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My Weekend Escape to St.Simon’s & Sea Island!

by Nadeen
December 28, 2014
A A

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I live in the big hustling city of Atlanta. And although I love it, at times it’s nice to getaway and relax, recoup and regroup. Fortunately I have a good friend who lives on the southern Georgia coast that extended me an invitation for a weekend escape to his home on St. Simon’s Island which is in close proximity to Sea Island.  Before moving to the South a few years ago I had heard of the resort “The Cloister”. It is historic hotel and is known for having one of the top spas in the nation. The Lodge on St. Simons is equally as beautiful and owned by Sea Island. Visiting both equaled complete luxury, sophistication and relaxation. Both islands are easily accessible via air from Atlanta airport by Delta airlines to 1)Brunswick Golden Isles airport nonstop: 40 minute flight and then a 15 minute drive to the islands 2) Jacksonville airport then a 1 hour drive to the islands 3) Savannah airport then a 1 1/2 hour drive to the islands or via car from Atlanta- a 5 hour drive.

I only spent 48 hours on these 2 islands but as in most of my vacations I found time to fit in a lot of great food, exploration and this time relaxation!

Day 1.

We started out the weekend w delicious southern BBQ from Southern Soul BBQ.  It has been featured on several national TV shows! We had authentic BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, BBQ beans. Delicious!

ssbbq

After relaxing at my friend’s gorgeous new home in an exclusive gated community on St. Simons  island, we headed over to The Lodge located on St.Simon’s island. We arrived in time to hear the nightly bagpiper! Dressed in authentic Scottish fare he walked around the beautiful waterfront grounds playing beautiful music even taking requests from young children!

ssbagpiper

We watched in delight while sitting in Adirondack chairs around fire pits drinking glasses of white wine. What a way to start the evening!

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After a tour of the leather clad, studious, grand rooms and restaurants of The Lodge, we extended greetings to my friend’s colleagues and club mates and passed by Michael Douglas!! Yes THE actor Michael Douglas who was dining in the steakhouse there! Of note, celebrities and dignitaries frequent both islands as well as nearby Jekyll island as a respite from the paparazzi filled areas of LA, NYC and Miami Beach. I digress. For dinner we headed over to what’s known as one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. After all, one can not come to an island and not have seafood! We ate at the the bar which was a fun, bustling scene. On an island this size it is cozy in that everywhere we went my friend ran into people he knew as well as knowing the bartenders, waiters and attendants which all led to great service. My meal at Halyards consisted of crab bisque, grilled salmon with red curry coconut  risotto with crawfish étouffée followed by a lemon pound cake with blueberry compote and vanilla ice cream for dessert. Decadent and Delicious!!

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Just a lovely evening. Period.

Day 2.
After breakfast at home we drove a short 7 minutes over a flat landing bridge to the private island of Sea Island to the Cloister Resort. Our first stop was into The Spa.
Words can not describe the exquisite beauty and attention to detail of this facility! Starting in the tranquil atrium and ending in the individual shower and sink areas in the locker rooms. There is an outdoor dipping pool as well a full size indoor pool and of course saunas and steam rooms. I had to take even a picture of the gym area that had hard wood floors! Unfortunately I did not get any services performed since with such a short stay I wanted to maximize my time outdoors.

ssspa
We headed back outside and took a 1 hour bike ride around the island. I was in awe taking in views of the multimillion dollar homes of all types-traditional southern, Tuscan & contemporary.  And what beautiful trees! Yes I love trees! Here they were so many and so unique-Weeping willows and big oak trees and so many more.

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After the bike ride I wasted no more time and headed for one of the many  pools and then took a walk down to the beach. Views to die for filled with gigantic palm trees ! Live music,  full service pool side service as well as restaurants open for lunch and dinner, a bar and a colorful ice cream shop and candy shop added to the luxurious resort feel.

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After a relaxing day at the resort we changed  for an evening out at The Cloister Hotel located across from the resort. First passing by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones in the lobby! (Really).

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We then took a tour of the property. In 2004 the G8 summit was held at The Cloister Hotel hosted by President George W. Bush and attendees included Tony Blair. This is the table where they all sat. Very cool to be in a room of such prominence.

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We ended the evening with dinner at an Italian restaurant on the property called Tavola. One of the best pizzas I have ever had! Sausage with aged gouda on a flat bread crispy crust! Who would think I would have to fly to the Georgia coast for great pizza?! And I loved the way they served it!

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Another amazing day. Another lovely evening.

I would like to thank my friend Stanley for hosting me! I will be back!

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Have you been to either island? if so share your experiences with us! If not I hope this article sends you on a trip to the Georgia coast!

N.S.W.

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Tags: georgiasaint simons islandsea islandthe cloister hotelthe lodge
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Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

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Comments 32

  1. Caroline Topperman says:
    9 years ago

    What a fabulous weekend/time off!!!
    xo
    styleontheside.com

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      It really was! I definitely recommend both islands for a luxurious vacation!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Thanks Caroline! I only wish I had had more time!

  2. Madaline says:
    9 years ago

    The Lodge looks spectacular! This looks an awesome way to spend a weekend! (those huge homes are gorgeous!)

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Yes they are! Next time I hope to spend longer than a weekend!

  3. Alli Smith says:
    9 years ago

    I’m originally from “south” Georgia and I grew up spending lots of time at St. Simons. Actually, I honeymooned there 32 years ago!

    I live in SC now and haven’t been to St. Simons in years, but all of your pictures brought back the sweetest memories. What a wonderful way to spend the weekend!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Awe! I’m glad that it brought back great memories! It was a great weekend and I can’t wait to go back!

  4. Sarah says:
    9 years ago

    Oh my goodness, how pretty!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      It really was! Thank you for reading!

  5. Clancy Cash Harrison MS, RD, LDN says:
    9 years ago

    Sounds like a blast- I would have loved that bike ride.

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Yes it was beautiful to take in the scenery around the island! Thanks for reading!

  6. Emerald says:
    9 years ago

    I’m from Georgia but until now I never knew about St.Simons Island.

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      I really had not either until my friend moved there! I was excited to write this post to let people know about it.

  7. Louida says:
    9 years ago

    I have never gone to that island before and never even heard of it. Looks very relaxing and peaceful. Looks like I need to add it on my places to go to list. I’m happy you had a great time!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Thank you! Until my friend moved there I had not either! It’s definitely worth the trip!

  8. Ricci says:
    9 years ago

    What a fabulous getaway!! I am jealous that you are within driving distance of such beauty!!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Thank you! I am landlocked in Atlanta so it’s good to getaway to the ocean when I can!

  9. christine says:
    9 years ago

    This looks like something that is right up my alley! I live in Georgia, so these would be fabulous getaways!! Thanks for the info!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      Absolutely! I am sure you will enjoy the area so I hope you get to visit!

  10. Reginia Cordell says:
    9 years ago

    When I lived in GA, I only went to the coast once on my way to Hilton Head. It’s a shame that I didn’t explore more that GA had to offer. It looks like the area was peaceful and quaint.

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      I too went to Hilton Head last summer. I really didn’t know anything about this area until my friend moved there. I am glad to alert people to its beauty!

  11. Alvina castro says:
    9 years ago

    no never visited but wow! looks like a blast.

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      It really was! Thanks for reading!

  12. Artney says:
    9 years ago

    Looks like you had lots of fun with so much to do! I wouldn’t want to leave. The food looks amazing!

    • Nadeen says:
      9 years ago

      It was great and the food was delicious! I hope to spend more time there the next time!

  13. Stanley says:
    9 years ago

    I’m so glad you had a nice time visiting the Georgia coast. I look forward to your next visit and will provide some new adventures for you!!!

  14. nadeen says:
    9 years ago

    Thanks again Stanley! I cant wait for the next time!

  15. Janene says:
    9 years ago

    It looks so pretty. I need to visit this place because im dying to see a beach 🙁

  16. Pingback: California Dreaming: Laguna Beach Attractions!
  17. Pingback: Top 6 Atlanta Road Trip Ideas!
  18. justin says:
    6 years ago

    I’ve always heard St. Simons is nice but I’ve never been able to get down there to check it out!

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      Its very nice! Definitely worth a trip!

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