Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina and Kiawah Island are the two most popular vacation destinations located on the South Carolina coast in the Charleston SC market. While both offer luxurious beachfront accommodations, beautiful scenery, and a similar variety of outdoor activities, there are several key differences between the two that may impact your choice of destination when considering to visit or purchase a home.
Wild Dunes Resort is a 1,600-acre property located at the end of the Isle of Palms, and just a few miles from the heart of Charleston whereas Kiawah is much further. The resort features a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms, condominiums/ villas, fractional properties, and beachfront private homes, as well as two championship golf courses, clay tennis courts, and a range of dining and shopping options. Kiawah Island does as well, but Kiawah is home to 5 golf courses. Wild Dunes is also home to a large beachfront swimming pool like Kiawah Island Club, several miles of bike trails, and a marina where guests can rent boats and kayaks. Whereas Kiawah Island does not have a marina unless you go out of the gates of the resort community to Bohicket Marina.
Kiawah Island, on the other hand, is a 10,000-acre resort community located about 30 miles from Charleston. While Kiawah Island also features a variety of beachfront accommodations, golf courses, and outdoor activities, it is larger and more spread out than Wild Dunes. The island is home to several miles of unspoiled beaches, as well as a variety of wildlife, including deer, alligators, and a wide range of bird species. Kiawah Island is also known for its challenging golf courses, including the famous Ocean Course, which has hosted several major golf tournaments (PGA Championship twice). Kiawah Island also regularly hosts tennis tournaments for players of all ages, including Grand Prix junior events.
In terms of atmosphere, Wild Dunes Resort is more relaxed and family-friendly, with a variety of activities and amenities
designed to appeal to people of all ages. Kiawah Island, on the other hand, is more exclusive and upscale, with a greater focus on golf, wildlife, and natural beauty, and tends to attract more couples, golf groups, and the occasional business outing.
When it comes to short-term vacation stays deciding between booking a place Wild Dunes Resort and Kiawah Island it’s important to consider your personal preferences and priorities. Deciding to vacation on Kiawah Island there are only two options really, Kiawah Island is home to the very luxurious hotel and spa called The Sanctuary, otherwise, you’ll have to stay in one of the many “villas” or condos. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, with a variety of activities and amenities close at hand, Wild Dunes Resort may be the better choice as it’s much closer to “town” if you will. The bustling suburban town of Mount Pleasant is just 10 mins from Wild Dunes, Sullivan’s Island is 10 mins the other direction and downtown Charleston is only 20 mins drive. Whereas, leaving Kiawah Island is much more of a commitment. If you’re looking for a more exclusive and upscale and quiet vacation experience, with a greater focus on golf, wildlife, and natural beauty, Kiawah Island is a great option. Assuming you don’t plan on leaving the resort. There is Fresh Fields Village outside of the gates of Kiawah Island with a few restaurants and shops, but after a couple of days there, you’ll likely tire of the same few places.
REAL ESTATE DIFFERENCES WILD DUNES RESORT VS KIAWAH ISLAND
In terms of real estate, they are very similar, with the largest difference mostly being the prices and some design. Kiawah Island could be called the Hamptons of the South because you’ll find a lot of homes with styles that mimic those of the Hamptons and beachfront homes reaching $20M. Both gated golf resort communities have oceanfront condos, luxury beachfront homes, villas, condos, and deep waterfront properties so you can get more or less whatever you would want in both places.
Keep in mind both gated communities have a one-time 1/2 of 1% of the purchase price capital contribution fee at closing, a yearly property owners association fee (Kiawah = $2400+/- & Wild Dunes $900+/-). In addition to your HOA regime fees should you purchase/own an attached home. The good news is neither one of these requires a club membership, and in fact, getting a membership at Kiawah Island Club is actually fairly difficult because they can only be acquired if the property you own or choose to purchase has one offered with it. The level of the membership is determined by what the property has also.
WILD DUNES FEES
