Recently I had the immense pleasure of speaking at my fifth Southern Coterie Conference. And as much as I look forward to those three days all year, I equally look forward to the few days after the conference has ended when the hubs and I disconnect at one of our favorite places, The Cloister at Sea Island.
While we’ve been to The Cloister at Sea Island now more times than I can remember, this time there were so many new surprises in store I felt I needed to update my last travel post from a few years prior.
First things first, for those of you unfamiliar with the magical place called Sea Island, Sea Island is part of an area called The Golden Isles. The Golden Isles is comprised of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons and Brunswick nestled on the Georgia coast. Its name, The Golden Isles, seems to get its reputation from their rays of warm sunshine and mossy trees envelope you the minute you enter into the low country.
An easy drive from Atlanta, the Golden Isles offers an easy getaway from everyday life in the city, and you’d be hard-pressed to be anything but relaxed along its pristine beaches, award wining golf courses and miles of sprawling marshlands. No matter how many times I’ve driven over that causeway, the minute I cross my whole body seems to relax, and I let out a huge sigh almost as if I was holding my breath. It’s pure heaven.
When staying in The Golden Isles there’s really only two ways to go when it comes to accommodations; The Cloister or The Lodge. The Cloiste at Sea Island, is 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.
The Lodge on St. Simons Island, recognized as a #1 resort in the mainland U.S by. Conde Nast Traveler. The Lodge is definitely my happy place, especially at sun set when the skies turn pink and we sit sipping a cocktail on the sprawling porch overlooking the 18th hole and causeway, while being serenaded by a set of bagpipes. Yes bagpipes! It’s nothing short of magical, and the perfect way to start, and end any vacation.
The hubs of course loves The Lodge for a completely different reason…the golf. Not only are the golf courses some of the top rated in the world, Sea Island just unveiled a 17,000 sq. ft. golf performance center. This addition is just one of many enhancements that are part of The Lodge’s $30 million dollar makeover that also includes an enhanced putting green, pool, pool house and new golf course cottages. I took a quick tour of one, and they are completely stunning.
Each time I find myself at The Cloister, I wonder if I’ll ever tire of coming back to Sea Island. Then I look around, smell the salt air, and I’m quickly reminded why I always keep coming back for more. Truly, MKR
