Spa Places in the News

Step Back in Time, Relax and Rejuvenate - The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island's New Spa - Opening April 2004

Kiawah Island, S.C. -2003 - Although centuries old, it's a tradition that struggles to fit into today's busy schedule - an afternoon spent relaxing on a back porch, sipping tea and watching time tick slowly by. In eight months, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island will recreate this personal ritual at its new spa by combining the old-world charm of Charleston with Kiawah's renowned coastal ecosystems.

The ultra-luxury 255-room oceanfront resort, opening in April 2004, has unveiled its natural garden and grand southern porch-themed spa design and treatment concepts. The spa's interior design elicits the feel of a grand southern porch and garden through a rich tableau of Charleston brick, trickling water, indigenous plants, garden-style light fixtures and the use of chaise loungers in the relaxation area. The treatments are inspired by a combination of the balancing properties of the ocean, maritime forest and South Carolina's botanical gardens. It will be the first luxury resort spa on the 10,000-acre barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston.

"The spa reflects the natural serenity of The Sanctuary's environment," said Dylan Jones, Director of Leisure Services. "To impart the sense of a southern porch and garden, which has historically been a home's inner sanctum, we have designed the spa with natural element features that work together harmoniously. We will make time stand still for our guests by offering superior amenities, the finest treatments and a skilled and caring team of therapists."

Combined with service grounded in southern hospitality, the spa will present a variety of offerings, including nourishing seaweed and natural enzyme facials, exfoliating sea scrubs, and a selection of mineral rich mud and botanical treatments. Spa services, which include a wide array of massages, will be available individually, as well as specially designed treatment combination packages, couples packages, and half-, full- and multi-day packages.

The interior, designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates from Atlanta, will feature 12 spacious massage, facial, body treatment and vichy/steam rooms styled as personal havens with domed ceilings, hardwood floors, original artwork and therapeutic color schemes. The spa's special private treatment suite will accommodate two people and is ideal for couples, friends, mothers and daughters or as a one-person retreat. It features two treatment tables, a relaxation area, a Riverbath Whirlpool with a flowing waterfall and tranquil brook features, as well as a 10-jet shower system for hydro-massages.

Additionally, a full-service salon featuring hair styling stations, manicure and private pedicure stations will be located on the second level of the spa. On the first level the spa offers a 65-foot-long indoor pool, a special studio for yoga, pilates, tai chi and other wellness programs, as well as a complete fitness center with equipment featuring personal viewing screens. Signature lotions, skin care creations, candles and other spa items will be available from the spa's boutique.
According to Spa Consultant Jane Segerberg, guests arriving at the 15,000 square-foot, second-story spa will receive private consultations with therapists where individual treatment programs will be planned. Spacious lounges, provided for men and women, come replete with showers, individual lockers, private vanity and dressing areas, steam rooms, saunas and a mineral water whirlpool with body-massage stations and cascading waterfalls for shoulder massages. The spa will also feature private men's and women's relaxation rooms and solariums where guests can read, relax and sip fresh squeezed juices and teas between treatments.
The spa will offer a complete menu of services including a series of signature treatments for men, such as The Golfer's Haven - where self-heating mineral rich sea muds envelop, relax and soothe muscles utilized during a golf round, as well as a foot, hand and scalp massage. Other treatments utilize herbs and botanicals to draw out toxins and nature-based enzyme moisturizers to nourish and hydrate the skin. Exotic treatments are created daily and inspired from the natural environment surrounding The Sanctuary.

Of the resort's 255 guest rooms, 11 are uniquely located on the spa level - ideal for guests seeking a pampered experience. From candles, flowers and in-room balcony treatments, these rooms offer both the amenities of the other guest rooms plus the extra attention available from the spa.

Designed by Cooper Carry of Atlanta and Smith+McClane of Richmond, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island reflects the style and charm of a grand southern seaside mansion and will feature some of the largest luxury guestrooms in America, 11 Executive Suites, one Governor's Suite, and a spectacular 3,100-square-foot Presidential Suite. The hotel is using only the finest construction materials - slate, Charleston brick, copper and iron - and features unparalleled sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, a private concierge level, a fine dining oceanfront restaurant, a cigar bar; a lobby lounge, and two outdoor infinity-edge pools, more than 18,000 square feet of meeting space and the latest technology, such as wireless Internet access, throughout the entire property. The Sanctuary experience includes five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course - home to the 1991 Ryder Cup and this year's World Cup.

For more information or reservations call 1-800-654-2924, e-mail sanctuary@kiawahresort.com or visit www.kiawahresort.com.