The Cloister: Sea Island, Georgia

Discover a beautiful resort on Georgia's Golden Isles.

Sea Island, one of Georgia’s “Golden Isles” off the Atlantic coast, is the home of The Cloister (800/SEA-ISLAND) a gracious retreat offering Southern hospitality to families. Formerly the home of many private estates and the favored vacation spot of the Rockefellers, Morgans and Vanderbilts, this chain of islands continues to offer visitors an opportunity to visit the exclusive retreats of the “rich and famous,” as well as the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature. In the early 1920’s Howard Coffin, who invented the Hudson motor car and later founded United Airlines, took a keen interest in the area and with the help of Alfred William Jones created a charming and secluded retreat known for its varied activities and flawless service. The Cloister opened its doors in 1928 with 46 rooms, and continues to be managed by the Jones family.

In the Present
The Cloister’s location on 5 miles of beautiful white sand beach offers you the opportunity to be as active or relaxed as you choose while enjoying a resort consistently ranked as one of the world’s greatest. Resort activities include horseback riding, Sea Island marsh boat rides, swimming, bicycling, tennis, golf, and kayaking. In the spa, you can work out in the exercise facilities and then relax with a massage. For more information on the area, contact the Brunswick and Golden Isles Visitors Bureau at 912/265-0620.

For the Family
Free seasonal children’s programs for 3-12 year olds include swimming, fishing, crabbing, nature walks and arts n’crafts, and teens can participate in pool parties, crabbing parties and dances. Free golf and afternoon tennis facilities as well as clinics are available for younger guests. Family activities include lawn Olympics, scavenger hunts, family beach suppers and bingo. Private babysitting is also available.

Rooms and Rates
In the seventy years of its existence, The Cloister has expanded to include nearly 300 rooms and suites with rates ranging from $141-$433 per person. You can stay in the main (original) building where many rooms have spectacular ocean views, the River House adjacent to the Black Banks River, home of porpoises and otters, or in a variety of guest and beach houses.

Most activities and the plentiful meals are included on the American Plan. There is no charge for accommodations for children under 19, who pay for meals only, based on age. From July through Labor Day, and during the Christmas and New Year holidays, there is no additional charge for children’s meals. Choose from several restaurants ranging from the casual to the formal where women wear cocktail dresses and men dress in dinner jackets.