As you read on Wednesday, day one of our stay on Georgia’s Golden Isles welcomed us to the low country with easy, elegant charm. With The Southern Coterie‘s cofounders Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long at the head of planning, we knew we were in store for a wonderful weekend, sure to experience all of the gracious Southern hospitality this place had to offer. 

On Saturday morning, the group convened for a little morning coffee and crafts with  Grace Graffiti and Wake Up Coffee in Brunswick.  Whitney and her husband, the duo behind Grace Graffiti, work together to created one of a kind hand crafted wooden pieces from chalkboard placemats, state themed guestbooks, and their latest creation chalkboard @ symbols.  We painted and chalked our handcrafted @ signs while we chit-chatted and sipped cold brew, eager for a fun day ahead. 

After working up an appetite we then found ourselves around the table for the most fantastic brunch at Nancy, a restaurant and high-end boutique on St. Simons with a fabulous array of nearly-impossible finds for sale. The brunch, hosted by one of our favorite organic beauty brands, One Love Organics, paired each course to match an OLO product, and the result was divine. Think coconut soup as a nod to One Love’s Coconut + Salt Mineral Body Lotion. 

Full, but ready for our next adventure we spend the afternoon touring Sea Island and The Cloister, a legendary luxury hotel renowned for its utmost sophisticated elegance.  Seeped in stunning Mediterranean-inspired architecture, the hotel features grounds full of lush gardens, every amenity one could possibly desire, and the most fantastic fine dining. But perhaps most noteworthy, are The Cloister‘s luxurious suites that offer spectacular views over the marshes, begging guests to bask in the low country in all its glory, all while enveloping them in utmost comfort and privacy. 

We ended our day in true Southern Style with a party and planting workshop at The Vine.  These talented ladies handle events, florals and landscaping with ease, and even the blackest of thumbs could find their joy and passion for crafting beauty from the earth contagious.  Upon arrival oyster shell and orchid corsages were whipped up and tied on to each ladies wrist, mojitos were freshly muddled at the mojito bar, and we noshed and noshed on creations from Halyards Restaurant and Southern Soul BBQ until there wasn’t a mini taco or spec of cheese left.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day. 

I had heard about the glory of the low country coastline for years, and knew travelers from all over the world flocked to Georgia’s gorgeous Golden Isles. But now I can fully appreciate this elevated take on elegant relaxation that can only be found among these islands.  The weekend was full of amazing company, breathtaking views, exceptional service and fantastic food…a weekend I’m already yearning to repeat as soon as I can.  Truly, MKR