The Cloister at Sea Island -- You Won't Be Disappointed
Written: Oct 19 '00 (Updated Sep 16 '09)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: spectacular meals and service
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: This is the best resort I have ever visited. Top-notch service and dining. You won't want to leave.
|
|
|
| johnwc937's Full Review: Cloister At Sea Island |
Not many people seem to know about one of the very best resorts in the U.S. -- The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia. This luxury resort is the very best I have ever visited. Let me tell you more about it...
Location
Sea Island is an ocean resort at the southernmost tip of Georgia. Although some commuter plane service is available nearby, I have always flown into Jacksonville, FL and driven the 70 or so miles to the resort. The Cloister does have airport shuttle service available for a fee, but I have always rented a car because there are several nearby sites and shops that I also like to visit.
If you're familiar with the location of Jekyll Island or St. Simon's Island, you're essentially in the same location as Sea Island.
The Rooms
The Cloister has a wide range of hotel rooms available. I have stayed in the River House on each of my visits. The "standard" room is actually quite small. A queen size bed, two side chairs, an end table, a dresser, and an armoire fill the room. The Cloister added televisions to their hotel about 10 years ago. They remain somewhat inconspicuous behind the doors of the armoire. (The Cloister does not want its guests watching TV when there are so many activities available.) The bathroom is also small but absolutely functional.
Although I've never stayed in any of the other rooms, I have seen some of them. Rooms in the main hotel are significantly larger -- similar in size to those of a standard hotel chain like the Sheraton, Hilton, etc.
The Cloister also has suites available although I've never seen them first-hand.
The Dining
Dining at The Cloister is the best part of the visit. Included in your American Plan room rate are the costs of your meals -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And the meals are spectacular.
First of all, you have a choice of where you wish to dine. The Main Dining room (collared shirt & jacket for breakfast lunch; coat & tie for dinner) provides the highest level of service and presentation. The Beach Club is available for breakfast and lunch buffets. This setting is less formal than the Dining Room (collared shirts, swimsuits with appropriate cover-ups permitted). The Golf Club is available for Lunch and dinner. The menu options at the Golf Club are noticeably less robust than any other dining option, but the food is quite good. Casual attire is appropriate.
The meals in the Main Dining Room have always been my favorite. Dinners include a 5 course meal. Menu selections on any given evening may include Filet Mignon, Lobster Thermidor, Rack of Lamb, or any one of several local fresh fish catches. You typically have a choice of 3 appetizers, 3 soups, 3 salads, 4 - 5 main courses, and up to 6 desserts. Service is impeccable. A wine steward is assigned to a small group of tables to assure your wine glass is never empty. If you place a cigarette to your lips, a waiter is typically there to light it. If you choose to have coffee after dinner, the waiters know (after the first day) whether you like to have it before dessert or after dessert. The waiters learn their guests' habits -- even for short stays. The dinners in the Main Dining Room also include a live orchestra. Dancing after dinner is a tradition at The Cloister.
Be sure to bring formal attire for Wednesday and Saturday dinners. Although formal dress is optional, most guests will be dressed quite elegantly on these nights.
Sunday dinner is the biggest treat. A buffet dinner is served with a choice of so many items you won't know what you want to eat next. And don't hesitate to take 2 or 3 desserts. No one will give you a second look. After all, you're dining with the elite -- who cares what anyone else thinks?
Activities
The Cloister also offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Special children activities are planned daily. Even a course in manners is offered. I, personally, would not bring my children here simply because I consider this resort more of a romantic getaway. However, many people that have more wealth choose to bring the entire family.
Thirty-six holes of golf are available at Sea Island. Sam Snead still hold course records. And Davis Love III learned to play on these courses. The courses are challenging and afford some breathtaking views.
Spa services, tennis, horseback riding, sailing, and cycling are also offered. I recommend renting bikes and riding along the beach. There you will see many of the "cottages" that are mansions by my standards.
Swimming and diving pools are available next to the beach.
Costs
The Cloister is expensive but a good value if you take advantage of all it has to offer. The rates have risen since my last visit. Current rates for a standard room (as I described earlier in my review) are $290 - $350 per night for 2 people -- but all meals are included. Larger rooms and suites with more amenities and better views can run all the way up to $900 per night for 2 people. In addition, a 15 percent service charge is applied to your room -- so no tipping is required nor accepted.
Recommendation
I love staying at The Cloister. For me, it permits me to live in a different lifestyle for a few days. Everything is done perfectly. No details are missed. I don't think I have a single fault to find with The Cloister. It's perfect! And it's worth every penny to me.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
johnwc937
|
|
Member: John
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 20 members
About Me:
Highly educated manager with scores of hobbies and travel experiences.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.