Sea Island Resort

As a resort, Sea Island Cloisters is very nice. Rooms are large, clean, well equipped, modern, well decorated. Huge staff can be overly explanatory, about everything. Food, especially baked goods and coffee is middle of the road, food distributor made, at best. Facilities are the only thing that is really top notch.

Service level has declined since our last visit. Level of exclusivity is obnoxious. Plenty of other high end resorts that are better. We won’t be back. Room had sewer smell which was not resolved. New Year’s Eve at beach club was ridiculous price and sub par.

This is not a five star resort by any stretch. The service was awful, the staff often not even able to answer our questions. Check-in was complicated because we were a group. The food was mediocre. signing up for activities was not easy. The website says the shell sailboat tour only runs through August but we were able to book it in October. I could go on and on. I will definitely not be back.

I’ve stayed at a lot of high-end resorts, but Sea Island really does stand out. From the moment you cross the causeway onto the island, there’s an unmistakable sense of arrival. The landscaping is immaculate, the marsh views stretch forever, and every building has that signature coastal-Southern style that feels both elegant and inviting. Setting & Atmosphere Sea Island combines the charm of a historic Southern resort with the polish of a modern five-star property. It’s spread out over several distinct areas—The Cloister, The Beach Club, The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club—yet everything feels cohesive. There’s a gentle pace to life here, and even when it’s busy, you never feel crowded. Accommodations I stayed at The Cloister, and the room was generous in size with high ceilings, plush bedding, and a private balcony that looked out on the river. Attention to detail was everywhere: fresh flowers, turndown service with local chocolates, and a bathroom that felt like a private spa. Friends who stayed at The Lodge raved about its boutique feel and direct access to the golf courses. Dining Food at Sea Island deserves its own chapter. You can do an elegant dinner at the Georgian Room (fine dining with impeccable service), grab fresh seafood at Tavola, or wander over to the Beach Club for casual bites. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the marsh is a must. Service was consistently gracious without being stiff, and every meal had a strong sense of place—lots of local seafood, regional produce, and thoughtful wine pairings. Activities This is where Sea Island really shines. Golfers will be in heaven with three championship courses (Seaside, Plantation, and Retreat) plus a world-class Golf Performance Center. Tennis and pickleball courts are top notch. The spa is one of the best I’ve experienced—quiet relaxation areas, skilled therapists, and a full menu of treatments. For families, there’s a robust kids’ program, nature excursions, horseback riding on the beach, fishing charters, and even falconry demos. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Service & Hospitality Every interaction with staff—from the front desk to the beach attendants—felt genuine. They seem to anticipate what you need before you ask. Towels and chairs magically appear by the pool; water bottles are offered on the golf course; staff remember your name and preferences after one day. It’s old-school hospitality with modern polish. Overall Impression Sea Island Resort is one of those rare places that delivers on every promise. It has the pedigree and luxury of a classic destination but also the warmth and flexibility that make you feel at home. Whether you’re coming for a golf getaway, a family vacation, a spa retreat, or a special celebration, it’s hard to imagine leaving disappointed. It’s not inexpensive, but the level of service, amenities, and atmosphere justify the splurge. I left feeling refreshed, spoiled, and already plotting my return trip.

We went twice to Sea Island. Fantastic golf courses. Stayed at the less expensive Inn at Sea Island which was adequate. Restaurants at the resort were good but we had terrible wait staff service from the server Beverley at the Buffet Breakfast in The Oak Room. She was very rude and inattentive. Beverley voiced her complaint to us when she noticed that we did not leave her a tip. We explained that her service did not warrant a tip, and asked her to please let us finish our meal in peace. For the next 6 breakfasts, we had to request a different server, which was uncomfortable since Beverley was close by and gave us attitude. When we returned another year, we were disappointed to see that she was still there, and had to request a different server once again. Beverley was the worst server we have had anywhere. Most unfortunate for us and for Sea Island Resort.

Disappointed! Rooms weren’t ready until after 5:45! So sat in lobby and wasted hours of our trip day. Although there are many staff members, many are very difficult to understand-especially at the front desk. It was very difficult to go over our bill as they cannot speak English well. I had lunch at the golf club and have food allergies and although the waitress was excellent about it-the server assistant was not as she offered biscuits before the meal and I asked if there was any of the things I am unable to eat in it-as her language skills weren’t up to par, she said “no, it’s fine”! Well it wasn’t! I ended up getting sick from it! We were informed turn down service was to happen and it didn’t and we had multiple rooms reserved! Golf and food were good but overall we were a bit disappointed on the other aspects.

One of the best golf resorts in the country!! The accommodations are amazing, the staff is very friendly as well as helpful and the golf coursse are absolutely incredible!! Always a five star from me!!

Trash on entry and beach club ruined us with “wrist brands at the door check” with cheap beer cans up and down the beach, no communication from house rental, or chair rental when our chairs did not show up 1st day. Full trash cans at house when we showed up and empty hot tub. Over priced bar at beach club just to have kids running wild unsupervised to a gross arcade with wet beach towels and smelly wet carpet. Rent on other islands.

We took a tour of the cloister, and I was lovely. We ate at Tavola, and the food was delicious! This side is a bit more visually appealing than the other resort, but they're both equally stunning. The history here is a little questionable, and I wonder how much acknowledgement is given to those that were harmed in the creation of the place, but that's a conversation for another time.

The staff are all incredible! When you step onto this property, it feels cozy, homey, relaxing, laid back, and the food is delicious at every restaurant. It's definitely my style! Old-world charm greets you at every turn, and being on the water is so relaxing and beautiful. This is not a "hopping" area, so this is a place to get away from it all. The resort is definitely aged, but well kept, and I love the patina of a place. I don't like the showers that are only waterfall (overhead), and that is my only complaint about theirs. This is our third time here, and while we occasionally have had some slight mix-ups from the staff (not pulling our car up when we called ten minutes earlier, etc.) we will definitely be back.

Man - we had dinner at both Colt and Alison and The Georgian Room, and wow - each of our dinners blew us away. I'm a demanding critic, and both dinners were perfect in every way. My only complaint is that the poolside service was a bit lacking - we had to wait quite for a server to arrive, and drinks at the bar and also poolside were few a far between due to no one coming by for upwards of 40 min.

Fantastic place to stay. Loved the grounds and the people are great. Room is big and lovely views

The staff is very friendly, and the accommodations are very nice, but the food is repetitive and of low quality. The types of people that this place attracts are not very favorable. I would never use my own money to come here. There are so many better choices with this place being pretty much out in the middle of nowhere, getting here is not an easy task. In summary Pros: The rooms are nice, staff is friendly. Cons: Food sucks and the guests here are a bunch of miserable stuckups.

When I walked into my room, I looked at the vents and I saw mold it was so bad I almost got sick

While the Sea Island Condo may seem like a great vacation spot at first glance, my experience there left much to be desired. The elevators were in disrepair during my entire week-long stay, with emergency phones that didn't work and people getting trapped in the hot elevators multiple times. Despite complaints, the management did not take appropriate action to fix the issue. Additionally, the check-in procedure was disorganized and confusing. But perhaps the most frustrating part of my stay was when the air conditioning malfunctioned and the management offered no alternative but to stay in a sweltering room that was 85 degrees for 12 hours. Overall, while the Sea Island Condo may be in a beautiful location, the lack of upkeep and disorganization made for a disappointing vacation experience.

Averaging 4 is a bit strong...........probably old reviews. From 10,000 feet: Nice place, Old, Needs renovations, Over priced for current conditions. First, The staff are excellent. How they were trained, expectations given, are very consistent. Always smiling, Always helpful. Love the doormen. Here is why only three stars: a) The common areas are well maintained, but the rooms need work. Specially, the shower and bathroom. One word = Mold. b) Number of locations, including our room......smells musty and moldy. c) Weeds are coming thru the brick walks and pool side. Easy fix, looks horrible. d) Noticed very inconsistent wine pours. When you charge $25 for a glass of SO-SO wine.......make it a good pour. e) Internet, connectivity. WiFi was hit and miss. Need to modernize charging capabilities......room, pool, common areas. Very very weak in this area. f) Ice Cream Shop: make sure all prices are posted. Malts are $9.50. The chalkboard indicated a new flavor, Chocolate Strawberry. When it was rang up: $13.50. Surprise!!! g) Strong Natural Gas smell next to the Beach Club rooms. Somebody have a cig or cigar there......BOMB. FIX IT. h) If you are going to provide golf cart shuttles, have a nice golf cart. We dressed for dinner and thee golf cart just came off the course (not really, but felt like it). That's it. I would say, $200/nite, not $1,000.

The most special place for our honeymoon and our 40th anniversary! Magic Welcome home is completely true

Words and pictures on an iPhone camera cannot do this place justice. When you arrive on the property, you're greeted with elegance and the feel of the Caribbean. Check-in staff greeted us warmly and were eager to tell us about all of the amazing amenities that the Cloisters has to offer. A short golf cart ride with a super friendly attendant landed us at our room, beachfront. Our attendant unloaded the cart, took our luggage upstairs and seemed as if he wanted to unpack it! The accommodations are lovely. A warm, Spanish-inspired style, the double room was spacious for two guests. Exposed beams and high vaulted ceilings made the room seem even bigger. A balcony with travertine flooring overlooked the beautiful pool lined with palm trees and direct access to the Atlantic. The view was amazing! There are several restaurants on-site and you're sure to find something to suit your fancy. Definitely try the seafood gumbo and have Bri fix you a drink at the poolside bar. I told her "surprise me" and she did. If you're spending time on the beach which I did much of, an attendant will gladly set up your seat with towels and your umbrella. My friend used the spa and said it was amazing. A tad pricey but well-worth it. Customer service is second to none on the resort. I have been amazed by being greeted personally and staff seem to anticipate your needs and try to fulfill them before you even ask. I arrived at the breakfast buffet late today and missed the bread pudding. I've been promised that it will be made especially for me tomorrow. That's just a taste of the level of service here at the Cloisters.

The resort, property and staff is fantastic. The only real problems as is often the case these days is the other guests. They are either lazy, morons, or both. While the resort actually has plenty of parking you wouldn't know based on how people park. We stayed at the beach club suites. People park on both sides of the already narrow street to the point them at half of the exit is blocked and you have to head into oncoming traffic. Then though there is room to pull over to the side to unload, nope, just stop in the middle and block the whole road while they take their sweet time and don't even acknowledge any waiting for them to move. This didnt happen once. It was about half the time we came back it was a fiasco. People seemed to have a hard time using or finding the parking garage 50 steps away. Though a couple of pools are adults only, there is no designated rooms in buildings that are kid free. We learned that painful lesson when got to listen to screaming kids for two days in a room next door to ours of 519. When we asked via text concierge we got "We do not have Adults-only building. We apologize for the inconvenience. -Lorraine". So forgive me for not leaving a 5-star review for a 5-star place, especially when it's little fault of their own. But a lot of money was spent to have a remarkably ok experience. Mildly disappointing to not be able to relax half the time spent in our room. I would still recommend the place but would share this same experience with anyone who asks. Also feedback to the resort would be to consider having some group of room for adults only AND invest in rubber wheels for the room service carts as you can hear them coming 100yards away.

If you ever have the chance to visit here, do it! There is something unexplainably relaxing about this wonderful resort. We visited here on our honeymoon and stayed in a gorgeous suite with views of the river. The staff is careful to ensure that each guest has a magical experience. We even visited while a large wedding was going on and never felt disrupted with our daily activities. We enjoyed our dinners in the River Bar and in the Georgian Room. Plus, the spa is unlike anything I've been to in North America. I was also surprised by how kid-friendly the resort was, particularly the Beach Club where there always seemed to be just enough beach chairs for all guests at the pool. Pictures simply do not do justice to the experience!

5 star resort, can be crowded depending on when you vacation there. The beach club pool is one of my favorite spots on the Island. I've played all three golf courses and they're plenty of fun. Sloping greens where pace matters

Fast fresh clean very friendly Staff, great place to meet Family && Friendly ... 5 Stars...

This was our second trip to Sea Island and I can't say enough about this fabulous place. There is something that makes it extra special above and beyond other resorts and that is all due to the staff. They make you feel like your family is the most special family in the world and they manage to do that with I don't even know how many guests. My favorite is Donnie who manages to remember my children by name. We will be coming back for years I hope!

This was my first visit and I was absolutely impressed from the point that I arrived. The hospitality, the accommodations, the views, the quality of food and drink... everything was spot on. It is a vast property that is very well maintained that leaves you wanting nothing. All the spa and gym amenities are well staffed and equipped with everything you may need. I have been to several resorts around the world and have never seen service so attentive and dedicated - kudos to the management in their support of the high standards. To the entire team at The Cloister I send a big THANK YOU for making our stay so enjoyable and relaxing.

If you've never been to a 5 star resort, this is the one to try. Everyone knows your name. This resort is the best ever, built around 1928, maintained like a Swiss clock since then. The grounds are to die for, perfect in every way. It's a pleasure just to walk around the grounds. There is so much to do, not enough space to mention all. Exquisite, perfect, fantastic, people are there for you and make you feel like you're the only one. Original paintings all over, many pools, for kids and adults. I could go on and on. Worth very bit of what you pay and more. A must try. Frank G

Too good to be true. Time loses its meaning as you are pampered beyond believe. Once we arrived back home it took a week or two to realize what a paradise this resort had been. Luxury accommodations, epicurean restaurants and world class hospitality.

The most beautiful and immaculately maintained property I have ever seen. Did not sample from any of the restaurants though there are many. But enjoyed the spa immensely!! So much to do and fun for the whole family. We will definitely return.

Definitely worth a second look. The Spa is awesome the chef at the beach club is AWESOME!!! Riding horses on the beach, skeet shooting and falconry. . . Only price keeps it from making my 5 star list . . . But you definitely get what you pay for.

We just spent 10 days at Sea Island. The service, food, accommodations, beach club and golf are unbelievable. The resort has something for everyone. Another fabulous Sea Island experience. They just "get it".

This is hands down one of my favorite resorts. Attentive and friendly staff that anticipate what you need and are helpful . They even mailed me back postcards I left behind . I enjoyed the dedicated texting with the concierge for shuttles or even getting my bags or a golf cart to the beach club. The food is great - try the seafood gumbo and the gold brick Sunday. Rooms are well appointed and spacious. Overall the grounds are pure beauty anywhere you look and it's all well maintained. This will stay on my must come back list. If I could find one flaw it would be that the hair dryers in the rooms should be upgraded. They are not in line with the quality of the resort. But heck who cares when the rest of this place is so amazing

You show up and are immediately greet by a team of people that are ready to take care of whatever needs you have. You are escorted into a building that is reminiscent of a castle. The rooms are very spacious and are all within close proximity to the main function areas, but far enough to still be private and quiet (courtyard separation) Several of the amenities are actually located in satellite sites that are all accessible by shuttles that run every 30 minutes Golf, tennis, fishing, skeet shooting, etc are all available at this resort

The Cloister. Absolutely amazing resort. Enormous, gorgeous room. Fantastic grounds. A lot of courtyards for outdoor dining and gatherings. Numerous pools. And an excellent beach. Highly regarded Spa on the grounds. Boat dock, bars, restaurants, and a chapel. Fantastic food, and drinks. Fun to explore the grounds, and a shirt drive to nearby St. Simon's little historical town with a cool lighthouse, street shopping , and little restaurants scattered around for food and beverages. Fun ace to be during the week of the Florida vs. Georgia football game! Excellent service in this 5 star resort, site of a G-8 Summit, and rated the best resort in the USA.

Updating my review since the change of ownership and I have to say it's still the 10 star resort as I remembered. There have been some additions like the twisty slide on the Beach Club side and I've been told they are working on building a new section for more rooms and suites, also have moved water activities to its own building. We were fortunate enough this time to experience all that the spa has to offer. Having chosen the sweetheart package, it included a private yoga class (this was great as it was our first time ever doing yoga), a bottle wine with bubble bath in your very own suite equipped with a full bathroom (shower) and fireplace followed by an amazing hour of bliss massage that sent us both to a very relaxed state. This remarkable resort offers a variety of facilities that will keep you busy through your entire stay from fine dining to adult only pool side, horseback riding, water sports, hunting and shooting range, multiple golf courses, 5 miles of private beach. As much as I can go on and tell you all about this "piece of heaven on earth", the very least the place to go to in North America that feels like having crossed into Sea Island you feel as though you have entered an entirely different country. This wonderful Resort is the perfect example of the true southern hospitality at its finest. Georgia's best kept secret.

Having just returned from a fundraiser, I'd like to commend the property on the caliber of their event space, prepared cuisine and attentiveness of their staff. Every request was met with an authentic 'Of course sir' and there was what felt like a 1:1 ratio of servers to patrons (thank you Sade). Plates cleared, water refilled, coffee poured right when you wanted it but before you could ask for it. The grounds are exceptional. I walked what felt like 1/4 mile just to appreciate the expanse of the place. The main lobby will take your breath away with airspace, scale, warm woods, crackling fireplaces and a live pianist and cello player. Room after room flowed logically with sunrooms, brandy rooms, smoking rooms, plush indoor / outdoor lounges with obvious attention to detail and excellent furnishings. The vibe was comfortable, relaxed and appreciate the special touches that make the Cloister what it is.

I have been to many major resorts around the world, and I can confidently say this is the most luxurious place I've ever been. It's beautiful, well designed and serviced by the most professional people in the world. Well done!

There is reason this is 5 star folks and I'm here to tell ya they lived up to every star they have earned. The food, service, attention to detail and the golf courses are absolutely impeccable. They are happy your choice was to spend time with them and allow them to show you why you will be back. Trust me don't miss spending time here if you ever get the chance. It's southern charm on display in full bloom

Prices are high, classiness is low. So, if you want to pay up for hobnobbing with some low rent folks, this place is just right. Our twelve-year-old got beaten down by the pool and security shrugs it off. The other day I saw another guest hitting her three-year-old son repeatedly. I told her I was calling the police. Really, you can do better. I wish we had.

Stayed here with my girlfriend of two years as a golf getaway from our stressful day jobs as attorneys. In short, the stay was riddled with letdowns and was an overall underwhelming experience for the price point. The golf courses were unimpressive and certainly lacked any wow factor that would keep a golfer worth their salt from coming back. Overall, the resort more closely resembles a geriatric home than it does a 5-star resort. First, upon arrival for a COUPLES VACATION we quickly learned they had booked us for a room with two beds at the Lodge . . . They eventually transferred us to a single room at the Cloister only to throw this in our face later in the trip as if they somehow did us a favor by correcting their incompetence. Second, everything closes before 12 AM -- so if you're looking to stay up past your bedtime this is definitely not the place for you. Third, the food is really mediocre at best. In fact, after eating at Tavola one night, I became extremely sick and proceeded to throw up my entire meal. After telling the staff and manager, they had the gall to accuse my girlfriend and me of lying about the incident to allegedly try and get a comp for a $200 meal. We regularly spend a lot of money on food, so a $200-$300 price point for a meal was not a concern in the slightest. I have never experienced this type of recalcitrance from a "5-star resort" after having a bad dinner experience. Mind you that we spent well over $3000 for the entire trip. It seems the resort enjoys presuming that anyone who is not a Boomer (or older) is probably some no-good rapscallion who really can't afford to stay at the resort. Another fun tidbit, there is NO beverage cart on the entire golf course. So hopefully you enjoy sober rounds, likely surrounded by octogenarians. And, despite tipping multiple times to have clubs cleaned, they never once actually cleaned the face of the clubs. Instead, they resorted to merely wiping the top of the clubs with a towel. What fanciful service. I cannot stress enough that I would AVOID THIS RESORT AT ALL COSTS, unless you like overpaying for everything, eating mediocre food, going to bed at 12 AM at latest, and working on improving your activities of daily living before your nightly Bingo game.

A group of 10 of us have been visiting the lodge the last 5 years. This year was the final straw. The resort has really fallen off in customer service. We had multiple issues with meals at both breakfast and Colt and Alison. When checking out of our 5 rooms we had different charges for room rates, Greens fees and packages across all the rooms. We even had a member who was charged for a second room he never stayed in. The front desk was not able to remedy any of these issues and it took another 7 days for accounting to adjust our bills. When we raised the issues with management we were simply passed along to accounting with no concern for the lack of service. With Kiawah, Hilton Head and Streamsong all having equally as good golf courses and hotels now we will be taking this annual trip elsewhere.

so the resort is beautiful.. been to many resorts on both coasts and the service was "blah". The manager did call to apologies afterwards, but too many 'issues' came up during our stay... (1) coffee maker in room not only had left over grinds in it, but there was significant mold (so... MANY days old) (2) ordered b/fast room service, half the items were missing so i called them back. They brought them pronto but tried to get me to sign for a new bill for the second batch. (like i'm going to lie and cheat them out of a bowl of fruit loops??) (3) Had dinner in their fine dining.. went to bathroom and upon exiting, an employee walks in while chatting on HER cell phone (I was in men's room). I mentioned that others were in restroom so she kept talking and moved next door to women's room. Really? (4) reservation was booked with "upgrade upon availability". Got in late and was told nothing available. When we got unpacked, i checked online and find out that there was plenty available Checked next morning, same thing. Went to front desk and was again told "nothing available". When i showed her their availability on my cell phone, she was then able to honor our reservation. (amazing how the upgrades miraculously appeared) (5) BTW, the first room had stuff in fridge left over from previous guests. (gross) Door peeps, pool peeps, beach peeps, etc were all spectacular. Too many issues with everything else will keep us from coming back.

You know how when you were little, your mom would get cold and would tell you to put on a coat? My mom still kind of does that, but instead of cold and a coat, she tells me we need to go on vacation whenever she gets stressed. I'm not one to argue with that kind of logic, and that's how we ended up at Sea Island. This place is INCREDIBLE. We knew we wanted a luxurious girls' spa weekend, and Sea Island did not disappoint. We got incredible massages, the best facial I've ever received, witnessed newly hatched sea turtles scurry to the ocean, and every meal included bacon. Is this heaven? Sea Island is very clearly a family-oriented resort that seems to be an annual tradition for many. I was a teeny bit concerned with the idea of kids running wild through my relaxing vacay, but I shouldn't have been. We chose an ocean view room in the Cloister Ocean Villas (a room which was incidentally, bigger than my apartment and much MUCH nicer) and didn't see or hear another guest near our room throughout our entire visit. The room was fabulous, the spa was unmatched, but what really blew me away about Sea Island was the service. Every single person working here was gracious, accommodating, incredibly friendly, and went above and beyond in every single interaction. Maybe it's that sweet Southern charm, but this girl was completely blown away. Maybe we'll have to make it an annual tradition.

WOW! That's all I can really say. This place made even the nicest Ritz feel like the Motel 6. Okay, not really, but the Cloister is in a league of its own. We were upgraded to an ocean villa after our room had two queen beds instead of a king bed. I'm pretty sure we had the biggest room in the resort. It was huge and even had a fire place! This place had a touch of elegance that a lot of upscale resorts have lost. The service as the Cloister can only described as first class. We ate dinner at the Georgian room, which while pricey, was fantastic. Not the best food I've had, but the experience was definitely something to remember. The Sea Island company owns a massive portion of the island. We went horse riding on the beach in the morning and we were lucky enough to have a private ride. Just the two of us and the guide. The spa was unlike any spa I've visited. There is an atrium inside the spa with large windows that give the place an unmatched relaxed atmosphere. You could spend a day just sitting in the spa and reading a good book. While short, my visit to the Cloister is something I'll never forget. By far the nicest resort I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.

The Cloister occupies that rarified realm of distinctly American luxury resorts along such names as Greenbrier, Broadmoor, and The Breakers. And like those grande dames, The Cloister has a loyal (and at times, rabid) following. Now, it's been twenty+ years since my last visit, so I'm certainly not in the rabid camp. However, with that long-ago experience as my benchmark, I was apprehensive that the iconic resort of my memories would be unrecognizable after the major renovation five years ago. Well, now I have experienced it for myself. And you know what? It is stunning. Let's be honest: the Cloister of old was beautiful, but it was also a bit dowdy, and in some cases getting care-worn. The lobby was overrun with looky-loos. The rooms ranged from grand to barely adequate. Service could be uneven. Of course, the sheer beauty of the locale, the range of activities in which you could partake, and the genuine warmth of the staff more than compensated for the shortcomings of the facility. However, to stay relevant (and eligible for 5 star/5diamond consideration), there is little argument it would require a big investment to bring the hotel into the 21st century. The multi-millions spent on renovations are noticable the moment you arrive. There is now a gate house prior to the causeway where you receive your access pass and they call ahead to reception to announce your arrival. Consequently, traffic on the island is strictly limited to guests and residents, making for a much more pleasant, and safer environment. No doubt some bemoan the inability to freely access the island,but I think it was decision sensible, and makes for a much more serene environment. Arriving at the port cochere, you are greeted by name by the bellman, who takes you straight to your room to check in, bypassing the front desk. In my case, there was a bit of a snafu as the first room we went to on the second floor of the Main Building was occupied by another guest. Which meant, of course, a trip to the front desk that we had previously bypassed. Ooops. However, with many apologies and a new key card, we were off to the next room, located in the North Wing. At a generous 700 sq feet, the double-queen "River View" room is essentially the entry-level room. However, with a nicely furnished veranda, elegant guest room, and luxurious bathroom, you are not going to feel deprived. In fact, I prefered the more open feel of this room than of the larger River View suite in the Main Building we had mistakenly entered when first checking in. However, with the deep-set veranda, the room is a bit dark. Fortunately, there are lots of lamps provided, each with an individual dimmer. There is a large flat-panel HDTV within a large cabinet, which also contains a DVD player and cable box and DVR. Cable selection was what you could expect at home, with a full range of premium channels, and access to HD versions of ESPN, CNBC, TNT, etc. The DVR was a nice touch, and something I wish more hotels would offer. The bathroom was everything you would expect in a modern luxury hotel, with a separate tub and shower enclosure, enclosed water closet, and two vanities. There are also two large, well-lit closets, with built in cabinetry. There is also a safe, as well as a built-in ironing board. Overall, the room had a very comfortable residential feel, with excellent furnishing and quality finishes througout. However, what really sets The Cloister apart are the grounds and public areas. The landscaping is really spectacular, with gardens, water features, and beautiful trees throughout the property. You are only a short walk to the Beach Club, which includes the pool complex, cabanas, and additional guest rooms. Too chilly during my stay to spend much time here, but I can imagine this would be a center of activity in the summer. There is also a new and very beautiful spa and fitness center located in what I believe was once a parking lot. I did not see the inside of the spa, but I did use the fitness center, which was among the best I've seen in any hotel. The fitness center is available to hotel guests as well as residents within the gated community. In addition to every conceivable type of equipment, there are also trainers available for those who want or need a more personalized workout. Naturally, there are two excellent golf courses on the island. There is also a full-service tennis facility, shooting range, bicycles, and even a boat dock. For cigar lovers, the smoking lounge is a must. During my stay, they also offered a wine tasting course, and as well as a tour of the historic St. Simon's Island. There is also a shuttle service to The Cloister's sister property, The Lodge. Bottom line, would I go again? Yes, absolutely. While expensive, you also get a lot for your money, something you cannot always say about a luxury hotel. I look forward to my next visit in the not-too-distant future!

1st class resort, location, facilities and service. I spent 4 days with my wife and children and enjoyed the pools, beach, grounds and impeccable service. You're treated like royalty without being fawned over. I enjoyed the meals but the whole resort is what makes you want to come back time and time again. You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful location in the eastern US (I'm sure their are equitable spots in other states - just not sure they have resorts located on them). One of my favorite moments - grabbing mini-flashlights with my three sons and crab hunting along the beach at night. We didn't see any turtles but there were about 100 nests on the beach. Coming back to our suite the maid service made it up like you were King and Queen - with your sons as princes. It didn't cost that much to be treated so well. They know how to make you feel special. We'll be back!

This place is a lovely place to visit. Also a lovely place to get away too. STACATION if you are from the area. The lovely little Italian bar/restaurant has wonderful snacks and menu. They have truffle oil infused snacks! LOVE!!The staff is very knowledgeable. Philip took care of me and he was very helpful and polite. I look forward to visiting more often.

The Cloister is top notch. I came with an ex (well he wasn't an ex at the time) who was part of the Sea Island Club for the New Years Eve party. The resort is breathtakingly beautiful, but very family friend with kids everywhere. The service is outstanding. Of course, you pay a big price for it, but on par with other luxury hotels. Perhaps it was because I was with someone who "belonged' there (old money), but I didn't find it to be at all pretentious. I dream about returning... perhaps one day!

It's a Southern family tradition to vacation here. Growing up, It was my family's fav. holiday spot. It BLOWS The Breakers, Palm Beach away!!!! You have to drive through the marshes to get onto the island which is really nice and peaceful. In my opinion, it is the absolute sweetest and most charming place. With its luxurious set up (similar to Breakers PB, but better), the architecture and decor has that European feel but with the southern charm! Theres so much to do- bike riding around the island, horseback riding on the beach, golf, tennis, shuffleboard by the pool, etc. Also, lets mention the fact that they renovated and expanded the spa- making it somewhere around 60,000 sq. feet. This is enough to make Sea Island my little heaven:)

Had the pleasure of staying at one of the Cloister Cottages and visiting their Spa & Pool. Top notch everything! The service at the Spa was as grand as the massage by Tim. I left the Spa on my rented bike happy as a woman can be! I strolled the grounds and checked out the grand homes in the area. This is a vacation spot worth returning to! The boys golfed both courses and prefer the Planation to the Sea Side although they say both are a must play. It would be hard to give them anything short of 5 stars!

My Vistage group chose this location for our 2013 strategic planning retreat. It was an oustanding success. I think this resort is the swankiest I've ever been to. Nicer than Blackberry Farms, my previous favorite. We had our first function in the Spanish Lounge which had awesome stone work designed by Addison Mizner, The dining was excellent. Staff treated us to a whole roasted pig, a delicious tenderloin, and a number of excellent Hors d'oeuvre selections After dinner, most of my group moved down the hall to the smoking room next to the River bar. Another Mizner fireplace there provided a great room for discussion and socializing. Pecky cypress architecture, inspiring wood carvings and a $100,000 wood turning in the center provides an atmosphere of refined opulence. The next day, we started in the Oglethorpe room which was comfortable and a great venue for business functions (as to be expected). After our morning functions, we had lunch at the Lodge which is a similar level of elegance. 3 of us golfed the Seaside course ($140 green fee) which was meticulously maintained. After an awesome and inspiring round, we made it back to the lodge at around 5:30 to be treated to the bagpipe player overlooking the seascape as the sunset. Heavenly. The patio area in the back is awesome and impeccable as is the spa. I'm not anywhere close to an expert, but the koi pond at the spa is probably the most impressive I've seen in a commercial establishment. One thing I'd recommend is that if you want to take advantage of the skeet shooting, you need to book that early. We arrived on a Thursday, and they were already completely booked through the weekend, so that was the only disappointment.

Lovely rooms, helpful if yet not so polished staff, old dining experience, but I can see why people love it. Great if you play golf.

This place never disappoints, from the views to the service to the rooms. Actually skipped the fabulous golf this trip and spent some time on the beach. Water was perfect and warm for the fall. Wife enjoyed the spa and we both had several excellent meals. Will definitely be back.

Nice place, horrible service. I was shocked to have the huge 2 room suite booked yet my Splenda was never replaced and the original packets were clumpy and wet. The coffee creamer was never replaced, nor the water or toiletries. Really disappointed that such a lovely resort would have such terrible service. I called each day to request a replenishment but each day nothing.

The BEST beach resort in Georgia!! Absolutely beautiful private island resort with facilities good enough for the G8 summit. Great place to take the family. Large rooms and impeccable service. Pools and beach club are awesome with plenty of activities. Food is great and cocktail selection is wonderful. This place needs more stars than just 5!! First class all the way.

Stayed at the beach club ... what a place .. golf is perfect and they have a variety of activities for kids and adults. This place deserves all the positive things that are written ...

Made a reservation one year ago (# 391307) The hotel had to cancel (done via email) 4 days before our week stay due to Hurricane Irma. This I totally understand. When Rebecca from the hotel called me 2 days later to confirm I knew our stay was cancelled, I asked to reschedule while I had her on the phone. The same room was now $150 more a night! I asked if I could be given the same rate and she said that she would have to speak to her manager. I asked when when I could expect a return call & she said today...never happened! You would have thought that they would not have to get manager approval to give the same rate...plus....you would think that they might offer a nice "perk" to their guests who have been inconvenienced by mother nature. Oh, by the way, I'm still waiting for my $1,100+ deposit that Sea Island kept for a year to be refunded also.

The golfing experience was below expectations for for a 5 star resort. There were 5 groups on a hole, and the ranger did nothing about it. When we complained, the ranger said he didn't know what to do, and suggested we play another day. Is this the way to treat patrons?

Entrance to first room was shocked to see 2 plumbers unclogging the sink and toilet. They got me another room as they knew this wasn't going to work. Check out the spa...oh yeah just because they give you an appointment time doesn't mean it is correct. It would have been nice to relax but they admitted to screwing up our appointment times so my wife had to run to her appointment and was now 10 min late. The therapist couldn't adjust the time, had to get the kids from school. Won't be back, at these prices the expectations were just as high. Resort followed up and asked to give them another chance. They had their chance to make it right, they didn't even offer to adjust bill or anything.