South Carolina

Kiawah Island

It's a little more than half an hour from downtown Charleston and seems a world away. There are three pools, crabbing, shrimping, kayaking, fishing—and yet there is a strong emphasis on leisure time (read: sipping mint juleps on your ocean-facing balcony). Resident naturalists give children and adults the lowdown on the area's 200-plus species of indigenous animals like turtles, dolphins, and pelicans. All the guestroom furniture is custom made and seems worthy of the price of admission. 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., (877) 683-1234, from $275 for a garden view in low season to $710 for an oceanfront room in high season.

                    

CHARLESTON

What it is: A luxurious yet historic hotel that dates back before the Civil War.
The rooms: Each guest room is outfitted in period furnishings and has views of the historic district or the pool.
Amenities: The Mills House has a concierge, a pool and sundeck, a newsstand, a gift shop, a business services center, valet parking, a fitness center, and the Barbadoes Room, which serves low-country fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Activities: The hotel is located downtown within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of the Battery and Market Street.
Details: 115 Meeting Street, from $189 for a room with two double beds

                    


Belvidere Resort

What it is: Spacious two-bedroom cottages come with screened porches and a stellar view of Charleston Harbor.
The rooms: The cozy cottages have fully equipped kitchens, heart-pine flooring, satellite HDTVs with DVD players, Bose Wave radios, shelves stocked with books by local authors, high-speed wireless Internet, ceiling fans, washers and dryers, and gas fireplaces.
Amenities: Guests have a personal concierge, the option of prearrival grocery shopping, a clubhouse lounge, a shared outdoor pool with heated spa, private chef service, barbecue grills, and business services.
Activities: Take the water taxi to Charleston Harbor Marina, enjoy access to RiverTowne Country Club and Patriots Point Links golf courses, visit the turtles in the Belvidere Lagoon, take out the Belivdere's beach cruisers, or just relax on the private harbor-front beach.
Details: 16 Patriots Point Road, from $187 a night.

                    

FOLLY BEACH

What it is: Folly's sole nonchain inn, which sits on the edge of a marsh.
The rooms:Water's Edge has eight guest rooms and two three-bedroom private villas, which are perfect for families. Each villa has three full baths, a gourmet kitchen, Egyptian-cotton sheets, an iPod port, and a plasma television.
Amenities: The bed-and-breakfast also has bikes, which guests can use to explore the island.
Activities:The main attraction on Folly is the water. Venture out to swim, surf, kayak, and fish. You can also get a great view of the Morris Island Lighthouse from the eastern tip of the island.
Details: 79 West Second Street, from $229 for a villa in the off-season (October through April).