Recently the Mr. and I took a much needed long weekend getaway to Sea Island, Georgia.  Upon moving to Atlanta I had heard that Sea Island, and specifically The Cloister, was a MUST.  And upon further research it appeared to be the perfect place to enjoy some R&R.  Normally I work on all vacations, but I had promised myself since I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown due to exhaustion that this was, and needed to be, a work-free weekend.

Sea Island is approximately 5 hours away from Atlanta, and if you know me at all you know I love a good road trip.  We arose early, packed the car, and hit the road.  Only stopping for the necessary coffee and snacks.  We shockingly didn’t hit any Atlanta traffic and arrived around noon.  With the windows rolled down, and the smell of salt water in the air we drove across the bridge and there it was.  The Cloister greeted us with remarkable, peaceful beauty.  I immediately felt relaxed.

The resort was a buzz with a wedding, Andy Roddick (who is such a doll), and their annual honeymooners weekend where everyone who honeymooned at Sea Island returns to celebrate, including Jenna Bush Hager who held a private reception there that weekend.  While the Mr. checked in I grabbed a glass of Sancere and simply took it all in.  We stayed in the Cloister ocean villas which are situated directly on the ocean and behind closed gates.  The privateness of it all created the perfect sanctuary where stars lit up the night skies like I hadn’t seen in ages and the mornings were awash with sunshine.

With so much to do, we really did take advantage of it all.  We went to the shooting school for  a little skeet shooting where I learned what I always knew deep down…I was never meant to hold a gun.  Not only did I look and feel awkward I hit 0 skeets…yep 0.  The Mr. on the other hand was a natural and ended up walking out of there asking our instructor how much a rifle costs?

Of course I took advantage of the spa, which no joke, was the best massage I’ve ever had.  Ever.  Bold words yes, but true.  The Mr. golfed  (even though lesser men were saying it was too cold for golf) at their renowned Seaside course.  I ran and did yoga daily on the beach where I truly saw God’s beauty  through dolphins jumping and felt complete inner peace.  A peace I hadn’t felt in a long time since running in the crazy world I’ve been running in lately.

We also ate.  Shocking I know.  I gained at least 3 pounds, and it was worth every bite.  The first night we ate on Saint Simons at Halyards.  Amazing food, and fantastic service.   Night two Tavola, The Cloister’s newest restaurant with an Italian theme.  I swear we ordered the entire menu and had the most fantastic waiter.  He walked us through numerous flights of wine, homemade eggplant cannelloni, fettucini, and spaghetti.  On our last night we headed over to The Lodge and watched the sun set and the bag piper play before dining at Colt and Alison.  Between those 3 and our daily lunches at the River Bar, there wasn’t a bite I didn’t enjoy.

All in all, it was exactly what we were looking for, and was one of the most beautiful getaways we’ve ever had.  I can see why so many people travel to Sea Island from all over the world.  I know we’ll be making it an annual (if not bi annual) trip.  Thank you to everyone at The Cloister who made our trip truly unbelievable.  xoxo

 Images via yours truly or the Mr.