The Cloister. Credit: The Cloister
This private Georgia retreat of Sea Island has been wooing travelers since the 1920s with lavish resorts, championship golf and water activities. Before you head to the heavenly hamlet tucked between Jacksonville and Savannah, see these tips.
The best time to visit Sea Island
To take full advantage of Sea Island’s five miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, the best time to visit is in the late spring or summer. Because the private resort island is a popular spot for family vacations, reservations can fill up rather quickly, so be sure to book early.
Even if you can’t make it there during the warmer seasons, the Georgia coast sees mild year-round temperatures that average between 65 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you won’t go wrong even if you stay there in the winter. In fact, December is also a nice time to visit; Five-Star The Cloister gets festive during the holiday season, with floor-to-ceiling Christmas decorations and an impressive gingerbread castle.
What you should pack for a trip to Sea Island
While Sea Island’s coastal Georgia location will have you daydreaming of swaying palm trees, cool breezes and plenty of outdoor activities, don’t forget to pack your bag with the essentials. Obviously, you’ll need bathing suits, swim trunks and sandals so you can comfortably hit the sands.
You also will need to tote along typical resort attire (Bermuda shorts, nice-looking jeans) if you stay at The Cloister or sister hotel The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. Be sure to bring a collared shirt, jacket and slacks for more upscale meals. Well-kept denim is acceptable in many of the onsite restaurants.
If you plan on dining at the Five-Star Georgian Room, keep in mind that, after 5 p.m., more dressy attire is required of ladies (cocktail wear), and a jacket, collared shirt, slacks or nice jeans for gentlemen and boys over eight.
Since three 18-hole courses cover the island, duffers may want to pack their golf gear as well.
Do you need a rental car in Sea Island?
You can certainly rent a car to get you to Sea Island from Savannah (88 miles) or Jacksonville (80 miles), but it’s not imperative. Instead, you can always set up an airport transfer because you won’t have much of a need for transportation once you get on property.
The massive playground is ripe for exploring on foot. And during those times when you don’t feel like walking, you can hop on one of the rental bikes or catch a ride on the handy resort shuttle, which travels the 10-minute route between The Cloister and The Lodge. Valets or bellmen can provide quick trips inside Sea Island facilities.
