During these unprecedented times, we’d like to take a moment to let you know that we are all in this together. Knowing that right now we are sharing a collective global experience, we ask you to stay home (for now) but please continue dreaming of all the magical places yet to visit. We at WIT, are sharing some of our favorite and most beautiful places we’ve had the privilege to visit. Enjoy, and start planning where you’d like to go next. We will happily take you there.
Think cobblestone streets, azaleas, Antebellum houses, waterfront promenades, sweet tea and sunshine ya’ll…and you are in one of our favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest port cities in America. Whether you're looking to experience the rich melting pot of coastal culture, dine your way through the town, explore the 9 secret alleyways, or find your bliss in a spa oasis, Charleston is the place to be.
Let’s start with where you might stay. We love the Belmond Charleston Place located at the very heart of downtown Charleston, in the historic district and within walking distance of all the major attractions, and is the perfect base camp for a staycation or city adventure. The hotel embraces true Southern charm with luxurious décor paired with modern elegance and all the bells and whistles. Choose one of the 72 Club Level Suites on the top floor and enjoy sweeping views across the city while enjoying club level amenities to include exclusive access to the Club Lounge. While at the Belmond, save some time to swim on the rooftop saltwater infinity pool or do a twirl around The Shops at Belmond, which features world-class shopping from Gucci to local bathing suit designer, Tara Grinn.
Make sure you check out The Spa at Belmond, we are crazy about this urban oasis! The thoughtful spa menu includes body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures. The spa also offers a comprehensive fitness menu, so naturally we had to check it out. Try the YIN AND YANG 2.5 hour tai chi, yoga, and pilates to balance your chi, then finish with a Warm Stone Massage. If you prefer to be on the move, the Spa also offers private Boot Camp, Power Walking HIT and Personal Fitness Trainers. And they haven’t forgotten the kids – The Spa has a co-ed kids menu for the 12 and under set. What little girl could resist the LOLLIPOP PEDICURE sparkles galore? And yes, a lollipop to go! We love that the Spa at Belmond Charleston Place is a proud sponsor of the I Will Reflect Melanoma Awareness and Prevention Initiative whose goal is to increase awareness of skin protection, thus aiding in the prevention of skin cancer. Book the I WILL REFLECT FACIAL and 100% of the sale of the facial goes to I Will Reflect Fund. Beauty and grace. Our exclusive partnership with Virtuoso means we can offer our clients a complimentary Continental Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, $100 USD Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during your stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full), early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability, possible upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
Looking to have a girls’ getaway or romantic getaway for two? We love the luxurious Zero George. Named after the actual street address, Zero George offers sixteen private guest rooms and studios in three historic residences and two carriage houses. The hotel is warm and intimate honoring the 1804 architecture and design being both period appropriate and tastefully current with original art and finishes. From exquisite linens to local reading material, from complimentary bikes to cushy bathrobes, Zero George aims to pamper. At check in, guests are offered a complimentary glass of bubbly and each evening, they host a wine and cheese pairing for guests to wind down after being out and about.
Each morning, Zero George’s complimentary European continental breakfast features local favorites like Callie’s Biscuits and their own house made granola. We are happy to offer the additional Virtuoso exclusive perks, upgrade on arrival, if available, Complimentary European style breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom ( try breakfast in bed!), guest choice of: A $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during your stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full) or a cocktail or wine class for two and early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
Charleston’s newest luxury property, Hotel Bennett, is located on the trendy King Street with the lobby entrance on the corner of historic Marion Square (where the original wing of the Citadel Military Academy was located). Marion Square is now home to Saturday Farmer’s Markets, the acclaimed Spoleto Arts Festival and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. The furnishings of Hotel Bennett’s 179 guest rooms seamlessly blend traditional Southern design with unparalleled luxury amenities like pedestal tubs, luxe bedding and locally inspired art work. Select one of Hotel Bennett’s 550 square foot suites that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, which fill the Master King bedroom and separate living area with natural light. Looking for the truly exclusive experience? Hotel Bennett’s King’s Club is the upgrade you seek. Guests who reserve a room or suite with King's Club access are pampered from the moment they check in.
The King (or Queen) treatment includes a dedicated concierge, champagne (or non-alcoholic beverage) upon arrival to club lounge, welcome amenity King's Club private lounge with a veranda overlooking King Street and open bar with five food presentations: continental breakfast, light fare lunch, afternoon tea, evening hors d’oeuvres, cordials & desserts. Top that off with our exclusive Virtuoso amenities to include upgrade on arrival, if available, Complimentary Breakfast Credit ($30 per person up to two guests, per bedroom) daily served in the restaurant, $100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during your stay and early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability. We love that Hotel Bennett is truly dog friendly so you can bring your fur babies with you as you discover the city. For ultimate pampering, check out the The Spa at Hotel Bennett. The thoughtfully curated spa’s wellness services include restorative facials and deeply rejuvenating signature massages as well as access to the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Now, it’s time to explore Charleston! Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply want to stroll the Battery promenade, it’s all here. Charleston is chock full of iconic architecture that can be explored on a walking tour or rent some bikes and pedal your way around town. For the history buffs, living history is all around! Take a ferry to Fort Sumter and stand exactly where the Civil War began, or visit Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site where English settlers established the first permanent European colony in Carolina. For a taste of true Southern charm, visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which has earned the distinction as the oldest public garden in the United States or Edmondston-Alston House dating to 1825 where you literally step into a world of Antebellum elegance & style. For those with more eclectic and grown up interests, we suggest you visit Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Distillery (about a 30-minute drive) where you can learn first-hand why “Sweet Tea” is the drink of choice in Charleston, or time your evening excursion to visit one of the 20 plus roof top bars, sip on something tasty and marvel as the sun sets over the city.
Looking for a new view of the area, with so many creeks, inlets, and beaches throughout Charleston, stand up paddle boarding is a great way to see the city and stay in shape. Consider renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a few hours to explore on your own, or sign up for an official tour to have an instructor teach you the ins and outs while also guiding you through some of Charleston’s historical sites. During the summer months, pack your bathing suit and your umbrella and sunscreen, because Charleston’s beaches are only a short drive away. You can’t go wrong by heading to Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Edisto, Kiawah, or Seabrook. A fun Charleston landmark is Folly Beach. Folly’s known locally as “The Edge of America,” where you walk out to the end of the island and get a close-up view of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Drive to the end of East Ashley Avenue, park on the side of the road (make sure all four tires are in the dirt!), and enjoy the local graffiti on the street as you hike out to where the sidewalk ends.
Charleston is a food lovers paradise! Famous for Lowcountry cuisine (the cooking traditionally associated with the South Carolina Lowcountry and the Georgia coast. ) Think Hoppin’John, Shrimp & Grits, She-Crab Soup alongside finger licking barbecue, fresh Eastern seafood, food carts and upstart kitchens with creative chefs who have put Charleston on the culinary map. Husk Charleston, was the first to make “new” Southern cuisine a thing, while featuring the regions freshest and best ingredients; while at Fig, those local, seasonal ingredients and reimagined Southern classics are the brainchild of James Beard winner, Chef Jason Stanhope. There are over 31 places to get oysters- our favorite is The Ordinary named “One of America’s Best Oyster Bars” by Food & Wine Magazine, Thrillist and Bon Appetit Magazine. Start your culinary journey with a few briny bi-valves at the Ordinary with a local brew or a festive glass of bubbly. If BBQ is your thing, try Lewis BBQ headed by Austin, Texas’s famous pit boss, James Lewis. You will find tender brisket, slabs of smoky meat served up with classic sides on picnic tables. We suggest you don’t wear a white shirt! For the seafood purist, we say go to Chubby Fish. A bit off the beaten path, Chubby Fish has some of the best seafood in a seafood lovers’ town. Whatever fresh catch ends up on Chubby Fish’s daily menu, will be deftly prepared and presented.
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things”. We think Henry Miller’s quote perfectly sums up one of our favorite cities! Charleston is old and new, classic and funky, traditional and modern, Antebellum mansions and urban murals. It’s the perfect getaway for families, couples, the Girls and the Guys…. Charleston offers so many different and unique experiences, we could write a novel. When you are ready to visit, you know we are here to curate the perfect experience for you. Let’s keep dreaming together!
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BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH WELL INSPIRED TRAVELS:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Breakfast credit for two per bedroom daily ($50 maximum per person, per day, excludes alcohol)
$100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
