SEA ISLAND, GEORGIA - A Bucket List Trip!

Many have never visited Sea Island, Georgia, some have never heard of it, though it is well-visited by celebrities, Presidents and society families.   Throughout the island are Presidential Oak Trees that have been planted by former Presidents of the United States.  It is an exceptionally exclusive and expensive area to visit mainly due to its private island setting, limited availability of desirable properties and a luxury resort and cottage colony.  It attracts wealthy individuals and families seeking a private coastal vacation to create memories, relax and hide from the press in a natural environment.  The Atlantic Ocean is on the east and the Black Banks River on the west of Sea Island, which spans 1,000 acres and is easily accessible by bridge.  550 residences are on the island, with the most expensive mansion marketed at $40 million.

Caroline Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr.  married in a private ceremony at the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, (nearby to Sea Island) where there was no media and only 8 pews with family and friends.  The couple was successful in keeping it top secret, by not inviting their guests until 5 days before to maintain their privacy. 

The Sea Island Resort has received four Forbes Five-Star awards for 15 consecutive years, the only resort in the world to have that honor.  The Cloister opened in 1928 and hosted the 2004 G8 Summit, chosen by President George W. Bush.  He felt that the people of Sea Island with their kindness, generosity and hospitality, embodied the best of the American spirit.  It is a riverfront destination known for its elegant accommodations and historic charm.  Very often it is a venue for business conferences, weddings and family reunions.  I was fortunate to attend a Security Mutual Life Presidents Cabinet Conference with Vince for 4 nights in early May 2025.  The weather was ideal, 80 degrees during the day with full sunshine and mid-70’s each evening.  The Beach Club at the resort has 5 miles of uninterrupted coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.  Championship golf, a tennis and pickleball center, a shooting school, a world class spa and fitness center and several fine dining restaurants are all available at this legendary venue.  Activities for all ages are numerous including fishing trips, sea turtle patrol, beach horseback riding, backwater sunfish sailing and much more. 

The Beach Club at the Sea Island Resort

The Cloister has diverse dining spots which offer superb cuisine and consistently exquisite service.

Tavola is an authentic Italian bar and restaurant with a full menu of Italian specialties, pasta dishes, fish, veal and chicken entrees and pizza, freshly made in the Mugnaini wood oven.  The lively bar at the center of the restaurant is warm and very pleasant.  I recommend the arancini and the grilled octopus paired with the Tavola cocktail.

The Georgian Rooms offer a classic American grill menu with signature cocktails and an extensive wine list and a lounge area serving sushi.

Coll & Allison is a classic Southern steakhouse at The Lodge property.  The atmosphere is elegant and upscale, and the finest cuts of meat are served with attention to detail.  Pair your choice with a full-bodied red wine to complement your meal.

Southern Tide is the Beach Club’s oceanside dining experience serving fresh seafood, inspired by the prime coastal Georgia location.  A lovely place for lunch at the beach or poolside for you and your family.  You can hear the martini shaker going at the poolside bar.

The Summit Burger was born, which is still on the menu at the River Bar on the resort property, featuring a half-pound ground beef patty topped with portobello mushrooms, vidalia onions, iceberg lettuce, heirloom tomatoes and Bourisn cheese, served on a fluffy brioche bun.

There are so many special rooms and areas on this beautiful property to enjoy.  Authentic mahogany libraries, hallways adorned with photos of past Presidents and dignitaries, a lobby with a medieval monastery feeling, and a solarium with two cages of chirping love birds. You can relax and read the daily complimentary NY Times and enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast croissants and sip on tea and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon.  The grounds are lush with beautiful Oak trees and ponds with fish, frogs and other critters.  It’s a special place!

The lobby at The Cloister

Jekyll Island:

We were transported for a half-hour bus ride to another serene and historical area, Jekyll Island.  Our outdoor cocktail reception and dinner was by a river and under the most beautiful oak trees filled with moss.  Hard to describe, but the atmosphere the trees create is one of natural beauty ad peacefulness with a river and beautiful sunset as the backdrop.  Southern food such as fried chicken, collard greens, sea bass, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas and low country boil with shrimp, sausage and corn on the cob were served.  We were taken on an hour trolley ride to explore the grounds of The Jekyll Island Club and Resort and step back in time visiting two homes from the late 1800’s.  The resort has much to offer to its guests and repeat visitors return year after year to enjoy a private yet fulfilling vacation for family.  As an interesting fact, a secret meeting was held in 1910 on Jekyll Island which laid the groundwork for what would become the Federal Reserve System. 

Jekyll Island

The closest major airports to this coastal area and group of islands are Jacksonville, FL and Savannah, Ga, each about 65 -75 miles to Sea Island.  From Atlanta, there are smaller planes that fly to the local airport in Brunswick, which is about a half hour drive to the resort.

A bucket list destination for me, I’m glad to have had the time to enjoy Southern hospitality in a relaxing way with a friendly group of business associates.  Security Mutual Life did not disappoint with their choice of venue, business meetings and cocktail receptions and dinners planned for the top sales producers.

Take a visit to this part of the country, you will not be disappointed. 

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