Elite Traveler HRS 2018-2019

Sea Island has been renovated but still exudes old-school Southern charm

RELAX The Spa at Sea Island

SEA ISLAND ST SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA, USA

With 23 treatment rooms and a towering 2.5-story atrium with views of the outdoor gardens and labyrinth, a day at the spa is hard to pass up. The indoor-outdoor atrium is sprinkled with greenery, as well as a running creek and smooth stones beneath your feet that transport you to a heavenly oasis. When it’s time to book your treatment, choose from massage or skin care treatments, or reclaim your health with nutritional consultations or body work. Have your therapist relieve your muscles from a long day hitting the links or opt for a pressure-point-focused facial massage. Signature treatments Southern Comfort, All the Right Moves, 120-Minute a Little of Everything As if you stepped back in time, the Georgian Room boasts century-old elegance with its crystal and gold chandeliers, neutral-hued European linens and hand-painted china. Indulge in a three- or four-course tasting menu with choices such as truffle soup — or opt for the chef’s ultimate tasting menu for a veritable feast. With the help of the resident sommelier, choose from a selection of world-class wines that perfectly pair with your meal. After dinner, waltz to the Georgian Room Lounge for a digestif or an inventive cocktail. GOLF Play where the pros train at the three golf courses on Sea Island, each challenging and enjoyable, offering a bit of history at each turn. Play the Scottish links–style Seaside course, which hugs the Atlantic Ocean; tee off at Plantation (home of the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic), which used to be corn and cotton fields; or head out for an afternoon on the leisurely Retreat course, great for scenic views of Georgia’s longleaf pines and beginner golfers. DINE Georgian Room at The Cloister

Escape to simpler times on this small island off the coast of Georgia, where Southern hospitality, impeccable service and fine dining greet you with open arms. St Simons Island is home to one of the US’s most acclaimed resorts, Sea Island, which first opened in 1928. The resort has the presidential stamp of approval, as it was the first US resort to host a G8 Summit. While you can feel the history within its walls, Sea Island has been modernly renovated without losing its Southern charm. Choose to stay in any of its accommodations: The Cloister, a Mediterranean-inspired palace of grandeur; The Lodge, with cozy and sophisticated rooms; The Inn at Sea Island, a fresh take on the more classic rooms; Broadfield, a farmhouse- and hunting-inspired stay; or rent a cottage. Regardless of where you plan to rest your head, enjoy the resort’s five-mile stretch of white-sand beach, pool, falconry, golf, horseback riding, water sports, private yacht and endless dining options, from the jacket-required Georgian Room to casual seafood haven Southern Tide.

CONTACT Ben Wambaugh, associate director of reservations, reservations@seaisland.com, +1 855 572 4975 STAY Three-bedroom Ocean View Suite at The Cloister Size 2,800 sq ft Nightly rate from $800

Wake up to the sound of the tide inside this palatial suite, which has a private master bedroom and two queen bedrooms. It’s one of the most secluded offerings at Sea Island, and looks directly onto the private beach and ocean. It has a full open kitchen, living room with a sleeper sofa and dining table, all outfitted with an airy, Mediterranean flair and pops of red, gold and banana leaves. Sip on your morning coffee on the expansive balcony while enjoying the refreshing Southern breeze, or relax in the soaker tub after the day’s activities.

100 Salt Marsh Drive St Simons Island

Georgia, USA seaisland.com