The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island captures the spirit, history and charm of southern hospitality. RELATED LINKS Back to Great Golf, Hot Deals

Flights to Charleston International Airport are operated by Delta, US Airways and a handful of other carriers, principally from cities up and down the East Coast and upper Midwest. The entrance to Kiawah Island is about 45 minutes away, and although shuttle service is available, you'll probably find it more convenient and cost-effective to rent a car and drive yourself to the resort.

Accommodations on the island include private vacation homes and a varied collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, as well as full-service rooms and suites at The Sanctuary (www.thesanctuary.com), a posh new 255-room resort hotel on the beach. Lodging may be booked online, but give the exceptional variety of accommodations on the island, this is one case where it's really better to pick up the phone and discuss your needs with a reservations agent.

In addition to the five golf courses, resort guests have access to 28 tennis courts, three swimming pools, a high-end spa and 10 miles of wide Atlantic beaches. Additional recreational activities include cycling, canoeing, ocean kayaking, bird watching and other nature programs. And while there's plenty to keep you busy on the island, visitors should not miss the opportunity to spend time in Charleston, a charming and well-preserved vestige of the Old South that is also home to the impressive new South Carolina Aquarium (www.scaquarium.org).