693. The Golden Isles

Where: Sea Island, Georgia
When: April 6-8, 2016
With: Dave

About a month before our wedding, Dave and I were invited to a work conference for the first time together. It was being held in the Golden Isles, ironically the barrier islands that sit just across the Florida-Georgia border above Amelia Island where we'd be getting married a month later. I was so excited to have a "required" trip from the Book geared towards relaxation this close to our wedding. Many wins on this one.

There are five islands that make up the Golden Isles: Cumberland, Jekyll, Sea, St. Simons, and Little St. Simon's. Each one has its own character and vary in terms of development. However, each one has long stretches of beach, abundant wildlife, and some fancy lodgings. The islands were originally discovered by the elite wealthy families of America (think Astors and Vanderbilts and Rockefellers) and soon provided a place for their winter getaways. Hence, the ritzy lodgings that dot the otherwise untouched natural surroundings.

The island we stayed on was Sea Island, one of the more fancy pants of the five with access to the island only allowed to residents and resort guests. Our hotel was The Cloister, built in 1928. The architecture made us feel like we were in an old monastery. The front entrance hall was like something out of Europe, it was stunning. I couldn't stop gawking. 

The rooms were equally as unique. While southern charm was abound, I also felt like I was in a medieval castle, with high, arched ceilings, dark wood furniture, and big tapestries. I'm not usually a hotel person, but this place was so beautiful, I had to take the photos.

After a cold winter, it was like heaven to come down to the warm sunshine and walk these grounds. I can barely put words to it. The sun and palm trees felt like Florida, the buildings felt like Europe, and the Spanish moss felt like the deep South. I couldn't tell where I was, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced. 

During our stay, I got some time to do something I rarely do on vacation: sit by a pool. And what a pool it was. I was the first person to arrive for the day and got to enjoy the combo of the river views, the pool and the back of this gorgeous hotel. Doesn't it look like the deep south merges into tropical paradise merges into European old world?

Clear shot of the pool.

Enjoying some complimentary smoothie by the pool. 

We did get one afternoon to explore the island a touch. So we headed over to the beach side of the island for a sandy walk along the shore. 

I love some of these southern beaches where the trees come right up to the water. The trees were often lining the property of massive homes right on the edge of the sand that looked stunning. Perhaps this is where those wealthy families built?

While this trip was not our own to explore the islands, I can say that staying at The Cloister was an amazing experience that we wouldn't have had otherwise. This stretch of islands is absolutely stunning and begs repeat visits. Since it's not that far away from Florida, and we're usually passing by, who knows? Maybe a stop?