Another 'first-timer' to Kiawah!

We%26#39;re thinking of renting a villa at the beginning of May at Turtle Point or Turtle Cove; can anyone tell me if these are quiet locations please. We can choose between ground floor looking onto the golf course or first floor overlooking the lagoon. Any thoughts from those of you who know as to what would be best?? We really like peace and quiet!

We%26#39;re coming over from the UK and on our trips to the US like stocking up from factory outlets as well as enjoying golf and great food. Are there any outlets within reasonable distance please?

And it may sound silly, but what is the %26#39;dress code%26#39; for eating out on the island at places like the golf clubs; is it still very casual ? - or would the husband need a jacket as he would here in the UK!

I%26#39;d appreciate any info you think useful. Many thanks.

Another 'first-timer' to Kiawah!

SusieG,

I%26#39;m going to let Kiawahvilla give her opinion on location.

Outlets: There is a new Tanger Outlet Center near the airport. Easy to find off I-526.

Dress code: Pretty much island casual i.e. nice dress jeans or linen pants. If you have room, pack hubby%26#39;s jacket as you never know where you%26#39;ll want to eat (I believe one of the Sanctuary%26#39;s restaurants is ';jacket required';)

Another 'first-timer' to Kiawah!

Thanks OurGreatEscape- very helpful (always find Tripadvisor invaluable!). A couple of other questions - we have got %26#39;Resort Privileges%26#39;, but I%26#39;m not sure exactly what that means. I%26#39;ve realised that the villas dont have a pool but we have access to communal pools - but dont know where they are and if that access comes free with the Resort Privileges? And neither villa seems to have an outside space to sit - is this usual on Kiawah? We like sitting in a screened-in porch, but also outside. And I wonder if anyone knows anything about the Blues Festival on Kiawah on 10 May? Any info greatly appreciated!

SusieG,

Resort privileges gets you access to the resort%26#39;s pools (not at the Sanctuary though). I think Night Heron.

There is a reason why there are only screened-in porches: BUGS ie no-see-ems, mosquitoes. There are some stand alone homes/villas that have both screened in areas and open porches.

I%26#39;d love to help you with the Blues Fest. I just recently was trying to get info on it myself. Unfortunately, the website I had had last year%26#39;s info on it. Perhaps a call to the resort?

Ah yes - sounds like Sanibel!! Is there a particularly good local product to buy for the %26#39;no-see-ums%26#39;??

My husband swears Bounce dryer sheets keeps no-see-ums at bay. He%26#39;ll take one out of the box, rub on visible skin and then stick the dryer sheet in his pocket.

I think it%26#39;s some ol%26#39; golfer trick;-)

SusieG my wife takes vitamin B1 for about thirty days before go to Kiawah and the bugs dont seem to bother her. I have never had trouble with the no-see-ums. They can take the joy out of the outdoors.

Hello, SusieG.

I am so glad that you have decided to visit Kiawah in May, which is one of the very best months for weather. With Resort privileges, you will be able to use both the large Night heron park swimming pool and the smaller, adults-only Tennis Club pool. The Tennis Club pool is closest to either of the locations you are considering.

Turtle Point and Turtle Cove are quiet groupings of low-rise condominiums. The Turtle Point villas are slightly newer and more spacious than the Turtle Cove villas, but both are very nice. Both developments are near The Sanctuary Hotel and the East Beach Tennis Center, and they are an easy walk to the beach.

As to your choice of villa, I think that you will enjoy the elevated water view of the lagoon. If you can let me know the locations of the specific villas, I may be able to offer more precise advise. I would caution you that there has been some new construction (small luxury condominium) going on in part of the area, closest to the hotel. You should inquire as to how close your unit is to that project.

';Resort casual'; - trousers and a collared shirt for gentlemen, with no jacket required - is the norm for most restaurants both on Kiawah and in Charleston. The only exception on Kiawah would be for ';The Ocean Room';, at The Sanctuary Hotel, which would require a jacket. Although people do wear jeans, they are not as generally worn for ';fine dining'; in the Charleston area as in some other locations. Any other sort of light weight trousers would be fine.

As others have mentioned, you will enjoy having a screened porch because of the ever present island insects. The no-see-ums seem to come and go unpredictably; however, mosquitos are always with us. If you are particularly sensitive to insect bites, you might want to bring a repellant containing DEET.

Let me know as your plans develop. I am always happy to answer any questions about Kiawah.