Sea Island: One of Georgia’s Most Luxurious Ocean Destinations (1/4)

Sun-kissed shores, white-capped waves, gently swaying palms—there’s no denying the appeal of a classic beach vacation. And when it comes to dreamy ocean resorts, the Southeast sets the bar high. What better way to kick off the summer months than to explore some of the most popular luxury oceanfront destinations in and around Georgia? While each of these coastal gems is well known for their stunning locations, unparalleled service and conveniences, world-class dining options, outstanding room decor and amenities and plenty of fun-filled activities, each offers a uniquely luxurious experience.

Beginning right here in Georgia is Sea Island. Located just east of St Simons Island and separated by the Black Banks River, Sea Island is a privately owned resort community that is part of the Golden Isles, which include St Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Little St Simons Island and the mainland port city of Brunswick. Reached by a causeway, this internationally acclaimed resort features two of the world’s most exceptional destinations: the Forbes Five-Star Cloister at Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island – a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond property located on the southern end of St Simons Island.
 
Here is a glimpse into why this premier beach destination remains one of the Southeast’s top luxury beach resorts year after year.
 
Accommodations:
 
The Cloister
 
Built on a foundation of genuine warmth and hospitality almost 100 years ago, The Cloister is a special place where generations of families, royalty and heads of state have found respite in Georgia’s magnificent coastal landscape. Sitting on the island’s southern tip and nestled between Georgia’s Blackbank River and the Atlantic Ocean, it is the picture of southern grace and tradition. Accessible only to resort guests and Sea Island Club members, The Cloister features five miles of private beach, three championship golf courses and a full-service spa. Boasting one of the best views on all of Sea Island, this Mediterranean-inspired property, with its 50 lush acres, is what dreams are made of.
 
Finely detailed, spacious and welcoming, accommodations at The Cloister have received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Forbes Five-Star award. At the heart of The Cloister is the main building, Sea Island’s Mediterranean masterpiece, inspired by the original 1928 building. This renowned architectural icon extends into lush, captivating gardens while rising boldly at the river’s edge. Luxury accommodations within The Cloister are available in three distinctive settings, including The Cloister (main building and wings), The Cloister Beach Club Suites and The Cloister Ocean Villas. Each suite has its own charm, and all are impeccably designed, many with unique architectural features such as vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams and handcrafted Oriental rugs.
 
The Lodge
 
A relative newcomer to Sea Island, The Lodge opened its doors in 2001. Also a Forbes Five-Star award winner, it embodies the ultimate clubhouse experience in a setting of old-world luxury and unparalleled service. Perched right on the shores of the Atlanta Ocean, The Lodge boasts first-rate tennis and equestrian facilities, three championship golf courses and tastefully decorated accommodations with private balconies. Created in the spirit of European sporting estates, the building itself exudes a grand and historic feel, and once inside, you are treated to elegant touches such as hardwood floors, dark wood trim, antiques, Oriental rugs and overstuffed chairs. It is the perfect blend of sport and romance. Situated near the ruins of an antebellum plantation with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the secluded lodge is a premier hideaway. To get to the 43-room property, you first must make your way through a driveway lined with ancient oaks that have likely swayed in the island’s salty breeze for hundreds of years.
 
The accommodations at the Sea Island resort are incredibly spacious. Regular rooms offer up to 700 square feet of space, while the suites have 1,000 square feet, offering more room to spread out. No matter which one you stay in, you’ll be treated to classic décor made up of hardwood floors, Oriental rugs, exposed wood ceilings and marble baths with deep-soaking tubs and rain head showers. Six recently completed cottages add an additional 14 ocean-facing rooms to the luxurious property. Five of the accommodations offer two bedrooms, while the largest features four, but all include local art, hardwood floors, marble bathrooms and spectacular vistas. Oh, and each room comes with a butler who is able to do almost anything for you (within reason), from pressing your shirts and shining your shoes to making you a midnight snack!
 
Dining
 
When you are a guest at Sea Island, you have access to world-class dining at a variety of restaurants, with options to suit any activity, any mood and any moment. For an elegant dining experience, check out The Cloister’s Georgian Rooms, with chandeliers, stately white pillars and a fresh seasonal menu with finely sourced ingredients or The Lodge’s Colt & Alison restaurant, featuring leather chairs, cozy banquettes, a wood-burning fireplace and panoramic views of the 18th hole of the Plantation golf course.
 
If you are visiting with a group, give Tavola a try. At the island’s Italian eatery, you will enjoy authentic rustic Italian fare served family style with tables full of food meant to be savored and enjoyed with others. For something more casual, The Lodge’s Oak Room has the look and feel of a high-class pub with leather ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, a great menu and plenty of beers on tap. Or give River Bar and Lounge at The Cloister a try. This modern, fun and familiar brasserie has a menu of French and European-style dishes that can be enjoyed on the restaurant’s enclosed porch or out in the garden courtyard.
 
Dine moments away from the beach in a relaxed and casual atmosphere featuring local seafood and strong Southern influences at Southern Tide. Located at The Sea Island Beach Club, it is a casual, all-day dining spot serving seafood, shellfish and Southern cuisine. Then head over to Wonderland, Sea Island’s sweet shop, which boasts more than 20 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream and walls lined from top-to-bottom with candy. And if you just want to enjoy a relaxing meal in the privacy of your own suite, you can order dishes from any of these restaurants through an extensive in-room dining program.
 
Activities
 
If enjoying time on the island’s five miles of private, pristine beaches leave you wanting more, Sea Island offers a wide variety of activities to help you make even more memories. Featuring three championship golf courses, top instructors, teeing areas, practice greens and a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, it is a golfer’s paradise. The Seaside Course is a legendary Scottish links-style course surrounded by tidal creeks, dunes, salt marshes and the Atlantic Ocean. The Plantation Course was completely redesigned by Mark and Davis Love of Love Golf Design in 2019. It is inspired by the traditional profile of Walter Travis’ 1928 original nine-hole course, offering a classic design that brings back some traditional features and character, including bulkheads, railroad ties, the Principal’s Nose on #10 green and a punch bowl green on #13 It also has a few of Travis’ chocolate drops here and there, fewer bunkers and a more open feel. This strategically interesting course will have you wanting to play again and again. And last but not least, the Retreat Course. While geographically separated from the others, it should not be overlooked. This reliable favorite is gorgeous. Surrounded by towering Georgia longleaf pines, sleepy native oaks and dramatic greens, it is challenging yet very playable and interesting.
 
If a day of relaxation is more your speed, pamper yourself at The Spa at Sea Island. This Forbes Five-Star spa uses the restorative power of water to help improve your health and wellness. The fountain, waterways and pools are all connected and the use of hydrotherapy, water treatments, custom aromatherapy, wellness journeys and signature bodywork help to deliver deep rejuvenation experiences that leave you relaxed and refreshed throughout the duration of your stay.
 
Looking to get out on the water? Sea Island offers everything from fishing and sailing to paddleboarding and kayaking, or hop aboard The Sea Island Explorer and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail cruise while taking in the spectacular views of the area’s rivers and marshes. Back on dry land, there is plenty to do as well. Rent a bike and check out the island’s lush tropical landscape, take a tennis lesson, saddle up for a horseback ride on the beach, shoot clay pigeons, take a dip in the pool or stop by the Sea Island Nature Center and meet the resident animals. There is so much to see, do and experience that you will likely need to plan another visit to get it all in! 

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