Kiawah Island, South Carolina: the Biden family's holiday destination

Members of the first family are on holiday following president's recovery from Covid-19

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina has hosted PGA golf tournaments and has stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: Kiawah Island Golf Resort

US President Joe Biden rides a bicycle on the beach on Kiawah Island. Reuters

Mr Biden and a pack of Secret Service agents take a beach ride. AFP

First lady Jill Biden rides her bicycle along the beach while on vacation on Kiawah Island. AFP

Mr Biden is an avid bike rider. Reuters

Mr Biden and his son, Hunter, attend mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on John's Island, South Carolina. AFP

Hunter Biden, his wife Melissa Cohen and their son Beau follow the presidential couple as they board Marine One at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Reuters

Hunter Biden holds his son Beau's hand as they walk down the steps of the aircraft. AP

The beast, as the presidential limousine is known, goes wherever the Bidens go. AP

Mr Biden walks with grandson Beau upon their return to Washington. AP

Mr Biden with daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen leaving the Kiawah Island Beach Club at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. AP

Mr Biden with son Hunter. AP

Mr Biden walks on the beach with granddaughter Natalie and daughter Ashley in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. AP

Mr Biden introduces his granddaughter to the members of the media as they walk on the beach together with daughter Ashley. AP

US President Joe Biden arrived in South Carolina last Friday for what is expected to be at least a seven-day family holiday.

The Bidens have been enjoying beach bike rides and shopping while staying at a family friend's residence on Kiawah Island, known for its private beach and golf resort.

A security detail on Friday dropped the Bidens off at a home in a gated community near the golf grounds.

President Joe Biden waves as he leaves for a beach holiday with son Hunter, grandson Beau, first lady Jill Biden, and daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen, before boarding Air Force One. AP

Mr Biden coaxes his grandson Beau Biden on to Air Force One to go on holiday. AP

Mr Biden, his grandson Beau and the first lady before boarding Air Force One. AP

Mr Biden walks with his grandson, son and daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. EPA

Mr Biden has twice tested positive for Covid-19. AP

Mr Biden before departing for the beaches of South Carolina. EPA

Hunter Biden holds his son's hand as they walk down the steps of Air Force One as they arrive at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. AP

Mr Biden and the first lady land in Charleston, South Carolina. AP

Mr Biden seems to have brought along some beach reading materials. AP

Mr Biden helps his wife exit Marine One. AP

Grandson Beau Biden enjoys riding in the beast. AP

The Kiawah Island golf course sits on the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina. AP

The White House did not respond to requests to provide details on Mr Biden’s holiday schedule, activities or when he planned to return to Washington.

Only about 20 square kilometres, Kiawah Island is home to about 1,600 people and best known for its private beach and golf course. Here are some of the attractions the presidential holiday spot has to offer.

Golf Resort

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers expansive sporting grounds, dining and spa options, and Atlantic beaches. An extension of the world-renowned Ocean Course, the resort hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup as well as the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships.

Vacationers can book entire villas or rooms in the resort's oceanside hotel, but accommodation are not for those looking to save: rates for rooms range between $400 to $2,200 per night.

Corey Conners hits a tee-shot on the sixteenth hole during his opening round 67 at the US PGA Championship on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island on Thursday, May 20. EPA

Rory McIlroy hits his tee-shot on the seventh hole on his way to a first-round 75. AP

Corey Conners has a two-shot lead after the first round at Kiawah Island in South Carolina. EPA

Brooks Koepka lines up a birdie putt on the ninth hole during his first round 69. PA

Dustin Johnson of the United States on the eighth tee during his first round 76. AFP

First-round leader Corey Conners putts on the 18th green. AFP

Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays his second shot on the 11th hole during his first round 72. AFP

Phil Mickelson of the US hits out of the sand on the first hole during his first round 70. EPA

Keegan Bradley chips to the 18th green during his first-round 69. AP

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy misses a birdie putt on the ninth hole. AP

Nature and Wildlife

The island's government website emphasises an expansive wildlife presence on the island, including deer, bobcats, grey foxes, raccoons, river otters and ospreys. But that's only what the island has on land.

Tours are available for birdwatching and wild dolphins hotspots, and hiking is a popular pastime through the secluded barrier island.

Kiawah has been involved in bobcat conservation efforts, after its historically healthy bobcat population plummeted between 2017 and 2020.

An Arabian fox photographed by Reem Island resident Rob Gubiani in 2015. Photo: Rob Gubiani

At the time, Rob Gubiani said he spent three months gaining the fox’s trust after studying its home range

Foxes’ adaptability also make them much maligned. In the Emirates, they have a reputation for attacking goats and are killed on sight. Courtesy Rob Gubiani

The foxes use structural walls as perimeter lines to yield prey and rest under bulldozers for shade. Courtesy Rob Gubiani

Urban foxes face threats from dogs, poisoning, traffic and competition from cats. Courtesy Rob Gubiani

Food

Many of the top-rated restaurants on the island also reflect the relatively high price points.

“Jasmine Porch”, on the resort grounds, is the top-rated restaurant on the island, offering upscale American eats with an emphasis on seafood.

For a taste of a uniquely American southern tradition, “Traveler's Choice” on TripAdvisor goes to Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, a stop on the South Carolina Barbeque Trail in the state that invented the slow-and-low cooking method.

Barbequing at the beach is often a vacation favourite in the US. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National