime forests, and sweeping marsh vistas.
Residents and guests enjoy an unparalleled collection of amenities—from championship golf and award-winning tennis to scenic bike paths, spa experiences, family-friendly pools, and abundant outdoor adventures including kayaking, fishing, and wildlife encounters.
Each thoughtfully designed neighborhood offers a sense of privacy and deep connection to nature, while the exclusive Kiawah Island Club elevates the lifestyle with exceptional dining, wellness, social programming, and access to some of the region’s most coveted recreational experiences.
Whether savoring quiet mornings along the shoreline or embracing an active coastal way of life, Kiawah Island blends luxury, community, and unspoiled charm in a way few places can match.
Kiawah Island Neighborhoods
Shaped by Dunes, Marshes, Maritime Forest, and Thoughtful Design
From oceanfront retreats and golf estates to wooded sanctuaries wrapped in wildlife and water, every neighborhood on Kiawah offers its own blend of beauty, privacy, and character. Below are the island’s three primary regions:
WEST BEACH
The island’s original village, West Beach offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to shops, restaurants, and recreation. Homes range from charming cottages to modern renovations, often nestled within lush maritime forest and winding bike paths. Proximity to tennis, golf, and the revitalized West Beach Conference Center adds everyday convenience.
EAST BEACH
Centrally located near The Sanctuary Hotel and Night Heron Park, East Beach features villas, golf-course homes, and beachfront retreats. Its walkability and family-friendly amenities make it one of the island’s most versatile communities.
VANDERHORST PLANTATION
A private, gated enclave home to grand estates, tranquil lagoons, and sweeping views. Properties often border fairways, marshlands, or protected natural areas
Signature Residential Communities
Cassique
Rooted in Arts & Crafts traditions, Cassique blends handcrafted detail with coastal simplicity. As a Clubcentered community, it revolves around Cassique’s private golf course, clubhouse, and wellness facilities. Homes reflect organic materials, broad eaves, and natural stone that echo the surrounding landscape.
Ocean Park
At the eastern edge of the island, Ocean Park showcases Kiawah’s most dramatic vistas—rolling dunes, towering oaks, expansive marsh, and oceanfront horizons. Contemporary coastal homes with glass-forward designs capture the area’s sweeping views and proximity to The Ocean Course.
Rhett’s Bluff
Located along the Kiawah River, Rhett’s Bluff is known for deepwater access, elegant estates, and timeless Lowcountry architecture. Wide porches, metal roofs, and long river views define this quiet, deeply connected waterfront community.
Pools & Dining
Kiawah Island Club Pools
The Club offers members a collection of resort-style pools designed to fit every lifestyle—from lively beachfront settings to peaceful marsh-front retreats. These private, member-exclusive environments elevate everyday living into an effortless coastal luxury experience.
The Beach Club
Members enjoy multiple oceanfront pools just steps from the Atlantic. This is the social heart of summer on Kiawah, ideal for families, entertaining, and long afternoons in the sun. Poolside service, shaded seating, and direct beach access make it a favorite gathering place.
The Cape Club
The Cape Club delivers a more refined, adults-oriented experience on the island’s west end. Its stunning infinity-edge pool overlooks the ocean and offers a quieter, elevated escape with private cabanas and panoramic sunset views.
The Sports Pavilion
For fitness-focused members, the Sports Pavilion features a saltwater lap pool paired with the Club’s full athletic facilities. It’s ideal for structured workouts, recovery swims, and wellness.
The Marsh House
The Marsh House pool offers a serene, nature-immersed setting with sweeping marsh views. This is the go-to option for members seeking a slower pace and a quieter atmosphere.
Dining
The Beach Club
The Beach Club is the social heartbeat of Kiawah Island Club dining, offering members a vibrant oceanfront setting. Located directly on the beach, this private venue blends indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the shoreline, making it ideal for relaxed lunches after the pool or sunset dinners with friends.
The atmosphere is energetic yet refined, with fresh, coastalinspired menus that highlight seafood, seasonal ingredients, and approachable classics.
The Marsh House
Set against panoramic marsh views and tidal waterways, Marsh House offers members a more peaceful and intimate dining environment focused on scenery, conversation, and relaxed refinement.
This venue is especially beloved for its sunset ambiance, where golden marsh light and coastal breezes create a naturally elegant backdrop for dinner. The menu reflects Lowcountry influences with a thoughtful, seasonal approach.
Cassique Clubhouse
Dining at the Cassique Clubhouse embodies classic private club culture with a strong sense of tradition, community, and year-round livability. This is where members naturally gather for lunch after a round of golf, casual dinners with neighbors, or relaxed evenings centered around shared experiences on the course.
Ryder Cup Bar
Perched within the Ocean Course clubhouse, the Ryder Cup Bar offers sweeping views across the fairways and is designed for postround relaxation, sunset cocktails, and informal meals.
Beaches
Kiawah Island’s shoreline is one of its most defining luxuries—ten miles of wide, protected beachfront shaped by natural tides, framed by rolling dunes, and backed by preserved maritime forest.
Unlike many coastal destinations, Kiawah’s beaches are carefully managed to remain peaceful, uncrowded, and remarkably pristine year-round.
For homeowners, the shoreline becomes a daily extension of life on the Island—whether for fitness, reflection, family time, or entertaining.
Beach Access & Daily Living
Gated access points throughout the Island allow homeowners to walk, bike, or take a golf cart to the ocean with ease. With limited public entry, the beaches maintain a rare level of privacy and tranquility, even during peak seasons.
Safety & Stewardship
Beach Services & Rentals
Thoughtful services enhance the comfort and ease of each beach day. Umbrella and chair setups, towel services, and beach assistance provide a true resort-level experience without sacrificing privacy. For those who enjoy exploring beyond the shoreline, bicycle rentals and beach equipment such as boogie boards, paddleboards, and beach wagons expand the ways owners and guests can enjoy the coast.
Year-Round Enjoyment
Unlike many beach communities, life on Kiawah’s shoreline extends well beyond summer:
Spring: Dolphin sightings, calm surf, and shoreline walks Summer: Full Beach Club services, family gatherings, swimming, and social energy
Fall: Warm water, fewer visitors, ideal evening strolls Winter: Peaceful beaches, shelling, and dramatic skies
Seasonal lifeguards monitor popular swimming areas, and posted guidelines help guests understand tides, surf conditions, and wildlife protections. Boardwalks safeguard fragile dunes and nesting sites. Visitors are encouraged to respect marked turtle nests, fill in sand holes, and minimize lights after dusk during nesting season.
Kiawah Island Golf
Private Member Courses
CASSIQUE
Designed for the rhythm of daily play, Cassique delivers a private club golf experience focused on challenge, beauty, and community connection. Set among maritime forest and open Lowcountry terrain, the course rewards thoughtful shotmaking while remaining highly playable for a wide range of skill levels. Cassique is the social heart of many members’ golf lives, where post-round gatherings, tournaments, and everyday rounds blend seamlessly into club culture.
THE RIVER COURSE
Overlooking sweeping marshes and the Kiawah River, The River Course offers a scenic, relaxed golf experience with a graceful, flowing layout. Often favored for its tranquil pace and natural beauty, this private course is ideal for members who value both playability and unforgettable coastal views. The River Course also serves as a social anchor, pairing golf with marshfront dining and year-round community events.
Championship Golf on the Island
THE OCEAN COURSE
Internationally recognized as one of the world’s most iconic championship venues, The Ocean Course serves as a dramatic backdrop to life on Kiawah Island. While it operates under a resort tee-time structure rather than private club play, it remains a defining part of the Island’s lifestyle— hosting major championships and offering members access to its clubhouse setting.
Lifestyle, Instruction, & Daily Play
Members enjoy dedicated practice facilities designed for convenient, everyday use. Whether refining short game skills, warming up before a round, or enjoying casual practice sessions with friends or family, these spaces support a consistent and comfortable rhythm of play throughout the
Instruction & Player Development
PInstruction at Kiawah supports golfers at every level, from beginners to seasoned players. Private and small-group lessons, seasonal clinics, and player development programs allow members to sharpen skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. Instruction is designed to complement the private club lifestyle rather than replace it with a resort-style
Junior & Family Golf
Golf on Kiawah is a multigenerational experience. Junior instruction, youth clinics, and seasonal programs introduce younger players to the game in a fun, welcoming environment while allowing families to share time together on the course. These offerings play an important role in the Island’s appeal to relocating families and legacy homeowners alike.
Tournaments, Leagues, & Member Events
Competitive and social golf programming strengthens the sense of connection among members. Seasonal leagues, couples’ events, invitationals, and friendly tournaments create a calendar that balances spirited competition with camaraderie and tradition.
Other Activities
Racquet Sports
Kiawah Island Club maintains several high-quality tennis venues: two traditional red-clay tennis courts at the River Course Clubhouse, plus a collection of four terraced Har-Tru tennis courts at the Sports Pavilion. The Sports Pavilion also has dedicated pickleball courts and a squash court.
The Club offers year-round tennis programming, which includes daily clinics, private lessons, and friendly competitions. Courts and programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and skill levels, from juniors taking their first lesson to more experienced players.
Outdoor Exploration
BIKING & WALKING TRAILS
Kiawah features miles of shaded trails winding through maritime forest, marsh, and coastal terrain; perfect for biking, running, or leisurely strolls.
GUIDED CRUISES & FISHING CHARTERS
The club’s boating/recreation team organizes boating tours, fishing charters, and water-cruise adventures, giving members a chance to experience the island’s waterways with ease.
RENTALS
Rentals (kayaks, paddleboards) and tours can be arranged with support for all ages and skills.
Sporting Club
Set across roughly 800–993 forested acres, the Sporting Club delivers a rustic-meets-refined outdoor adventure experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, there’s something for everyone (from clay sports like sporting clays, five-stand, skeet, trap, and guided trap shooting, to a 10-station 3-D archery course).
Freshfields Village
Freshfields Village serves as the community’s vibrant town center—a charming destination where coastal living, boutique shopping, and relaxed gathering spaces come together. Set at the crossroads of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Island, the Village blends Lowcountry hospitality with modern convenience, offering a walkable hub that feels both refined and effortlessly inviting.
Palm-lined paths and brick-paved streets lead to an array of thoughtfully curated shops, local merchants, and national retailers. From resort wear and outdoor gear to artisan goods and home décor, the Village provides everything residents and guests need to complement an elevated coastal lifestyle.
Cafés, wine bars, and chef-driven restaurants offer welcoming spaces to unwind, whether grabbing a morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, or enjoying an elegant dinner.
The Village also hosts a lively calendar of events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, farmers markets, holiday celebrations, art shows, fitness classes, and family-friendly gatherings.
Heron Park Nature Center
The Heron Park Nature Center is the hub for the island’s nature programs, offering exhibits on local wildlife, interactive displays, and a great starting point for booking guided tours and activities.
World-Class Wellness
The Sports Pavilion (at Cassique)
The Sports Pavilion is a 9,000-square-foot fitness and recreation facility located in the Cassique area of the club. In addition to the gym area, the Pavilion supports a wide range of athletic and recreational activities: racquet sports, aquatic fitness, and group classes.
FEATURES & AMENITIES:
• Full Fitness Center
• Group Fitness & Personal Training
• Multipurpose Room
• Outdoor Tennis Courts
• Pickleball Courts, Squash, and Basketball
• Saltwater Pool
• Whirlpool/Wet-Area Amenities
• Locker Rooms
• Gazebo with Light Fare & Refreshments
Open from 7:00am - 7:00pm
Sasanqua Spa
Tucked along golden salt-marshes and overlooking the serene waters of the Kiawah River, Sasanqua Spa offers a peaceful, restorative retreat dedicated to wellness and relaxation. Whether you choose a quick facial, a full-body wrap, or a multi-hour spa day, the goal is always the same: to help you unwind, recharge, and emerge feeling renewed
SERVICES:
• Massages
• Facials & Skin Therapy
• Body Rituals
• Hair Services
• Nail Services
Wildlife
One of Kiawah Island’s most treasured qualities is its extraordinary biodiversity. Carefully preserved maritime forests, tidal creeks, salt marshes, lagoons, and beachfront habitats create a natural sanctuary for hundreds of species.
• Loggerhead sea turtles
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Redfish, flounder, tarpon, and spotted sea trout
• Bobcats
• White-tailed deer
• Alligators
• Over 300 species of birds, including painted buntings, egrets, herons, and pelicans
Preservation & Stewardship
To ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife, please adhere to the following guidelines:
• Do not feed or touch wildlife
• Observe posted beach lighting restrictions during turtle season
• Stay off dunes and marked nesting zones
Kiawah’s enduring commitment to conservation is a major reason the island remains one of the most sought-after places to call home. The presence of abundant wildlife adds a quiet richness to life on Kiawah Island. It reinforces the feeling of seclusion, tranquility, and connection to the natural world that draws buyers to the Island in the first place.
Kiawah Island Club Membership
Three Distinct Levels of Memberships
Kiawah Island Club offers an exclusive, members-only experience anchored in world-class amenities, personalized service, and the natural beauty of the island. Membership is available only through the purchase of a qualifying property, and each level is designed to enhance a distinct lifestyle — from championship golf to wellness, dining, and social engagement.
These memberships are highly coveted and limited in number.
GOLF MEMBERSHIP
The premier offering of the Kiawah Island Club, the Golf Membership provides full access to the Club’s private golf environments and all associated amenities. Members enjoy uncompromised access to The River Course and Cassique, exceptional practice facilities, and preferred scheduling. This category also includes access to the Club’s dining venues, wellness facilities, pools, tennis, social programming, and beach amenities.
NOTE: greens fees included; cart or caddie fees still apply.
SPORTS MEMBERSHIP
A dynamic option ideal for active lifestyles, the Sports Membership includes access to the Club’s wellness centers, tennis facilities, pools, dining options, and social events. Members may access both private golf courses at reduced greens-fee rates, making this an appealing choice for those who golf occasionally but prioritize a broader amenity mix.
NOTE: offers partial golf access with preferred pricing.
SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP
Designed for members who desire the community and lifestyle of the Club without the golf focus, the Social Membership offers full access to dining venues, pools, fitness, the Beach Club, spa services, and year-round social and cultural programming. This option is well-suited for homeowners who enjoy the Club’s gathering spaces, wellness center, and coastal experiences. NOTE: does not include any golf privileges.
Club Membership Fees
INITIATION DEPOSIT
MONTHLY DUES (FAMILY)
MONTHLY DUES (INDIVIDUAL)
$135,000 (80% refundable)
$1,750 (resident)
$1,470 (non-resident)
$1,530 (resident)
$1,295 (non-resident)
$110,000 (80% refundable)
$1,350 (resident)
$1,100 (non-resident)
$1,185 (resident)
$960 (non-resident)
$50,000 (80% refundable)
General Membership Notes:
Access & Eligibility:
$885 (resident)
$745 (non-resident)
Memberships are offered only in conjunction with the purchase of a qualifying homesite or resale property that conveys Club membership.Each membership is issued to the property purchaser and may not be transferred independently of the property.
Family Qualifications:
Immediate family of a Member consists of the Member (including the spouse) and their unmarried children twenty-three years of age and under who are living at home, attending school on a full-time basis, or in the armed services.
Residency-Based Dues:
Monthly dues vary depending on whether a member is a resident (living on Kiawah Island) or non-resident (living primarily elsewhere).
Additional Charges:
Golf cart fees, caddie fees, guest fees, event fees, and certain wellness services are billed separately. Rates may vary seasonally or by usage.
Subject to Change:
All fees, dues, and privileges are determined solely by the Kiawah Island Club and may change at any time. Final pricing is confirmed during the purchase and membership application process.
Where every day invites you to slow down, explore, and feel at home.
